Footprints of Northern Thailand Northern Tour Only, Thailand

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BANGKOK (2 NTS) TOUR OF THAILAND (5 NTS) & THAILAND BEACH RESORT (7 NTS) Tour Highlights: Ayutthaya, Sukothai, Hill tribe villages, Golden Triangle, Mekong River, Mountain Temple, Elephant camp, Orchid and Butterfly farm. DAY 1. UK - THAILAND Depart the UK for your overnight flight to Thailand. DAYS 2-3. BANGKOK Spend two days at leisure in Bangkok exploring the delights of this wonderful city - from ancient glittering temples to floating markets, glitzy shopping malls and colourful silk. DAY 4. BANGKOK - PHITSANULOKE Depart Bangkok and travel north, stopping at Autthaya for a visit to Bang Pa - the 18th century summer palace of the royals, and the temples of the former capital. Continue on to Lopburi to see the shrine of the Hindu Goddess Kali, and two dazzling ornate temples. After lunch travel to Phitsanuloke, where you will overnight at the Topland Hotel or similar. L DAY 5. PHITSANULOKE - CHIANG RAI Spend the morning exploring the amazing sights of Sukhothai. This UNESCO heritage site was the first capital of Siam, and remains one of the most impressive historic sites in Asia. The particular highlights are the Wat Sra Sri and the Wat Sri Chum temples. Enjoy lunch and some fascinating temples and ruins at Satchanlai. In the afternoon travel further north to Chiang Rai. Spend two nights at the Wiang Inn Hotel or similar. B, L. DAY 6. CHIANG RAI A full day of sightseeing. Firstly spend an enthralling morning travelling along hilly roads, which pass through incredible landscape and experience wonderful views of hill tribe villages along the way. The highlight this morning is a stop at Mae Sai, one of the most northern towns in Thailand, on the border with Myanmar. After lunch travel to 'The Golden Triangle' - which is the meeting point of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. If you wish to further explore this area, there is an optional boat trip available along the Mekong River. Take a fascinating visit to a historical Opium House before travelling on to Chiang Saen, a provincial town bordering the Mekong. Overnight in Chiang Rai. B,L DAY 7. CHIANG RAI - CHIANG MAI The first stop is the town of Mae Ka Chan, home to well-known hot springs. Pass through jungle-clad villages toward Chiang Mai - known as the Rose of the North. After lunch, enjoy a visit to a mountain temple. This evening a traditional Thai meal is provided, featuring traditional dishes from northern Thailand, and elegant Thai dancers. Spend two nights at Chiang Mai Plaza Hotel or similar. B, L, D. DAY 8. CHIANG MAI An enjoyable morning at an elephant camp, learning about the lives of working elephants in Thailand. Perhaps enjoy an optional elephant ride, before spending some time surrounded by nature at a butterfly and orchid farm. After lunch travel to San Kampaeng which is known for their traditional Thai handcrafts. Watch them being made and perhaps purchase a few special souvenirs. Overnight in Chiang Mai. B, L. DAY 9. CHIANG MAI - BANGKOK - UK/CHIANG MAI - BEACH RESORT Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before a transfer to the airport for a return flight to Bangkok, and then a flight on to the UK. If you are combining the tour with a stay in a beach resort, you will travel directly from Chiang Mai to your beach resort. B