CHARISMA VOYAGE

TRIPS OF DREAMS 2007/08

CULTURE OF THE NORTH

9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS : ( CON-98 )

 

BANGKOK - AYUTHAYA -  PHITSANULOKE - SUKHOTHAI - LAMPANG - CHIANG RAI - THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE - CHIANG MAI

 

Day 1 :  Bangkok

Arriving at Bangkok Airport, you are met and transferred to your hotel.  Rest of the day is free at leisure.  O/N in Bangkok.

 

Day 2 :  Bangkok  (B+L)

Bangkok City Round-up begins with a visit to Wat Traimitr (Golden Buddha Temple), a drive through busy china town.  Continue to visit the Grand Palace and the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha Temple), then to Wat Po (Reclining Buddha Temple.  After a buffet lunch at a Thai restaurant, we board a long-tail for an exciting trip along the Chao Phya River and the inner canals of Bangkok and Thonburi. We stop to visit the majestic Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and the mooring site of the Royal Ceremonial Barges. Back to land, our day trip ends after a visit to serene Wat Benjamabophit (Marble Temple).  O/N in Bangkok.

 

Day 3 :  Bangkok - Ayuthaya – Phitsanuloke  (B+L)

Leaving Bangkok, we drive north to Bang-Pa-In, a summer retreat for the Thai monarchs since the 17th century.  The compound has a collection of marvelous pavilions in a variety of Thai, Chinese, Italian and Victorian architectural styles.  Continuing to ancient Ayuthaya, one of the world heritage sites, we visit Wat Phra Sisanphet which was used as the Royal Temple Palace by many kings and Wat Chai Wattanaram, built by King Prasathong in 1630.  Thereafter, we make our way to Phitsanuloke, passing through the spectacular countryside.  O/N in Phitsanuloke.

 

Day 4 :  Phitsanuloke - Sukhothai – Lampang  (B+L)

After visiting Wat Mahathat and Phra Buddha Jinaraj at Phitsanuloke, we drive to ancient Sukhothai.  This cultural town was once the  royal capital of the Siamese Kingdom but has left its legacies in the forms of many ruined temples and palaces.  En route to Lampang, we stop to visit Si Satchanalai where some ancient temples and monuments are still standing. On arrival at Lampang, we have time for a short tour of the old city on horse drawn carriage and also to visit Baan Sao Nat and Wat Chedi Sao.  O/N in Lampang. 

 

Day 5 :  Lampang - Phayao - Chiang Rai  (B+L)

Early departure for Chiang Rai.  Along the way we stop at the rural town of Phayao to visit Wat Sui Kom Kan.  After check-in at our hotel, we embark on a long-tail boat for a thrilling ride up the Mae Kok River, passing through breathtaking sceneries to visit some hill tribe villages along the riverbank.  O/N in Chiang Rai. 

 

Day 6 :  Chiang Rai - The Golden Triangle - Chiang Mai  (B+L)

We visit the large Akha and Yao hill tribe settlements near Mae Chan, then continue to Chiang Saen,  nestled on the Mekong riverbank which is now the border between Thailand and Laos.  We visit the town’s major sights including Wat Phrathat Jom Kitti, Wat Chedi Luang and a nearby museum.  We also explore the famous Golden Triangle where powerful warlords have fought for control of the opium trade.  After touring the border town of Mae Sai, we continue our overland journey to Chiang Mai.  The drive is long but the views are simply fantastic.  O/N in Chiang Mai. 

 

Day 7 :  Chiang Mai  (B+L)

We explore Thailand second largest city with a visit to the Doi Suthep Mountain Temple and from atop, we enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.  We follow this with a visit to the neighboring villages of Sankampaeng and Borsarng to see the cottage industries including silk weaving, wood carving, lacquer ware, umbrellas, etc.. O/N in Chiang Mai. 

 

Day 8 :  Chiang Mai  (B+L)

This morning, we drive to Mae Sa to see the elephants at work in the tropical forest.  See elephants bathing,  how they responds to commands and how to drag teak logs. We also visit an orchid nursery and a butterfly farm.  The afternoon is free for your own exploration of Chiang Mai and to catch up on the shopping areas.  O/N in Chiang Mai. 

 

Day 9 :  Chiang Mai – Departure  (B)

Free time until departure.  This trip ends after transfer to Chiang Mai airport for your flight to Bangkok. The trip terminates on arrival at Bangkok airport, connect your onward flight.

 

PACKAGE INCLUDES :

All transfers and transportation, domestic airfare Chiang Mai / Bangkok by budget airline, hotel accommodation on bed & breakfast, other meals where specified (B= breakfast / L= lunch / D= dinner), , visits & sightseeing with entrance fees where applicable, service of English, French or Russian speaking guide.  Other foreign language speaking guide subject to availability and extra charge.

 

EXCLUDED :

Visa fee, insurance, tips to driver/guide, phone calls, laundry, drinks, other expense of personal nature.

 

 

YOUR HOTELS