Northern Thailand Sukhothai: 3 Nights - Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai

Day 1: Sukhothai

BANGKOK - AYUTTHAYA - PHITSANULOK - SUKHOTHAI (Lunch)
Departure from Bangkok to Bang Pa In Summer Palace, here the royals of Thailand used to take refuge to escape the heat of Bangkok in the summer. Stroll through peaceful gardens, landscaped with lotus-filled lakes and beautiful residences, each built in a unique style as a blend of traditional Siamese and European styles popular at the time. Visit the most peculiar buildings before leaving for the nearby Ayutthaya, ancient capital of Siam, founded in 1350. Arrival at the Archaeological Park, one of the richest in all of Asia, and pay visit to the most important temples such as: Wat Mahathat, Wat Phrasrisanphet and Wat Mongkolbophit. then aiming North direction to reach Sukhothai. Lunch at a typical restaurant along the way. When at Phitsanuloke pay a short visit to Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, a temple that contains one of the most revered and famous Buddha images in Thailand also the best example of Sukhothai period artistic style. Get at Sukhothai in late afternoon. Arrival at hotel.

Day 2: Chiang Rai

SUKHOTHAI - CHIANG RAI (Breakfast, Lunch)
Early morning departure to reach the nearby Archaeological Park, today UNESCO World Heritage. Here we visit Wat Srisawai, Wat Mahathat and Wat Sra Sri. After about two hours of travel we arrive at Wat Phrasrirattanamahatat ""Chalieng"", one of the most famous pre-Angkorian sites of the country, dating back to the Angkor Thom period. After the visit we depart towards Chiang Rai, making a stop along the way to Wat Phra That Suthon, a very original and colorful temple, strongly influenced by the Burmese artistic style. Lunch at a typical restaurant. At Chiang Rai down town we'll visit one of the most important local temples: Wat Phra Kaew. Here is where Emerald Buddha now visible at same name temple within Bangkpk Royal Palace was found in 1434. Arrival at hotel.

Day 3: Chiang Mai

CHIANG RAI - CHIANG MAI (Breakfast, Lunch)
Departure to Chiang Saen for a motorboat cruise on the Mekong River, marking here Thailand and Laos border. Stop at famous Golden Triangle viewpoint, where Burma, Laos and Thailand sides are visible in just one place. Pay a visit to interesting local Opium Museum. Lunch at a typical restaurant. Return to Chiang Rai to visit famous Wat Rong Khun, known as the White Temple. Unique in its kind, this temple was conceived in a dream by a worlwide famed local artist who built it entirely at his expense. Featuring extremely modern and imaginative style this temple looks unlikely any other Buddhist temple. Departure to Chiang Mai via Doi Sakhet, passing by the national park area, through a very lush nature typical of the North of the country. Arrival in town and visit Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, the most revered and famous temple in North Thailand. Transfer to hotel.

Day 4:

CHIANG MAI (Breakfast)
Early morning departure for the visit of the famous long-necked women of the Padaung ethnic group Transfer to airport or bus/train station.