Northern Thailand Sukhothai: 4 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 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 Bangkok Royal Palace was found in 1434 . Transfer to the 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 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 worldwide 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

CHIANG MAI (Breakfast, Lunch)
Early morning departure for the visit of the famous long-necked women of the Padaung ethnic group Departure for the visit of “Wiang Kum Kam” an ancient city located in the Saraphi district about 3 km south of the south-eastern corner of the center of Chiang Mai. According to chronicles and archaeological evidence, the old city was built by King Mangrai around the latter part of the 13th century. The city was established as a new capital by the king after his victory over the Mon kingdom of Hariphunchai, modern-day Lamphun. Due to repeated flooding, a new capital, Chiang Mai, was built a few years later. Wiang Kum Kam flourished during the reign of the Mangrai dynasty until the end of the 16th century. Traces were then lost for many years, until 1984, when Unit 4 of the Department of Fine Arts discovered the remains of the old city around Wihan Kan Thom at Wat Chang Kham and excavations were subsequently started; many new remains have since been found and restorations have continued ever since. The main temple in the city is Wat Chedi Liam (originally Wat Ku Kham), which is still occupied by monks. Lunch at a typical restaurant. Return to Chiang Mai; visit old city aboard a cyclo, traditional vehicle in many Asian countries. Visit Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Sing and then some local craft factories. Time available for shopping. Return to hotel.

Day 5:

CHIANG MAI (Breakfast)
Transfer to airport or bus/train station