Thailand Classic Tour
6 Days/5 Nights

Daily Departures

Private Tour

Overview
The "Land of Smiles" is no longer an insider tip, but still one of the most varied and beautiful countries in Asia. This classical route from the capital to the North gives a comprehensive introduction to some of Thailand's most important, interesting and beautiful highlights. We have designed a balanced itinerary to visit temples & important historical sites, view beautiful scenery & countryside, learn about local life and get hands-on experiences throughout.

Highlights

·         Explore the ruins of the 1st capital of Siam – a UNESCO world heritage

·         Get hands-on experience and insights into Thai crafts and culinary highlights

·         Discover the Rose of the North and its landmark “Wat Doi Suthep”

·         Mingle with the hilltribes & get a feeling of the notorious “Golden Triangle”

·         Stay in characterful boutique accommodation throughout

 Why choose this tour?

A perfect introductory tour that includes Thailand's most important, interesting and beautiful highlights. Whether you’re travelling solo or with company, this small join-in tour offers the opportunity to travel safely and in like-minded company at a fantastic package price.

 Bangkok – Ayutthaya – Sukhothai

 07:00 hours

In the early morning, meet your guide and driver at the hotel. Then depart for the approximately one-hour thirty-minute journey to Ayutthaya.

 Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Ayutthaya once was the capital of the Siamese kingdom, until it was occupied by the Burmese army in 1767 and practically levelled to the ground. Previously an important centre of global diplomacy and commerce, Ayutthaya is now an archaeological ruin, characterised by the remains of tall stupas and Buddhist monasteries. The scale of the ruins provides both an idea of the size of the former city and the splendour of its architecture.

 First, explore the Historical Park and enjoy an in-depth tour of the most famous temples. The tour includes some of the following temples:

 Wat Chai Wattanaram; one of Ayutthaya’s most photographed sites.

Wat Phra Sri Sanphet; The prototype of the famous Grand Palace in Bangkok. Wat Phra Mongkol Borphit; An 'active' temple compound that is visited by many people throughout the day to worship the huge Buddha image.

Wat Mahathat; famous for the Buddha Head in the banyan tree.

Wat Phanan Choeng; located at the banks of the Pasak River and predating the Ayutthaya period. This temple houses a huge, beautiful Buddha image.

 Continue the journey towards Sukhothai via Nakhon Sawan. Experience a local votive tablet workshop and watch how they are made. Buddhist votive tablet collecting has becomes a cult of modern Thai society because of the value of some of the pieces which can often rise to millions of Thai Baht. Make a votive tablet, which will be baked and then brought later to the hotel.

 Overnight in Sukhothai

 Estimated driving time/distance: 3.50 hours driving / 440 kilometers approximately

 Meal included: Lunch at a local restaurant

 Sukhothai – Lampang

 08:00 hours

Depart from Sukhothai bound for Lampang. Begin the day with a transfer to discover Sukhothai Historical Park.

 Once the capital of the Sukhothai kingdom in the 13th and 14th centuries, the Park includes the old city (Muang Kao) which was originally surrounded by earthen walls and water ditches. A total of four gates lead into the city, and the Sukhothai period is known as the "Golden Age" of Thai history. Start outside the walls at Wat Chetuphon with its impressive mandapa enshrining four huge brick and stuccoed images of the Buddha in different postures; walking, standing, sitting and reclining images each facing a different direction. Next, explore Wat Chedi Si Hong where along the base of the large bell-shaped stupa are stucco reliefs depicting animals and people. Some reliefs are still in good condition, showing details of the garments and jewellry worn in the Sukhothai era.

 Once inside the Park, visit Wat Mahathat, the largest and most important temple of the empire. Next, marvel at Wat Sra Sri with its bell-shaped chedi constructed in typical Sri Lankan style and then, admire Wat Sri Chum with its graceful Buddha sculpture enshrined inside the remaining structure of the square mandala building.

 Leave the temples and transfer to a nearby homestay for lunch. Stroll through the lush garden, as the host and guide introduce some of the home-grown herbs, vegetables and fruit that are the ingredients for the lunch dishes. Back in the homestay, roll up your sleeves and participate in a Thai cooking experience. Afterwards, sit back, chat and take in the relaxing surroundings as you enjoy the dishes you have prepared.

 After a satisfying lunch, transfer to the hotel in Lampang.

 Overnight in Lampang

 Estimated driving time/distance: 3 hours driving / 250 kilometers approximately

 Meal included: Breakfast at the hotel

Lunch at Baan Suda with cooking experience

 Lampang – Chiang Rai – Golden Triangle

 07:30 hours

In the morning, visit a local school (closed on weekends and holidays and visit relocated onto another day) and witness how the pupils line up and stand still for the national anthem at 08.00 hours sharp.

 Continue the journey north and stop along the way to admire and take photographs of some pineapple fields. Arrive at Kwan Phayao, a semi-natural freshwater lake created to improve irrigation in the area.

 Lunch and going on board a local motorised boat for cruising on the famous Mekong River close to the border of three countries; Myanmar, Laos and Thailand. On the boat, enjoy the river breeze and the scenes of local homes and the simple traditional riverbank lifestyle. Next up, visit the House of Opium. This small museum explains the history of opium production and trade in the region. Learn how opium was cultivated in the area and how it was traded and used. The exhibits also help to tell the story of the impact of opium on the people of the region. Leave the museum and continue to a vantage point for a picturesque view of the Mekong Valley and the neighboring countries.

 At around midday, visit the famous Wat Rong Khun, the white temple of Chiang Rai. The temple is unusual because of the white colour of the walls and its many windows. Wander around the temple and notice the sculptures that almost seem frightening and provide a contrast to the sparkling decorations.

 Overnight in Chiang Rai

 Estimated driving time/distance: 3 hours driving / 250 kilometers approximately

 Meal included: Breakfast at the hotel

Lunch at a local restaurant

Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai

 08:00 hours

Journey towards Mae Sai, Thailand’s northernmost city, and visit Wat Phra That Wai Dao. The Wat is built on a small hill up a steep staircase and overlooking Mae Sai and border. Explore the market, which is best known for selling gemstones like Burmese rubies, emeralds and jade.

 Depart for Doi Tung and visit the Royal Villa, Mae Fah Luang Garden, the Mae Fah Luang Arboretum at Chang Mub and some ethnic hilltribe communities nearby. Learn about daily life in the village.

 Enjoy a local lunch and afterwards continue to Chiang Mai. En route, there is a stop at an Orchid Farm in Mae Rim which includes a collection of many types of orchids, and a few that are very rare. The owner is passionate and knowledgeable about orchids and butterflies.

 Arrival into Chiang Mai in the early evening.

 Overnight in Chiang Mai

 Estimated driving time/distance: 7 hours driving / 380 kilometers approximately

 Meal included: Breakfast at the hotel

Lunch at a local restaurant

Chiang Mai – Night train to Bangkok

 Breakfast and time at leisure until check out.

 11:00 hours

Today visit some of Chiang Mai’s most iconic sights. Begin at Wat Sri Supan, located in the traditional silver-making district of the city which is an important centre for handicrafts and helps to preserve the silversmith tradition of this area of Chiang Mai. Techniques are handed down to the next generation of silversmiths at the Ancient Lanna Arts Study Centre (known as “Sala Sip Mu Lanna”). Take time to see the artisans at work. Next up, jump aboard a rickshaw to explore Wat Pan Tao. Admire this temple made completely of teak wood panels. Then, move on to Wat Phra Singh, situated in the heart of the city and originating from the 14th century. The wat contains beautiful examples of Lanna Art.

 Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant, followed by a drive up the hill overlooking the city to discover Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, the most sacred temple in northern Thailand containing a holy relic of Lord Buddha. Return to your hotel to collect your luggage.

16:00 hours

Transfer to Chiang Mai train station to take the night train to Bangkok (Estimated Time of Departure 17:00 hours, the exactly time will be advised once the ticket is purchased).

 17:00 hours

Train depart from Chiang Mai Train Station

Overnight on the night train – 2nd class sleeping berth (air-conditioned)

Train schedule is subject to change.

 Meal included: Breakfast at the hotel

Lunch at a local restaurant

Bangkok

 06:15 hours

Upon arrival in Bangkok, transfer from Hua Lampong Railway Station to your Bangkok city hotel without a guide.

 ( There is a surcharge, if the clients would need transfer to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport).

 Meal included:

None

Tour price (Private Standard Accommodation)

Our tour prices are inclusive of

·         04 night’s Accommodation in shared Twin/Double room with air-conditioning and private bathroom

·         01 night on train in 2nd class sleeping berth (air-conditioned)

·         For Private Package, transfers and sightseeing with English, German or French Speaking Guide 

·         Meals as specified in the programme

·         Entrance fees for the places as mentioned in the programme

·         Service charges, room tax and baggage handling

·         Drinking water and wet towels available on the vehicles

·         All arrangements as specified in the programme

Not included are

·         Any airfares

·         All donations to temples are voluntarily and not included in every programmes

·         Meals other than mentioned in the programme or drinks with meals  

·         Thailand visa fee (if required)

·         Early check-in and late check-out at hotels, if not mentioned in the programme

·         Any optional tours and services

·         Optional tours

·         Compulsory Dinners (quoted separately if applicable)

·         Supplements for travelling during peak seasons (quoted separately if applicable)

·         Expenditure of personal nature such as drinks, tips, souvenirs, laundry, etc.

·         Travel insurance (cover against all cancellation costs, medical expenses, including repatriation, in the event of accident or illness)

Standard option

Check in time: 15:00 hours and check out time: 12:00 hours

        
Telephone:  1-800-ALL AERO
(1-800- 255-2376)