CHIANG MAI
Chiang Mai (referred to as "the rose of the north") is situated in Northern Thailand, 700km north of the capital city of Bangkok. Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand, yet only has a population of around 200,000. Compare this to Bangkok which has about 9 million and it is easy to see why even the Thai people in Bangkok love to visit Chiang Mai for a holiday. The city is now becoming increasingly popular with overseas travellers as word spreads of this magnificent tourist location. There are various ways to travel to and visit Chiang Mai. From Bangkok it is a 1hr flight.
In the last 25 or so years tourism has gradually transformed this once sleepy area into a travellers paradise whilst still maintaining its provincial charm. The ever-friendly and polite Thai people are full of smiles (Thailand = LOS = Land of Smiles). There are a million things to see and do, the food tastes sensational, it is a shopper’s paradise and a visit to Chiang Mai can even be done on a shoestring. Chiang Mai was built in 1296 as a walled city surrounded by a moat. The old city was roughly 1.5km square. Whilst a good portion of the original city wall has collapsed the four corner bastions are still intact along with various other sections. The original moat is still in use to this day. Chiang Mai city is basically made up now of the old city (within the walled area) and the new city which has grown up around it. Grab a Tuk-Tuk and go for a scenic visit to Chiang Mai's lovely moat and the ancient walls of the old city. If you like ancient temples (Wats) and buildings, then visit Chiang Mai and the surrounding areas, they are full of them, several hundred in fact. A good number of these ancient temples are still in use today by the Buddhist monks.
CHIANG RAI
Thailand's northernmost province Chiang Rai is located 785 kilometers from Bangkok, and borders Myanmar to the north and Laos to the east. The province was built by Konh Mengrai in 1262, and is mainly very a mountainous terrain, forming the "Golden Triangle" around the Mekong river. Chiang Rai is an interesting place for tourists to visit on their trip to Thailand if they are eager to experience the area's natural attractions, and learn about the place and Thailand's past. An important reason for tourism in the area is the local hill tribes, and it is usually something tourists in this area want to experience. The hill tribes make their own goods such as jewelry, etc. which is very popular to buy. Additionally, the province has a number of important sights, including Mai Sai, Chiang Saen, which is home to many ancient ruins, and Doi Hua Mae Kham which is home to a number of tribal villages, all of which is worth experiencing on your trip to Thailand.
BANGKOK - THE CAPITAL CITY OF THAILAND
Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand. Bangkok is one of the world's top tourist destination cities. With so much of life conducted on the street, there are few cities in the world that reward exploration as handsomely as Bangkok. Cap off an extended boat trip with a visit to a hid- den market. A stroll off Banglamphu's beaten track can end in conversation with a monk. Get lost in the tiny lanes of Chinatown and come face to face with a live Chinese opera performance. After dark, let the BTS (Sky- train) escort you to Th Sukhumvit, where the local nightlife scene reveals a sophisticated and dynamic city. Among Bangkok's well-known sights are the Grand Palace and major Buddhist temples, including Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun, to name a few. The Giant Swing and Erawan Shrine demonstrate Hinduism's deep-rooted influence in Thai culture. Vimanmek Mansion in Dusit Palace is famous as the world's largest teak building, while the Jim Thompson House provides an example of traditional Thai architecture. Other major museums include the Bangkok National Museum and the Royal Barges National Museum. Cruises and boat trips on the Chao Phraya and Thonburi's canals offer views of some of the city's traditional architecture and ways of life on the waterfront.
DAY 01: ARRIVAL AT CHIANGMAI
Arrive Chiang Mai; Upon Arrival in Chiang Mai Airport you will be met by our representative & you will be transferred to your Hotel. Rest of the day will be free at your leisure and individual activities. Chiang Mai, Thailand's Northern Rose is the second largest city of the country. You could also explore the famous Night Bazaar on your own. Overnight stay at the Hotel.
DAY 02: CHIANG MAI CITY TOUR
After breakfast, Drive to the Mae Sa Elephant Camp to watch elephant activities like the elephants bathing. Here you have an option of riding the elephants. Elephants are considered as spiritual animals in Thailand. They are called God of Elephants. There are many elephant camps in Chiang Mai; Mae Sa is one of the largest one. They have more than seventy elephants that were trained from they were 2 or 3 years old. After lunch, we will proceed to the Sankampang area to see manufacture of Thai crafts. Sankampang is famous for its handicrafts and is the main production place of Thai Silk. Here we can see how Thai Silk is produced. Then drive for about 45 minutes up to the mountain and visit the magnificent Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, which is the most important religious destination in this city. This Buddhist temple has a very colourful history and cannot be missed for a Chiang Mai tour. Overnight stay at the Hotel.
DAY 03: CHIANG MAI – GOLDEN TRIANGLE – CHIANG RAI
After Breakfast, we will drive up northward to the mountainous town Chiang Dao where we can have a stop and sample locally grown Royal Project coffee by a small lake. Proceed to Thaton where we will enjoy a lovely viewpoint from Thaton Temple. After lunch, continue to travel north for about 3 hours to the Golden Triangle via Doi Mae Salong. Opium poppy was used to be widely planted in the Mae Salong; but after it was prohibited by the government, they became tea plantation. Drive to the Golden Triangle and stay overnight at Chiang Rai. Overnight stay at the Hotel.
DAY 04: GOLDEN TRIANGLE – CHIANG RAI – CHIANG MAI
After Breakfast, we will transfer to Sop Ruak to see the point of the Golden Triangle where the Mekong River converges Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Board a private speed boat to explore the bordered area along the Mekong River and step onto Laotian territory on Don Sao Island (Please bring your original passport for this activity). Disembark at the Chiang Saen old city and visit the ancient ruin and temples. After lunch, have a visit of the spectacular Wat Rong Khun before going back to Chiang Mai. The buildings in the temple are all handmade with white clays and pieces of glass, which glistening under the sun light. Reach Chiang Mai and stay overnight. Overnight stay at the Hotel / Resort
DAY 05: CHIANG MAI - BANGKOK – CITY TOUR (GOLDEN BUDDHA TEMPLE + MARBLE TEMPLE)
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Chiang Mai Airport for your onward Journey to Bangkok. Upon Arrival in Bangkok you will proceed for the city tour which covers major landmarks including fascinating temples around the capital. Visit the Golden Buddha Temple (Wat Traimit), Located at the end of the China Town’s Yaowarat Road, near Hualampong Railway Station, Wat Traimit houses the world’s largest massive gold seated Buddha measuring nearly five meters in height and weighing five and half tons. In the past, artisans crafted the buddhas in gold and disguised them from invading armies by a covering of stucco and plaster. Also pay a Visit to the Marble Temple (Wat Ben), Wat Benjamabhopit, most commonly called Wat Benja was built in by King Rama V in 1900 and is renowned for more than one reasons. Nickednamed 'The Marble Temple' for all the external walls of the main temple are covered with marble imported from Italy, but also for being the temple embossed on the back of 5-baht coins! Located near the many government offices and palaces, this wat is highly revered and is often visited by high ranked officials. Overnight stay at the Hotel
DAY 06: DEPART BANGKOK
After Breakfast check-out from the hotel and proceed to the airport for the return journey with wonderful memories of Thailand, we recommend you visit the sophisticated plazas of Bangkok. With a huge choice of not only what to buy, bargain-hunting is an engrossing experience including the simple of souvenirs, handicrafts or luxury items.
Note: This is just a suggested itinerary indicative of what could be possible. We customize holidays for your specific needs. Contact us if you want modifications so that we could customize a holiday to suit your need for an unforgettable International tour.
PRICE INCLUDES:
05 night’s accommodation on twin sharing at the hotels / Resorts mentioned above or similar as per the itinerary.
Daily buffet breakfast at all places in the hotels
Journeys Exotica representative for assistance on all arrival and departure transfers.
All transfers, excursions and sightseeing tours will be by Air-Conditioned Seat In Coach
Half Day Bangkok City Tour & Temple Tour (Golden Buddha + Marble Temple)
Chiang Mai City Tour as mentioned in the itinerary above
Golden Triangle Tour as mentioned in the itinerary above
Chiang Rai City Tour as mentioned in the itinerary above
Road taxes, parking fee, fuel charges, and interstate taxes.
All currently applicable taxes, including Government service tax.
PRICE INCLUDES:
Expenses of personal nature like tipping, laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic/non- alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure tax, any insurance etc.
Porterage at all hotels, railway station & airports.
Any meals other than the mentioned.
Any kind of Visa Fees / Airfare
Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions.
Our Cost is not valid for any period other than mentioned above.