Page 86 - ROYAL ORCHID HOLIDAYS

Wat Sri Chum, Sukhothai World HeritageChiang Rai Lampang SukhothaiPhitsanulok Ayutthaya■ Four nights accommodation■ Transportation by domestic flight,Included FeaturesChiang Maiair-conditioned bus & longtail boat ■ Air ticket Chiang Mai-Bangkok■ All meals as shown in itinerary■ Entrance fees to monuments■ Airport tax in Chiang Mai■ English or German-speaking guideDay 3: Lampang-Golden Triangle-Chiang RaiItineraryDay 1: Bangkok-Ayutthaya-PhitsanulokStart with a drive from Bangkok to Bang Pa-In and then a scenic cruise to Thailand’s former capital at Ayutthaya. You’ll visit Panangchoen Temple, Chaya Mongkol Temple and the ancient ruins of Chai Wattanaram Temple. Then travel to Bang Sadet village to visit an orphanage. After lunch, head to Phitsanulok and see the revered Buddha statue at Maha That Temple, before finally checking into your hotel. (L) Day 2: Phitsanulok-Sukhothai-LampangThe morning starts with a trip to the ancient ruins at Sukhothai Historical Park. A fun ride on a traditional ox cart then takes you to Sri Chum Temple and its giant Buddha statue. Lunch is at a local restaurant in Sri Satchanalai. Then it’s off to Lampang where you’ll tour the charming city in a horse-drawn carriage, with stops at Wat Si Rong Muang and Wat Pratu Phong. You’ll also have the chance to visit the 100-year-old teakwood mansion, Baan Sao Nak. (B, L)After breakfast it’s off to the Golden Triangle where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos converge. In the afternoon, a boat ride takes you along the mighty Mekong River before you head for Mae Sai, the northernmost Thai city that borders Myanmar. In the evening, relax in peaceful Chiang Rai. (B, L) Day 4: Chiang Rai-Chiang Mai5 Days Thailand ClassicLeave for Chiang Mai in the morning and on the way visit one of the most unusual temples in all Thailand: Wat Rong Khun, which is entirely white. You’ll arrive in Chiang Mai around noon and after checking into your hotel, and having lunch, it’s time to enjoy the view from Mount Suthep; once you climb the 290 steps flanked by naga balustrades. In the evening, you’re free to explore the ancient city, or enjoy the optional kantoke dinner with a display of northern dances. (B, L)Departs Bangkok: Mon, Tue (Mon: German language guide; Tue: English language guide)Visit the historic capital of Ayutthaya, see the sacred Buddha statue at Maha That Temple in Phitsanulok followed by the wonders of the Sukhothai Historical Park in Central Thailand. Then, move north to charming Lampang, visit Chiang Rai’s Golden Triangle, take a boat ride on the mighty Mekong River and finally enjoy the magnificent temples in Chiang Mai and see artisans at work in San Kampheng. It’s a great way to see and learn a lot about Thailand in a relatively short period of time.Day 5: Chiang Mai-Bangkok86 ROYAL ORCHID HOLIDAYSAfter breakfast visit the elephant camp in Mae Sa and watch these magnificent animals at work (optional), and then head to an orchid farm where you’ll have lunch. In the afternoon there’s time for a visit to the handicraft villages at San Kampheng before transferring to Chiang Mai Airport and your flight to Bangkok. (B, L)Sukhothai World HeritageWat Pha Ngao, Golden Triangle