Northern Thailand & Ancient Capitals - 6 days
Northern Thailand & Ancient Capitals - 6 days
Northern Thailand & Ancient Capitals - 6 days
6 Days Starting in Bangkok, Thailand and ending in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Visiting: Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 24
Age range:
4-
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 6-day journey through Northern Thailand and its ancient capitals. Begin in the bustling city of Bangkok, exploring its vibrant street markets and cultural landmarks. Discover the historic ruins of Ayutthaya, marvel at the iconic Buddha head entwined in tree roots, and visit the ancient temples of Lopburi. Continue to Phitsanuloke and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sukhothai, where you can admire the majestic White Buddha. In Chiang Rai, explore the stunning White and Blue Temples and the Golden Triangle. Conclude your adventure in Chiang Mai, immersing yourself in local culture, visiting tea gardens, and enjoying traditional northern Thai cuisine. This tour includes guided sightseeing, 4-star accommodations, and all transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Bangkok
Location: Bangkok
Accommodation Name: hotel
Welcome to Bangkok, the bustling capital city of Thailand! A world-renowned tourist destination, this vibrant city offers an eclectic mix of lively street life, cultural landmarks, and busy shopping areas.
Arriving at Suvarnabhumi or Donmuang Airport, you'll be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel for check in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure to explore Bangkok. Why not try some tasty street food or take a thrilling tuk tuk ride?
Day 2: Ayutthaya
Location: Ayutthaya
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Lopburi - Phitsanulok. There will be an early morning departure to the captivating Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam. Nestled along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, approximately 76 kilometers from Bangkok, Ayutthaya boasts a magnificent archaeological park recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Here, we explore sacred ruins, including the Wat Chaimongkol temple, a hub of the Buddhist nun community; the ancient Wat Mahathat, famous for the Buddha image enshrined within the roots of a thousand-year-old tree; and the Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, originally a royal chapel and the largest and perhaps most magnificent temple in the area.
Continuing on to Lopburi, we make a stop at the Phra Prang Sam Yod, a Khmer-style Hindu sanctuary, renowned especially for the hundreds of long-tailed macaques that call it home. Playful, inquisitive, and well-fed, these monkeys have become the main attraction of the area. After lunch at a local restaurant, we head to Phitsanulok, one of the most important cities in the north of Thailand.
Day 3: Phitsanulok
Location: Chiang Rai
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Phitsanulok - Sukhothai - Pha Yao - Chiang Rai. After breakfast, we journey to the magnificent Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. Sukhothai means "dawn of happiness," and encapsulates the ruins of the ancient capital of the kingdom dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. While here, you can opt to take a bike ride through the historic park and the surrounding nature.
Our exploration includes a visit to the iconic White Buddha of Wat Sri Chum (Temple of the Sacred Tree), whose hand, adorned with gold leaf and resting on its knee, is revered by locals. This colossal Buddha statue stands atop a 32-meter pedestal, towering to a height of 15 meters. Afterwards, lunch awaits at a local restaurant before we continue our journey to Chiang Rai. En route, we pause for a brief stop at the picturesque Phayao Lake, nestled in the valley of the Ing River. Here, we will stroll along the lake's banks, lined with stalls and local food vendors. As a gesture of good luck, we'll even feed the fish before reaching our destination in the evening.
Day 4: Chiang Rai
Location: Chiang Rai
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Chiang Rai - Golden Triangle - Chiang Mai. The first stop of the day is to Wat Rong Khun, also known as the "White Temple," a masterpiece by local artist and designer Chalermchai Kositpipat, who began the project in 1997. We'll also explore Wat Rong Suea Ten, known as the "Blue Temple" or "Temple of the Dancing Tiger," a new Buddhist sanctuary characterised by vibrant blue and yellow hues and adorned with white accents.
Mid-morning, we'll visit the famous Golden Triangle, the meeting point of Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand, locally known as "Sop Ruak." From atop a hill, we'll enjoy magnificent views of the Mekong River and the Ruak River, which divides the borders of the three countries, forming the famous triangular shape. Next, we'll explore the Hall of Opium. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
Afterwards, we'll travel from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai by road (approx 3 hrs). In the evening, we'll visit the city's most famous temple, Wat Doi Suthep, perched atop a small hill 15 kilometers northwest of the city. This temple, the most sacred in the north, offers a serene atmosphere, and sometimes you can even hear the chants of the monks!
Day 5: Chiang Mai
Location: Chiang Mai
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Chiang Mai - Araksa Tea Garden - Chiang Mai. This morning, we'll journey to Araksa Tea Garden in the picturesque hills of Mae Tang District. This small factory specializes in crafting premium Assam tea. Learn about organic tea cultivation and processing, master the proper technique for harvesting tea leaves, and witness the skilled hand-roasting process. After the demonstration, we'll enjoy lunch and a tea tasting experience at the Araksa Tea House.
For animal enthusiasts, there's an option to visit an ethical Elephant Sanctuary instead, where you can feed and care for elephants under expert guidance. Lunch is provided. Return to the hotel by 3:00 PM to rejoin the group's itinerary (supplement applies - please see trip notes for details).
After lunch, we'll return to our hotel in Chiang Mai for a break. At 5:00 PM, we'll embark on a sustainable city exploration in electric tuk-tuks, visiting famous spots and receiving a blessing from Buddhist monks at Wat Sri Suphan, the Silver Temple.
Finally, we'll head to the Ping River for dinner at a local restaurant, trying the traditional northern Thai dish "khao soi." After dinner, return to the hotel or explore the Chiang Mai riverside's pubs and bars with live music, returning independently.
Day 6: Chiang Mai
Location: Chiang Mai
Meals Included: Breakfast
Following breakfast at the hotel, your tour concludes. Then, you'll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. Safe travels!
What's Included
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Meals
5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 1 dinner are included.
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Accommodation
5 nights in 4-star hotels are included.
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Airport Transfers
Airport arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer on day 6 are included.
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Tour Guide
The tour is escorted by an English-speaking Thai tour guide.
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Transportation
All transportation and transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles are included.
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Guided Sightseeing
Guided sightseeing in Ayutthaya, Lopburi, Phitsanuloke, Sukhothai, Chiang Rai, and Chiang Mai is included.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees for all included sites are covered.
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Taxes and Service Charges
All applicable taxes and service charges are included.
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Touring Note
Touring is operated in conjunction with other tourist groups, not solely On The Go Tours. Guiding may be in an additional language to English.
What's Not Included
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International Flights and Visas
International flights and visas are not included.
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Tipping
Tipping is an entirely personal gesture and is not included.
Mode of Transport
All transportation and transfers are provided in private air-conditioned vehicles, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free travel experience.
Accommodation
Enjoy 5 nights in 4-star hotels, providing comfort and convenience throughout your journey in Northern Thailand.
Age Policy
minimum age is 4 when accompanied by an adult
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 5 nights in 4-star hotels.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Yes, airport arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer on day 6 are included.
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Is there a tour guide provided during the trip?
Yes, the tour is escorted by an English-speaking Thai tour guide.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
All transportation and transfers are in private air-conditioned vehicles.
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Are entrance fees to the sites included in the tour price?
Yes, entrance fees for all included sites are covered.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour includes 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 1 dinner.
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Is tipping included in the tour price?
No, tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.
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Are international flights and visas included in the tour package?
No, international flights and visas are not included.
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Is the tour operated solely by On The Go Tours?
No, the touring is operated in conjunction with other tourist groups, not solely On The Go Tours. Guiding may be in an additional language to English.
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What is the minimum age requirement for this tour?
The minimum age is 4 when accompanied by an adult.
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What activities are available in Chiang Mai on Day 5?
In Chiang Mai, you can visit the Araksa Tea Garden to learn about tea cultivation and processing, or opt to visit an ethical Elephant Sanctuary. In the evening, there is a sustainable city exploration in electric tuk-tuks, a visit to Wat Sri Suphan, and dinner by the Ping River.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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