Day 1: Phitsanulok
Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Lopburi - Phitsanuloke (Lunch)
Breakfast and an early morning departure set the tone for our journey to the captivating Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam for four centuries. 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 Buddhist nun community, the ancient Wat Mahathat, famous for the serene Buddha image enshrined within the gnarled 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, long revered as a spiritual center by the Thai people.
Continuing on to Lopburi, we make a stop at the Phra Prang Sam Yod, a Khmer-style Hindu sanctuary adorned with three imposing prangs or towers, renowned especially for the hundreds of lively 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 proceed to the enchanting Phitsanuloke, one of the most important cities in the north of Thailand.
Overnight in Phitsanuloke.
Day 2: Chiang Rai
Phitsanuloke - Sukhothai - Pha Yao - Chiang Rai (Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast, we embark on a journey to explore the magnificent Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. Nestled amidst meticulously manicured greenery, tranquil ponds, and blooming lotus flowers, this park encapsulates the ruins of the ancient capital of the kingdom dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. The name Sukhothai, meaning "dawn of happiness," perfectly encapsulates the atmosphere of serenity and harmony exuded by these 45 square kilometers of history and beauty; we could also take a relaxing bike ride through the historic park and the surrounding nature, an experience sought after by many. 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 fervently by locals. This colossal Buddha statue stands atop a 32-meter pedestal, towering to a height of 15 meters. Lunch awaits us at a local restaurant before we continue our journey to the intriguing city of Chiang Rai. En route, we pause for a brief stop at the picturesque Phayao Lake, nestled in the valley of the Ing River where we stroll along the lake's banks, lined with stalls and local food vendors. As a gesture of good luck, we feed the fish before reaching our destination in the evening.
Overnight in Chiang Rai.
Day 3: Chiang Mai
Chiang Rai - Golden Triangle - Chiang Mai (Breakfast, Lunch)
Breakfast at the hotel kicks off our day. Afterward, our first stop is to visit 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". This new Buddhist sanctuary is characterized by a vibrant interplay of blue and yellow hues adorning the entire structure, with white accents embellishing the main Buddha figures inside.
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 its tributary, the Ruak River, which geometrically 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.
Departure from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai by road (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 in the afternoon, you can hear the chants of the monks. We'll then transfer to the hotel in Chiang Mai for check-in.
Overnight in Chiang Mai.
Day 4:
Chiang Mai (Breakfast, Lunch)
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, we'll journey to Araksa Tea Garden, located in the picturesque hills of Mae Tang District. This small factory specializes in crafting premium Assam tea, named after India's renowned tea-growing region. Here, we'll immerse ourselves in the art of organic tea cultivation and processing. Guided by our resident pluckier, we'll learn the proper technique for harvesting tea leaves amidst the lush greenery. Next, we'll witness the skilled hand-roasting process in the roasting sala, where our resident roaster showcases her talent from kneading to roasting. After the demonstration, we'll retreat to the Araksa Tea House for a delectable lunch, followed by a delightful tasting experience featuring both hot and cold teas paired with Thai snacks.
After lunch, we'll return to our hotel in Chiang Mai. Transfer to Chiang Mai airport in time for the onward flight: it is suggested that the departure flight be scheduled no earlier than 6:00 PM.
