Best Bangkok Go North Thailand Tour – 8 Days 7 Nights

Full Day Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market and   Royal Palace, Wat Phra Kaew & Wat Pho Temple Tour (Private Service |  During time: 07:30am-05:00pm)   

Escape the bustling city of Bangkok on this half-day tour to the Maeklong  and floating markets. Canoe through the floating markets and see vendors selling everything from fresh produce to everyday items. Get your heart pumping as you continue to the Maeklong Railway Market where vendors  sell their goods, and quickly pack them up, along this active railway line. Enjoy your time at the fresh food in the local market. Continue to visit the incredible temples in Bangkok town. Thai Lunch set served at local  restaurant (food only).    After lunch, we continue visit Wat Phra Kaew and the nearby attractions first, before moving on to the Grand  Palace. Wat Phra Kaew, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is located right next to the Grand Palace, and they  probably form together the greatest spectacle for visitors in Bangkok. A visit to the Royal Grand Palace, the  nation’s landmark, and most praised royal monument in Thailand, is a must. The palace, which is the former  royal residence of the Chakri Kings, is the perfect example of an ancient Siamese court. Built in 1782 by King  Rama I, it was the center of power for more than 150 years. Today, the palace is Bangkok's major landmark and  most popular tourist attraction. Indeed, the Grand Palace is an amazing place to visit, as it consists of over 100  brightly colored buildings, golden spires, and glittering mosaics, that all date back to the foundation of Bangkok  in 1782.     Last stop “Wat Pho” with its Reclining Buddha image. Wat Pho is regarded as the first center of public education  and is sometimes called ‘Thailand’s first university’. Mural paintings, inscriptions, and statues found in the temple  educated people on various subjects such as literature, warfare, archaeology, astronomy, geology, meditation  and is home of Thai traditional massages. Return to the hotel, free at leisure.  Overnight in BANGKOK.

Breakfast at the hotel.  Full Day Ayutthaya go by road & return by fantastic cruise incl. lunch Tour.   (Private land service & joined lunch buffet on cruise | During time: 07:30am-05:00pm)

Visit the former capital of Thailand, Ayutthaya, situated approximately 75  kilometers north of Bangkok and which is one of those destinations you must see. The mix of cultures in Ayutthaya began in the mid-16th century when ships from Ayutthaya plied the Asian seas, trading with neighboring countries. When the Dutch showed up in the 17th century, Ayutthaya became a port city and trade routes were extended to China, Japan, Indonesia, Portugal, Holland, and France and even up to the Scandinavian countries later. Although the ancient villages of foreign traders lining on  the Chao Phraya riverbanks were abandoned when the city was sacked by Burmese troops in 1767, some remnants have survived and now showcase  the city’s past glory. The tour will start at the Summer Palace of the late  King Rama V, commonly known as “Bang Pa-In”. You will then continue to  the magnificent ruins of early splendor that Ayutthaya is famous for all  over the world. We will pass or visit all the most impressive ruins of this  World Heritage Site. We will eventually return to Bangkok by cruising down  the Chao Phraya River on a comfortable, air-conditioned cruise ship, while enjoying a sumptuous buffet lunch on board. Upon arrival at the disembarkation point in Bangkok in the late afternoon, we will transfer you  back to your booked hotel.  Overnight in BANGKOK 

Check-out, meet a professional guide and private transfer from hotel in the center of Bangkok town to Bangkok  Suvarnabhumi Airport (Domestic Terminal) for your internal flight to Chiang Rai (Recommended flight WE132 |  BKK-CEI | Time: 12:25-01:55pm | not included). 

Arrival Chiang Rai, meet a local guide and private transfer to the hotel in town, check-in and free at leisure.    Evening Chiang Rai Tuk-Tuk by Night (Private service | During time: 07:00-09:30pm) Be ready for our unique Tuk-Tuk Tour! (Pick up at hotel)   During a relaxing ride of about two hours, you will see the authentic side of Chiang Rai. You will pass the King  Mengrai Monument, commemorating the king who founded Chiang Rai in 1262. Next is the golden clock tower.  Built in 2008 to honor His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the clock tower bears the signature style of  Chalermchai Kositpipat, the artist who conceived and built the White Temple. Every evening at 08-09pm, the  clock tower comes to life in a light-and-sound display. Next is the fresh market and afterwards we bring you to  the famous night market of Chiang Rai. Here you can find restaurants and there is also a performance of classical  dance (own expense). Our dedicated guide will make sure to explain to you the cultural and historical particularities of Chiang Rai, the Gateway to the mythical Golden Triangle. You have a good opportunity to taste  the local food, like a light dinner including drinking water. Return to your hotel for the overnight.  Overnight in CHIANG RAI

Breakfast at the hotel.  Full Day Myanmar Border Crossing and Mae Sai & Mekong River Trip (During time: 08:30am-05:00pm)

Cross the Sai River into Myanmar (Burma) to witness local Burmese life in a nearby village. Later explore a simple  Shan-style temple which is the home and training center for young novice monks. Here rickshaws await to take  you for a unique ride through the lanes and side streets of Thakhilek, ending at the local market where you will  have free time to browse and snatch up a few bargains. Back on the Thai side of the Sai River for lunch at Mae  Sai before leaving for the infamous Golden Triangle, renowned for centuries as the center of the opium trade.  From a hilltop viewpoint, marvel at the splendor of the mighty Mekong joining with the Rak and forming the  actual “Triangle” with Laos, Burma, and Thailand. An exhilarating boat ride along the Mekong is the perfect end  to an equally perfect day! Return to the hotel, free at leisure.  Overnight in CHIANG RAI 

Breakfast at the hotel.  Full Day Chiang Rai – Hot spring Baan Pong Naam Ron Tribe Village and Home Host Experience Tour  (During time: 07:30am-08:30pm) 

Pick up from the hotel lobby and make the cruise through the  Mae Kok River, visiting Hot Spring Baan Pong Naam Ron and Lahu village, one of the Tibeto-Burmese hill tribes. Cruise back, drive approx. 3-hours via Wiang Pa Pao district to Chiang Mai with stop a visit at Wat Rong Khun, the white temple. Then proceed to Chiang Mai where lunch will be provided. After lunch visited handicraft village. Chiang Mai without its worldwide known handicraft villages is unthinkable, because so many artisans and artists are assembled here that a visit is a must. You will visit the villages of the Umbrella makers, Wood carvers, silver smiths, Silk weavers and Jewelry. Home Host Experiences – Fun cooking experience with a local family! Of course, is not a commercial cooking class. But you will know culture, the way of living, plenty Thai  herb. You will experience a typical day in the life of a Thai person no tourist, no sightseeing, just real home  cooking in a real Thai neighborhood. Join our family car and transfer 20 minutes to Hangdong to spend the day  with your 'Thai family. Discover the architecture of traditional Thai house and rice barn. Your Thai family will also  demonstrate their basket to garden, family orchid and select fresh ingredients to add to the days cooking  extravaganza. You will learn to cook traditional home cooked recipes with authentic Northern Thai flavors that  are different from standard dishes offer in commercial cooking classes. Best of all you will have the opportunity  to get to know a real Thai family and be their house guest for the day. Enjoy a delicious home cooked dinner with  your family (cooked together). Return to the hotel. Overnight in CHIANG MAI 

Breakfast at the hotel.  Half Day Explore Chiang Mai Local Lifestyle including Art & Cultural Tour (During time: 05:30am-12:00noon)  

Pick up from hotel in Chiang Mai and starting experience a city lifestyle by offering alms to Buddhist monks at  Wat Srisoda see the Buddhist aim offering. Take this opportunity to offer foods to monks before returning to hotel  for breakfast. Depart by local minibus to Wat Chai Mongkok pier and then cruise through rural Mae Ping River by  long-tail boat for 30 minutes. Softly moving along the river, you will see wooden houses and modern residences  with colorful scenery and lifestyle of the local people and stop visit at local farmer house with its kitchen herb vegetable and fruit garden. Then the boat returns to boat landing, 10 minutes’ walk from the landing to Varoros Market for a tour of Chiang Mai’s oldest and largest market where you can explore the market of flowers, local  food, local produces, necessary items for daily life, etc. Next change the mode transportation to foot-pedal trishaw  ride to visit the famous Chiang Mai city Arts & Cultural Center [closed on Monday] this new museum houses a  permanent exhibit that walks visitors though a tour of pre-history to the present. The afternoon is free at leisure. Evening Khantoke Dinner & Thai Ramwong Cultural Dance Show (Private transfer & joined dinner | Time: 07:00- 09:30pm)    One of the most famous Northern traditions in Chiang Mai is the Khantoke dinner. Diners will sit on the floor and  share a succession of tasty dishes, accompanied by sticky rice. While enjoying this superb Northern Thai Dinner,  all guests will be entertained by local dancers, dressed in traditional clothing, and performing Sword dances,  Candle dances, Fingernail dances and the traditional Ramwong where guests are generally invited to participate.  Overnight in CHIANG MAI 

Breakfast at the hotel, free at leisure.  Private transfer to Chiang Mai International Airport or Chiang Mai Railway Station or Chiang Mai Hotel.

++ Check-out normal time 12:00noon ++