Northern Thailand Adventure 13 Days / 12 Nights

Experience the north of Thailand by visiting a region of the country known for its diverse cultural landmarks and spectacular scenery boasting abundant natural surroundings and traditional Thai architecture. Visit the Royal Palace, Ayutthaya, River Kwai, several hill tribes, an elephant orphanage in Chiang Mai and take a magical boat trip on the Mekong River with a visit to the Golden Triangle. After this overwhelming experience, relax at your hotel swimming pool on the gulf of Siam, or a surcharge in Hua Hin or Cha-am. Along the way, stay in good hotels on half board and travel in a luxury air-coach.

Duration: 13 days/12 nights

Tour Code: MTHL03

Tour Valid: Until December 30th, 2013

Highlights: Bangkok - River Kwai - Kanchanaburi - Ayutthaya - Phisanulok - Chiang Rai - Golden Triangle - Chiang Mai - Bangkok - Gulf of Siam

• Day 1 - Bangkok Arrival

  Place Transport: Airplane->Car
  Meals:

  Upon arrival in Bangkok in the morning, you will be transferred to your hotel in the city, where evening dinner cruises with live music lighten Bangkok and give you a great first impression of this bustling metropolis.

  Day 2 - Bangkok: City Tour

  Place Transport: Car
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  Today, we will start with a visit to the Royal Palace and the magnificent temples of the Golden Buddha and the Emerald Buddha, followed by a cruise on the ‘Klongs’ of the imposing Chao Praya River which passes through the city. Today, we will see the oldest temple in Bangkok, Wat Arun, richly decorated with Chinese porcelain. In the evening, dinner will be served in the hotel.

  Day 3 - Bangkok – River Kwai – Kanchanaburi

  Place Transport: Car->Boat
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  A visit to the colourful floating market will be the first thing on the agenda for today, where at the first dawn many boats come with all kinds of commodities and vegetables together. Then, we will go to the River Kwai to visit the famous Bridge and Death Railway, the impressive small museum and war cemetery.

  Day 4 - Kanchanaburi – Ayutthya – Phitsanulok

  Place Transport: Car
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  Today will start with a departure to the ancient capital of Siam, Ayuttthaya. The city lies on three rivers and has many impressive relics of the history and pagodas.

  Day 5 - Phitsanulok – Chiang Rai

  Place Transport: Airplane->Car
  Meals: Breakfast

  Today, you will head on to Chiang Rai but first to the beautiful city of stamp, Wat mahattat for a morning of exploring before heading on to Chiang Rai to visit Sukhothai with its many ancient palaces, temples and Buddha statues. Stay in a luxury resort in Chiang Rai.

  Day 6 - Mountain Tribes- The Golden Triangle – The Mekong

  Place Transport: Car->Boat
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  Begin your day by meeting the Akha and Yao hill tribes, followed by a boat trip on the mighty Mekong River to the notorious opium in the Golden Triangle where the countries Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet.

  Day 7 - Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai

  Place Transport: Car
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  In the village Sankaem – paeng, see the finest silk and hand- painted umbrellas. Then go on to Chiang Mai, north of the bustling city with many attractions, shops and the famous night market comprising of hundreds of stalls.

  Day 8 - Chiang Mai: visit Doi Suthep Temphle

  Place Transport: Car
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  A visit from the Doi Suthep temple will expose you to magnificent views over the valley, followed by a visit to the training camp for young elephants.

  Day 9 - Chiang Mai – Bangkok

  Place Transport: Train
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  Chiang Mai – Bangkok
  Today, you will be able to learn Thai cooking where with the chef, you will visit a local market to buy your ingredients before visiting an authentic Thai house to cook various unique Thai dishes. A great way to impress friends and family back at home! In the afternoon, you will go to the station in Chiang Mai for the return journey by night train to Bangkok. There is also the option (at an additional cost) to fly back to Bangkok, allowing you to have an extra night there.

  Day 10 - 12 - Bangkok – Gulf of Siam

  Place Transport: Car
  Meals: Breakfast

  Upon arrival, you will be greeted with a hearty breakfast before heading on to the Gulf of Siam where you will stay in a lively hotel with all the comforts and a lovely pool. The coast here consists mainly of three adjacent resorts: Jomtien Beach, Naklua and Pattaya with it beautiful beaches, many shops, restaurants and night markets. If you require somewhere a lot quieter for the night, then at an additional cost, you can individually stay in a quiet seaside resort Hua Hin/ Cha-Am.

  Day 13 - Bangkok Depature

  Place Transport: Car->Airplane
  Meals: Breakfast

  You will be transported back to Bangkok where the day is free at your leisure until your onwards flight.

  The Tour Inclusion:

  - 12 Nights Accommodation in deluxe twin / double room view with daily BKF.

  - Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above.
  
  - Boat, train as indicated in the itinerary.
  
  - Domestic flight tickets as indicated in the itinerary.

  - The services of experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary.

  - Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the program.

  - Lunches and dinners (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available.

  The Tour Exclusion:

  - Visas on arrival

  - International flight tickets and airport tax.

  - Dinners, except as specified above.

  - Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses.
  
  - Travel insurance 

  - Surcharge for peak season (if any) & other not mentioned in the above detail program.

  Additional Information

  Importance note
  - The itinerary is just a sample of our Thailand tours; we'll be pleased to design similar programs with dates and itinerary customized to your personal preferences in Tailor Made Tours section. Rates may vary frequently. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.
  
  What to bring?
  - Sun Block, Wide brim hat, Camera + Film, Comfortable shoes, Rain gear, Warm clothes, original Passport...
  
  How to start?
  - MinMax Travel is a fully escorted tour and best-available all year round; the only thing you need to prepare in advance is the international air-ticket from/to your country.
  - If you don’t have enough time to complete visa before your departure, we will help you to obtain Thailand Visa on arrival easily (getting visa at the airport, on your arrival).