6  DAYS / 5 NIGHTS
 NORTH THAILAND
Validity : 1 November 2006 – 31 October 2007
Departure : Any Day upon Request
Starting Bangkok / Ending Chiang Mai

Travel through the heart of Thailand and into the Northem Lanna Kingdom . Visit Ayuthaya, Lopburi, Sukhothai, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai

Day 1 Bangkok – Bang Pa In – Ayutthaya – Lopburi – Pitsanulok ( L / D)
This morning, we drive north out of the city to Bang Pa In Royal Summer Palace en-route to the Ancient Capital City of Ayuthaya, with its interesting ruins and extensive river network. Lunch will be at a local restaurant. After lunch, we will drive to Lopburi, to see the magnificent stone carvings of Phra Prang Sam Yod, and the Kala shrine of Sam Prakarn where you will be greeted by many monkeys. In the afternoon, you will drive further north to Pitsanulok spread along the banks of the Nan River . Visit the much-venerated shrine of Wat Mahathat, typical of the ancient style of Thai religious architecture, Dinner at Hotel.
Accommodation : Topland Hotel, Phitsanuloke

Day 2 Phitsanulok – Sukhothai – Srisatchanalai – Chiang Rai (B / L / D)
After breakfast, a short drive to Sukhothai Historical Park to see the glorious ruins of this Ancient Capital of Thailand and on to Sri Satchanalai, which was Sukhothai's twin city. Lunch will be at a local restaurant, This afternoon's drive takes us further north stopping at the small town of Phayao , to enjoy refreshments beside a lake. Arrive in Chiang Rai in the late afternoon. Dinner at Hotel.
Accommodation : Wiang lnn Hotel, Chiang Rai

Day 3 Mae Salong – Mae Sai – Golden Triangle – Chiang Saen (B / L / D)
This morming we board a “pick-up” truck to climb narrow mountain roads and visit several villages en-route to Doi Mae Salong, a settlement founded by Kuomintang soldiers who fled Chiana in 1949. Return to the valley for lunch before driving to Mae Sai, a market town on the Myanmar border. There is possibility of OPTIONAL : Burma Border crossing (for approximately one-hour walk to explore the market inside Burma (SUBJECT TO BORDER SECURITY, two photocopies of your passport are required along with border pass fee if we can cross into Burma ).
From Mae Sai, we drive to the renowned Golden Triangle where the Ruak and Mekong Rivers meet. Enjoy views over Myanmar , Laos , Thailand and the mighty Mekong River . OPTIONAL : boat trip will be available. Visit Chiang Saen, where evidence of the original 13 th century city can still be seen. Drive back to Chiang Rai for Accommodation. Dinner at local restaurant. Accommodation : Wiang lnn Hotel, Chiang Rai

Day 4 Chiang Rai – Chaing Mai (B / L / D)
After breakfast, depart for Chiang Mai stopping on the way at a hot spring. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the aftermoon, drive throught splendid mountain scenery to Chiang Mai where we climb 290 steps to visit the Hilltop Temple of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep which offers spectacular views of Chiang Mai.
Tonight, you will have a traditional northern Thai dinner, known as “Kantoke” along with traditional Thai dance performance.
Accommodation : Empress Hotel, Chiang Mai

Day 5 Chiang Mai (B / L / D)
In the morning we will visit one of the elephant camps where skilled “mahouts” show how elephants have worked in the jungles for centuries, with possibility for OPTIONAL : Elephant riding. Then we will have lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the district of Sankampaeng, home to Chiang Mai's handicraft industries. Dinner at Hotel. Accommodation : Empress Hotel, Chiang Mai

Day 6 Chiang Mai (B)
You can choose to spend a few days more exploring Chiang Mai or return to Bangkok by air or rail (cost not included).

PRICE INCLUDES
- Itinerary as listed above — Accommodation at hotels as listed or similar — Meals as specified
- English speaking guide — Air – conditioned vehicle or pick up mini truck if necessary — Portage
- Service charge & Tax (including VAT)

NOT INCLUDES
- Items of person expenses i.e. Mini-bar, telephone calls, etc
- Airfare and departure airport tax — Optional tours
Exact departures time from hotels will be reconfirmed locally