DAY 1 BANGKOK - PHITSANULOK

Take a train ride, 2nd class air-con. 5 hours, (against a surcharge also by plane possible) from Bangkok to Phitsanulok. On arrival short tour in the town with a visit to Wat Mahatat and its all over Thailand famous Buddha image. See the Nan River, where part of the population still live on raft houses. Accommodation in the city centre.

DAY 2 PHITSANULOK - LAMPANG

In the morning start to neighbouring. Sukhothai, Thailand's first capital. Visit the Historical Park with its impressive monuments dating back to the 13th century. Go on via Si Satchanlai and reach Lampang. Stop at a Burmese style temple and fruit market. An optional ride in a horse drawn carriage is possible. Overnight.

DAY 3 LAMPANG - CHIANG SAEN / GOLDEN TRIANGLE

In the morning head for the Elephant Conservation Center and Elephant Hospital. Watch these giants take their daly bath and then they demonstrate how to hauling logs. Then drive to Phayao and have lunch at the picturesque lake. Go on further north. Stop at the famous Wat Rong Kum near Chiang Rai. Arrive in Chiang Saen, the former royal town on the banks of the Mekong. Enjoy a boat trip on the mighty Mekong river, where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar (well known as the Golden Triangle) meet. It includes a short stop at a Laotian river island as well. Then visit the Opium Museum. Overnight.

DAY 4 CHIANG SAEN / GOLDEN TRIANGLE - THATON

Go on to Mae Sai, the border and market town (optional side trip to the Burmese border town Tachilek can be arranged). Next stop will be at a monkey temple. Later travel through the mountain wilderness of Doi Maesalong where you can see Akha and Yao hill tribe villages. The village on the mountain top is inhabited by Chinese descendants. Arrive Ban Thaton late afternoon. Visit famous Wat Thaton on a small hill top with its giant Buddha images and beautiful views. Overnight at a resort on the banks of the Kok River.

DAY 5 THATON - CHIANG MAI

In the morning see a remote Lahu hill tribe village incl. it's simple primary school. Then drive on towards Chiang Dao. Have a short stop at one of the many local rice mills. Later enjoy a one hour elephant ride through the wilderness, as well as a lazy one hour trip down the river on a bamboo raft. Outside Chiang Mai have another stop at an orchid farm. Arrive in the northern capital late afternoon. Overnight.

DAY 6 CHIANG MAI

Sightseeing tour in Chiang Mai includes a drive to the old city and visit two of its most famous temples, as well as famous Suthep hill top temple. Later have a look to some of the well known handicraft centers like silk weaving, silverware, sa-paper umbrella paintings etc. Overnight again in the city centre of Chiang Mai

DAY 7 CHIANG MAI

Day at leisure until transfer to the airport, or extend your stay ... depend on your further schedule.

Price includes:

Train ticket Bangkok-Phitsanulok, air-conditioned transportation during the tour, English speaking tour guide, all transfers and excursions as mentioned in the above itinerary, accommo-dation at middle- and upper middle class hotels/resorts, daily breakfast, lunch during tours, entrance fees

Not included:

All meals not mentioned in the above itinerary, drinks, tips and personal expenses,