Culture & Nature in Northern Thailand - Nomadays

Thailand

Culture & Nature in Northern Thailand

After visiting Ayutthaya, the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam, we take our train northward. We first discover Lopburi, the city of monkeys, before arriving in Sukhothai.

Our journey will then take us to Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle region before ending in Chiang Mai, the beauty of the North.

Finally, we fly to Bangkok, which we visit at the end of our trip.

Welcome to the Land of Smiles

Bangkok - Suvarnabhumi Airport
1h 30m-90km

Day 1Welcome and transfer to Ayutthaya

Day 1Welcome and transfer to Ayutthaya

  • Welcome by our team at the airport, followed by transfer to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    Check-in at the hotel for some rest.

    Please note that rooms may be available until 2:00 PM. If you arrive early in the morning, you can leave your luggage at the reception and relax by the pool.
    
  • After breakfast, we set off to explore the historic center of the city by tuk-tuk, visiting the Wat Mahathat, dating back to the late 14th century.

    We then continue to the Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, which once served as a royal temple and is therefore the largest in the city, and Wat Chai Watthanaram, where we can appreciate the sunset over its ruins..

    This day is accompanied by a English-speaking guide.
    
  • Overnight at Iudia on the River in a King Size double room on the riverside.

1h-65km
3h-257km

Day 2Stop in the city of monkeys

Day 2Stop in the city of monkeys

  • This morning, we hit the road for Lopburi, the city of monkeys, where we'll have lunch. Along the way, we stop at Wat Phra Phutthabat, the "temple of the Buddha's footprint," as it contains a natural depression believed to be the footprint of the Buddha.

  • We then explore the city of Lopburi, famous for its many monkeys roaming the streets.

    Little known to travelers, the city, which was several times the capital of the kingdom, nevertheless boasts a rich historical past. The numerous ruins and ancient palaces attest to this and make the city of monkeys an interesting stop on the road to Sukhothai.

    We begin our visit with Phra Prang Sam Yod, a temple with Khmer architecture that was originally a sanctuary of Mahayana Buddhism, and where many macaques have now taken up residence. We then discover the complex architecture of Wat Mahathat, before enriching ourselves at the Palace of King Narai, which now houses a national museum.

  • In the afternoon, we'll take the train to Phitsanulok.

    Departure at 4:23 pm for an arrival at 8:35 pm.
    
  • We'll settle into the charming guesthouse of Pao, where you'll be warmly welcomed.

    This day is accompanied by a English-speaking guide.
    
Meal and accommodations

Accommodation: Petit Paramata

Day 3Cycling tour in the Sukhothai region

Day 3Cycling tour in the Sukhothai region

  • Early wake-up and a short transfer to Sukhothai. From there, we'll start a biking excursion along small canals, passing through small rural communities and rice fields. We'll discover rural life and the importance of canals in their daily lives (agriculture, bathing, laundry, fishing for dinner, etc.).

    We'll eventually reach the city of Sukhothai, the capital of the first Thai kingdom, and the renowned historical park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which we'll explore.

    The day will be guided by an English-speaking guide.
    
  • Overnight at the Le Charme Hotel.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Petit Paramata

Accommodation: Le charme

2h 30m-145km

Day 4The historic park of Si Satchanalai

Day 4The historic park of Si Satchanalai

  • We'll continue our journey north, with a must-see stop at the historic site of Si Satchanalai, where we'll see the remains of the ancient capital of the Sukhothai kingdom dating back to the 13th century. We'll explore the site by bike.

  • Then, we'll continue our journey towards Lampang, renowned for its ceramic industry and its famous bowls decorated with roosters that we'll find in restaurants in the evening.

  • We'll start our exploration of Lampang with a visit to Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, an ancient temple dating back to the Phra Nang Cham tewi era, known for its ancient architecture.

  • In the afternoon, we'll enjoy a pleasant walk in the old street of Kad Kong Ta in Lampang, where beautiful teak houses are located, including the Moung Ngwe Zin house.

  • We'll visit the magnificent Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao temple, dating back to the 15th century.

    The day will be guided by an English-speaking guide.
    
  • Overnight at the Lampang River Lodge in a Lanna Cottage.

Day 5On the way to Chiang Rai

Day 5On the way to Chiang Rai

  • Heading towards Chiang Rai, with a detour to the magnificent Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat temple, perched atop a mountain. To reach the Chedi, it will require a bit of effort: an ascent of about 300 meters awaits. A metal staircase will lead us to the top (approximately 40 minutes), offering a breathtaking view.

  • Upon arrival in Chiang Rai, we'll visit the extraordinary Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple. It's a contemporary creation by one of Thailand's most famous artists, Chalermchai Kositpipat.

    While the site resembles a religious complex, its purpose is different: the nine buildings house extraordinary works of art, from meditating Buddha statues to idols of pop culture like Michael Jackson, and murals celebrating the doctrines of Theravada Buddhism. Its immaculate white color gives the building a unique and surprising charm.

    The day will be guided by an English-speaking guide.
    
  • Staying at the Nak Nakara Hotel in Chiang Rai for 3 nights.

1h-55km
1h 30m-80km

Day 6The Golden Triangle

Day 6The Golden Triangle

  • In the early morning, we'll meet our team and depart for the Mekong River and the Golden Triangle, the convergence point of the Thai, Burmese, and Laotian borders, following the road along the Mekong River banks.

  • At the port, we board a taxi boat and cruise for about an hour on the waters of the Mekong.

    Continuing along the Mekong banks to a viewpoint overlooking the Mekong and the huge "decadent Sino-Roman style" casino on the Laotian bank of the river.

  • Visit to the superb Hall of Opium Museum, built into the hillside overlooking the Mekong Valley.

  • On the way back, we'll make a stop in small villages of the Yao and Akha communities. If time and inclination allow, we can also stop at a Padaung community, a hill tribe branch of the Karenni people from neighboring Myanmar who have found refuge in Thailand. The Padaung women are known for wearing the famous golden spiral necklaces, which create the impression of long necks.

1h 15m-55km
1h 30m-60km
Thaton
3h-80km

Day 7The Mae Salong tea plantations

Day 7The Mae Salong tea plantations

  • Departure for Mae Salong (25 to 30 km of mountain road), region of the villages of Chinese refugees from the last century and large tea plantations.

    Visit to the 101 Tea Plantation - stroll in the small village of Santikiri to discover the history of the KMT refugees - refugees from the former KuoMingTang army fleeing the end of the civil war in China.

  • We continue our journey into the mountains to Tha Ton, a charming village located not far from the Burmese border. With its hill tribes, picturesque guesthouses, and unique setting on the banks of the Kok River, Tha Ton has all the charm to captivate you. The road to get there is also magnificent, with valleys, hills, and green rice fields stretching as far as the eye can see.

  • From Thaton, we board our long-tail boat and begin our cruise on the Kok River, which will take us back to Chiang Rai. Along the way, you will appreciate the magnificent landscapes of the region, the life of the villagers, and observe herds of water buffaloes cooling off in the muddy waters, as well as a rich and varied birdlife.

    Halfway through, we stop at a tribal village to rest and buy some cold drinks.

    Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
    
2h 55m-175km

Day 8First steps in the Rose of the North

Day 8First steps in the Rose of the North

  • Early departure for Chiang Mai, the Rose of the North and former capital of the Lan Na kingdom, which enchants with its way of life, hundreds of temples, gastronomy, smiles, and traditions.

  • Arrival in Chiang Mai, we head to the heights and discover the magnificent Doi Suthep temple, located in the mountains at 1200 meters above sea level.

    This superb Buddhist temple invites you to a pious meditation in an atmosphere imbued with silence and mysticism, where every stone, every statue, every step reveals an aspect of Buddhism.

    On the way, we'll stop at the Wat Pha Lat temple.

    The day will be guided by an English-speaking guide.
    
  • Check in at the De Lanna Hotel for 2 nights, in a Deluxe room.

Day 9Biking and cooking class

Day 9Biking and cooking class

  • This morning, we'll explore the "Rose of the North" by bike.

    Starting from the famous Tha Phae Gate in Chiang Mai, with the Doi Suthep mountains as a backdrop, we'll venture into the city's traditional small streets and alleys. You'll discover numerous ancient temples, monks going about their daily routines, lively markets, and the daily lives of the locals, including artisans from mountain communities who will be busy with their tasks as we cycle through their neighborhoods, under their curious eyes.

    This activity will be in a small group accompanied by a local English-speaking guide.
    
  • In the late afternoon, we head to a traditional cooking class conducted in French in the countryside, outside the city, in an old Lanna-style house.

    Note: Vegetarian or vegan dishes available.
    

    On the menu:

    • Tom Kha Gai (lemongrass chicken coconut soup)
    • Pad Thai (Thai-style fried rice noodles)
    • Nam Prik Ong (spicy pork and tomato relish: a typical dish from Northern Thailand)
    • Khao Soi Gai (curry noodle soup with chicken: a typical dish from Northern Thailand)

    For dessert, we enjoy Khao Niao Mamuang (sticky rice with coconut milk and mango).

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: De Lanna Hotel

Dinner: Included

Accommodation: De Lanna Hotel

1h 15m-60km

Day 10Among the Karen people in Doi Inthanon National Park

Day 10Among the Karen people in Doi Inthanon National Park

  • This morning, we hit the road for the mountains overlooking the city of Chiang Mai, in Doi Inthanon National Park, where we will start a guided hike in the mountains, as well as discover the Karen populations of northern Thailand.

    We begin our trek of the hill tribes of Doi Inthanon through the lush rice fields of the region. There is the possibility of swimming in the waterfalls.

    We will visit a Karen village where we will settle for the night and meet the locals.

    The day will be accompanied by an English-speaking hiking guide. 5.5 to 6 hours excursion, with around 3.5 hours of actual walking, suitable for children..
    
  • Tonight, we are welcomed for dinner and the night by a Karen family in a stunning setting.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: De Lanna Hotel

Dinner: Homestay

Accommodation: Homestay

Day 11In the company of elephants

Day 11In the company of elephants

  • After breakfast at our hosts' home and a morning stroll in the village, we drive to Chi's camp, a young Karen who will show us his elephants and way of life. Upon arrival, we prepare fruits to feed the elephants. We then walk together in the jungle, where the elephants continue to feed and we can interact with them in a natural environment. Our guide provides more information about their behavior. Finally, we witness the elephants bathing in the river.

    The activity is private and in the company of Chi.
    
  • In the afternoon, to cool off, we will take a short bamboo rafting trip down the Mae Wang River.

    The activity is a peaceful ride of about 40 minutes.
    
  • Overnight at Chiang Mai Elephant Friends, a charming lodge on the banks of the Mae Wang River.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Homestay

Day 12Flying to Bangkok, the capital city

Day 12Flying to Bangkok, the capital city

  • This morning, transfer to the airport and then fly to Bangkok, the sprawling capital of Thailand.

  • Pick-up by our driver, then transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free.

  • Night at the Shanghai Mansion, a charming boutique hotel in the heart of Bangkok's Chinatown.

Day 13The "Green Lung" of Bangkok

Day 13The "Green Lung" of Bangkok

  • This morning, we will go on a bike tour in the "Green Lung" of the capital. Accompanied by a local private guide for the island part, we will explore the extraordinary Bang Krachao district, a true jungle in the heart of the city. We will also make some additional visits along the way (if available), such as a

    • mushroom farm,
    • an incense stick factory,
    • and small temples and old houses in the neighborhood.
  • We then head to the historic center and visit Wat Pho, one of Bangkok's oldest temples, to see its reclining Buddha.

  • We then cross the river by a small boat to visit Wat Arun, the "Temple of Dawn," located on the right bank.

  • Private traditional long-tail boat taxi ride on the Chao Phraya River, one of the most important rivers in the country. Discover the Venice of the East and the traditional life of the city's inhabitants, half of whom still live by the water.

    Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide
    
Departure

Day 14See you soon in Thailand!

Day 14See you soon in Thailand!

  • Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure and transfer to the airport at your preferred time.