Prang Sam Yot

After breakfast transfer to Lopburi, formerly known as Lavapura, ‘the city of Lava’, with a history dating back over 1000 years.

We visit the ruins of King Narai’s Palace, or Phra Narai Ratchaniwet, built in 1666.

We continue to Prang Sam Yot, the Angkorian temple built in the 13th century by the great Jayavarman VII, the first Buddhist sovereign in the history of the Khmer Empire. The temple is famous for its large population of long-tailed macaques, which, according to local beliefs and superstitions, are disciples of the spirits that protect the city.

Nearby we visit the San Phra Kan, a small shrine dedicated to the Hindu deity Vishnu.

Afterwards, we continue our trip to Naresuan Bridge in Phitsanulok where we visit the royal temple Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, or Wat Yai, the Buddhist shrine built in 1357 on the eastern bank of the Nan River. It houses Phra Phuttha Chinnarat, one of the world’s most beautiful statues of the Buddha covered in gold, highly worshipped by local believers.

Once the visit is over, transfer to your hotel in Sukhothai.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide, tickets and private transportation

Wat Mahathat – Sukhothai

We start our morning bike ride in the Historical Park of the Kingdom of Sukhothai, an independent state from the 13th to the 14th century before becoming part of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya.

We visit the most important temples including Wat Mahathat, by far the most impressive complex in Sukhothai where the relics of the Buddha were kept. We continue to the Noen Prasat, or the Palace Hil, where archaeologists have found the ‘Manang Kasila Throne‘, the throne that belonged to King Ram Khamhaeng the Great. We then move outside the site walls to Wat Si Chum, which houses the famous 700-year-old Buddha image.

Afterwards, we visit the Sukhothai organic farm where we experience the local farmers’ lifestyle and learn about organic farming through various interesting activities including planting, hulling rice, and riding a water buffalo.

Arriving in Lampang, we visit the Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, built in Lanna architecture, the most impressive and well-preserved temple in the area. Supposedly housing some of Buddha’s relics including ashes collected after cremation.

Lastly, transfer to the hotel in Lampang.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide, tickets and private transportation

White temple

In the morning we visit Lampang city centre in a horse-drawn carriage, one of the most memorable symbols of Lampang.

Next up is Ban Sao Nak, or ‘the house of many pillars’, one of Lampang’s most outstanding works of architecture built in Thai-Lanna style over a century ago with 116 teakwood pillars.

We visit the iconic The Luise House, which belonged to Luis Thomas Leonowens, a citizen of the British Empire known for serving in the Royal Siamese Cavalry and for founding the Thai Trading Company.

We then go to Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao, home to the famous Emerald Buddha from 1434 to 1468 before transferring to Chiang Mai.

We continue our journey towards Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand. On the way, not far from the city, we visit Wat Rong Khun, better known as The White Temple, due to the colour of its exterior.

Created by the visionary painter Chalermchai Kositpipat, this contemporary temple is worth a visit for its striking artistic contrast. Although The Wat is considered both Buddhist and Hindu, it has been the subject of strong criticism from the indigenous people as it is considered against tradition.

The entire complex, the plaster sculptures on the outside, the images reproduced inside the pagoda, and its splendid arts at the gates of hell and paradise, were conceived in a provocative tone to exalt ethnographically, and thus to free interpretation, the influence of modern myths and “brands” symbolising consumerism.

A visit to Chiang Rai Night Bazaar in the evening is worthwhile for a relaxing dinner and for some shopping.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide, tickets and private transportation 

Golden Triangle

After breakfast we travel to Doi Tung, a steep mountain approximately 50 km away from Chiang Rai. On arrival, we visit Doi Tung Royal Villa, the former residence of Princess Srinagarindra, the mother of the current king, who worked on a reforestation project in this area. Adjacent to the Royal Villa is the beautiful Mae Fah Luang Garden, home to several species of colourful plants and flowers. The area was once home to the Akha tribe, who later moved to a new village close by.

Next, we climb to the top of Doi Tung for a visit to Wat Phra That Doi Tung, a thousand-year-old temple in an extraordinary location.

Afterwards, we drive northeast to the famous Golden Triangle – situated at the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong rivers where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet. The name ‘Golden Triangle’, coined by the CIA, refers to an area of almost 1 million square kilometres which for many years was one of the largest opium-producing areas in the world. Visit the Opium Museum built to educate people about the dangers of using narcotics.

We then return to Chiang Rai for a visit to Wat Phra Kaew. Discovered in 1434 when lightning struck the top of the main stupa, the temple is famous throughout the country as the original home of the translucent green Buddha that graces the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok’s Grand Palace.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide, tickets and private transportation

Black House

After breakfast we visit the surreal and artistic Baan Dam, known by many as ‘The Black House‘, a one-of-a-kind construction created by the artist Thawan Duchanee. Unlike its name, The Black House is not a single structure but a complex of about 40 buildings of various shapes and sizes scattered around a quiet garden. An eclectic mix with references to traditional Thai art style and elegant teak woodwork on the outside. Inside, there are unusual art installations including animal skulls and buffalo horns. The complex reflects the artist’s interpretation of Buddhist philosophy, which has inevitably provoked much controversy and criticism over the years.

Next, we visit the village of Ethnic Minorities, known as the ‘Hill Tribe‘ because they usually inhabit mountainous areas. Nowadays in many villages in the area you can still find people wearing traditional clothes.

We then continue our journey on the famous scenic Highway 107, which passes through several areas famous for their natural and cultural beauty, including the rural areas of Mae Ai and Chiang Dao, surrounded by breath-taking scenery, beautiful mountains, rice paddies and local villages.

We stop at Ban Thaton for a visit to Wat Thaton, a large temple complex adjacent to the Mae Kok River consisting of nine levels, from the ground floor to the top of a mountain range and includes four huge statues of the Buddha in typical Thai style and Chinese influence. The interior design is decorated with numerous stone guardians, images of revered monks and a spiral staircase. On the walls, paintings depict the story of the Buddha’s life, from his birth to his entry into Parinirvana. The eighth floor houses the monastery and various shrines. We visit the Phra Chedi Kaew, or ‘Crystal Stupa‘, a large building containing replicas of Buddha images, each in a different position.

We continue our journey to the beautiful, partially explorable cave complex of Chiang Dao, which extends over 10 km through the homonymous mountain.

Following this, we return to the hotel in Chiang Mai.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide, tickets and private transportation

Wat Chedi Luang

We spend the day in the outskirts of Chiang Mai, the centre of Lanna culture since the late 13th century, today a perfect blend of ancient charm and contemporary society.

In the morning we head to Mount Suthep, a steep mountain not far from the city. We drive up to the proximity of the summit and then take a lift to the sacred temple Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the most popular monastery in Chiang Mai, visible from anywhere in the city.

Next, we travel to Wat Chedi Yod, the imposing temple built in the 15th century to house the eighth World Buddhist Council. Unlike other temples, in the middle stands, instead of a prang or stupa, a giant Bodhi tree, a sacred symbol representing the place where the Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodhgaya, India.

Afterwards, we visit Wat Chedi Luang, in Chiang Mai’s old town, known for housing the Emerald Buddha image for about 70 years. We continue to Wat Phra Singh, built in 1345 in the western part of the old city. The temple houses the Phra Buddha Sihing, an important Buddha statue and one of the best examples of classical Lanna architecture.

In the afternoon, we stroll through Warorot Market where you can find almost everything from groceries, fashionable clothing and traditional Lanna clothing.

Transfer to the airport in time for your departure flight.

Included : Breakfast, tour guide, tickets and private transportation