Our six-day exploration includes the antiquities of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai and the beautiful landscapes of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces. After collection from centrally located hotels in Bangkok, we set off on a scenic journey towards Nakhon Pathom province and Wat Suwannaram Pier. We then board a long-tail boat for a cruise along Mahasawat Canal. This reveals a serene rural landscape way off the established tourist trail. We make a stop at one of the largest lotus plantations in the area where this plant is processed ahead of being sent to Bangkok’s famous flower market. The experience is complemented by a visit to a fruit orchard where we can sample some topical fruit. We continue to the ancient capital of Ayutthaya, with lunch at a local restaurant en route. In the afternoon, our tour is focused on the 17^th century former royal retreat of Bang Pa-In Summer Palace. This expansive complex features a number of impressive buildings built in very different architectural styles, some classical Thai, some Chinese and some European, all within a beautifully landscaped garden. After absorbing the serenity of this site, we transfer to our hotel in Ayutthaya, with the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Ayutthaya.

Today we step back in time to the Ayutthaya era, the nation’s former capital between 1350 1767. During its heyday, merchants came from across the globe to conduct business. This resultant wealth financed the magnificence of the city’s architecture. We will discover the ruins of palaces, temples, monasteries and statues set on a 4 km wide island at the confluence of three rivers. Highlights include Wat Chaimongkol temple, a hub of the Buddhist nun community, ancient Wat Mahathat, famous for the serene Buddha image enshrined within the gnarled roots of a thousand-year-old tree and Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, originally a royal chapel and long revered as a spiritual hub by the Thai people. Continuing on to Lopburi, we make a stop at Phra Prang Sam Yod, a Khmer-style Hindu sanctuary adorned with three imposing towers. This is also renowned as a sanctuary for hundreds of long-tailed macaques. Playful and well-fed, these apes have become a leading attraction in the area. After lunch at a local restaurant, we proceed to Phitsanuloke, one of the most prominent cities in the lower north of Thailand, where we overnight.

Overnight in Phitsanuloke.

Today we embark on a journey to explore the magnificent Sukhothai Historical Park. Nestled amidst meticulously manicured greenery, this park includes the ruins of the ancient capital that dates back to the 13^th century. Sukhothai, meaning the ‘dawn of happiness’ was the golden era of Thai civilization. The remains of the kingdom can be seen in a 45 sq-km World Heritage Site containing 193 antiquities of royal palaces, temples, city gates, walls, moats and dams spread amid ponds, rice paddies and villages. The best way to explore is by bike and we use two wheels to visit the iconic White Buddha of Wat Sri Chum, known as the ‘Temple of the Sacred Tree’. This is adorned with gold leaf and it is revered by both locals and visitors. After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue our journey to the intriguing city of Chiang Rai, with a stop en route  at picturesque Phayao Lake, nestled in the valley of the Ing River. This is a pleasant place to enjoy a stroll along the lake’s banks. As a gesture of good luck, we feed the fish before reaching our destination in the evening.

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Day four commences with a first stop at Wat Rong Khun. Also known as the White Temple, this iconic masterpiece was created by legendary artist and designer Chalermchai Kositpipat. We also explore Wat Rong Suea Ten, known as the Blue Temple, this modern Buddhist sanctuary is characterised by a vibrant interplay of blue and yellow hues adorning the structure. After cultural exploration, we enjoy a view of a spectacular landscape at the famous Golden Triangle, the meeting point of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. From atop a hill, we absorb magnificent views of the Mekong River and its tributary, the Ruak River which geometrically divides the borders of the three countries, forming the famous triangular shape. Our next call is the Hall Of Opium museum, a fascinating interactive attraction. After lunch at a local restaurant, we take a three-hour road trip to Chiang Mai. In the evening, we visit the city’s most famous temple, Wat Doi Suthep, elevated above the landscape with views of the provincial capital and the rolling countryside.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

An insight into fine tea starts our day with a visit to Araksa Tea Garden. This is located in picturesque hills and it specializes in premium Assam tea. We get an insight into organic tea cultivation and take part in harvesting leaves. We then head to Araksa Tea House for lunch, followed by a delightful tasting experience of teas paired with Thai snacks. After this, we return to our Chiang Mai hotel for some free time. At 5 pm, we embark on a sustainable exploration of the city’s iconic attractions in eco-friendly electric tuk-tuks, including a brief Buddhist blessing ceremony by monks at Wat Sri Suphan. We then head to a riverside restaurant to enjoy the classic Northern Thai dish of khao soi, followed by a transfer back to the hotel. There are many riverside bars with live music to enjoy and we can stay out later and head back to the hotel independently.

Please note: For animal enthusiasts, there’s the option to swap the visit to the Araksa Tea Garden with a visit to an ethical Elephant Sanctuary. Under expert guidance, we can care for the friendly jumbos. Lunch is included at the sanctuary, followed by the return to the hotel to continue the main tour activities.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Today our grand tour of northern Thailand concludes. After breakfast at the hotel, we check-out of the hotel and transfer to Chiang Mai International Airport for onward flights.