8D Northern Thailand (self-drive)

Chiangmai, The northern rose of Thailand! 

For centuries Chiangmai was part of Lanna Kingdom that reigned over the Northern Thailand. The city retains a captivating energy that emanates from the antique walls, intriquate temples, and lively street food and restaurant scene.

The modern urban developement wraps around the ancient city center and walls but history and cultural heritage remain the focus of Chiang Mai, which dates back to the 13th century.

After settling in to your hotel your private transfer will lead you to Wat Phra Singh for an introduction to the sensational history of the city.  The 14th-century temple combines a gold leaf chedi with immaculate pagodas built around and enshrines the most revered Buddha image of the city. 

Next continue your exploration of Chiang Mai’s fascinating history with a drive up to lush mountain rising majestically on the western edge of the city to visit the picture perfect  Doi Suthep temple.  Perched on a mountain slope dotted with gold gilded chedi/stupa, pagodas and monasteries around  Wat Doi Suthep offers rewarding view over the city and cultural experience. It is perhaps the most iconic attraction of Chiangmai always teeming with pilgrims and best appreciated with a short hike up impressive stair case lined with mythical naga (snakes) leading up to the temple grounds on top a hillock. For those who have mobility restrictions it is also possible to take a lift up. 

Return back to the city for a wonder around one of the evening markets. Why not try some of the northern delicacies?  Hang Lay pork curry, Khao Soi noodle soup or local sausages with small chillies among other all time favourites. 

Overnight in Chiangmai

Mae Rim, Mon Cham and Sticky Waterfall

Breakfast at your hotel.  Day trip to the nature out of Chiangmai. Short 30min drive to gorgeous Mae Rim where lush green hills and mountain region begins. We'll make a stop at sustainable tourism destination, elephant park where a guided tour will unveil secrets of making elephant poop in to wonderful recycled products. 

Next we'll drive up to cooler and scenic Mon Cham hill for lovely views over the surroundings and stop for a delicous northern style lunch. 
This afternoon we'll head to sticky waterfall located 70km outside of Chiangmai and spend rest of the afternoon enjoying the national park and walking up the cascading waterfall that flows over sticky soil. 

Return back to Chiangmai for the night. 

Overnight in Chiangmai

Drive Chiangmai to Chiangrai & White Temple

Breakfast at hotel and depart for a 3hr drive to Chiangrai. En-route travel over jungle covered mountain range and hilly region. Sleepy Chiangrai is small town located on the banks of Kok River and served as the capital Lanna kingdom during its hayday. It is a gateway to golden triangle and situated only 1,5-2hr drive from Myanmar and Laos border crossings. The Chiangrai region is hilly and home to many ethnic minorities (hill tribes) like Akha, Lisu and Hmong and Chinese decendants of former Kuomingtang who lost war to Mao and fled to hill regions in Burman and eventually ended in Thailand border regions. 

We have saved the best for last the 'White temple'. This is truly an architectural wonder like no other created by famous Thai artist.  On the way to the city we'll make another stop at Singha park to marvel at enormous tea plantation. There is also a nice tea / coffee shop here with a view. 

We'll drive out of the city for another hour or so to a wonderful hill resort. 

Overnight in hillside resort

After breakfast departure to Ayutthaya. Explore the ancient capital of Siam. Lunch at a local restaurant.

In the magnificent ruins of the city, one can see the image of the largest Buddha of Phra Mongkhon Bophit, the three ancient pagodas at Wat Phra Si Sanphet and the Wat Lokaya Sutharam. Transfer to your hotel in Bangkok.