THAILAND NORTHERN TOUR TO LAOS

* BRIEF ITINERARY:
Day 1: Arrival – Bangkok Sightseeing Tours
Day 2: Bangkok Sightseeing Tours – Night Train to Chiang Mai
Day 3: Chiang Mai Sightseeing Tours
Day 4: Chiang Mai Sightseeing Tours to Chiang Sean – Chiang Sean Sightseeing and History Tours
Day 5: Chiang Sean Overland Tours to Chiang Khong (Exit to Laos)

Day 1: Thailand Northen Tours to Laos : Arrival – Bangkok Sightseeing Tours

On arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport, you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. The glorious history of Thai Capital, Bangkok is much interwoven with the Chakri dynasty which still reigns but no longer rules Thailand. In the midst of dynamic modern growth, this bustling metropolis still preserves plenty of cultural heritages making it the national treasure house. No activities planned for this afternoon , however our guide is on hand to advise some available options. 

O/N in Bangkok. 

Day 2: Thailand Northen Tours to Laos: Bangkok Sightseeing Tours – Night Train to Chiang Mai (B/-/-)

The longtail boat trip is a perfect way to start our exploration of Bangkok. We navigate along the Chao Phraya River and venture into the many lively inner canals which provide some fantastic views of the local life close up. Along the way we make stop over at Wat Arum, the temple of Dawn, before continuing to the Grand Palace.

This masterpiece is dedicated to the Thai Royal Family’s ceremony. Nearby are the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew, which is famous for the Emerald Buddha Image and the Vimarnmek Museum, the world’s largest building entirely made of golden teak . We visit this complex and drive through the many vibrant streets of China Town to the Wat Pho, one of the most significant temples in Bangkok. This sacred temple houses a gigantic gold plated Reclining Buddha. We board a night train to Chiang Mai. The train conditions are basic; we travel on soft sleeper class. 

O/N on board.

Day 3: Thailand Northen Tours to Laos: Chiang Mai Sightseeing Tours (B/-/-)

The train journey delivers you to Chiang Mai by mid morning. The capital of the north, Chiang Mai has rich historical and cultural heritage which is still evident in the architecture with over 300 temples spreading in and around. Heading out of town we drive west towards the famous Doi Suthep Mountain and embark on a walk leading us to Wat Prathat Temple near the summit.

At an elevation of over 1,000 m, the temple grounds affords a panoramic view over the surrounding countryside. We follow this with a visit to the old and new parts of the town featuring the great diversity. The tranquil town of Chiang Mai has been always noted for the exquisite handicrafts of which the combination with the hill tribe people’s traditional wares, offers fantastic shopping opportunities.

We continue to the neighbouring villages of Sankampaeng and Borsarng to see the various cottages industries including silk weaving, wood carving, silver ware and umbrellas making. As a highlight of this evening , we visit the vibrant night market which is full of local treasures. 

O/N in Chiang Mai. 

Day 4: Thailand Northen Tours to Laos : Chiang Mai Sightseeing Tours to Chiang Sean – Chiang Sean Sightseeing and History Tours (B/-/-)

Upon leaving the town we make our way towards Chiang Sean, the royal capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom. This delightful town is nestled on the Mekong Riverbank which is now the border between Thailand and Laos. The drive is long , but views are fantastic. On arrival in Chiang Sean we visit some of its major sights including Wat Phrathat Jom Kitti and Wat Chedi Luang.

The interesting journey leads us through the verdant and rugged mountain scenery to the famous Golden Triangle in which powerful warlords have fought for control the opium trade. We have time to stroll around and make a stop to visit the opium hall museum. This gleaming mansion is built amid mountains which were covered with the intense red blush poppies, few decades ago. The display of pictures and documents reflect the global history of opium dating back to 5,000 years towards. 

O/N in Chiang Sean. 

Day 5: Thailand Northen Tours to Laos: Chiang Sean Overland Tours to Chiang Khong (Exit to Laos) – (B/-/-)

Today we depart hotel and travel by roads to Chiang Khong border to enter Laos. The trip ends after arrival at border gate. 

* INCLUSIONS:
+ Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver and tourist bus 
+ Meal as mentioned: B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D = dinner 
+ English or French speaking guide
+ Accommodation: twin sharing room at mentioned hotels or similar one 
+ Entrance fee to indicated sights 
+ Boat trip in Bangkok 
+ Train ticket ( soft sleeper) Bangkok – Chiang Mai

* EXCLUSIONS:
Other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room supplement, personal expenses, travel insurance, visa, flight in / out of Thailand, any optional additional tours or activities during free time, surcharge for peak season, local holiday days and gala dinner