UNSEEN WESTERN THAILAND

DURATION:

5 days / 4 nights

CODE:

ICT-TH.002

Tour booking

Overview
Itinenary
Notes
Reviews
Photos

Overview

An overland tour from Bangkok to Chiang Mai in the north, which for most parts will not be on the usual and familiar direct road to the north. The journey begins with a train ride (for a surcharge also possible by plane) from Bangkok to Phitsanulok, continues to the former capital Sukhothai and further all the way to the Burmese border area in the west. Then the route follows along the border to the north and to Doi Inthanon National Park (it is also Thailand's highest peak with 2565 m) until you finally will reach the northern capital of Chiang Mai, where the tour does end.
Daily departure from Bangkok, minimum 2 persons, private tour

Itinerary:

DAY 1 BANGKOK - PHITSANULOK
DAY 2 PHITSANULOK - MAE SOT
DAY 3 MAE SOT - MAE SARIANG
DAY 4 MAE SARIANG - CHIANG MAI
DAY 5 CHIANG MAI

Itinenary

DAY 1 BANGKOK - PHITSANULOK

Train ride (2nd class air-con., 5 hours) from Bangkok to Phitsanulok. On arrival you will be welcomed by our tour guide. Transfer to the hotel. Then take a short tour and visit Wat Mahatat next to the Nan River with its all over Thailand famous Buddha image. If you wish to do so and time does allow, then you have the opportunity to visit the local museum as well as a Buddha factory. Overnight in Phitsanulok.

DAY 2 PHITSANULOK - MAE SOT

In the morning drive to the neighbouring province of Sukhothai, Thailand's first capital. Here you will visit the Historical Park with its impressive temples, ruins and monuments dating back to the 13th century. Then go on to Tak. After lunch continue through some hills towards the west until you reach the border- and market town of Mae Sot. Observe the border trading at the Moei River with lot's of small shops. Also visit Wat Thai Wattanaram, a Burmese style temple with a giant 45 meters reclining Buddha statue. Overnight in Mae Sot.

DAY 3 MAE SOT - MAE SARIANG

After breakfast take a stroll over the local market, which is one of the most colourful in the country. Thais, Burmese, Chinese, Indians and Karens trading vegetables, fruits and all kind of other goods.Leave Mae Sot and heading to the north. Sometimes the road follows the Moei River and later does pass through the mountain wilderness. Do some stops on route, such as at a Karen village and the Mae Usu cave, but as well see a big Karen refugee camp. Take a side trip to Mae Ngao National Park where you can enjoy a lazy trip on a bamboo raft. Late afternoon arrive Mae Sariang. Overnight in this small town on the banks of the Yuam River.

DAY 4 MAE SARIANG - CHIANG MAI

In the morning drive to Mae Chaem, the village at the foot of Doi Inthanon National Park. Do some brief stops on route, for example at some hot springs. Then drive on to the mountain peak. See the royal pagodas and take a short walk through some dense forest. Continue and see picturesque waterfalls, as well as a Hmong hill tribe village with a royal farming project. Finally you will arrive at the northern capital of Chiang Mai in the late afternoon. Stay here for overnight.

DAY 5 CHIANG MAI

Transfer to the airport or railway station, depends on your further schedule.

Notes

PRICE INCLUDES:

Train ticket Bangkok - Phitsanulok, air-conditioned transportation during the tour, English speaking tour guide, all transfers and excursions as mentioned in the above itinerary, accommodation at good middle class hotels/resorts incl. breakfast, half board (lunch during tours), entrance fees.

NOT INCLUDED:

Drinks, tips and personal expenses

REMARKS/FLEXIBILITY:

This program is also available v.v., start in Chiang Mai and finish on the last day with the train ride from Phitsanulok to Bangkok.