The
514,100
squared located
of in
kilometres Thailand
the
heart
are of
Southeast Asia. The regions of Thailand are divided into a total of 73 provinces, and its
The dry season is shorter in the south due to the
capital is Bangkok.
proximity of the sea to all parts of the Malay Peninsula. With few exceptions, all areas of the
Thailand has a tropical climate which is given by the monsoon temperatures usually range from an annual maximum average of 38 째 C to a low of 19 째 C. The
country receive abundant rainfall, while the duration of the rainy season and rainfall vary substantially by region and altitude. The Northeast has a long dry seaso, and porous soil retains little water, so its agricultural potential is limited.
southwest monsoon is between May and July and signals the
The beaches of Thailand are the main reason why
arrival of the rainy season, which
many people come. They all have very white sand,
lasts until October. November
calm and warm waters.
and December are the beginning of the dry season. Temperatures begin to rise in January.
The culture of Thailand is heavily influenced by the influx of Chinese immigrants and by Buddhism. Other influences have included cultural and culinary influences from Southeast Asian neighbors such as Laos, Cambodia Myanmar and by immigration from India. A notable social norm holds that touching someone on the head may be considered rude. It is also considered rude to place one's feet at a level above someone else's head, especially if that person is of higher social standing. This is because the Thai people consider the feet to be the dirtiest and fattest part of the body, and the head the
most respected and highest part of the body. This also influences how Thais sit on the ground—their
feet
always
pointing away from others, tucked to the side or behind them. Pointing or touching something with the feet is also considered rude.
Thai food is known for spicy and hot. Thai people usually eat spicy. The most popular Thai foods are
In everyday life in Thailand,
Tom-Yum -Goong or hot and spicy shrimp soup,
there is a strong emphasis on the
Fried Noodles or pad Thai and Gaeng-Keaw-Waan-
concept of sanuk; the idea that
Gai or green curry with chicken.
life should be fun. Because of this, Thai can be quite playful at work
and during day-to-day
activities
Displaying
positive
emotions in social interactions is also important in Thai culture, so much that Thailand is often referred to as the Land of Smiles. And it is also customary to remove one's footwear before entering a home or a temple, and not to step on the threshold.
The popular food in the Northand the Northeast of Thailand is sticky rice with Som-Tum or papaya salad and Koi or sour chopped meat salad. And Thai desserts are often made from sticky rice or coconut milk, flour,eggs and coconuts such as Kaao Tom Mat or Sticky Rice and bananas and Bau-Loi Kai Waan or Rice Balls with Poached Eggs in Coconut Milk. Thai people like to eat Nam-Phrik with fried vegetables. Nam Phrik is a hot sauce. Some dishes such as Nam-Phrik Pla Pon, which is made from dried fish, or Nam-Phrik Kapi, which is made from a shrimp paste and chili sauce, are cooked with this sauce. The official national language, spoken by almost 100 per cent of the population is, Thai, classified by linguists as belonging to a Chinese-Thai branch of the Sino-Tibetan family. It is a tonal language, uninflected and predominantly monosyllabic.
Most polysyllabic words in the vocabulary have been borrowed mainly from Khmer, Pali or Sanskrit. Dialects are spoken in rural
areas.
languages
Principal Chinese
are
other
and
Malay. English, a mandatory subject in public schools, is widely spoken and understood, particularly in Bangkok and other major cities.
Hotels and large shops accept major credit cards. However, hard cash is desired everywhere. It is better to change a traveler’s cheque for cash through bank exchange, as travelers’ cheques are not widely accepted outside hotels.
Thailand tourism and Thailand economy
are
highly
interdependent. Thailand Money includes
‘Baht’,
the
Thai
currency,
credit
cards,
ATM
Day 1 Bangkok-Ayutthaya-Wat Mahathat
cards and notes as well as coins
We arrive to Bangkok at 6:40 and we take a taxi to
and travelers’ cheques. Thai
the railway station, and there, we take the train to
currency 'Baht' is sometimes
the hotel Amarin Lagoon (3 stars) in Ayutthaya, the
spelled as 'Bath'. One Baht can
former capital of Thailand. The hotel is located
be divided into 100 Satang.
near the railway station. It is the best Luxury Resort Hotel located on the plain with beautiful lagoon scenery of Phitsanulok Province. The serenity of the location makes the Amarin Lagoon Hotel the ideal place to spend your valuable time. Feel warm and comfort with our impressive reception with brightening garden views.
ďƒ˜ 10:00 a.m. We arrive to the hotel and have breakfast.
reign of the following ruler, King Prasat Thong
Then we take a taxi to Wat Mahathat to see the gigantic bronze statues of Wat Mongkol Borpith,
the
three
ancient
pagodas at Wat Phra Srisanpetch and Wat Pranangcherng. Wat
Tham (1610-1628) and was repaired during the
(1629-1656). The reconstruction raised the tower to 44 meters and thence to 50 meters when a 6 meter metal spire was added. The temple weathered arson attacks during the Burmese invasion of 1767. As late as the early 20th century the prang was in fairly good condition, but it collapsed suddenly during the
Mahathat
(Temple Great
of
reign of King Rama VI. Repairs
the
not
been
attempted
is
However, it can easily be judged
located almost right
from the size of the base, that
in the center of
the
Ayutthaya.
proportions.
from
Relics)
have
Apart
being
prang
was As
of in
high most
the
architecture of the early period
center
of Ayutthaya, the main prang
where the Buddha's
was the most important edifice
relics
were
in the temple compound. The
Wat
temple is the center of the
symbolic
enshrined,
Mahathat was also the residence
Mahanikai school of Buddhism and the class in
of the Supreme Patriarch or
meditation.
leader of the Thai Buddhist monks. The temple (under a different
name)
constructed
by
was King
likely Borom
Rachathirat I around 1374. Its current name was given during the reign of King Ramesuan ( 1388-1395). Today, the central tower of the temple is a ruined mass of bricks. It first collapsed during the reign of King Song
Wihaan Phra Mongkol Bopit is home to Thailand's largest seated bronze Buddha. The great Buddha image is housed in a somewhat cramped wiharn, built in 1956 in the style of the original, which was destroyed in 1767. A wiharn or viharn is the place in a temple which houses important Buddha images. The Buddha statue was either brought from Sukhothai or copied from a Sukhothai image. It was erected here in 1615 by King Ekatosarot, in
honor of his brother Naresuan,
housed in the stupa, other Buddha images and
who drove the Burmese from
votive tablets, now on display in other museums.
Sukhothai.
Only the laterite base of the main chedi and some
We continue with Saraburi, with Phra Buddha Badh with its shrine of the holy footprint of Lord Buddha. The footprint is in the temple of Wat Maha, one of the most sacred of
the
country. Wat Maha is believed
of its upper structure remains. There are traces of rows of columns that once supported the roof structure of the verandah that enclosed the chedi. Although only partially restored, the existing ruins are vast and imposing, and the visitor can gain an insight into what was once a most important religious centre. In the temple there is a Buddha in meditation pose with a snake that symbolizes protection, and a big footprint, which is one meter long and 50 centimeters wide, and which has verses written, that are worn by the age but still can be read.
to have been made in 1374
ďƒ˜ 02:30 p.m. We take a taxi to Lopburi to have lunch
during the reign of King Borom
in the restaurant Casa Blanca, where there are
Rachathirat I. The current name
international and national dishes.
was given during the reign of King Ramesuan [1388 to 1395 ]. This wat was a royal monastery and the spiritual centre of the
We go and visit the museum at Narai Raja Nives Palace, the Prang Sam Yod (SacredThree-Spired Pagoda), the ruins of Wat Phra Sri Ratana Maha
city. In the period 1610-1628 A.D. the main central prang collapsed, but was restored and heightened in 1633. It was restored and remodeled many times in the later Ayutthaya period, until it finally collapsed in 1904. Restoration work by the
Dhat, as well as the Monkey Temple. Narai
Fine Arts Department in 1956
atchaniwet Palace built by King Narai of Ayutthaya
revealed many artifacts including
took 12 years to be completed (1665 - 1677). It is
the relics of the Buddha once
located in the centre of the town
Plueang Khrueang. This was the place where the
between Ratchadamnoen Rd.
king used to change his attire before attending a
and Pratu Chai Rd. which is not too far away from the railway station. Most of the structures of the Palace are of King Narai's period.
Now
the
whole
compound has been turned into the National Museum of Lop Buri. Apart from ancient art objects
displayed
in
the
Museum, every pavilion in the royal palace has an interesting
Although there is not much left of the pavilion, you can still see the reclining columns.
history. “Wat Prang", as it's called by the locals, dates from the early 13th century, making it one of the oldest temples in the area. The wall around the central complex is a rather unusual construction. It is made of large stone cylinders set on the ground close together and topped by more slabs
religious ceremony being conducted in the temple.
of
stone
running
horizontally. The eastern gate to the central complex is topped with a massive stone lintel crowned by a four-faced bust of Brahma. You´ll probably need to
Next to the pavilion is located the wiharn, known as Wiharn Luang, with its rectangular entrance constructed in Thai style. However, its windows are in French Gothic architecture. Inside there is a magnificent Buddha image resting on a base known as Chukkachi. The wiharn was constructed by King Narai, the Great. In the south of the construction there is a small ubosot, which is the ordination hall where new monks are ordained and other important ceremonies take place, which has French styled windows; on the west, an arched gate leads to the prang, which is of Khmer style. It was constructed from late rite and cement, and is decorated with images of Buddha. This prang is the largest in Lopburi.
duck down to make it through
In addition, the temple has a number of small
the gate. When you enter the
prangs on the northwestern side with angel faces.
temple compound, the first thing
The construction of these prangs were
you will see is the pavilion, Sala
influenced by Sukhothai and
09:00p.m. Time to have dinner and go to sleep.
Ayutthaya periods. The angel faces are oblong with connected eyebrows and halo around a triangular headdress. This is considered
quite
unique
in
Thailand, as it is hardly seen Day 2
anywhere else. The temple of the monkeys is a ruined Buddhist temple where thousands of monkeys live. The century
Itsanuloke-Sukhothai - Sri Satchanalai- Lampang 8:00a.m. After the breakfast, we go to visit the Wat Maha Dhat, which is from the thirteenth century, and was the main monastery, and Phra Buddha Jinaraj which has a revered Buddha statue and where you can also see elephants and ride them.
temple is 6 to 11, and belonged to the founders of the Thai culture. All visitors are advised not to wear flashy elements,
such
as
caps,
pendants, cameras, etc. to avoid the possible loss, because once it is stolen they will be very
9:00a.m. Later we depart for Sukhothai to visit the famous ruins of Thailand ´s first capital (12571379).The current city is located 12 kilometers east from the historic city, which was the capital of the first Thai kingdom, usually called the kingdom of Sukhothai. There it is often called New Sukhothai to the modern city, and Sukhothai to the capital of the homonymous historic province.
difficult to recover. This ancient place
represents
a
unique
environment to enjoy nature and history in an unforgettable tour for all audiences. 08:00 p.m. We take a taxi and return to the hotel.
10:30a.m.We also go to Wat Maha Dhat, the Sukhothai's largest temple. The temple’s main ‘chedi’ is intact showing the traditional ‘Lotus’ style which demonstrates the Khmer influence particular to this area. The chedi is a bell-shaped tower which
usually contains a relic of the
houses Buddhist figures from other times and also
Buddha, but may also be built to
plaster sculptures of the 13th century that show
contain the ashes of a king or
much of the Thai culture. It has photographs, taken
important monk. This one sports
around 1900 of the ruins of Sukhothai before
Buddha images on its pedestal
renewal and a large collection of objects.
and images of a number of
Ramkhamhaeng National Museum is open daily
Buddhist disciples in adoration at
from 9:00 am to 16:00 pm except on Mondays,
its foot. Inside the temple's
Tuesdays and holidays. The price for access to this
‘viharn’ there is an 8-metre-high
museum is 30 Baths (that is less than one euro).
bronze Buddha image. The site also features figures of demons
01:00 p.m. We can see Wat Sra Sri, which is a
and animals with angels riding
seated Budha, and Wat Sri Chum, a huge cuboid
on their backs. The temple
construction,
in
offers authentic Sukothai art
which
a
and its crypt has a number of
Buddha
excellent
called
murals.
Wat
sits
image Phra
Mahathat is a very important
Atchana.
temple,
temple was built
supposedly
the
spiritual centre of the old
more
Sukhothai. There are around
than
The
700
years ago and it is
200 chedis within the temple
mainly a large squared building. This Wat consists
compound and so there’s plenty
of
to see and wander around.
enormous Buddha statue peering out of its
a
high-walled
enclosure
containing
an
opening. The Buddha's right hand points down to 11:30a.m.Then we go and visit the
Ramkamhaeng
the ground, taking the earth as witness when he
Museum.
had to resolve the problem of cessation of
This museum was named that
suffering. This hand is covered in thin gold leaflets
way because of one of the
left by locals paying homage
leading figures in the history of
to
Sukhothai, King Ramkhamhaeng,
Wat Sra Sri sits on two
who was very important for their
connected
contributions to the cultural and
surrounded by the ‘Lotus’
military concerns. The museum
filled
the
Traphong
statue.
islands,
Trakuan
Pond. Consisting of a large Sri Lankan style chedi and six smaller chedis, a large seated Buddha and a large walking Buddha, it is one of the most beautiful
and
accessible
of
Sukhothai’s temples.
material. It is the only place, apart from Bangkok, where
you
can
find
an
Emerald
Buddha.
02:30p.m. After finishing visiting
Situated 20 kilometers from the town of Lampang
these places we go to the
on the top of a small hill is one of the most
restaurant “Coffee Cup”, where
beautiful and enchanting temples in Thailand
we will stop for lunch to recover
known as Wat Phra That Lampang Luang. Believed
energy. It is located in the same
to have been constructed in 1486 during the reign
road that accesses the Historical
of Queen Chamathewi of the Lanna Dynasty, this
Park.
temple is one of the ancient wooden buildings in Thailand that houses some of the finest murals of that period. The exquisitely carved interiors of the temple make Wat Phra That Lampang Luang one of the best examples of Northern style religious Day 3
Lampang - Lampoon -
Chiang Mai
8:00a.m. After breakfast we depart to Ko Kah by taxi to see Wat Phra Dhat Lampang Luang. Lampang is a quiet town where we can feel the spirit of the north without many crowds. It was an important center of production of teak wood so that their temples were built with this
architecture, also known as the Lanna-style of architecture. The entire temple complex is surrounded by a high thick wall that gives the temple its fortress like appearance. Present in the temple houses are the two most significant and ancient bronze images of Buddha in the entire country.
The
two
images are known as Phra Jao Lan Tang and Phra Jao Tan Jai. Phra Jao Lan Thong was cast in the year 1563 and is enclosed in a golden mondop towards the back of the viharn. Phra Jao Tan Jai is located
behind Phra Jao Lan Tang.
notable feature of the temple is its sky soaring beautiful chedi that rests on a rectangular base
ďƒ˜ 10:00a.m. After a short break
with a circular spire adorned with gilded bronze
we continue visiting Wat Phra
plaques. This 50 meter (165 feet) structure is
Keo Don Tao, a very interesting
believed to contain the hair of Lord Buddha, and it
Burmese-style temple, plus Wat
is the only remaining structure in the entire
Chedi Sao, with its many small
temple. The interiors of the temple are adorned
pagodas.
with
Situated on the western banks of
containing richly carved wooden frames.
Wang River, Wat Phra Keo Don
Wat Jedde Sao is the temple with 20 white
Tao’s magnificent structure is
pagodas where the gold buddha sansae was
considered as one of the most
erected. The name literally means "the Temple of
revered
Thailand
Twenty Chedis" and one look at the 20 stupas in
located
the temple courtyard makes it easy to understand
amidst
the origin of the name. The origin of the temple
pictures-
itself is less clear. A legend recounted at the
que
temple says that two monks from India came to
surround-
the area about 2,000 years ago to spread the
ings. Built
teachings of Buddha. A local prince was much
in 1680 by
impressed
the
first
and asked
king of Lampang, this temple is
each of the
considered to be the most
monks for
authentic display
ancient
ten
hairs.
of
He
then
places
Burmese
in
of
style
architecture.The
most
built
gorgeously
decorated
arched
openings
the
interesting aspect of Wat Phra
temple, placing one hair in each chedi. Sometime
Kaeo Don Tao is that it used to
later, two brothers dug two wells to honor the two
be the place where the famous
monks. Both wells filled with clear water, and can
Emerald Buddha image was once
still be seen in the grounds of the temple today.
enshrined. The image is currently housed in Bangkok, the capital city
of
Thailand. The
most
12:00a.m. Lampoon,
We an
proceed ancient
to
offers wood carving art, from Asia, masterpieces of
city
wood carving, wood carvings angels, women,
founded somewhere between
mermaids.
660-760 AD and rebuilt in the 16th century. The inner city is
18:30. It is time to go to the hotel by train to the
still encircled by the moat and
hotel Amari Rincome Hotel,which is just 10
the wall built at that time. Also,
minutes from Chiang Mai Airport. It is perfectly
we will go and see the famous
situated close to Chiang Mai and its historical
Wat Haripoonchai, built in 1157,
walled city, only 500 meters from the largest
which is one of the most sacred
shopping centre. It is the ideal place from
monuments in the north. With
which to explore this fascinating region of
intricately lacquered doors, it
northern Thailand. The bright guestrooms are
has one of the largest bronze
accented with wooden carvings and colourful
gongs in the world and two fine
fabrics. The deluxe rooms are all pool-facing and
Buddha images in bronze.
offer upgraded amenities. With extra comfort and elegance in the guestrooms, and upgraded and
14:00. It is time to continue to
renovated deluxe rooms and suites. There are also
Chiang Mai and visit more things.
excellent restaurant options, including tempting
To get there we will book a
food promotions; authentic Italian specialities from
tourist bus. Once we are there,
La Gritta Restaurant; hearty breakfasts and
we will have lunch at a Galare
excellent buffets from Lanna Restaurant, as well as
food center: Chinese, Japanese
unique rooftop dining, with a breathtaking view of
and
Doi Suthep - Superb facilities to relax and unwind
Indian
food.
on holiday, or before and after meetings, such as 15:30. Later we will go to visit Handicraft Villages to observe the manufacturing of lacquer ware, the spinning and weaving of Thai Silk and the paper umbrella
making.
17:00. We will visit the famous Thai wood-carving factory, which
the
swimming
pools,
gardens,
tennis
and
basketball courts. After the check in at the hotel, we have dinner in the restaurant Thai cuisine at Just Khao Soy Restaurant, to later go for a walk around the hotel and return there soon and get up early tomorrow.
Day 4
means Buddhist temple, phra is used to refer to a Buddha image
Chiang Mai
or
a
monk,
ďƒ˜ 07:00 Breakfast.
while singh is a
ďƒ˜ 08:00-12:00. City tour around
mythical
the largest and most culturally significant
Chiang Mai Wat Phra Singh is probably the most
Thailand. We will visit the most
famous of all the Wat Phra Singh temples in
interesting temples in Chiang
Thailand. It houses the Phra Singh Buddha, a
Mai,
Singh,
highly venerated figure transferred here many
located within the city walls. It
years ago from Chiang Rai. This temple is one of
dates from 1345 and offers an
the most important temples in the city.
example of classic northern Thai
Visitors can also take part in meditation classes
style architecture. It may have
here at set times.
Wat
in
like animal. The
northern
like
city
lion-
Phra
simply been a stupa erected by a king (and descendant of the great Mangrai) to honor his father. The stupa still stands, but most of the buildings you see on the site today are of much more
recent vintage.
Originally called Wat Li Chiang Phra, the name was changed to Wat Phra Singh when the Phra Singh Buddha image was first housed there in 1367. Phra Singh is a cast Buddha image of Chiang
Sean
Period. Wat Phra Singh is not an unusual name for a Thai temple: wat
Wat Chiang Man, was built in 1297 at the site of the camp King Mangrai used when he supervised the building of Chiang Mai. It was the first temple to be built in Chiang Mai and contains several very old artifacts. The oldest structure is the Chang Lom chedi, which is in a style that
could
have
originated from Sri Lanka via Sukhothai, or from Pagan. Fifteen elephants represent
a
sea
of
unformed matter upon which the cosmos of the chedi floats. The temple has two Lanna style viharn. The larger viharn was renovated by Khru Ba Srivichai in the 1920's. The standing Buddha image (front right of the altar) has an inscription on its slightly lopsided square base that dates it to 1465. This makes it the oldest
dated Buddha image to be found so far in Chiang Mai. Close study shows new gilt veneer covers pits and cracks that indicate the image's real age. The 14th century temple of Wat Suan Dok is located just west of the old city walls on Suthep Road. The temple was built by King Keu Na of Lanna for a revered
priest
visiting
from
Sukhothai as a place for the monk to spend the rains retreat. The name of the temple roughly
Rajavidyalaya Buddhist University. We will also visit Wat Doi Suthep, which is tucked away in the mountains at 1,056 meters above sea level. The temple is a major pilgrimage destination during the important Buddhist holidays of Makha Buja and Visak. Its importance, as well as its location, owes much to the legend of its founding. According to this legend, a Buddha relic, which some say glowed, magically replicated just before it was about to be enshrined in the big chedi at Wat Suan Dok. The "cloned" relic was placed on the back of a sacred white elephant, which was allowed
to
roam
where-ever it wanted. translates to "field of flowers�. It houses
remains
of
many
generations of the old Chiang Mai royal families. There are several unique aspects to this temple. One is the temple's large ubosot (ordination hall). This is unusual not only for its size, but also because it is opened on the sides instead of being enclosed. The temple is also the site of Mahachulalongkorn
The
elephant
eventually came to a stop,
and
actually
died,
on
Suthep
Mountain. Next to the pagoda is a veritable forest of ornate whitewashed
reliquaries.
This "city of the dead" houses the cremated remains of the rulers of Chiang Mai. Walking among these elaborate monuments, you could easily be reminded of
the
famous
above-ground
cemeteries of New Orleans.
Phuket. Some of the largest orchid farms in Chiang Mai
14:00 Lunch at local restaurant. Afternoon free.
also include a butterfly garden. We will continue visiting Mae Ping elephant camp. There we will see the elephants handling huge logs. The elephants’ strength and strategic teamwork will amaze you.
19:15-22:1 Dinner. We will enjoy a typical Thai
Recommended Option: Take one-hour elephant
dinner with a presentation of ancient dances from northern Thailand
followed
by
a
performance of dances and songs of various Hilltribes. Overnight at Amari Rincome
safari
into
Hotel .
countryside.
the
surrounding
Extra: Baht 600. - per person (two person per elephant). Day 5 12:30. We have lunch at Baan Krating Resort. Baan Chiang Mai - Thatorn
Krating Khao Lak Resort is located adjacent to the
07:00 Breakfast
Khao Lak Lum Rue National Park in Phang Nga
08:00 We depart from Chiang
Province. This resort is within easy reach of shops
Mai to visit an orchid farm:
and restaurants in Khao Lak and it is convenient to
Orchids
Thai
arrange a private chartered boat to visit nearby
orchid is renowned for its color
islands. Alternatively, guests can enjoy the resort's
and
in
elevated swimming pool and look over an endless
plantations in the north and in
horizon of turquoise blue sea, along with delicious
parts of southern Thailand, the
traditional Thai and western cuisine.
Farm
beauty.
Phuket.
Cultivated
exotic flowers can be enjoyed up close at orchid 13:30. We go to Thatorn via Chiang Dao and Fang. farms located
On the way, we will visit Chiang Dao Cave at Wat
around Chiang
Tham Chiang Dao. The caverns are full of sacred
Mai
Buddha images and natural formations. The
and
road to Chiang Dao Mountain
from Bangkok to Thatorn, as well as from Chiang
and cave provides some of
Mai.
Thailand's
most
beautiful
scenery. The mountain is the
Overnight: at Mae Kok River Village Resort.
third highest in the country, and the cave complex is said to extend
to
more
than
12
kilometres into the mountain; there are five main areas, of which only two are illuminated. The main cavern is illuminated by electric lights, while deepest recesses can be explored with oil Day 6
lanterns.
THATORN - CHIANG RAI ďƒ˜ 17:00. We arrive to Thatorn, a few
The city of Chiang Rai is the gateway of the
kilometers from the Burmese
"Golden Triangle" (or opium). It is the most
border. It is a major docking
northern area of Thailand bordering Laos and
point for boats going to Chiang
Burma.
Rai. For that reason, many
predominance of forest vegetation (forests of
people overlook the sights in
Teak) combined with huge rice fields, being
town. Thatorn is home to the
completely open to influences from neighbouring
famous Wat Thatorn, the head
countries (especially China) and its "tribes" of the
temple in the district of Mae Ai.
mountains.
It is also the beginning of a road
One of the most remarkable in architectural terms
that runs to Chiang Rai through
is the temple of Wat
Mae Salong and many Hilltribe
Luang, in Phae, which is a
villages. This village is located in
magnificent
a bend of the Mae Kok River in
temple with a Buddhist
the
northern
school. It is the place to
Thailand. There are direct buses
trade with large markets.
small
village
quiet hills
just
of
a
This
area
is
ancient
characterized
by
the
The Hilltribe Museum is a publicbenefit organization which aims to help educate local and foreign tourists about Hilltribes fast disappearing
culture.
The
Museum
aims
to
preserve
artefacts
and
to
provide
information to tourists and tour operators so that responsible tourism can occur. The Museum shows information about the
Ramkhamhaeng
of
Sukhothai
and
King
Ngammueang of Phayao to defend their lands against the Mongol Empire. In 1292 he defeated the Mon kingdom of Hariphunchai, now Lamphun, adding the city to his kingdom. Yiba, the last king of Hariphunchai, was forced to flee to Lampang.
5,500 year history of opium, of
Hotel The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort
how it reached Asia and its
& Spa lies along the Mae Kok River, secluded from
impact on Hilltribe people.
Chiang Rai Town, yet only a few minutes by car
The King Mangrai was born in Ngoen Yang ,now Chiang Saen. He was the son of the local ruler Lao Meng and his wife, Ua Ming Chommueang, a princess from the Tai Lue city of Chiang Rung,
from the city centre. The property has a panoramic view of the near-by hills and mountains. The riverside is rich with large rain trees and lush vegetation. The immediate surroundings are relatively undeveloped, providing a tranquil, natural location ideal for a resort & spa.
now in Yunnan, China. In 1261
07:00 Breakfast.
Mangrai succeeded his father to
08:00. We depart from Thatorn to visit Ban
become the first independent
Lorcha, a Phami Akha hilltribe community centre.
king of unified Tai city states in
This community’s tourism development project
northern Lanna and northern
promotes sustainable, self-reliant development to
Laos.
improve the quality of life of villagers, and it is a
The
kingdom
quickly
expanded towards the south by
model for tourism in Hilltribe villages.
both alliances and through the
We will drive to Ban Pha Tai and board on motor-
conquest of neighbours. In 1262
powered traditional boats for three-hour journey
he founded the city of Chiang Rai
down Kok River, passing tiny hilltribe villages,
as his new capital on the Kok
bamboo huts and jungle.
River basin. In 1287 Mangrai made a peace pact with King
ďƒ˜ 12:30. We arrive Chiang Rai and
Soon after its discovery, the sacred image was
disembark at The Legend Chiang
moved to Lampang, then Chiang Mai, then Laos
Rai Boutique River Resort and
and finally to Bangkok in 1778. The 'Emerald
Spa.
Buddha' is actually made of jade. In 1991 a replica
Check in on arrival and followed by lunch at the hotel. ďƒ˜ 13:30. We continue visiting
of the original was commissioned to honor the Princess Mother's 90th birthday. Following Buddhist
Chiang Rai City. We will see The
protocol, the new 'Chiang Rai
Temple of the Emerald Buddha,
Jade Buddha' is not an exact
where the much venerated
copy of the original. It's
Emerald Buddha image was once
slightly smaller with other
enshrined. Chiang Rai's Temple
variations. The new Buddha was installed in a
of the Emerald Buddha lays claim
custom-built pavilion at the back of the main
to be the 'original' Wat Phra
compound.
Kaeo, at least in Thailand. No one seems to know exactly when the temple was built, but it probably dates to around the time of the city's founding. It was originally called 'Wat Pa Yia' which means 'yellow bamboo forest' after the bamboo which abundantly grew in the area. Several stands of the tall grass line one side of the compound today. What is known for sure is that in 1434, lightning struck the chedi (since restored) and cracked it open. The so-called 'Emerald Buddha' now housed in the Grand Palace in Bangkok was found inside the broken chedi.
We visit the statue of King Mengrai, who built Chiang Rai City, it is mostly of interest to see how many people come to pay homage and make offerings. The Hilltribe Museum and a local market before returning to the hotel. It is not exactly your typical tourist attraction, but Chiang Rai's central market can be a very interesting place to look around. It extends for several blocks near Wat Phra Singh, both outdoors and under cover. The outdoor parts sell mostly fresh fruits and vegetables. These stalls
often spill
out
onto
the
sidewalks around the market. Inside you'll manner
find
all
of
dry
goods, including clothes, pots, pans, spices,
etc. A good example is the stall
The Mekong River is one of the largest rivers in the
pictured at left, with several
world, but extreme variations in different seasons,
types of dried chilies on offer, as
the presence of rapids and waterfalls make
well as garlic, shallots and
navigation complicated. The halfway is Chinese
tobacco.
soil, which is also called Lancang River or turbulent river. Later, the Mekong River forms the border
Dinner and accommodation.
between Myanmar and Laos for 200 kilometres at the end of which it merges into its tributary, the river Ruak. This is precisely the point of division between the Upper and Lower Mekong. After bathing the land in several countries and influence the lives of more than 90 million people, the Mekong River empties into the China Sea. This famous river has been the scene of many battles and persecution, but it is also an exotic boating, in some sections navigable along its more than 4,000 kilometres. Since its source in the Qinghai Tibetan plateau, it crosses the lands of China, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Picnic lunch box provided. Transfer to Chiang Rai Airport.
Day 7 12:35. We depart from Chiang Rai Chiang Rai - Bangkok
13:50. We arrive to Bangkok with transfers to your Bangkok hotel.
06:30 Breakfast. 07:30. We depart from Chiang Rai by minibus to visit the
Hope you enjoy this journey to this magnificent
Golden
culture, with its history as well as with its
Triangle
where
the
borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet. We will take a short boat ride on Mekong River.
beautiful and incredible sights.
Madrid, Barajas - Bangkok, International Departure:
Tuesday 31August 2010 08:55 Madrid, Barajas (Terminal 4) Company: Iberia (IB3254) Airplane: 320
Arrival:
Tuesday 31 August 2010 11:25 Amsterdam, Amsterdam-schiphol
Stopover
Amsterdam, Amsterdam-schiphol
Departure:
Tuesday 31 August 2010 14:45 Amsterdam, Amsterdam-schiphol Company: China Airlines (CI66) Airplane: 744
Arrival:
Wednesday 1 September 2010 06:40 Bangkok, International
Total flight’s duration 16H. 45Min. Bangkok, International - Madrid, Barajas Departure:
Tuesday 7 September 2010 02:25 Bangkok, International Company: China Airlines CI65) Airplane: 744
Arrival:
Tuesday 7 September 2010 09:10 Amsterdam, Amsterdam-schiphol
Stopover
Amsterdam, Amsterdam-schiphol
Departure:
Tuesday 7 September 2010 12:15 Amsterdam, Amsterdam-schiphol Company: Iberia (IB3245) Airplane: 320
Arrival:
Tuesday 7 September 2010 14:45 Madrid,Barajas (Terminal 4)
Total flight’s duration 17H. 20Min.
Price details:
Valid : 01/11/2008 - 31/10/2010 , Rates per person based on Sharing Twin in
1 1,957
2 1,121
3-5 948
EUR
- Number of Persons 6-14 15-29 Join In 757 705 737
Single Surcharge 182
* All prices inclusive of taxes and hotel service charge, unless stated otherwise in the Exclusions below No extra charges and no minimum for credit cards
** - Minor program changes are sometimes necessary, depending on road conditions and room availability. - Should VAT (currently 7%), or domestic airport tax, or domestic airtickets be raised, or any other government taxes be introduced within the contract period, we reserve the right to adjust our rates accordingly to reflect the change. - We reserves the right to adjust the rates if the fuel cost increase by over 10% (currently Baht 40.-per litre, Diesel) within the contract period. If passenger requires domestic airticket from Chiang Rai to Bangkok, the surcharge is Baht 4,770.- nett per person (subject to change) and must be specified at time of booking.
What all is included in this trip Accommodation in airconditioned room with bath (room with shower at Maekok River Village Resort) and meals as mentioned in the programme Transfers, entrance fees, and tours by airconditioned car/minibus/coach with English/German/ French/Italian/Spanish-speaking guide Boat trips Service charges, room tax, VAT and baggage handling
Jennifher Gualoto Adina Mara María Miranda Saioa Ordóñez Mariam Sargsyan Paula Urtecho