Unseen Thailand 11 Days

Itinerary

Day 1. Airport pick up and night safari (-/-/-)

Arrival, and transfer to your accommodation in the capital. Think of Bangkok and see skyscrapers, glass and steel, sleek sky trains and high society. See the sun sink and the city lights go on from any of the Bangkok’s rooftops. Seeing the city and the river stretch out below you is an unforgettable sight. Back on ground level cruise the streets in your noisy tuk-tuk, past China Town and Silom-road. Browse either at Patpong nightbazar or the new Asiatique on the riverside, your choice! You will get active only when the Thai get active too; when the sun sinks and the heat is less.

Day 2. Bangkok – Thai House (B/L/D)

The Thai House and Thai Cooking School is a Home Stay which offer accommodation and home-style Thai Cooking Courses since 1990 in a traditional Thai-style house built in golden teakwood. Here, you will be treated as a friend of the family rather than visitor. You will enjoy learning the art of Thai cuisine and visit the local market or simply experience living the Thai way.

Day 3. Amphawa (B/-/-)

Time to say good bye and continue to the curious market of “Talat Rot Fai” which takes place on the rail tracks. Whenever a train is coming, all merchandise is swiftly pushes aside within minutes. If your visit is on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, you will be able to join the locals on the original Amphawa floating market in the late afternoon. Dozens of boats offer the freshest seafood and you can make a boat trip to see fireflies lighting up entire trees along the Amphawa River.

Day 4: Amphawa – Kanchanaburi (B/-/-)

Continue to Erawan Waterfall in Kanchanaburi. This national park is best known for its seven-level Erawan Waterfall, which is one of Thailand’s most famous, and most beautiful. Among all levels, the second level of the fall features vast, picturesque pond ideal for swimming while trekking trails to the upper levels are also favored by adventurous lovers.

Day 5: Kanchanaburi – Uthai Thani (B/-/-)

Depart to Uthai Thani, a friendly place not much frequented by foreign tourists. A stroll on the night market might tempt you to try a local specialty. Visit Wat Chantharam (Wat Tha Sung) which is alongside the Sakaekrang River. Despite its importance to Thai people and the beauty of several of its buildings, you won’t find this temple in any guidebook.

Day 6:   Uthai Thani – Kamphaeg Phet – Sukhothai (B/-/-)

Wake up in the morning, you may well see the orange robed monks walking the street in lines, bare foot, alms bowl ready, stopping at every house to receive food and give blessing. Hop on a bicycle and tour the riverside of the Sakae Krang, a fertile land of vegetables and fruit.

Day 7: Sukhothai – Sri Sachanalai - Phrea – Nan (B/-/-)

Si Satchanalai Historical Park contains the ruins of the ancient town of Si Satchanalai, an important town in the Sukhothai Kingdom. The little visited park on the Yom River is set in a natural, forested area. Dozens of sites inside and outside of the old city walls have been excavated. A number of temples have been restored to their original glory. Visit the old town of Phrea is dusty and quiet, perfect to explore by bicycle. The small but beautifully decorated temples, the city wall and moat and the surrounding still untouched country side where a chat with local farmers teaches you about what goes on here. The night will be spent in this calm provincial town.

Day 8: Nan – Lampang (B/-/-)

Visit Nan National Museum (open Wednesday-Sunday) constructed in 1903 and once the residence of a ruler of Nan. It displays exhibitions concerning the town's history and major structures, evolution of arts in different ages, and numerous ancient objects, the most eminent of which is the Black Ivory. It also provides anthropological information on the northern indigenous people including the several minorities residing in Nan.

Day 9: Lampang – Lamphoon – Chiang Mai (B/-/-)

Start by exploring the south of the province; especially along the river in the center where the low-rise wooden houses dominate. The back streets and Don Tao temple which once held the Emerald Buddha are great for a walk. A temple busy with pilgrims is the Lanna-style Wat Pha That Lampang Luang. Proceed to Hariphunchai National Museum in Nan province, displays and exhibits include historical development and archaeological items found in Lamphun. These include prehistorical human skeletons and objects of arts from the Dvaravati, Hariphunchai, Lanna and Rattanakosin periods.

Day 10: Chiang Mai – Lisu lodge lunch experience (B/L/-)

Transfer to Lisu Lodge, arrive around 10.00hrs.A traditional welcome drink will be served. Guided by a Lisu villager, walk from Ton Lung temple to visit the herbal garden. Then continue through the village with a stop for a cup of tea at the village shaman’s house. Chat with the Lisu shaman and learn about his life, beliefs, curing rites and Lisu traditions. Enjoy a tasty Thai lunch at Lisu Lodge. Transfer back to hotel.

Day 11. Chiang Mai departure (B/-/-)

Transfer to Chiang Mai airport for flight to next destination.