Page 102 - Asia & North Pacific

Around Thailand
9 days
Bangkok, Ayuthaya, Lopburi, Pitsanuloke, Sukhothai, Sri Satchanalai, Lampang, Chiang Mai, Thaton, Chiang Rai
THAILAND Downtown Providing Fascinating Travel Experiences
Day 1 – Sat: Bangkok
Upon arrival and after clearing formali- ties, you will be welcomed by our representative and then transferred by air-conditioned coach to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Well known as the City of Angels, Krungthepmahanakorn (Bangkok) is the present capital city and the focal point for Thailand. It was made the capital of Thailand in 1782 by the first monarch of the present Chakri Dynasty. It is a vibrant city, a national treasure house and Thailand’s spiri- tual, cultural, political, commercial, educational and diplomatic center with endless choices of sightseeing and entertainment opportunities. In addition to the many temples and historic buildings, such as The Grand Palace and Wat Arun, the list of inter- esting places to visit is endless. There are numerous canal (klong) networks, the Chaophraya River, giving it the name of “Venice of the East”. In Bangkok, there are also bustling markets, Jim Thompson’s House, Chatuchak Weekend Market, Wat Po, Wat Benjamorpit and Mahboonkrong Shopping Center. Food and entertain- ment opportunities in Bangkok are endless with excellent eating options, from international style restaurants to roadside stalls almost 24 hours a day. Bangkok is home to many excellent
Spa facilities, both in large hotels and privately run. Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 2 – Sun: Bangkok, Ayuthaya, Lopburi, Pitsanuloke
Pick up passengers from major Bangkok hotels. Depart from Bangkok to Ayuthaya and explore this first capital of Thailand by Ayuthaya’s Tuk Tuk (unique motorized 3-wheeler only available in Ayuthaya) to discover the magnificent ruins and ancient temples in the historical park. Sample the famous dessert “Roti Sai Mai”, the Thai-style candyfloss. Short stop to sight the Buddha’s head entrapped by the roots of an overgrown banyan tree,
an iconic of Ayuthaya at Wat Maha Dhat. Continue to Lopburi for lunch and visit Narai Raja Nives Palace, the Prang Sam Yod (Sacred Three-Spired Pagoda) and Monkey Temple. Proceed to Pitsanuloke and check in at amarin lagoon hotel or similar hotel. After dinner at the hotel, take the trishaw ride to explore the city night market. See the famous food market at night and stop nearby the train station for your cool snack experience, possibly sampling various kinds of deep fried edible insects like grasshoppers, silkworms, crickets, and water Bugs. Accommodations. [B/L/D]
Day 3 – Mon: Pitsanuloke, Sukhothai,
Sri Satchanalai, Sukhothai
Visit Wat Maha Dhat, home to Thailand’s most beautiful Buddha image; Phra Buddha Jinaraj. Depart for Sukhothai, Thailand’s first capital of Thailand (1257-1379) and a visit to Sukhothai Historical Park. Once a walled city surrounded by a moat, it has now been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park contains almost 200 chedis in remarkable condition. Visit the Ganesha pottery village where local artisans use the ancient Sangkhalok skills to produce wonderful hand-painted dishes and other objects. Here, you will have an opportunity to learn some of these skills for yourself and practice your own painting skills on the pottery dishes. Sangkhalok refers to a specific type of metallic ceramics, both glazed and unglazed. Lunch at a local restau- rant. Continue to Sri Satchanalai, the
102 For prices and other details visit www.holidayswithdowntown.com