Page 103 - Asia & North Pacific

Downtown THAILAND Providing Fascinating Travel Experiences
Around Thailand
9 days
Bangkok, Ayuthaya, Lopburi, Pitsanuloke, Sukhothai, Sri Satchanalai, Lampang, Chiang Mai, Thaton, Chiang Rai
northern outpost of the Kingdom of Sukhothai, built by King Ramkamhaeng. Visit Wat Chang Lom, Wat Chedi Jet Thaew, Wat Nang Phya and Wat Phra Sri Ratana Maha Dhat on the site of the Khmer fort "Chalieng.” Check in at Legendha Sukhothai Resort. Dinner and accom- modations. [B/L/D]
Day 4 – Tue: Sukhothai, Lampang, Chiang Mai
Depart for Sukhothai Organic AgricultureFarm. Seethedemonstra- tion rice planning workshop and Thai ricefarmers’traditionalwayoflife. You can participate in the organic rice farm transplanting, rice seedlings, harvest- ing, or milling rice. There is also an opportunity to plough the paddies with water buffalo. The farmer’s clothes and shoes are arranged for. Afterwards, enjoy local organic lunch in traditional Thai style at the open Sala overlooking the rice field. Continue to Chiang Mai via Lampang. Stop visit at Wat Phra Dhat Lampang Luang, housing the only Emerald Buddha other than the one at Wat Phra Keo in Bangkok. Check in at imperial mae ping hotel or similar hotel. Dinner at The Gallery Restaurant Chiang Mai, built in 1892 situated along the Ping River. The Chinese style front building currently
houses the art gallery while the rear structure built of teakwood in Northern style is used as the riverside restaurant. Accommodations.[B/L/D]
Day 5 – Wed: Chiang Mai
An early start and a wonderful chance to meet with the monks at a temple nearby. Thai Buddhists believe that by making merit, they earn happiness, peace in life, and the chance to prog- ress in their next life, while this sacred experience creates a harmonious way to start the day for all. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Drive up the serpentine road to the magnificently
situated Wat Doi Suthep. Perched on a forested mountain, this most sacred Chiang Mai temple (3,280 ft) provides a superb view over the city, as well as a wealth of images and frescos. Visit the city’s biggest market, Talat Warorod, for a stroll among the colorful stalls. Continue by rickshaw to visit Wat Chedi Luang, the oldest temple built by King Mengrai. Lunch at local restaurant. Afternoon visit to Handicraft Villages, to observe manu- facturing of lacquerware, spinning and weaving of Thai Silk and paper umbrella making. Kantoke Dinner. Enjoy a typical Thai dinner with pre- sentation of ancient dances from northern Thailand, followed by a performance of dances and songs of
various hilltribes. Accommodations at Imperial Mae Ping Hotel or similar hotel. [B/L/D]
Day 6 – Thu: Chiang Mai, Thaton
Visit to an orchid farm where you will see a greater variety of species and colors of this king of flowers that grows in Thailand. Afterwards, drive to Elephant Poopoo Paper Park. An eco- f riendly, naturally built outdoor museum park that introduces and explains the unique steps involved in making paper products f rom ele- phant poop fibers! Then, continue to The Dara Pirom Palace Museum (closed on Monday). An elegant house of the late Princess Jao Dara Rasamee, one of the princess consorts of King Rama V, transformed into the museum full of exhibits showing the palace décor as well as Chiang Mai’s rich culture and history at the time of her life. Lunch at local restaurant. Proceed to Thaton via Chiang Dao and Fang. En route, visit Chiang Dao Cave at Wat Tham Chiang Dao. The caverns are full of sacred Buddha images and natural formations. The main cavern is illuminated by electric lights, while deepest recesses can be explored with oil lanterns. Arrive Thaton, a small village just a few kilometers from the Burmese border. Check in at Mae Kok River Village Resort or similar hotel.
For prices and other details visit www.holidayswithdowntown.com 103