Culture and the history of Thailand, in this tour you will travel from the current capital of Thailand via Ayutthaya (capital number 3) and Sukhothai (capital number 2) to Chiang Mai, the last Lanna capital. Both Ayutthaya and Sukhothai are Unesco World Heritage Sites. The remaining buildings and artifacts have been well preserved. The old cities areas are vast, and tell the story of a wealthy and prosperous people. Unfortunately, their neighbors The Burmese wanted to share in their prosperity and overrun both cities. But they did not destroy all and the effort to restore and preserve these beautiful cities has tremendous. A worthwhile visit.
The trip continues via visits to the teakwood cities Phrae and Lampang, or a train ride through a beautiful mountain landscape to Chiang Mai. The tour ends here, a stay in Chiang Mai is not included but you can extend with one of our Chiang Mai packages.
Minimum 2 people
Car or minivan, train
2 People: | ฿19,000/PP |
3 People: | ฿14,500/PP |
4 People: | ฿12,000/PP |
5 People: | ฿11,000/PP |
Ayutthaya – Krungsri River Hotel
Phitsanulok – Amarin Lagoon Hotel Phitsanulok
Chiang Mai – Little Village Chiang Mai, Ratana Hotel
Enter your details, select your travel date, number of participants and extension choice in the booking enquiry form, then click Next Step. Any additional information you want to share (number of kids and adults) can be added in the Additional Notes field on the second page of the booking enquiry form.
Solo travellers, please check the FAQ section of this tour.
We will pick you up at your hotel in Bangkok, and take you to Ayutthaya, once there, you can spend the remaining day exploring this old capital which in the 17th century was seen as one of the most beautiful cities in all of Asia. The ruins testify to a special and glorious past with over 1700 temples and more than 4000 Buddha images. All these were built and created during the reign of 33 kings. Unfortunately, in 1767 the city was completely destroyed by the Burmese. Despite that, Ayutthaya with its rich history has been voted World Heritage Site by UNESCO. You will spend the night in Ayutthaya.
You will be picked up at your hotel and taken to Ayutthaya train station (transfer). You travel on a day train from Ayutthaya to Phitsanulok in a second class compartment, you will arrive in Phitsanulok at the end of the afternoon. Your driver will take you to your hotel. Roam the city at leisure if you feel up to it. Day 3 you have plenty of time to explore the city of Sukhothai and the surrounding area. The best way to visit the beautiful historic park with its beautiful temples and lotus ponds is by bike. The ruins are one of Thailand’s most impressive and include 21 historical sites and four large ponds within the old walls, and an additional 70 sites within a 5 km radius. Another overnight in Phitsanulok.
After breakfast, you will depart from Phitsanulok with your driver to Chiang Mai. The journey goes via Phrae to the Lampang province, the center of the teak industry. You visit different temples where you learn to recognize typical Burmese influences. The area is also known for its indigo blue batik which is applied to many cloths and clothing. You take a look at how this is made. Just outside the capital of Lampang, you visit the Wat Prathat Lampang. This walled temple was built in the 15th century. The central hall is made of old teak wood, decorated with ornate wood carving.
Near Lampang, you will also find the National Elephant Hospital. A special and friendly stop where you will see how they help these special animals. It takes about an hour and a half to drive to Chiang Mai from the elephant hospital, a ride through a beautiful mountain landscape.
Or
You spent the morning in Phitsanoluk at your leisure, sightseeing or relaxing, and take the afternoon train to Chiang Mai. The train ride takes you through a beautiful mountain landscape and takes most of the afternoon.
In both cases your tour ends in Chiang Mai, overnights in Chiang Mai are not included. You have the option to take the night train or evening flight to Bangkok or stay longer in Chiang Mai for instance with one of our Chiang Mai packages, or you can extend your holiday differently, all up to you.
Please use the enquiry form if you are a solo traveller. We will get in touch with you to see if/how we can arrange it.
Included transfers, air or otherwise are listed within the tour details. The tour does not include any international airfare. We can help you book the cheapest flights.
Please put any questions or adjustments you would like as a remark in the ‘notes’ section of the booking enquiry form. We will get in touch with you to see if/how we can arrange it.
For other questions please check our FAQ page or contact us via the enquiry form or the red contact button in the lower right corner of the page.