Thailand – Historical and Temple Tour 9 days

After breakfast, start your visit to Wat Phra Keo, the beautiful Emerald Buddha temple, the exquisite temple contains an image of Buddha carved from a single piece of jade and one of the most holy and revered of religious objects in Thailand, then head to the Grand Palace, the spectacular Royal Palace with intricate architectures, an area of 218,400 sq. meters and is surrounded by walls built in 1782. The length of the four walls is 1,900 meters. The Grand Palace is one of the most beautiful samples of an ancient Siamese court with a complex of the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, and the Royal Guest House.

Continue exploring Wat Pho – the Reclining Buddha temple, the oldest and biggest temple with the largest number of pagodas (95 in all) in the city well known for its huge Reclining Buddha. Also, it was the first open university of Thailand which offered courses in several branches of knowledge like literature, astrology, medicine and massage. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

This afternoon, take a long-tailed boat along the Chao Phraya River to see Thai lifestyle, contrast between luxurious condominiums and ruined houses along both sides of the canal. Pass the Grand Palace and the Royal Barge Museum which houses ceremonial King’s Barges decorated with multi-color glasses, gilt and stuccos. Disembark at Wat Arun – the temple of Dawn to visit the tallest prang in Thailand. It was built in the concept of Mount Meru, the resident of God located on the center of the Universe. Overnight in Bangkok

After breakfast, depart to the ancient city of Ayutthaya province – the former capital of Thailand, 1350 – 1767, located 71km north of Bangkok. Ayuthaya offers a fascinating glimpse on ancient Siam’s splendor. Both ruins and reconstructed sites abound in the area.

Take a stop at Bang Pa-In summer palace – a residence of King Rama V to see the complex that was build by King Rama V back to 100 years ago. Afterwards, drive to Ayutthaya Study Center Museum and enjoy the ruin city at where used to be the supreme royal temple when Ayutthaya prospered. Then visit Viharn Phra Mongkolborphit housing a large bronze cast Buddha image was originally enshrined in the open area outside the Grand Palace and later covered by a building in the reign of king Songtham. Have lunch at a local restaurant.

Continue visiting Mahathat temple where the head of Buddha image is surrounded by the root of the tree and Lokayasutharam temple, housing a large Reclining Buddha image, made of brick and covered with plaster, approximately 29 meters long. Many large hexagonal pillar ruins near the image are believed to be the ruins of the Ubosot. The last visit at Chia Wattanaram temple built in 1630 by King Prasat Thong, a replica of Angkor Wat with a huge prang surrounded by smaller ones, symbolizing Mount Meru, the residence of the heavenly gods where is located next to the Chao Praya River. It is the best time to walk and talk about the last period of Ayutthaya and enjoy nice breeze and take a lot of photos before return to Bangkok for overnight.

After breakfast, check out your hotel and drive to the Jim Thompson’s House, home of the legendary Jim Thompson who was responsible for the revival of the Thai silk industry after World War II. He is also the founder of the Thai Silk Company, houses an exquisite Southeast Asian Art. Here, you will have a chance to see the wide range collection of rare Asian art and antiques such as Thai paintings, blue-white Chinaware, Sawankalok Pottery, Benjarong porcelain and Khmer statues. This extensive collection is housed in six old teak houses built in 1959 in a lush garden. The fact that he disappeared without a trace in the jungles of Malaysia in 1967 adds an aura of mystery to the old compound. Lunch is at a local restaurant.

This afternoon, transfer straight to airport for your flight to Chiang Rai. Upon arrival, meet with your guide and be taken to the hotel in Chiang Rai downtown for check-in and rest. Overnight in Chiang Rai.

After breakfast, drive to the Baan Yapa Hilltribe Village where you have a chance to visit Long-necked Karen Tribe, Lahu Tribe, Pa Long Hill-Tribe, Akha and Yao Hill Tribe….Lunch is at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, continue the visit to The Golden Triangle overlooking The Mae Khong River. Continue to Chiang Saen for a visit to the 14th century ruins. Then take a boat ride on Mekong River before returning to your hotel with a stop en route to visit the Hall of Opium – an insightful museum focusing on the history of the Golden Triangle and the opium trade. A multi-million dollar museum in the sleepy village of Baan Sop Rusk is providing an in-depth look at the history of the area’s association with opium. Return to your hotel for rest and overnight in Chiang Rai.

After breakfast, drive around Chiang Rai City and visit the world famous temple complex of Wat Phra Kaew located on Thanon Trairat that houses the Emerald Buddha. Though not stupendous in size, it is an important symbol of Thai people. Wat Phra Kaew was appointed the First Royal Temple of Chiang Rai on 31 May 1978.

Then continue to visit Wat Phra Singha – one of Thailand’s most beautiful Buddha images. Then visit Rai Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Centre and the Centre of Lanna Studies in Chiang Rai, the foundation striving to preserve the atmosphere and natural landscape in which the cultural arts of the ancient northern Thai kingdom (Lanna) were nurtured. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

This afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive for 3-hours to Chiang Mai with stops en route for a visit to Wat Long Khoom and opportunities to take photos and meet with locals for interaction. On arrival, transfer to hotel in Chiang Mai downtown for check-in and overnight.

After breakfast, further our visit to some famous temples: Wat Chiang Man – the first temple built in Chiang Mai around 1300 AD built by the founder of the city 700 years ago, King Mengrai, on the spot where he stayed while planning his new capital; Wat Phra Singh founded in the 14th century to enshrine the ashes of King Kam Fu has the most complete version of Lanna chapel and is home to Phra Buddha Singh, considered Chiang Mai’s most important and sacred Buddha image; Wat Suan Dok has the north’s largest chapel royal. 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 principal Buddha statue is a huge cast image named Phra Chao Kao Tu. Overnight in Chiang Mai. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

This afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive to visit a local farmhouse outskirts of Chiang Mai in Mae Rim. Take a leisurely stroll around the grounds; see all kinds of Thai herbs, rice fields. Start cruising along Mae Ping River by a long-tail boat for 40 minutes with soft drink served before the cruise. Softly moving along the river, you will see the contrast between wooden houses and modern residences with colorful scenery and local people’s lifestyle. Next, take off the boat and walk 10 minutes from the landing to Waroros fresh food market and flower market of Chiang Mai. Then, take a Samlor – a trishaw ride long Tapae Road down through the old city of Tapae gaet and into Wat Phra Sing where your car is waiting and transfer back to your hotel. Overnight in Chiang Mai

After breakfast, check out yourn hotel and drive up Doi (Mount) Suthep to visit Wat Phrathad Doi Suthep built in 1383 on Doi Suthep (3500 feet above sea – level), is the symbol of Chiangmai. It is the most sacred temple in the city and contains the holy relic of the Lord Buddha which is enshrined in the magnificent golden pagoda with a challenging flight of over 300 steps, flanked by enormous mythological Nagas. A panoramic view of the city and the surrounding countryside can be seen from the temple grounds. Continue to visit Phu Ping Palace, their Majesties’ Winter Palace (4000 feet above sea level), 4 km beyond Wat Phra That Doi Suthep on Doi Buak Ha. This royal winter palace was built in 1962 with the lavishly landscaped gardens and grounds. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

This afternoon, continue to visit Bor-Sang, a traditional umbrella-making village is made, that you can see the local people making umbrella or paper parasols in a variety of pretty floral and animal designs. The umbrella is a personal accessory of the northern lady when she goes outdoor, the same as handbag. Made with skillful workmanship, a Chiang Mai handicraft can either serve as a valuable gift or be kept as a beautiful tangible memento of your visit. Overnight in Chiang Mai

Today is free at leisure until the time you will be picked up and be driven to the airport for your departure flight or to next destination. Trip ends!