Jewels and Gems of Lanna 9 Days / 8 Nights

Discover the wonders of the ancient Lanna Kingdom as you travel on this unique Thailand package tour through the country's northernmost region that brings you to a wealth of culturally intriguing sites.

Duration: 9 days/8 nights

Tour Code: MTHL06

Tour Valid: Until December 30th, 2013

Highlights: Bangkok - Chiang Rai - Chiang Khong - Golden Triangle - Doi Phatang - Phu Chi Fah - Chiang Kham - Bo Klua - Doi Phu Kha National Park - Pua - Nong Bua - Nan - Huai Yuak - Chiang Muan - Phrae - Lampang - Lamphun - Chiang Mai

• Day 1 - Bangkok Arrival

  Place Transport: Airplane->Car
  Meals: Dinner

  On arrival in Bangkok you will be welcomed by your tour guide and taken to your hotel. This evening a magnificent tour along the Chao Phraya River takes you past illuminated sites such as the Grand Palace and Wat Arun. Dine on delicious Thai cuisine and then wander through the colorful flower market and other local night markets.
  Overnight in Bangkok.

  Day 2 - Bangkok Sightseeing

  Place Transport: Car->Boat
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  Today we take you an hour's drive south to Samut Songkram one of many floating markets in the area, stopping at a unique market on the railway tracks along the way. Next you'll enjoy a relaxing paddleboat ride through a web of canals with time to enjoy a glass of coconut sugar syrup with a friendly local family before arriving at Rama II Park with its Thai-style Pavilion Museum. In the afternoon, you're free to enjoy some of Bangkok's many attractions at your leisure.
  Overnight in Bangkok

  Day 3 - Bangkok - Chiang Rai - Chiang Khong

  Place Transport: Airplane->Car->Boat
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  This morning you'll fly to Chiang Rai. Visit the Kingdom of Chiang Saen on the steep banks of the Mekong River where you will see the magnificent ancient ruins and temples. Take a boat trip downstream to Haat Bai village renowned for its hand-weaving craft. Then continue on by road to Chiang Khong for lunch. In the afternoon cross the border to Huay Sai, the Lao border town. A visit is made to a Lantan hilltribe before returning to Thailand, and check in at your hotel.
  Overnight in Chiang Khong

  Day 4 - Chiang Khong - Phu Chi Fah - Chiang Kham - Bo Klua

  Place Transport: Car
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  Drive along the Laotian border to Phatang. The village's setting is splendid and the occasion great to start the day with a shot of home made cherry or plum wine! Continue over to Phu Chi Fah. Head up to the summit for breathtaking views of Laos. After lunch, continue the journey to the Nan region, passing Yao villages and ending at Bo Klua. Overnight at Bo Klua

  Day 5 - Bo Klua - Doi Phu Kha - Pua - Nong Bua - Nan

  Place Transport: Car
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  Head to Pua to reach the the heart of Doi Phu Kha, home to rare prehistoric fishtail palms. After lunch, arrive at Nong Bua village. Visit the local temple and its great mural paintings as well as a silk and cotton weaving shop. Continue to Nan after a stop at the Riverside Gallery with paintings and sculptures of local artist Winai Prabripoo (Closed Tue-Wed on May-Oct, Wed on Nov-Apr).
  Overnight in Nan

  Day 6 - Nan - Huay Yuak - Chiang Muan - Phrae

  Place Transport: Car
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  After breakfast, embark on a city tour of Nan. Afterwards, head out to the city to meet the Malbri, one of the rarest and most mysterious hilltribe in Southeast Asia. Continue to Phrae, one of Thailand's oldest and most authentic Lanna cities, filled with beautiful teak houses, eclectic temples and large colonial mansions. Spend some time visiting Vongburi House, a large two-storey teak mansion built in 1897 for a family that held a large teak concession in the area.
  Overnight in Phrae.

  Day 7 - Phrae - Lampang - Lamphun - Chiang Mai

  Place Transport: Car
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  Drive to Lampang and wander along Taladkao Road and see Thai, Chinese, British and Burmese merchant houses. Explore other sections of the town by horse carriage. Continue on to Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, a spectaculr wooden temple dating from 1486. After lunch, visit the world's first elephant hospital before your arrival to Lamphun in the afternoon. Visit Wat Haripunchai and Wat Jamathewi before entering Chiang Mai city through the scenic old highway.
  Overnight in Chiang Mai

  Day 8 - Chiang Mai Sightseeing

  Place Transport: Car
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  Explore the recently discovered lost city of Wiang Kum Kam and explore the main ancient temple ruins by bicycle. Afterwards, explore some more temples in the 'new' city of Chiang Mai, each containing numerous old artifacts. Continue to the Three Kings monument, and the Chiang Mai Arts & Culture Hall, which offers a wonderful collection of the chronicled history of Chiang Mai. Then discover the city's old city at its walls, gates, moats and markets. Also included is a visit to Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, one of the holiest temples in Northern Thailand. Receiving your private blessing, witness the evening chanting of the monks and appreciate the views of Chiang Mai from up above.
  Overnight in Chiang Mai.

  Day 9 - Chiang Mai Departure

  Place Transport: Car->Airplane
  Meals: Breakfast

  You are free to explore Chiang Mai city at your own pace and transfer to airport for your departure flight.

  The Tour Inclusion:

  - 08 Nights Accommodation.

  - Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above.
  
  - Boat as indicated in the itinerary.
  
  - Domestic flight tickets as indicated in the itinerary.
  
  - The services of experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary.

  - Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the program.

  - Lunches and dinners (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available.

  The Tour Exclusion:

  - Visas on arrival

  - International flight tickets and airport tax.

  - Dinners, except as specified above.

  - Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses.
  
  - Travel insurance 

  - Surcharge for peak season (if any) & other not mentioned in the above detail program.

  Additional Information

  Importance note
  - The itinerary is just a sample of our Thailand tours; we'll be pleased to design similar programs with dates and itinerary customized to your personal preferences in Tailor Made Tours section. Rates may vary frequently. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.
  
  What to bring?
  - Sun Block, Wide brim hat, Camera + Film, Comfortable shoes, Rain gear, Warm clothes, original Passport...
  
  How to start?
  - MinMax Travel is a fully escorted tour and best-available all year round; the only thing you need to prepare in advance is the international air-ticket from/to your country.
  - If you don’t have enough time to complete visa before your departure, we will help you to obtain Thailand Visa on arrival easily (getting visa at the airport, on your arrival).