A classic introduction tour offering the cultural & historical highlights of Thailand in a reasonably short time. The tour starts from Bangkok and makes its way up to the North of Thailand , with overnight stops in Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, both former capitals of Ancient Siam .

Leave Bangkok on board a luxury river cruiser to enjoy a leisurely cruise to Bang Pan In, site of the former royal summer palace. Continue to Ayutthaya , for 400 years capital of the ancient Kingdom of Siam . Visit the most important temples and ruins of one of the country's most impressive archaeological sites.

Overnight: Krungsri River Hotel (3***)

Meals: Lunch

Board a local train to Lopburi – the Khmer-influenced “monkey town” and enjoy a glimpse of local life. Drive to Phitsanulok to visit Wat Mahatat temple, housing one of the most revered Buddha images, and to learn about rural and traditional life at the nearby folk museum and a Buddha casting factory. Proceed to Sukhothai, the birthplace of the Thai nation and established in the 13 th century as the first capital of Siam . Once a thriving centre of trade, culture and religion, Sukhothai has been declared Unesco World Heritage site. (B/L)

Overnight: Ananda Museum Gallery Hotel (3***+)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Visit the principal monuments and temples of Sukhothai, a feast of evocative ruins and tranquil lotus ponds against a backdrop of rolling green hills . Continue to Sri Satchanalai, former outpost and satellite city of the Sukhothai kingdom. Proceed to Northern Thailand and stop in Lampang. The city and its surrounding is home to some of the most elegant northern-style temples. Continue to Chiang Mai, heart and soul of the ancient Lanna Kingdom and Northern Thailand 's largest town. Chiang Mai is a treasure trove of Buddhist temples and its surrounding mountains home to elephant camps, serene rivers and colourful hill-tribes.

Overnight: Empress Hotel (4****)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Morning drive to Chiang Dao elephant camp to see elephants at work. Marvel at their working skills, enjoy an elephant riding and a peaceful bamboo rafting on the Ping River . Proceed to Mae Sa valley to visit an orchid farm before returning to Chiang Mai. Evening is free for options - either a Northern style “Khantoke Dinner” with hill-tribe cultural show or s walk through the local night bazaar in the city center.

Overnight: Empress Hotel (4****)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 Chiang Mai

Morning visit to the revered hill temple Doi Suthep, a popular pilgrimage site located 1056 metres above sea level. Afterwards tour the handicraft workshops to see the art of spinning and weaving Thai silk and cotton, making of paper umbrellas, lacquer and silver ware as well as wood carving. In the afternoon transfer to Chiang Mai Airport for flight to Bangkok (or continuation of your programme).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Included

• Private escorted (English speaking guide/other languages on request) tour as per programme
• Transportation by minivan (max. 6 persons)
• Accommodation in good middle and first class hotels in sharing twin room with bath or shower
• VAT & Service charge
• Meals as indicated
• Boat & train rides, elephant ride & rafting
• Entrance fees

Excluded

• Airfare Chiang Mai – Bangkok
• Meals and services not mentioned
• Personal expenditures and tipping
• Seasonal surcharges on relevant dates