This comprehensive tour covers the most important cultural, historical and natural highlights of Central and Northern Thailand. The tour starts from Bangkok towards the picturesque River Kwai valley and then makes its way up to Chiang Rai, the “gateway” to the Golden Triangle. The tour ends in Chiang Mai, offering convenient connections by air to Phuket or other beach destinations.

Early morning drive to Damnern Saduak, site of Thailand 's most famous floating market. Here, old women and young ladies wearing their typical lampshade hats, paddle boats and trade with fruits, flowers, vegetables and cooked foods. Continue driving to Kanchanaburi to board the original “Death Railway”, built by prisoners of war during World War II. The train passes over dangerous looking wooden viaducts built along the mountainside. Transfer by boat to your hotel situated on the banks of the River Kwai. The River Kwai Jungle Rafts offer only basic comfort, but a unique experience amidst a natural setting. After dinner enjoy a performance of traditional Burmese Mon dances.

Overnight: River Kwai Jungle Rafts (3***)

Depart Jungle Rafts back to Kanchanaburi for a short visit to the “Bridge over the River Kwai” and the “ Thailand-Burma Railway Museum ”. Proceed further, crossing the fertile plains of the Chao Phraya river basin, the “rice basket of Thailand ”. After lunch reach Nakhon Sawan, a provincial town where the four rivers Ping, Wang, Yom and Nan converge to form the Chao Phraya River, Thailand's most important waterway. Enjoy a leisurely cruise on along the Ping River , offering scenes of the rural peasants' daily life. After a stroll over the local market continue to Phitsanulok, central Thailand 's largest town for overnight.

Overnight: Amarin Lagoon (3*+)

In the morning visit the temple Wat Maha Dhat, housing one of Thailand 's most revered Buddha statues. Continue to Sukhothai, birthplace of the Thai nation and established in the 13 th century as the first capital of Siam . Visit the principal monuments and ruins of Sukhothai, declared as Unesco World Heritage site. Continue to Lampang for a tour of the historic town by horse-drawn carriage and a visit to the temple Wat Phra Dhat Lampang Luang, housing the only Emerald Buddha besides the one at Wat Phra Keo in Bangkok .

Overnight: Wienglakor Hotel (3*+)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Paddy fields and crop plantations accompany the drive across low mountain ranges to Phayao, a sleepy town nestled on one of Thailand 's largest fresh-water lakes. Visit Wat Si Komkan with its revered 400 years old Buddha statue. Proceed to Chiang Rai, the gateway to the “Golden Triangle”. After your lunch enjoy a scenic river cruise on the Kok River by long tail boat to reach hilltribe villages nestled on the river banks.

Overnight: Rimkok Resort (3*+)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 Chiang Rai – Golden Triangle – Chiang Mai

Morning drive to Chiang Saen, one of Thailand 's oldest settlements. The peaceful town on the banks of the Mekong has developed into a river port trading with Laos and China . A short drive along the river leads to the “Golden Triangle”, marking the border between Thailand , Myanmar and Laos . Visit the Opium Museum and enjoy a short boat ride on the mighty Mekong . Continue to Mae Sai, Thailand 's northern-most town for a stroll over the bustling market. In the afternoon return to Chiang Rai and proceed to Chiang Mai , Northern Thailand 's largest town. Chiang Mai is the heart and soul of the ancient “Lanna” kingdom and a treasure trove of Buddhist temples. In the evening enjoy a Northern style “Khantoke Dinner” with a hill-tribe cultural show.

Overnight: Empress Hotel (4****)

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner