From the City of Angels to the Rose of the North - Nomadays

Thailand

From the City of Angels to the Rose of the North

After visiting Bangkok and Ayutthaya, we will head to Chiang Mai, the "Rose of the North," where we will stay for 4 nights to explore the city and its surroundings. This mountainous region, at the confluence of the Mekong River, borders Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand. It is the homeland of many ethnic minorities, where the beauty of the rice fields is matched only by the smiles of the people inhabiting this region.

Day 1Welcome and free visit of Bangkok

Day 1Welcome and free visit of Bangkok

  • Welcome by our team, then transfer to your hotel. Rooms available from 2:00 pm.

    The rest of the day is free.

  • Check-in at the Siamotif Boutique Hôtel, a charming guesthouse on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.

Day 2La Venezia dell'Oriente

Day 2La Venezia dell'Oriente

  • Departure in the morning to reach the pier and take the public boat-buses to the center, on the right bank and the Pak Klong Talad flower market district.

  • Private traditional long-tail boat taxi ride on the Chao Phraya River, one of the most important rivers in the country. Discover the Venice of the East and the traditional life of the city's inhabitants, half of whom still live by the water.

  • Visit to the Grand Palace of Bangkok, built in 1782, which includes several magnificent buildings, including the Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which houses a beautiful Emerald Buddha dating back to the 14th century.

  • Then, we walk to Wat Pho, one of the oldest temples in Bangkok, to see its reclining Buddha.

  • We then cross the river by a small boat to visit Wat Arun, the "Temple of Dawn," located on the right bank.

1h 45m-100km
15m-15km
1h 15m-80km

Day 3Market day

Day 3Market day

  • Early wake-up to head to the colorful, lively, and flavorful Damnoen Saduak floating market in the outskirts of Bangkok. By boat, along the narrow canals of the market, we discover stalls of goods cheerfully balanced on the water. We negotiate for fresh fruits, clothing, or Thai masks from vendors proudly wearing straw hats and brightly colored dresses, all while on a wooden boat.

  • We then head to the town of Amphawa, a small town 15 minutes from Damnoen Saduak that thrives on its markets and small river trade.

    We visit Wat Bang Kung (Kai Bang Kung), commonly known as the Banyan Tree Temple, since its chapel was covered by the roots and branches of a banyan tree.

    In its gardens, we can see life-size representations of wrestlers, commemorating the battle of Ayutthaya between Thailand and Burma at the end of the 13th century.

  • We head to the Mae Klong Railway Market, where four times a day, fruit and vegetable stalls hurriedly fold away as the train passes through the market.

    Return to Bangkok.

1h-65km
Bang Pa-In
1h-25km
11h 30m-620km

Day 4Ayutthaya, ancient capital of the kingdom

Day 4Ayutthaya, ancient capital of the kingdom

  • We will set off to discover the Bang Pa-in Palace, built in the 17th century and abandoned after the destruction of Ayutthaya. The palace was restored and expanded in the mid-19th century by the King, who made it his summer residence.

  • From the palace, we will travel to Ayutthaya by traditional boat on the river. Along the way, we will discover the Thai way of life along the water, the wooden stilt houses, the rice barge convoys towed to Bangkok warehouses, and the temple spires pointing towards the sky. We will arrive in Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam.

  • After lunch, we'll explore the historic center of the city, including Wat Mahathat , dating back to the late 14th century. We'll then continue to Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, which once served as the royal temple and is the largest in the city and Wat Chai Watthanaram, where we can appreciate the sunset over its ruins.

    Day guided by an English-speaking guide.
    
  • In the evening, we board our first-class night train to Chiang Mai.

    Note: Ticket sales are 30 days before departure, so we cannot guarantee first class. If not available, you will either travel in second class (if available) or by plane. This may result in a price change, either up or down.
    

Day 5First steps in the Rose of the North

Day 5First steps in the Rose of the North

  • 07:15 - Our train arrives at the station. Upon arrival, we meet our guide and driver who will take us to our hotel.

    Note: Room availability may be until 14:00. If your room is not ready upon arrival, you can drop off your belongings and start exploring the city.
    
  • Accompanied by our guide, we make a detour to the Warorot Market, where you can find all kinds of specialties from northern Thailand, such as Sai ua (northern Thai sausage), Moo yo (traditional Vietnamese pork sausage), Nam phrik num (green chili paste from northern Thailand), and dried fruits, etc. In addition to local food, you can also find clothing, ceramics, fabrics, embroidery supplies, flowers, etc.

  • We then head to the outskirts of the city to discover the magnificent Doi Suthep Temple, located on the mountain at an altitude of 1,200 meters.

    On the way, we stop at the Wat Pha Lat Temple.

  • We'll be staying at the De Lanna Hotel for 3 nights in 3 Deluxe rooms.

Day 6In the company of elephants

Day 6In the company of elephants

  • Early in the morning, we head to an elephant sanctuary located in the tropical forest of the Mae Kampong Valley, an hour's drive north of Chiang Mai.

    After a short walk, we arrive at the camp and meet our guide who teaches us more about these majestic mammals and leads us to meet them. We feed and play with them before accompanying them to the river for a bath. Return to Chiang Mai in the early afternoon.

    Group activity accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
    
  • Rest of the day free. Take the opportunity to stroll around the center of the old town, including a visit to the stunning Wat Sri Suphan Temple, located in the silversmiths' district of Wualai Road. This temple is entirely covered with silver plates and other metals; you can see the artisans working with metal on-site.

    Unaccompanied activity.
    

Day 7Biking and cooking class

Day 7Biking and cooking class

  • This morning, we'll explore the "Rose of the North" by bike.

    Starting from the famous Tha Phae Gate in Chiang Mai, with the Doi Suthep mountains as a backdrop, we'll venture into the city's traditional small streets and alleys. You'll discover numerous ancient temples, monks going about their daily routines, lively markets, and the daily lives of the locals, including artisans from mountain communities who will be busy with their tasks as we cycle through their neighborhoods, under their curious eyes.

    This activity will be in a small group accompanied by a local English-speaking guide.
    
  • In the afternoon, we head to a traditional cooking class in the countryside, outside of the city, in an old Lanna-style house.

    On the menu, typical northern dishes:

    • Chicken curry (Aou Kai)
    • Spicy chicken soup (Tom som Kai)
    • Pork stir-fry (Phad Makauyaw Moo)
    • Minced pork (Nam prik Ong)
    • Banana in coconut milk
Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: De Lanna Hotel

Dinner: Homestay

Accommodation: De Lanna Hotel

Departure

Day 8See you soon in Thailand!

Day 8See you soon in Thailand!

  • This morning, transfer to the airport and fly to Bangkok where we will board our international flight.