Thailand Upside Down

Hotel Features

Day 1: Chiang Mai – Lamphun – Lampang – Sukhothai 

Upon arrival at Chiang Mai Airport, be met by our English-speaking representative. Alternatively, you can be collected from your hotel in Chiang Mai city.  You’ll be driven to the ancient city of Lamphun. See Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, the unforgettably striking temple with its vast 46m high golden pagoda.  It enshrines what is believed to be an authentic relic of the Lord Buddha. Driving on from Lamphun to Lampang, pay a short visit to Wat Phra That Lampang Luang. Built on a mound and surrounded by high walls, this is thought is to be the most beautiful, and probably the oldest, surviving wooden structure in all of Thailand. After an excellent local lunch enjoy a visit to Sukhothai Historical Park with its beautiful standing Buddha statues, temples and ruined palaces. Spend the rest of the day, and overnight, at your choice of hotel. 

 Le Charme Sukhothai Historical Park Resort is located in the heart of the ancient city of Sukhothai. Here modern style villas with traditional furnishings are set amidst flowering lotus ponds and tropical gardens. The hotel is just one kilometre from the city’s historical gardens. 

Legendha Sukhothai Resort resembles an authentic Thai village and is beautifully designed and landscaped. An ancient temple, Chedi Wat Chang Lom, forms a backdrop to the hotel. Private balconies have either pool, or temple, or courtyard views. Teakwood furnishings, swimming pool and jacuzzi are particular highlights. Enjoy complimentary Thai classical ballet in the evening, and participate in optional cookery and fresh flower garland-making classes. 

Day 2: Sukhothai – Ayutthaya

Start the day bright and early with a Buddhist monk alms-giving ceremony - Sai-Bat- part of the fabric of Thai life, even in the busiest of cities. Local people donate food to the monks as a way of accumulating good karma. Afterwards, you’ll be rewarded with breakfast at your hotel, before checking out and heading by road, with a break for lunch, to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam, and UNESCO World Heritage site. An ideal location, between China, India and the Malay Archipelago, made Ayutthaya, for many centuries, the trading capital of Asia.  A visit to Ayutthaya Historical Park finds enigmatic temple relics from the heyday of one of the world’s wealthiest and most cosmopolitan cities. There’s a chance to explore three immense temples and other ancient structures, built during the early Ayutthaya period from 1350 until 1529. Overnight stay at your choice of hotel in Ayutthaya.

Krungsri River Hotel is a newly refurbished hotel and widely regarded as one of Thailand’s leading hotels outside Bangkok.  A compelling choice it offers views overlooking the historic Pa Sak River, close to the Naraesuan Bridge, and reflects the culture and tradition of its surroundings. 

Kantary Hotel Ayutthaya is a modern, elegant property with very high levels of service and comfort. Contemporary  Studio Suites with a separate living area offer complete in-room amenities and the ultimate in current Asian chic

Day 3: Ayutthaya to Kanchanaburi 

After breakfast depart for Kanchanaburi at the confluence of the rivers Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai, where the Mae Klong River is formed. Take time to the visit The Bridge over the River Kwai, part of the railway line constructed by allied prisoners of war during World War II.  Then pay your respects to the 6,982 fallen allied prisoners at Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. Your final visit of the day is to the  Thailand-Burma Railway Centre an interactive museum dedicated to the preservation of the history of this grand old railway. There’s lunch at the local restaurant before you check in at your overnight hotel in Kanchanaburi to relax and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

River Kwai Jungle Rafts allow you to enjoy the stunning natural surroundings of tropical rainforest, the fast-flowing River Kwai and the traditional ways of life of the Mon people. This entire ecological floatel uses no electricity.  Lamps  of an evening add to the romance of this hideaway residence.

The Float House River Kwai is a superb floating resort. Each thatched-roof, floating room is totally private and rich in tailored-made wooden furniture. Guests enjoy panoramic river views from private balcony and pier swing of each of the spacious villas.  

Day 4: Kanchanaburi to Bangkok 

After breakfast you’ll be driven to Ratchaburi to take a ride on canals where local communities thrive along the riverbank. You’ll arrive at the colourful, hectic and lively Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Here traditionally clad merchants paddle along the narrow canals in sturdy canoes laden with fresh fruit, vegetables, local snacks and souvenirs. Buy a few of those snacks and enjoy the view of the many boats finding their way along the canals. Continuing on via Nakhon Pathom, you’ll make a short stop at Wat Phra Pathom Chedi, a compound that contains the largest commemorative Buddhist  monument in Southeast Asia and the second largest in the world, measuring 120 meters at its peak. This temple has been a spiritual hub for locals for close to two hundred years. Enjoy the slow pace of life and tranquil vibes before heading to Bangkok and being dropped off in the early evening at your chosen Bangkok hotel.

Please note all hotels and schedules are subject to change.