Arrive in Bangkok and transfer to the first class Landmark Hotel in Sukhumvit, for three nights. (You could upgrade to The Peninsula or The Oriental Hotel.) Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
The city’ssightseeing includes the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Also see the colossal Reclining Buddha statue at Wat Pho.
Visit the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and continue to the River Kwai and visit the bridge, war museum and ‘death railway’.
Day 5
Ayuthaya, Phitsanulok
In the morning drive to the ancient capital city of Ayuthaya. Visit the ruined city and drive on to Phitsanulok. Stay at the standard grade Amarin Lagoon Hotel for the night.
Visit the Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat before driving to the ancient walled city of Sukhothai. Check in at the first class Ananda Museum Gallery Hotel for the night. In the afternoon visit the Sukhothai Historical Park.
This morning visit the ruins at Si Satchanalai, considered the twin-city of Sukhothai. Carry on to the Lampang River Lodge, a standard grade eco-resort, on the banks of the Wang River, for an overnight stay. If you desire, you can later visit the animal market.
Drive to Chiang Mai and en route visit the elephant conservation centre, the Burmese style Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao Temple and the Haripoonchai Temple. Stay at the Rachamankha, a first class boutique property, for three nights. (You could upgrade to Four Seasons or Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi.) Visit the main temples of Chiang Mai, including Wat Chiang Man, Wat Phra Singh and Wat Suan Dok.
Visit the mountain temple of Doi Suthep and a Meo hill tribe at Doi Pui. Enjoy an excursion to a working elephant camp and take an elephant ride.
Enjoy bamboo rafting down the river and visit Chiang Dao Cave.
Drive to Chiang Rai. Stay at the first class Legend Chiang Rai Resort for two nights. You can also stay at the Anantara Resort and Spa in the Golden Triangle area.
Enjoy a visit to the temples of Chiang Rai.
Excursion to Mae Sai border town and Mae Sai. You have the option of visiting the Burmese town of Tachilek, just across the border. Later proceed to Chiang Saen, also known as the Golden Triangle, which is the meeting point of Thailand, Burma and Laos, at the confluence of the Mekong and Ruak Rivers.
Day 14
Chiang Rai, Bangkok
Fly to Bangkok to board your return flight.
