Thailand : The remains of Ancient Capitals
- A Secret Retreats journey -
This journey has been personally designed by Nattinee Kulsin, Born in Sukhothai and Head Concierge at Secret Retreats
All our itineraries have generally been constructed on the basis of the rooms that have the most charm or best view, and not necessarily the first prices, nor the most expensive suites.
We can of course adjust according to your request.
What separates us apart from others? Secret Retreats creates tailor-made journeys.
Passionate about travel, Secret Retreats will design and create the perfect journey to match both your time and budget.
We have designed this itinerary so that curious travellers can better absorb true Thai culture in the Kingdom of Siam. Discover the remains of Ancient Capitals with your guide. A drive up to Chiang Mai allows you to take the time to fully experience this part of Thailand.
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Your Journey Day by Day
from 2,200 USD / pax for 8 days / 7 nights
(based on 2 pax sharing)
Day 1 : Bangkok (-)
Arrive in Bangkok in the morning where you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Free time. In the early afternoon, you will be transferred to the edge of the river, where you will board a boat to discover the fascinating Thonburi canals (klongs) on the other side of the river, followed by a visit to majestic, coloured ceramic Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) on the edge of the river. Return to hotel. Lunch and dinner at leisure.
HOTEL: CHAKRABONGSE VILLAS (GARDEN SUITE) 4* BOUTIQUE
Day 2 : Bangkok (B/-)
In the morning you will visit the Pak Klong Talat market. Just nearby you will continue with a visit to Wat Pho, a temple known for its reclining Buddha and Thai massage school. The next stop will be at the must-see Grand Palace with its golden arrows, chedis, colourful hallways, richly adorned reception halls, and of course, the Royal Palladium, and Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Keo). Wander along the piers near the palace to witness the clusters of people going up and down the river in their boats, and soak in the atmospheric street vendors and amulet market. If you like, you can lunch at one of the little restaurants near the river, at Supanniga Eating Room for example.
In the afternoon, you will meet up at the canal near to Wat Saket, and embark on a bus-boat like all the locals do to discover the canal and a lesser-known area in Bangkok, which will bring you to the Jim Thompson house that is also a museum. There you will get to see typical Thai architecture, Thai pavilions, a magnificent collection of objects d’art its tropical garden. Return to the hotel. Lunch and dinner at leisure.
HOTEL: CHAKRABONGSE VILLAS (GARDEN SUITE) 4* BOUTIQUE
Day 3 : Bangkok – Ayutthaya – Suphanburi (B/-/D)
In the morning, you will head North to Ayutthaya to visit the ancient royal capital. You will first take a one-hour excursion onboard a « tuk tuk kermit » (a large tuk tuk that seats 6 people) that will take you along the river to witness the remains of the ancient capital. You will visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the symbol of Ayutthaya in the heart of the ancient royal palace, and Wat Mahathat with its Buddha head buried in the roots of a banyan tree. You will then proceed in your minivan and head to the outer part of the Island with its majestic Wat Chaiwatthanaram that lies on the edge of the river. You will also see the very picturesque Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, and its reclining Buddha and various other statues.
You will then continue onwards to the Suphanburi region. Your minivan will stop along the river where the fish will be waiting for you to feed them. Next you will take a boat up the river to a small, quaint village and check into your villa. Enjoy some free time to swim in the pool and explore the peaceful environs. Lunch at leisure. Dinner is included at the villa.
HOTEL: Bohemian’s Residence (Villa) 4* charme
Day 4 : Suphanburi – Uthai Thani – Sukhothai (B/L/-)
After breakfast, you will head North to Uthai Thani and take a boat to cross the river to reach the town so that you can visit the incredible Thasung Temple (open until noon) that is covered in small mirrors and home to a crystal hall. Next, you will take a boat cruise along the picturesque Sakaekrang River and pass by small houses and floating gardens. Lunch will be served onboard during the cruise. You will then head north.
In the middle of the rice paddy fields situated north of the small town of Uthai Thani, nature created a small wondera mini valley hidden amid enormous ferns and lush vegetation interspersed with natural caves. Continue by road and arrive to Sukhothai at the end of the afternoon. Check-in and dinner at leisure.
HOTEL: Sriwilai Sukhothai (Deluxe) 4* boutique
Day 5 : Sukhothai (B/-)
Today will be dedicated to visiting Siam’s first capital. It will begin on a bicycle (or a portion of it on a little tram if you prefer) in the Sukhothai’s historic park, home to Wat Mahathat, and the pretty Wat Sa Si located on a little Island. You will also see Wat Si Sawai. Outside the park there are diverse temples and ruins scattered throughout the countryside including Wat Si Chum and its 15-metre High « talking Buddha » as well as the rarely visited Wat Phra Pai Luang. You will have time to relax and explore the lawns, water features and mature trees at your own pace. On the edge of Wat Saphan Hin’s hillock there is a 12-metre high Buddha replete with panoramic views over the plains. You will then return to your hotel for some leisure time to explore the area, swim in the pool, and relax. Lunch and dinner at leisure.
HOTEL: Sriwilai Sukhothai (Deluxe) 4* boutique
Day 6 : Sukhothai - Lampang - Chiang Mai (B)
In the morning, you will leave for Lampang. There, you will take a horse-drawn carriage to discover this historic town, its small roads near the river, its inviting atmosphere, and pretty old teak wood homes. Visit one of these houses, Baan Sao Nak. In the afternoon you will continue onwards to Chiang Mai. Check-in at the hotel. Lunch and dinner at leisure.
HOTEL: Rachamankha (Superior) 4* boutique
Day 7 : Chiang Mai (B)
Depart for Mae Taeng located approximately an hour North of town. You will go down the river on a bamboo raff. If you wish, for a nominal sum you can take a ride on an elephant in one of the elephant camps. You will continue to Sri Lanna park and stop to see a lovely waterfall set around a forest. You can climb up to the top of the waterfall, go down to the foot, or take a refreshing swim. Return to town. In the afternoon, you will go to the mountain that that dominates Chiang Mai and visit the highly regarded 1056-metre high Doi Suthep Temple. Access to this temple is via a large staircase with ramps in the shape of naga, the mystical serpent. You can also access the temple on a little funicular to embrace the views of Chiang Mai and the valley below. Return to hotel. Lunch and dinner at leisure.
HOTEL: Rachamankha (Superior) 4* boutique
Day 8 : Chiang Mai - Departure (B)
Early in the morning you will be driven to Wat Srisoda to participate in an alms bowl offering, a ritual that locals participate in every day. Return to hotel for breakfast. Next, you will visit Ton Lam Ya, a local market where people shop for food, take a leisurely stroll around the little nearby roads, then take a rickshaw ride to the old town with a stop at Wat Phra Singh to see its inspiring murals. Return to your hotel or transfer to the airport to take you to your next destination.
Your Accommodation on this Asia Travel Itinerary
Sriwilai Sukhothai
Thailand : The remains of Ancient Capitals
8 days / 7 nights
from 2,200 USD / pax
(based on 2 pax sharing)
The total price includes :
Accommodations for 7 nights
All meals as mentioned in the program
All transfers from airport, to airport and all destinations visited, as mentioned in the program (private A/C car)
Guided visit, activities and excursions mentioned in the program
English speaking guide for local sightseeing.
Government tax and service tax
The total price does not include :
Domestic and International flight to and from Bangkok
Early check in or late check out
Extra activities and meals not mentioned in the program
Personal expenses, drinks, tips, etc
Travel Insurance
This Secret Journey was designed in cooperation with Nattinee and Green Trails (License 24/00060).
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