THAILAND GAY & LESBIAN TRAVEL BY SIAM PRIDE - NORTHERN THAILAND EXPLORER TOUR PACKAGE

The northern part of Thailand features the most hilly and mountainous region of the Kingdom. It consists of 17 provinces and occupies approximately 170,000 square kilometers, bordering the territory of Laos in the east and Myanmar in the west.

Blessed with abundant natural wonders, the northern mountainous region is also home to several ethnic hill tribe peoples, whose distinct cultures and traditions have, for decades, been a good magnet to attract tourists to the region.

The north has the most beautiful winter season in Thailand. From November to January cool-climate flowers will be blooming, coloring the misty mountain ranges all over the area, especially in the provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son. In winter time the area becomes a spectacularly exotic and romantic place to go.

Natural attractions are no doubt the main draw in the north. The regions are full ofseveral renowned national parks, particularly the most famous and highest mountain ranges in Thailand - Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai along with other 'doi' including Doi Angkhang, Doi Mae Salong, Doi MonJong and others.

The northern region is also home to Thailand's earliest civilization, of which evidence still abounds today, especially in the provinces of Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Lampang and Sukhothai, the first true Thai kingdom which existed some 700 years ago. Northern people, especially women, are noted for their beauty, charm, hospitability and courteousness. The northern people are kind-hearted and generous and very polite.

Tourism in the northern region is mostly nature-based activities such as trekking in national parks, bird watching, rafting and mountain biking. Tourists can also visit historical attractions and learn about the culture of hill tribe people.

The north is easily accessible due to efficient road networks both in the region itself and along interregional routes. Air travel is particularly convenient as national carrier Thai Airways International operates daily flights to the north.

ITINERARY

DAY1 : PITSANULOKE / SUKHOTHAI
Phitsanulok tours begin from your arrival at Phitsanuloke Airport, then depart for Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat, temple houses one of Thailand’s most beautiful and significant Buddha images; Phra Phudth Chinnaraj. The museum in the temple compound housed a collection of Sukhothai art. Depart for Sukhothai (1 hour drive).

Lunch at local restaurant in Sukhothai Town.

Afternoon visit Sukhothai Historical Park; the first truly independent Thai Kingdom, visit the ruins of the Royal Palaces, Buddhist temples, the city gates, walls, moats, dams, ditches, ponds canals and the water dyke control system which was the magical and spiritual center of the Kingdom are now preserved and restored by the Fine Arts Department with the cooperation of UNESCO, not only with a view of fostering Thailand’s national identity but of safeguarding in fine example of mankind’s cultural heritage.
Transfer to hotel for overnight.
Overnight : Sukhothai
Meal : Lunch

DAY2 : SRI SATCHANALAI HISTORICAL PARK / LAMPANG / CHIANG MAI
Breakfast at hotel. Then drive on to visit Srisatchanalai Historical Park, its ruins lie on the right bank of the Yom River, one of the best examples of a Thai Muang, it was laid out along fixed cosmological lines – temple complexes lay at its heart, surrounded by city walls, rivers and forest. It is considered by many historians to be the apogee of Thai city planning.

Then proceed to Lampang, a unique town that still uses a colorful horse carriage as a mean of today's transport. Lunch at local restaurant in Lampang Town.

13:30 Hrs Take a Horse drawn carriage around the city center, visit Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao, where the famous Emerald Buddha was enshrined for 32 years (from A.D. 1436 to 1468). Drive on to visit Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang, one of the northern finest temples and the best presentation of Lanna style architecture. Continue to Chiang Mai in the late afternoon.
Overnight : Chiang Mai
Meal : Breakfast (Hotel)

DAY3 : CHIANG MAI CITY TEMPLE & DOI SUTHEP / KHANTOKE DINNER
Arrive to Chiang Mai airport, meet and greet with local guide. Then transfer to the hotel for check in and give some more information about your trip in Chiang Mai.

13:00 Hrs Visit Chiang Mai most sacred temples, drive around the Old City to see city's moats and ruined city's walls. Start the temples tours with Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple and probably dates from 1296. The temple was residence of King Mengrai, who founded Chiang Mai. Continue this tour with visit Wat Phra Singh; the temple contains marvelous examples of Lanna art including a Lanna style viharn. Then drive on to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, This temple was built in 1383. It is located 15 kms from the city and 3,500 feet above sea level. See the marvelous golden pagoda, which is containing the holy relics of Lord Buddha. You can enjoy the panoramic view of Chiang Mai City and Ping valley from the summit of Doi Suthep.

19:30 Hrs Enjoy Welcome Khantoke Dinner, which is the traditional northern Thai (Lanna) form of dining. The food is served on a wooden pedestal tray, called Khantoke. The diners sit on the floor around the Khantoke, supported by triangular cushions. The dishes are all northern Thai delicacies. While guest enjoy the meal there are usually performances of traditional northern Thai (Lanna dances and music). Additionally there are also hill tribe shows.
Overnight : Chiang Mai
Meal : Dinner

DAY4 : DOI INTHANON - THE HIGHEST PEAK OF THAILAND
08:30 Hrs Visit Doi Inthanon, the Thailand's highest mountain (2565 meters above sea level), which offers beautiful scenery, evergreen mountain forests, and impressive waterfalls. On this tour stops are made at: the summit, containing the shrine of Chao Inthawitchayanon, the former prince of Chiang Mai. A short trek along Michael’s Trail offers a beautiful and unforgettable experience. The next visit is the great twin royal pagodas, which were built for the highness Majesties of the King and the Queen. The place provides a marvelous view of surrounding.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

13:00 Hrs Then visit Doi Inthanon Royal Project, one of many royal-sponsored reeducation projects initiated to familiarize hill tribe people with new agricultural techniques. Visitors can view the flower nurseries and cultivation areas. Continue to visit Karen hill tribe village for an insight into their still primitive lifestyle. They are peaces loving warriors, very industrious and faithful people. On the way back see picturesque Vachirathan waterfall.
Overnight : Chiang Mai
Meal : Breakfast (Hotel) + Lunch

DAY5 : ELEPHANT SAFARI / PAI
07:30 Hrs Travel north of Chiang Mai route to Mae Taman Elephant Camp, which is 56 km northwards of Chiang Mai. Enjoy the spectacular scenery along the way. Arrive to the camp and take a special time to riding on elephant for 1 hour through the jungle. For the truly adventurous! Continue an ox-cart riding back to the camp to see the demonstration of how trained elephants are used as working animals in teak forests includes elephant bathing in the river, working in the jungle, dragging and pushing logs, and responding commands. Then experience trip by taking Bamboo Raft along Mae Taeng River for 40 minutes.

Lunch serve at the local restaurant.

13:00. Then, visit Orchid Nursery to see a large collection of more than 50 different types of colorful exotic year-round-bloom orchids. After taking great pleasure at the Orchid Nursery.

Continue drive to Pai, a tiny town halfway between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son with some steep and winding roads through the mountains with various stops on the way, such as Mok Fha Waterfall, Pong Dued hot spring where the steam from the spring permeates the site in the morning creating fascinating sights. The area is also rich in teak woods. Arrive to Pai in late afternoon.
Overnight : Pai - Mae Hong Sorn
Meal : Breakfast (Hotel) + Lunch

DAY6 : PAI / MAE HONG SON / CITY TEMPLES TOUR
08:00 Hrs Drive on to visit Lod Cave where a huge cave system is once a dwelling place of pre-historic man. Experience with take the Bamboo raft reach into the cave; explore the 1 kilometer-long cave along which can be found beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. Also discovered are 2,000 year old remains of utensils and coffins. Then continue to visit Fish Cave, A special feature is the hollow cave filled with numerous freshwater fish, which is of the same family as the carp. The fish are quite safe from being caught as they are believed to belong to the gods.

Lunch serve at a local restaurant in Mae Hong Son.

15:00 Hrs Visit Wat Doi Klong Moo located on a hill to the west of town, is a major provincial landmark. There are two Burmese-style Chedis. The larger one was built in 1860 while the smaller one was erected in 1874. A panoramic view of Mae Hong Son can be enjoyed from the site. Continue to Wat Jong Klang and Wat Jong Kum, magnificent Burmese style temples; there are several interesting items such as wooden figurines of human and animals depicted which means one of odd stories of former incarnations of the Buddha created by Burmese craftsmen. Transfer to the hotel in late afternoon.
Overnight : Mae Hong Son
Meal : Breakfast (Hotel) + Lunch

DAY7 : MAE HONG SON / LONG NECK KAREN VILLAGE / CHIANG MAI
009:00 Hrs Experience by take the boat trip along Pai River to visit the world famous Long Neck Karen Village where the women wear several brass rings around their long, slender necks. The Padaung women famously wear brass rings around their necks. This distorts the growth of their collarbones and makes them look as if they have long necks - which they don't. This row of brass rings does not actually stretch their necks but in fact squash the vertebrae and collar bones. A woman generally has about twenty or more rings around her neck. This neck ring adornment is started when the girls are 5 or 6 years old.

Lunch at a local restaurant in the town.

Then transfer to:
Option 1 : Mae Hong Son airport for Chiang Mai. [25 mins flight]
Option 2 : Return back to Chiang Mai by road with your guide & driver. [349 kms/4 hours drive - non stop]

Arrive Chiang Mai, transfer to hotel and overnight.
Overnight : Chiang Mai
Meal : Breakfast (Hotel) + Lunch

DAY8 : CHIANG MAI / HANDICRAFTS VILLAGE / CHIANG RAI CITY TEMPLES
08:30 Hrs Visit to the Handicrafts Village at San Kampaeng district, the highlight is to see the local people making the handicraft including Silverware, Hand-woven Textiles by silk and hand-painted cotton and Umbrellas or paper parasols which are hand-painted in a variety designs.

Lunch Served at a local restaurant.

13:00 Hrs Then drive through scenery from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai [200 kms. away] by road along picturesque scenic routes pass the several beautiful northern mountains and valleys via the Hot Spring at Mae Ka Chan district and Chiang Rai to visit Wat Rong Khun, the unique northern Art temple. Then visit to the world famous Wat Phra Kaew where the Emerald Buddha image was once enshrined. Continue to Wat Phra Singha where one of Thailand’s most beautiful Buddha images is now enshrined. Arrive to hotel in late afternoon.
Overnight : Chiang Rai
Meal : Breakfast (Hotel) + Lunch

DAY9 : CHIANG RAI / AKHA HILLTRIBE / GOLDEN TRIANGLE / MAE SAI
08:30 Hrs drive to Mae Chan to visit Akha hill tribe villages; explore the villages that are very simple, unique costumes, their own tradition and dialect. The trip continues to visit archeological remains at Chiang Sean city, the first capital city of the northern Thailand.

Lunch Served at a local restaurant beside Mae Khong River.

13:00 Hrs Visit the world famous Golden Triangle where the borders of three countries (Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar) are met. See the panoramic view of Mae Khong River and Opium Museum and Boat Trip along the Mae Khong River, made a stop at Don Sao Village, Laos. Then continue to Mae Sai town, the Thailand-Myanmar border and the northernmost point of Thailand. Enjoy shopping the Myanmar products at the local market. Return to your hotel.
Overnight : Chiang Rai
Meal : Breakfast (Hotel) + Lunch

DAY10 : CHIANG RAI / DOI TUNG ROYAL PALACE / NEXT DESINATIONS
08:30 Hrs Drive up to the highest mountain peak on the Thai/Burma border; Doi Tung, 2,000 meters above sea level. In the past, shifting slash-and-burn cultivation destroyed the forest around Doi Tung area. Until 1987 when the Doi Tung Development. Project was established in accordance to the King’s Mother initiative. Then visit to Mae Fah Luang Garden and Doi Tung Royal villa.

Return to your hotel for check out and transfer to Chiang Rai Airport or return back to Chiang Mai.
Overnight : -
Meal : Breakfast (Hotel)