DAY 1 BANGKOK - PHITSANULOK

Transfer by yourself (by taxi or so) to the main railway station Hualamphong. Take a train ride (approx. 5 hrs, 2nd class air-con. and incl. a snack) from Bangkok to Phitsanulok (against a surcharge possible by plane as well). On arrival you will be welcomed by our tour guide. Transfer to the hotel. Then take a short tour and visit Wat Mahatat next to the Nan River with it's all over Thailand famous Buddha image. If you wish to do so and time does allow, then you have the opportunity to visit the local folclore museum and a Buddha factory. Overnight in Phitsanulok

DAY 2 PHITSANULOK - MAE SOT

In the morning drive to the neighbouring province of Sukhothai, Thailand's first capital.'Here you will visit the Historical Park with its impressive temples, ruins and monuments dating back to the 13th century. Then go on to Tak. After lunch continue through some hills towards the west until you reach the border- and market town of Mae Sot. Observe the border trading at the Moei River with lot's of small shops. Also visit Wat Thai Wattanaram, a Burmese style temple with a giant 45 meters reclining Buddha statue. Overnight in Mae Sot.

DAY 3 MAE SOT - MAE SARIANG

After breakfast take a stroll over the local market, which is one of the most colorful in the country. Thais, Burmese, Chinese, Indians and Karen's trading vegetables, fruits and all kind of other goods. Leave Mae Sot and heading to the north. For some time the road follows the Moei River and later does pass through the mountain wilderness. Do some stops on route, such as at a Karen village and the Mae Usu cave. Further you will see a big Karen refugee camp. Finally take a side trip to Mae Ngao National Park, where you can enjoy a lazy trip on a bamboo raft. Early evening arrive Mae Sariang. Overnight in this small town on the banks of the Yuam River.

DAY 4 MAE SARIANG - CHIANG MAI

In the morning drive to Mae Chaem, the village at the foot of Doi Inthanon National Park. Do some brief stops on route, for example at some hot springs. Then drive on to the mountain peak. See the royal pagodas and take a short walk through some dense forest. Continue to a Hmong hill tribe village with a royal farming project. On route down to the valley take a look to a picturesque waterfall. You will arrive at the northern capital of Chiang Mai late afternoon. Stay here for overnight.

DAY 5 CHIANG MAI

Transfer to the airport or railway station, depends on your further schedule.

PRICE INCLUDES:

Train ticket Bangkok - Phitsanulok, air-conditioned transportation during the tour, English speaking tour guide, all transfers and excursions as mentioned in the above itinerary, accommodation at good middle class hotels/resorts incl. breakfast, half board (lunch during tours), entrance fees

NOT INCLUDED:

Drinks, tips and personal expenses

REMARKS/FLEXIBILITY:

This program is also available v.v., start in Chiang Mai and finish on the last day with the train ride from Phitsanulok to Bangkok.