Hill Tribes Experiences and Cultures

Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai – Bangkok

 

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Day1

 

Destination       Chiang Mai

 

Morning

 

Arrive Chiang Mai

 

Afternoon

 

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep         

 

This famous and important temple founded since 1383 enjoys a prominent position in Chiang Mai, overlooking the city from its mountainside perch. It sits about 3,520 feet above sea level and is accessible via a steep naga staircase comprising around 300 steps.

           

The temple has a huge golden chedi (spire), within which lie some holy Buddha relics that attract devotees from the world over. To reach the temple itself requires a climb up a naga staircase of 309 steps. For the faint of heart, there's also a funicular cable-car to the top which has just been re-built after several fatal crashes. The fare for the new improved funicular is 20 Baht per person.

           

The chedi is in a small courtyard at the very peak of the mountain. The courtyard building sits on a larger plaza containing several buildings as well as a lookout point from which you can see, weather permitting, all of Chiang Mai and the surrounding plain.

The visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Sunday. The site is situated at the Continuation of Huay Keaw Road, Chiang Mai 50300 Thailand ..

 

Afternoon        

 

Chiang Mai Zoo           

 

The Chiang Mai Zoo has more than 6,000 animals in an environment comprising two waterfalls, reservoirs, an open park, camping spots and animal breeding areas. Among its recent arrivals are 10 penguins, the first ever in Thailand ; gibbons, which are bred successfully; and Chayo, the baby elephant, born at the time of the Leonid meteor shower, who became the symbol of the Bangkok Asian Games. The entrance fee for adult is THB40 and for child is THB20.

           

Evening

           

Tha Pae Gate   

 

This is one of the five main gates to the old city of Chiang Mai , and a major landmark as well. It was first called Pratu Chiang Ruak because it was situated near Chiang Ruak village when it was built in the reign of King Mangrai in 1296. Each corner and each main gate of the old city faces the eight main points of the compass, with one extra gate on the south side.

 

You can visit anytime at Moon Muang Road , Chiang Mai 50200 Thailand .

Day2

 

Destination       Chiang Mai

 

Morning

 

Bo Sang Umbrella Village       

 

For more than 200 years, almost everyone in the small village of Bo Sang has been earning a living from the umbrella trade, silk and cotton umbrellas and paper parasols.

           

You can watch the umbrellas being made, then choose one from the variety of beautiful and colorful designs to take home as a souvenir.

           

There is also an annual fair, held each January on the main street, which features an umbrella procession, beauty contests, exhibitions and the selling of umbrellas and other handicrafts.

You can visit it daily dawn to dusk and is situated at Charoen Muang Road (Road 1006), Chiang Mai 50000 Thailand .

           

Meo Tribal Village       

 

The Meo or Hmong tribal people live in homes that are constructed with the floor slightly raised for storing food supplies or keeping animals beneath.

           

The Meo people are intelligent, independent and very patient. Usually clad in blue, black and red tribal costumes, they are fond of wearing silver ornaments, especially during ceremonies.

           

It is situated near Doi Pui, Suthep Mountain Route , Chiang Mai 50000 Thailand .

 

Evening          

 

Elephant Trek, Rafting and Hilltribe     

 

You can experience an exhilarating elephant trek through the neighboring jungle, past bamboo trees and hanging creepers, upwards towards a remotes Lisu hilltribe village.

           

Day3    

 

Destination       Chiangmai

 

Morning          

 

Doi Inthanon National Park     

 

The park is 1,005 square kilometer located south of Chiang Mai City and is, in parts, mountainous and wild. Species which are not found anywhere else in Thailand can be found here. Doi Inthanon being the Thailand 's tallest mountain standing at 2,565 meters, it offers one of the best places in Thailand for bird watching.

           

On higher ground, one can see wild orchids growing. Trekking tours can be arranged through many agencies in Chiang Mai. It is opened 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday to Sunday. The charge for foreigners is THB200 and Thai is THB20.

           

 

Afternoon        

 

Wat Phra Sing 

 

The Phra Sing temple, situated in the city center, was founded in the 14th century. However, most of the buildings have been restored and date from the 19th century. At the rear of the main temple, in the attractive Viharn Lai Kham, sits a copy of the Phra Sihing Buddha image.

The opening hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Monday to Sunday. It is situated at Singharat Road , Chiang Mai 50200 Thailand . For more information, you can email at prdiv3@tat.or.th or from tourist information at Tel: +66 53 24 8604

 

Chiang Mai National Museum  

 

The museum is located in a beautiful, recently renovated building on the Superhighway north of town, offers an interesting way to learn about the ancient Lanna culture. The showcases are impressive bronze and gold jewelry, and actual ceramics excavated from the famous 14th- to 16th-century kilns of the old kingdom of Lanna.

           

You can gain insight into the crafts and skills practiced in Lanna times. There are collections of farming tools, wood carvings, old photographs and textiles.  

 

The opening hours are from: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Wednesday to Sunday. The entrance fee is THB 30 each. It is situated at Moo 3, Chiang Mai-Lampang Road , Chiang Mai 50300 Thailand . For more information, you can visit the website at http://www.thailandmuseum.com/thaimuseum_eng/ or dial +66 53 22 1308.

           

Evening          

 

Warorot Market

 

This is one of the largest markets in Chiang Mai, centrally located and lying close to the Ping River .

           

You can buy almost anything here, from fresh fruits, vegetables and spices to jewelry, clothes and, of course, hill-tribe products.

           

Unlike the nearby touristy Night Bazaar, where most stalls are only open at night, Warowot Market is open during the day and evening, frequented more by local Thais than by tourists. "

 

 

Day4

 

Destination       Chiang Rai

 

 

Morning          

 

Arrive Chaing Rai

 

 

Afternoon        

 

Wat Phra Kaeo 

Wat Phra Kaeo, which is located on Trairat Road on the northwest side of town, is the best known of the northern temples. It once housed the Emerald Buddha, Thailand ’s most important Buddha statue which was discovered in 1444. The statue had been moved by various state rulers to be placed in their capitals including Lampang, Chiang Rai and Vientiane before finally being enshrined in Bangkok 's royal Wat Phra Kaeo.

 

There is now a green jade replica of the image on display. The temple also houses a 700-year bronze statue of Phra Chao Lan Thong, which is housed in the Chiang Saen style ubosot.

 

Wat Phra That Chedi Luang

Next to Chiang Saen National museum is an ancient 88-meter high, bell-shaped, Lanna style principal chedi which has a 24 meter circumference base. Constructed in 1290 by King Saen Phu, the 3rd ruler of the Lanna kingdom, it is the tallest religious Lanna monument in Chiang Rai. In addition, there are also remains of ancient vihans and chedis.

 

Day 5

 

Destination       Chiang Rai

 

 

Morning

 

Doi Mae Salong

Doi Mae Salong is the site of Santi Khiri village, a community settled by the former Chinese 93rd Division who moved from Myanmar to reside on Thai territory in 1961. The village became well known for its enchanting scenery and tranquil atmosphere.

 

Today it is a major tourist attraction with its small-town ambience, delicious native Chinese dishes, small hotels and guesthouses catering to visitors and tea, coffee and fruit tree plantations. The scenery is especially picturesque in December and January when sakuras are in full bloom.

 

Scattered with many hill tribe villages, Doi Mae Salong is ideal for trekking.

 

Day6

 

Destination       Chiang Rai

 

 

Morning

 

Doi Tung

Doi Tung is located in Mae Fa Luang District and can be reached by taking Highway No.110 for about 48 kilometers and turning left onto Highway No. 1149, an asphalt road leading directly to Doi Tung. The route winds through beautiful scenery with many interesting sites including the Doi Tung Palace (Pra Tamnak Doi tung), the Mae Fa Luang Garden and Akha and Muser tribal villages.

 

In addition to scenic lookouts, the most notable attraction is the Phra That Doi Tung Holy Relic, an old religious site atop the mountain.

 

 

Afternoon

 

Back to Chaing Mai. Fly to Bangkok
Day 6   

 

Destination       Bangkok

 

Morning          

 

Grand Palace  

 

The outstanding Grand Palace is an architectural marvel and the gem of Bangkok 's impressive collection of temples and palaces. However, the four main buildings are incorporated in the grounds of the glittering Wat Phra Keo. This is the must to visit the experience of its diverse styles that no one should miss.

 

The entrance fee is THB 250 which includes the allowance entrance to Vimanmek Palace and Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall. The opening hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. from Monday to Sunday.

 

It is situated at Na Phralan Road , Bangkok 10200 Thailand . For more details, you can contact at Tel: +66 2 222 0094 / +66 2 222 6889 / +66 2 222 2208 or visit the website at

 

Note: Appropriate dress code required (cover shoulders and legs).

Wat Arun

Wat Arun gets its name from Aruna, the Indian god of the dawn, hence its common name The Temple of Dawn.

The location of the temple is in the area that used to be occupied by the palace of King Taksin who re-established the Siamese Kingdom after the fall of Ayuttaya more than two hundred years ago. The main Buddha image is believed to have been designed by King Rama II.

Wat Arun, often called The Temple of Dawn, is one of the most remarkable visual identities of Bangkok . The imposing Khmer-style prang or tower is 104 metres tall and decorated with bits of porcelain that was used as ballast by boats coming from China . It is surrounded by four smaller prangs. Construction of the prangs were started by King Rama II and completed by King Rama II.

 

           

           

Afternoon        

 

Wat Pho

           

Wat Pho also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon situated just behind the extravagance of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Most western tourists never miss to visit the temple's huge reclining Buddha and other attractions of the temple.

 

The most attractive point other than the Buddha's face are the soles of the Buddha's feet, 45 meters (150 feet) away from the head, which have been inlaid with mother-of-pearl to display the 108 auspicious signs which distinguish a true Buddha.

           

Moreover, Wat Pho is also Thailand 's oldest learning center and a respected Thai massage school that operates teaching techniques to the eager and providing massages to the weary.

           

The entrance fee is worth only THB20. However, the contact details are: 2 Sanamchai Road , Bangkok 10200 Thailand . Tel: +66 2 222 5910, +66 2 226 2942, +66 2 226 1743, +66 2 225 9595

 

National Gallery Museum

Situated on Chao Fa Road opposite the National Theatre, the museum exhibits traditional and contemporary works of art created by Thai artists. 

Open : Wed-Sun from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission : 30 baht.
Tel : 0 2281 2224, 0 2282 2639-40

 

Evening          

 

Lumpini Boxing Stadium

 

Thai boxing (muay Thai) is one of the most famous and most identified sports of Thailand . As it is an effortful sport that needs a lot of strength, flexibility and endurance from its combatants, it has a spiritual dimension that isn't usually associated with sports.

 

In addition Thai boxing being the fascinating fights, the matches attract great people-watching opportunities as well. The fighter's corners are always filled with interesting people that intensely watching cannot bear to miss even a single second of every round.

 

The most famous Thai boxing stadium in the world hosts fights on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday evenings. There are usually 10 bouts in an evening, each comprising five three-minute rounds. Ritualistic music and a slow dance precede the fights as the boxers honor their teachers and the spirit of the ring.

 

The Lumpini Boxing Stadium is situated at Rama IV Road , Bangkok 10500 . It opens on Tuesday to Friday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., whereas on Saturdays Sundays it opens from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. to midnight. The contact number is +66 2 251 4303.

           

Day7    

 

Destination       Bangkok

 

Morning          

Canal Tours

Cruising along the klongs as the canals are called in Thai, takes you on a journey of contrast back to earlier eras and up to modern Bangkok .
The most popular klong trips start on the Bangkok side of the Chao Phraya River and cross over to the Thonburi side to venture up Bangkok Noi and Bangkok Yai canals. These journeys take you to fascinating places such as The Royal Barge Museum and the colonial-style Thonburi Railway Station.

On the way you will see a different side of life as you pass the homes of the klong-dwellers. Each home seems to have its own boat, be it a small canoe or a hang yao the long-tailed boats powered by car or truck engines and a propeller on a long shaft that acts as both propulsion and steerage

 

Bangkok Sightseeing City Tram          

 

You can see the sights of inner Bangkok from an electric city tram. En-route a professional guide describing the attractions as passengers relax and view Rattanakosin Island's myriad sights and sounds such as the Grand Palace, Paklong Talad Flower Market, the Ta Chang Pier, the National Museum and the National Gallery. The can provide multi-lingual commentary. You can catch the tram near front gates of the Grand Palace in Sanam Luang, which leaves every thirty minutes.

           

Afternoon

 

River City        

 

You can touch the Thai magic at River City . It was founded in 1984. This shopping adventure is located on the Chao Phraya River next to the Royal Orchid Sheraton and features 192 shops and presents an ideal place to look for hand-woven Thai silk and cotton, gems and jewelry, decorative objects, leather goods, antiques, handicrafts and other souvenirs. A free shuttle service runs to and from nearby major hotels located on the river.

 

The Antique Shops open 8:30a.m to 6 p.m. Monday to Sunday, whereas Boutique shops open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Sunday. It is situated at 23 Yota Road , Sampantawong, Bangkok 10100 Thailand . For more information, please visit http://www.rivercity.co.th or email at auction@rivercity.co.th or Tel: +66 2 237 0077

 

You can get there by BTS to Saphan Taksin Station. There's a free shuttle boat service to the River City available at Sathorn Pier everyday from 10:00 to 20:00.

           

Evening          

 

Chao Phraya River Cruise       

 

A cruise along the Chao Phaya River and Thonburi’s vast network of canals is an experience no other Asian capital can offer. However, if you have specifically come here for sightseeing, then a trip to Chao Phraya River in Bangkok suits the best.

 

Moreover, you can see various traditional old houses, temples, shops and Floating Market on a trip to Chao Phraya River . You'll get a nice tour of many of Bangkok 's sites, including the Palace, Wat Arun, and some fancy hotels such as the Oriental.

 

To approach the spot, you can get on the SkyTrain to the Saphan Taksin stop and getting on the river boats there.

Day8    

 

Destination       Bangkok

 

Morning          

           

Bangkok Floating Market         

 

An early morning trip in Thailand is at most interesting and authentic rural floating market where many varieties of products are on sales from vendors in tiny boats which dominate the colorful scene. Your visit to the floating market can take you away from all the bustle of the city. You will get the chance to visit the Thai Village show which gives you an introduction into Thai life. You will witness ordination into monkshood, fingernail dance, Thai boxing, hill tribe dance, sword-fighting, elephant at work and folk dancing.

 

Afternoon        

 

Jim Thompson's House and Museum 

 

Jim Thompson’s House and Museum is a small but fine museum, being the former home of the man who saved the Thai silk industry from collapse. It is constructed from six different traditional teak houses; the walls were reassembled from the outside in.

           

The museum shows Jim Thompson's beautiful collection of art and artifacts from Thailand and Southeast Asia .

           

It opens at 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. from Monday to Sunday, last tour is at 4:30 p.m. It is located at Rama I Road, 6 Soi Kasemsan 2, Bangkok 10330 Thailand . For more information, please visit http://www.jimthompsonhouse.com or contact at Tel: +66 2 216 7368

           

Evening          

 

Suan Lum Night Bazaar          

 

Suan Lum Night Bazaar provides excellent Creative gifts, home items, clothing, jewelry boutique shops by local designers and packaged dried fruits. The bazaar also has few stalls also which sell the usual market CD's and clothing.

 

The Suan Lum Night Bazaar in Bangkok is surrounded by several bars and restaurants where Thai, Italian, German, and Mexican cuisines are served to tickle your taste buds.

 

Day 9   

 

Destination Bangkok

 

Morning

 

Ancient City    

 

Ancient City is an innovative park and museum (Muang Boran in Thai) in which visitors can learn about Thai architecture and history. Surroundings are famous buildings, monuments and temples representing all regions in Thailand . However, you may need a private car to navigate around the 280-acre outdoor museum.

 

Afternoon

 

Erawan Shrine

 

Erawan Shrine is built incongruously in one of Bangkok 's hubs of consumerism. This very popular shrine is devoted to Brahma and Erawan, his elephant. It is located next to the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel. The shrine was beset by a series of accidents during its construction in the 1950s. You can often get to see traditional Thai dancing over here. It is a public place and is free to visit 24 hours a day from Monday to Sunday.

 

It is situated at 494 Ratchawithi Road (corner of Ploenchit and Ratchiwithi), Bangkok 10330.