3 Days / 2 Nights
Malaysia
Overview
Held in November annually, the much anticipated Loy Krathong Festival is full of culture and tradition. Get to experience this festival at two cultural hotspots, Sukhothai and Chiang Mai. Participate in the rituals of releasing a lantern to the river and visit historical sites and temples along the way for a Thai cultural experience like no other.
Trip Highlights
Cycle Sukhothai Historical Park
Known as the Dawn of Happiness, explore the first capital of Thailand and its ancient chedis on two wheels.
Loy Krathong at two cultural hotspots
Participate in releasing a lantern on a river symbolising a new start at the annual Loy Krathong festival in Sukhothai and Chiang Mai.
Enroute stop at Sri Satchanalai Historical Park
Discover the many ruined monuments at temples such as Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, Wat Khao Suwan Khiri, Wat Chang Lom and more.
Itinerary
1
Sukhothai Arrival
Sukhothai Airport – Sukhothai Hotel (approx. 2 - 40 km): approx. 20 – 40 min
Upon arrival in Sukhothai, you will be met and greeted by our EXO travel guide for the transfer to your hotel in Sukhothai.
In the afternoon, hop on a bike to explore Sukhothai Historical Park, which was once a walled city surrounded by a moat. Sukhothai, meaning “dawn of happiness”, was founded in the 13th century and became the kingdom’s first capital, overseeing a period kown as the golden age in Thai history. The park contains about 200 ruined chedis in a remarkably good condition. You will visit the main sites of Wat Mahathat, Wat Sri Chum, as well as the Ramkamhaeng Museum.
In the evening, enjoy Loy Krathong celebration. Although the Loy Krathong is now celebrated throughout the kingdom, Loy Krathong originated in Sukhothai, the first Thai capital. Highlights of the Sukhothai Loy Krathong celebration include displays of lighted candles and fireworks, folk dancing and a spectacular light & sound presentation.
Overnight in Sukhothai.
2
Sukhothai – Si Satchanalai - Chiang Mai
Sukhothai – Si Satchanalai (59.7 km): 55 min Si Satchanalai – Chiang Mai (258 km): 3.30 hr
Early breakfast at hotel, drive to Sri Satchanalai Historical Park, on the bank of the Yom River. The ancient town, formerly called Muang Chaliang was named Sri Satchanalai during the reign of Phra Ruang. Many ruined monuments have been discovered in the park. Vist the main sites of Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, Wat Khao Suwan Khiri, Wat Chang Lom, Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo, Wat Suan Kaeo Utthayan Yai, Wat Nang Phaya and Wat Suan Kaeo Utthayan Noi. Also see the Celadon Kiln Site Study and Conservation Center at Ban Ko Noi. Lunch today is served at a local restaurant during the visits. Then transfer up to Chiang Mai.
Arrive Chiang Mai in the evening.
Optional: Evening walk around the town to enjoy the Krathong celebration and feast your eyes with beautiful krathong decoration and krathong contest, etc.
Overnight in Chiang Mai.
3
Chiang Mai
After early breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up and transferred approximately an hour out of Chiang Mai through rolling hills, forest, and local farming areas, until reaching an elephant camp. Walk through and learn about the elephants, change into traditional Karen clothing and make medicine for the elephants. Then it’s time to meet them, feed and give medicine, interact, and play with them in a natural environment as you learn about their behavior and history. Also, enjoy mud spa with them and bathe them in the river. Have a traditional meal for lunch before saying goodbye to the elephants and drive back to Chiang Mai.
Lunch at Huay Kaew Restaurant.
In the afternoon, explore the old and modern city of Chiang Mai, including its old crumbling city walls, gates, moat, eclectic markets, residential areas, majestic foreign consulates, government buildings and Thapae Road, one of Chiang Mai’s main streets. Continue with a drive up to Doi Suthep mountain for a visit to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Built in 1384 AD, this is the most sacred temple in Northern Thailand. Inside the temple, you will see one of the most sacred stupas in all of Thailand. A fantastic panoramic view over the city can be seen from here. Breathe deeply and enjoy the serenity of ancient Wat Jed Yod with its seven spires stupa and Wat Suan Dok where the ashes of Chiang Mai’s royal family are interred.
This evening, join the Yi Peng event organized at the Northern Study Center, Mae Rim. The event starts at 17:30 and ends at 20:30. Here, you can enjoy a wide range of authentic Lanna Thai food and snacks, as well as beverages. Watch the traditional Lanna show and join the games and performances. Float your krathong in the water for good luck. Listen to the monks chanting for the ceremony and do release your lanterns to complete your great ceremony.
Overnight in Chiang Mai.
4
Chiang Mai Departure
Chiang Mai – Chiang Mai Airport (5.8 km): 14 min
After breakfast ta the hotel, check out and transfer to Chiang Mai Airport for your onward flight.
Important Information
Inclusions
Notes
- Hotel accommodation in half-twin/double room with daily breakfast.
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
- Tours and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicles.
- English speaking guide
- All entrance fees as indicated in itinerary
- Drinking water during the tour
- International and domestic flights (quoted separately).
- Meals other than mentioned above.
- Camera/video entrance fees.
- Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, telephone, tips etc).
- Travel insurance
- Other services not clearly indicated in the package inclusions above.
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