Explore the ancient kingdoms of Thailand that flourished from the 14th century such as Lanna, Sukhothai and Ayuthaya. The trip begins from the glorious former capital of Ayuthaya all the way up to Thailand's first capital city 'Sukhothai', Lampang and Chiang Mai. Also admire different ethnic cultures of hill tribe villagers of Lisu and Akha in their mountainous residence.

Minimum: 2 persons

• Price includes:
  - Accommodation with breakfasts as mentioned in the program:- The Krungsri River Hotel (run of house), The Ananda Gallery Hotel (Standard Room), The Empress Chiang Mai (Superior room), Fern Resort (deluxe room) and non air-conditioned room with electric fan at Lisu Lodge based on sharing twin-bedded room with daily breakfast.
  - Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
  - Private local English-speaking guide accompanying the guests throughout the program (Bangkok / Chiang Mai)
  - From Chiang Mai - Mae Hong Son, transfer and tour by 4WD with local English speaking guide
  - Join-in 2 days /1 night Lisu Lodge Experience pacakge with English guide assistant.
  - Admisson fees on sites as mentioned in the program.
  - Meals plan as specified in the program
  - Baggage handling
  - Service charge and Government Tax
  
  
• Price excludes:
  - Airport tax
  - One way air ticket: Mae Hong Son to Bangkok by Thai Airways which can be arranged upon request
  - Personal expenses
  - Other services not mentioned in the program 

  Supplement for compulsory gala dinner:
  Guests staying during Christmas and New Year are subject to compulsory gala dinner. Price to be advised.
  
  Remark:
  * Slight deviatoins in the itinerary are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions and room availability.
  * Kindly note that the above package is inclusive of current Value Added Tax (VAT) at 7%.  Should the government revise or adjust the tax structure of the kingdom, we reserve our right to charge or revise the price accordingly.
  * Please also note that the tour, transfer as well as accommodation and/or any services as per the above itinerary are calculated as part of a package basis.  Hence, there would be no refund, reimburse, redeem or compensation for an unused service or unjustifiable early departure.

Many of Thailand's earliest civilizations originated in the northern region, and because of this, Northern Thailand is home to some of the country's best archaeological sites and cultural attractions, including temples in Phitsanulok and historical parks in Sukhothai. The excursion is extensive, taking you from boat rides through the canals of Thonburi, to the ancient capital of Ayuthaya and continues through several cities, right up to Chiang Mai in the mountainous North.

Former Capital
Founded in 1350 AD, Ayuthaya, Thailand's former capital for 417 years, was home to 33 kings before being left in ruins following a Burmese invasion in 1767. The city boasted three palace complexes, and 400 temples along a 60-km stretch of canal. Art and architecture of the ancient city of Ayuthaya portrays a continuation of older Sukhothai Buddhist styles, blended with present-day Khmer-Hindu styles as revealed through several outstanding archeological sites, temples and museums.

Bang Pa-in Summer Palace
The Bang Pa-in Palace is one of the country's most famous attractions, located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in Ayuthaya Province. The most striking feature of the palace is Phra Thinang Aisawan Thipha-at, a Thai pavilion in the middle of a lake, regarded as one of the finest examples of Thai architecture. Buildings scattered throughout the compound were constructed in a variety of contrasting modes, dominated by Chinese, Italian and Victorian architectural styles. The one building open to visitors is the Chinese-style Phra Thinang Wehat Chamrun, which houses the court.

Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat
Located in the province of Phitsanulok, Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat is commonly known to villagers as “Wat Yai” or “Big Temple.” Built in the reign of King Phra Mahatham Racha I, in 1307, the beginning of the Ayuthaya period, the temple enshrines Thailand’s most venerated Phra Buddha Chinnarat. This Buddha image was originally cast in bronze, but gilded in 1631 by King Ekathotsarot. Each year, thousands of people come to pay homage at the temple.

Historical Parks
The historical parks at Sukhothai and Sri Satchanalai were formerly sites of the first ancient Thai Kingdoms that flourished during the 12th to 15th centuries. Now World Heritage sites their monuments and edifices tell of artistic greatness and Buddhist piety at the height of the Sukhothai period, the beginning of the Thai Kingdom. The compound within Sukhothai Historical Park features the city walls, encompassing magnificent stone buildings, palaces, temples, stupas, and massive stone Buddha images, which all provide a perfect setting for an ancient town, left undestroyed.

On the Way
Several places in Chiang Mai are worth visiting on the way to Lisu Lodge. Take a bracing drive through mountainous terrain to Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, one of Chiang Mai's most famous landmarks, and marvel at the golden pagoda that houses Buddha relics. Driving further north, visitors can stop to stroll through the gardens of Phuping Palace, HM the King's winter holiday home.

Mingling with the Lisu
Originating in eastern Tibet, the Lisu crossed the mountains in Burma to settle in the northwestern regions of Thailand in the provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son and Phayao. Arriving around the beginning of the 20th century, they are closely related to the Chinese.

Asama, Lodge manager’s youngest daughter, with the 1998 Best Lodge Award from TravelAsia Conservation International's Ecotourism Excellence Award 2000 PATA's 2000 Gold Award of Ecotourism & Cultural Diversity British Airways' Tourism For Tomorrow Award:200 Highly Recommended Accommodation.

Both the men and women wear gaily-colored costumes: the women wear vivid tunics, with side vents, worn over blouses and trousers and strapped with a wide, black belt. Men wear green, blue, pink or yellow baggy pants with blue jackets.

During the tour, a family elder will guide you around the Lisu Village to sample a portion of Lisu customs and culture. You will view the local shrine, admire the work of skilled silversmiths and marvel at fine embroidery work, and may be invited into someone's home for a cup of local tea. As evening falls, the sounds of dancing and traditional music, strummed on banjos by Lisu villagers, echo around the village.

Hill Tribes
Mae Hong Son is home to several indigenous hill tribes, notably the long-necked Padaung, from the Karen group. The city is characterized by a strong Burmese influence through its many Burmese-style temples, historical sites and lifestyle. Accommodation in town ranges from bungalows to guesthouses and hotels. Shopping around for hilltribe handicrafts and souvenirs can be done in town and since the climate in Mae Hong Son is quite cool year-round, pleasant visits are feasible at any time of the year.

Brass-Necked Women
Among the many hill tribes living in Mae Hong Son, the Karen group's Padaung tribe are the most physically discernible due to the women's elongated necks, caused by wearing brass neck rings from an early age. Neck rings, which are added as the women grow older, are intended as an adornment. The more rings worn, the more attractive a woman becomes to local admirers.