Example Itinerary
Enjoy a cultural, culinary and natural adventure as you step into the North of Thailand. The culture is contrastingly different to the country’s neighboring tropical South. The ancient capitals are still evident with vast, well-preserved ruins dotting the countryside. This four-day itinerary is the perfect way to see the ancient ruling lands of Thailand as you explore Sukhothai’s cities and finish in Chiang Mai.
This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.• Northern Cuisine: The food of northern Thailand was heavily influenced by Lanna heritage and is very different to its southern counterpart. Dishes to try include sai oua (spicy sausage), laab (raw beef salad), and khao soi (curry noodles).
• Thuriang Kilns: Sukhothai's Thuriang Kilns are the remains of an old celadon factory. According to experts, the ceramics found here predate the Sukhothai Kingdom by more than a millennium, challenging the notion that China introduced ceramic production to Thailand in the 13th century.
• Cycling: In Phrae, hop from temple to temple by bike, exploring each wat at your own pedaling pace.
Fly from Bangkok to Sukhothai. Sukhothai is located in the far North of Thailand, and can be translated to mean “the dawn of happiness.” Meet your guide and driver at the airport. You will be staying at a beautiful Thai-style boutique resort - The Legendha. Enjoy a dip in the spacious swimming pool or savor an authentic Northern dish in the resort’s restaurant. The food in the North of the country is vastly different from the South, and considered internationally delicious.
Begin the day early with a sunrise visit to the fascinating history park near the hotel. After breakfast, take a bike ride in the fresh air to see Wat Sri Chum, Wat Phra Pai Luang and Thuriang Kilns. Thuriang Kilns produced the famous Sukhothai Celadon. After lunch inside the park’s restaurant, visit the Ramkamhaeng Museum and learn the history of Thailand’s first capital. Next, enjoy an extensive temple tour, visiting the Wat Mahathat and Wat Si Sawai. There are several interesting ruins within the city’s moats. Visit a ceramics factory and feel free to purchase any of the clay pottery you would like to take home with you. Finish the day at a bronze casting factory that specializes in producing statues of Ganesha and Buddha.
Begin the day visiting Wat Chetuphon and Wat Saphan Hin just east of the city. Gaze at a picturesque view of the historical park from above. Continue onto Si Satchanalai. Take the centuries-old road from Wat Bot to Sawaklok. Catch glimpses of several other ruins along the way. Si Satchanalai was once the second-most important town in the kingdom. Bicycle between the ruins of Wat Suan Kaew Uthayan Yai, Wat Chedi Chet Taew, Wat Nang Phaya and Wat Chang Lom. After a day full of historical culture, return to the hotel to relax for the night.
After breakfast, visit the gorgeous Moungngwezin House that has been restored to its original beauty. The house now has a gallery and coffee shop. Admire the old-world teakwooden viharn at Wat Koh. Next, visit the historical, majestic Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao. In the afternoon, enjoy a horse-cart ride through Lampang and visit a Burmese-style temple - Wat Si Rong Muang. Explore the old city wall by foot. Have lunch alongside the Wang River at the delicious Riverside Restaurant. Drive to Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang - one of the most magnificent temples in Northern Thailand. After enjoying the serenity of the temple, drive to the most popular, vibrant city of the North - Chiang Mai. Stop by the lively Thung Kwian Market and visit the hospital of the Friends of the Asian Elephant Foundation. See how these people are making a difference in these animals’ daily lives and futures. End the tour in Chiang Mai. Choose to either extend in the friendly city or begin your journey home.
Price is based on double or twin hotel room occupancy and includes accommodation, transfers, car/driver, English-speaking guide, activities and entrance fees, breakfasts and some casual lunches while touring. Flights and optional special activities will be quoted separately. Most personal expenses, including dinners, alcoholic beverages, spa treatments and gratuities can be paid on the spot while traveling. Prices may vary depending on season, choice of accommodation and other factors.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands – a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
The Remote Lands travel experts have put together a batch of new holiday itineraries for the Land of Smiles, from luxury and elephants to religion and kayaking.
“Have you eaten yet?” is a common greeting in Thailand, and when you take a look at this smattering of Thai food feasts, you’ll know why.
Anthony Gill, General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai and Tented Camp Golden Triangle, speaks with Travelogues from Remote Lands on how travel will change in Thailand’s wild north.
Here is a small selection of the kind words our guests have said about us, as well as features by journalists and travel writers.
From the moment I happened upon the REMOTE LANDS website over a year ago, browsed the options, I knew that this would be well worth it. The entire staff is nothing less than professional with service that made us feel like royals.
This was truly the trip of a lifetime. Magical destinations, the most luxurious hotels in the world, and the most wonderful travel companions we could’ve wished for. We were treated like family everywhere we went and we have 14 new best friends.
We have used some of the top rated travel specialists all over the world and, without question, Catherine Heald and Remote Lands are at the very top of the list!
