History and Culture: Loy Krathong Festival

📍 Sukhothai Airport – Sukhothai Hotel (approx. 2 - 40 km): approx. 20 – 40 min

Upon arrival in Sukhothai, guests will be met by the guide and transferred to the hotel.

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 during a period known as the golden age of Thai history. The park contains about 200 ruined chedis in remarkably good condition. Today, visit the main sites of Wat Mahathat, Wat Sri Chum, and the Ramkamhaeng Museum.

In the evening, enjoy the Loy Krathong celebration. Although Loy Krathong is now celebrated throughout the kingdom, the festival 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 and sound presentation.

Overnight in Sukhothai

Inclusions:

📍 Sukhothai – Si Satchanalai (59.7 km): 55 min Si Satchanalai – Chiang Mai (258 km): 3.30 hr

This morning, have an early breakfast at the hotel and drive to Sri Satchanalai Historical Park, situated on the bank of the Yom River. The ancient town, formerly called Muang Chaliang, was renamed Sri Satchanalai during the reign of Phra Ruang. Many ruined monuments have been discovered in the park. Visit the main sites, including 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 will be served at a local restaurant during the visits.
Then transfer to Chiang Mai.

Then tranfer yo Chiang Mai.

Arrive in Chiang Mai in the evening.

Optional: Take an evening walk around the town to enjoy the Krathong celebration and admire the beautiful krathong decorations,activities,and more.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

After an early breakfast at the hotel, be picked up and transferred approximately an hour out of Chiang Mai through rolling hills, forests, and local farming areas before arriving at an elephant camp.
Walk through the camp and learn about the elephants, change into traditional Karen clothing, and make a medicine ball for the elephants. Then it’s time to meet them—feed and give medicine, interact, and play with them in a natural environment while learning about their behavior and history. Also, enjoy a mud spa with them and bathe them in the river. Have a traditional meal for lunch before saying goodbye to the elephants and driving back to Chiang Mai.
Lunch at Huay Kaew Restaurant.
In the afternoon, explore the old and modern city of Chiang Mai, including its 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, look out for one of the most sacred stupas in all of Thailand. Enjoy a fantastic panoramic view over the city from here. Take a deep breath and appreciate the serenity of ancient Wat Jed Yod with its seven-spired 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 a traditional Lanna show and participate in games and performances. Float a krathong in the water for good luck, listen to the monks chanting during the ceremony, and release lanterns to complete an immersive experience of the festivities.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Chiang Mai – Chiang Mai Airport (5.8 km): 14 min

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Chiang Mai Airport for your onward flight.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast