Thai Heritage on 7 Days 6 nights 1800 123 6898 adventure@trip360.com www.trip360.com/cycling 1/9
Your Itinerary in Brief Days Description Distance Meals Day 1 Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Lunch, Dinner Day 2 Ayutthaya - Uthai Thani - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 3 Uthai Thani - Kamphaeng Phet - Sukhothai - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 4 Sukhothai - Phrae - Breakfast, Lunch Day 5 Phrae - Lamphang - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 6 Lamphang - Lamphun - Chiang Mai - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 7 Chiang Mai - Breakfast, Lunch We reserve the right to provide you accommodation in alternate or similar category which may or may not be listed here in. Gradings are based on universally accepted hotel guides and, in the absence of such assessments, the expert opinions of our team of quality controllers. 1800 123 6898 adventure@trip360.com www.trip360.com/cycling 2/9
Your Itinerary in Detail Highlights See Thailand's rural and countryside and explore the rich history of Siam Ride through emerald paddy fields of central Thailand Explore the culturally rich city of Chiang Mai Ride the backroads to Ayutthaya Historical Park and explore the centuries-old UNESCO World Heritage Site Day 1 Bangkok - Ayutthaya We pick you up from your desired point in Bangkok in the morning for a short transfer to the former royal summer residence of Bang Pa-In Palace. Originally built during the reign of King Prasat Thong of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya in 1632, the palace is now used by the royal family for banquets and ceremonies. Before you ask, no, we cannot help you become friends with them. After a walk through the gardens and the diversely styled buildings we cross the River of Kings, the Chao Phraya, for lunch at a riverside restaurant. In the afternoon, we ride on back roads to Ayutthaya Historical Park and explore the ruins of the historical wealthy kingdom that thrived for four centuries, and is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once a major trading post for merchants and sailors between the Far East and India, Ayutthaya was home to traders from Japan, China, Portugal, Holland, France and Spain. We will stop often to visit temples and absorb their significance. We finish the day at a Thai-style boutique resort set amidst rice paddies. Are you dreaming about it already? Lunch, Dinner Day 2 Ayutthaya - Uthai Thani Our riding day starts with a leisurely ride to Wat Chaiyo Worawihan. Originally built as a small temple, this was expanded during the reign of King Rama V to accommodate a large seated Buddha image (16 metres wide and 22 metres high). For a delicious lunch, we will stop at a local restaurant, before a short transfer to our country resort. Here, you can choose between a ride through tranquil rice fields, a sunset kayak, a relaxing Thai massage, or throwing a fishing line to spend your evening. Choices, choices, choices. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 1800 123 6898 adventure@trip360.com www.trip360.com/cycling 3/9
Your Itinerary in Detail Day 3 Uthai Thani - Kamphaeng Phet - Sukhothai We follow the river north and ride through local villages to Kok Mai Duen Ancient City. A short walk through the digs will reveal evidence of structures from 2000 years ago. Observe the unearthed tools and stoneware, including fascinating Roman-style lanterns, evidence of the flourishing trade between the East and the West centuries ago. We then drive to see more of Thailand's cultural treasures at Kamphaeng Phet - the Diamond-Walled city - which served as a military fortress defending the former capital of Sukhothai during the 14th century. By this point, you will be imagining yourself as a war general all set to go into battle. Don't get too carried away, we have more cycling to do. While casually cruising on our bikes inside the city walls and the old fortification of Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park, we take in the history of this UNESCO Wolrd Heritage site. In the afternoon, our pleasant ride on country roads will take us to the locals' favourite hangout, the Phra Ruang hot springs. Relax in the natural hot springs where the average temperatures range from 50-65Â C. We then transfer to our charming Thai-style hotel in Sukhothai. Tonight, we have dinner at the mesmerising Dream Cafe surrounded by artifacts and antiques. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 4 Sukhothai - Phrae This morning, we cycle through the remains of the first kingdom of the Thai people. Pre-dating Ayutthaya, though there is some overlap between the kingdoms, Sukhothai was established in 1238. The story of Sukhothai was found in a stone inscription. It describes the benevolent relationship between the king and his people as that of a father and son, the strong belief in Buddhism prevalent at the time, and the land as rich with natural resources. It really is something to travel back in time via simple writings. The Thai alphabet in its current form was derived from this inscription too, interestingly. Our leisurely ride through the site will let us explore the many temples and ruins and learn about life in Siam during the Sukhothai era and its influence on current Thai culture. In the afternoon, we beat the heat with a transfer to the quaint town of Phrae, where we enter a different period of Thai history, the Kingdom of Lanna. We'll visit Khum Chao Luang, the residence of the last ruler of Phrae. It's built in a mixed Thai-European style of architecture known as "Gingerbread", popular during the reign of King Rama V. In the evening, we dive into an essential part of being Thai - food! Wander through the famous Phratu Chai Market and sample famous local delicacies such as the Kanom Jeen Nam Ngiew (a northern style noodle soup) and Kanom Tom (a dessert made from coconut and palm sugar), while you discuss your day's exciting discoveries with your co-travellers and guide. Breakfast, Lunch 1800 123 6898 adventure@trip360.com www.trip360.com/cycling 4/9
Your Itinerary in Detail Day 5 Phrae - Lamphang After breakfast we have a 2-hour ride to Lamphang, the fortress city of the Kingdom of Lanna, the most prosperous kingdom in northern Thailand during the 13th-18th century. Though of the same Tai family as the Siamese in the central plain, the Tai Yuan people (who established the Lanna Kingdom) developed their own language and alphabet - which can still be seen and heard today. After this cycling trip, you're going to be a bona fide expert in Thai history, we're telling you. Here, we explore Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, which still has the fortress walls that protected the people as well as the temple, home to a Buddha relic that is worshiped by Thais all over the country. We ride our bikes to our riverside hotel, through the undulating countryside and refreshing green fields Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 6 Lamphang - Lamphun - Chiang Mai We start the day with a 90-minute transfer and then begin cycling to admire Lanna architecture. After about 20 kms, we'll take a break with a visit to the Lamphun Museum and learn about the ancient kingdoms of Haripunchal and Lanna. We then cycle around Wat Phra That Haripunchai, built around 1044 AD. From here we ride north along the Ping River on quiet country roads - through farmlands and orchards with an abundance of seasonal fruit including longans, lychee, mangos, jackfruit, durian, and dragon fruit, among others. The smell of fresh fruits...yum! We'll also ride through the historic ruins of Wiang Khum Kham, a Mon settlement dating back to the 11th century. Constructed as part of the Haripunchai kingdom, this satellite town was ruined by floods and abandoned, but the ruins have recently been excavated. Our ride continues along the Ping River as we get to our final destination, the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai. After we check into our hotel and rest, we'll get back on our bikes for a night tour of this walled city. Relish some snacks at the market and then dig into a late dinner featuring the signature dish of Chiang Mai, Khao Soi - flat, yellow egg noodles and chicken, beef or pork in a coconut milk-based red curry soup. Yup, we're already hungry, too. Slurp. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 1800 123 6898 adventure@trip360.com www.trip360.com/cycling 5/9
Your Itinerary in Detail Day 7 Chiang Mai This morning we'll leave our bikes behind and drive up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (1384 A.D.), the most sacred temple in northern Thailand, whose temple grounds have been expanded to add numerous holy shrines over the years. Once there, a panoramic view of the city of Chiang Mai (15km away) can be seen on a clear day. Then, we visit Wat Suan Dok (1370 A.D.), where the ashes of Chiang Mai's royal family are interred. The temple is also the site of Mahachulalongkorn Rajavidyalaya Buddhist University, where monks from across the nation come to pursue their Buddhist studies. And then we come to it, the end of the most fun history lesson you'll have taken in a while. We'll stop for a poignant farewell lunch at a spot above Chiang Mai, so you can take in the landscape of the Lanna Kingdom and reflect a bit on how far civilisation has come since the ancient times, before we return you to the comforts of your hotel. Please do give us your valuable feedback on adventure@coxandkings.com Breakfast, Lunch 1800 123 6898 adventure@trip360.com www.trip360.com/cycling 6/9
Inclusions and Exclusions with Costs Your Holiday Price Hub Single Twin Sharing Accommodation Accommodation Bangkok 88,200* 74,550* *All the services quoted are subject to availability and prices are dynamic and may change. If a service is not available, an alternative will be presented with a revised price. 1800 123 6898 adventure@trip360.com www.trip360.com/cycling 7/9
Inclusions and Exclusions with Costs Your Holiday Price Includes 06 nights' accommodation (Hotel (6nights)). 06 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 5 Dinners. Sightseeing as specified in the itinerary. Transfers as mentioned in the itinerary. Support vehicle as per group size. Services of expert guide and mechanic for cycle repair. Hire. Travel Insurance. Your Holiday Price Excludes Return Airfare. Airport taxes. Visas. Optional activities. Personal expenses, tips, laundry, telephone calls, personal medicines, alcoholic beverages Costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, landslides, road conditions and any other circumstances beyond our control.. Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary. Evacuation charges, damage of any nature, entrance fees at monasteries Any items / services not specifically mentioned under inclusions.. Goods and Services Tax of 5%. 1800 123 6898 adventure@trip360.com www.trip360.com/cycling 8/9
Tips for Travellers Category name Type of Accommodation: Details Accommodation is based on twin sharing basis with Standard hotel facilities. Type of Food: Meals are included as per the itinerary where B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner. Most meals are local and feature noodles, rice, curries and soups. Any special dietary requirements can also be catered for as well. Please let us know at the time of booking. Clothes to Carry: 1. Good walking shoes. 2. Sunglasses. 3. Sunscreen (highest possible). 4. Headgear for sunny days. 5. Cotton clothing for summer days, light woolen clothes for evenings. Heavy woolens for winter. 6. Shorts for hiking and walking around town are fine. Out of respect, please don't wear shorts in public buildings or monasteries. Have a pair of long pants or longer skirt for these locations. Equipment Checklist: 2 pairs cycling shorts. 2 cycling tops. 2 pairs cycling socks. 1 pair cycling shoes. Rear panniers, with extra pockets. Front panniers. Saddle Bag. Cycling Gloves. Bike Buddy' bottle cage/water bladder. Knee pads and elbow pads. Our Crew: Medical facilities Available: You will be led by a local English-speaking tour leader and if the group is 9 people or more we will add another guide to the tour. All our guides are well informed in the history, culture and religions of the area where you are biking and are skilled at passing that knowledge on to you. Your guide is also medically trained and an experienced cyclist, able to handle most minor repairs en route. There are medical Facilities available but we suggest carry your own First aid kit as well. Also consult with the Family Dr before coming on our tour. Typical Day on the : We start riding post breakfast and we ride around 50kms per day in around minimum 4 to 5 hours. Approximate Group Size: Money to carry: Flight Information Books to Read Tipping Minimum 12 Guest. 150-200 USD Thai Airways, Jet Airways, Bangkok Airways from Delhi, Mumbai The Beach by Alex Garland - This is a fictional account of a man who makes it to Thailand on a treasure hunt and along the way finds lots of adventure and mystery. Perfectly describes the coastal life and wonder of living in Thailand. Four Reigns by Kukrit Pramoj - This is an exhaustive account of the history of Thailand and tells the tales of its kings and ruling dynasties. It places into context a lot of modern Thai culture by tracing its ancient, historic roots. All tipping is optional and by no means mandatory, however if you feel that your staff and drivers have performed at a good or excellent level, it is a great way to let them know you appreciate their efforts. 1800 123 6898 adventure@trip360.com www.trip360.com/cycling 9/9