Sukhothai, the capital of the first Thai kingdom, flourished between the mid-13th and 14th centuries during Thailand’s ‘golden age’.
Today, it is a small, modern city divided into two main areas, ‘New’ and ‘Old’ Sukhothai.
‘New’ Sukhothai is where you will find accommodation, restaurants and shops. The ancient ruins are, unsurprisingly, located in ‘Old’ Sukhothai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sukhothai Historical Park comprises over 190 impressive stupas, wats and temples scattered around villages, paddy fields and ponds. The most visited are Wat Mahathat and Wat Si Chum. It is worth noting that the ruins in the central zone have been heavily restored, but there are many tracks to more untouched areas, giving you a feeling of stepping back in time.
North of Sukhothai is the Sri Satchanalai Historical Park sitting on the banks of the Yom River. Sri Satchanalai city was the second largest after Sukhothai in its heyday. Fewer travellers venture to these parts of Thailand, so you’ll have the opportunity to discover palaces, temples and homes with fewer tourists. In the area, you can also stop by the tourism-based ‘Ban Na Thon Chan Community’, where most of the villagers are descendants of the ancient Lanna kingdom and have a strong desire to conserve their local heritage. Take a walk through the village and observe handmade cloth making with unique fermented mud processes and watch the elders make wooden toys.
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Thailand
Saffron & Silk: Elegant Thailand
It’s all about refined, luxurious discovery: gorgeous locations, elegant boutique hotels, wining, dining, beach reclining. And a dash of adventure!
Highlights
Bangkok
Sail down the Chao Phraya River and explore life along smaller klongs (canals)
Chiang Mai
Connect with villages at a community project in Northern Thailand as you spend a day learning about Thai cuisine in a local home
Stay at the country’s most elegant hotels with top-notch service, surrounded by beauty
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Thailand
Elephant Encounters in Thailand
A glorious itinerary for genuinely ethical and immersive elephant encounters and off-the-beaten-track cultural and wildlife experiences.
Highlights
Mae Sot
Trek to see rescue elephants thriving in their natural habitat
Experience life alongside the Karen people in the hills of northern Thailand
Krabi
Get your dose of tropical beach time
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Thailand
Countryside, Rivers & Reef by Train
An overland exploration of North and Central Thailand. Snake through rural communities by rail, stay in riverside lodges in jungles, and relax on pristine beaches.
Highlights
Phrae
Snake through the northern hills towards Phrae Muang Pi Forest Park
Bangkok
Going behind the scenes on Bangkok’s backstreets, including a cooking class in a hidden garden restaurant
Koh Kood
Relaxing on the tropical jungle island, close to the Cambodian border
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Thailand
Classic Family Thailand Adventure
A little bit of everything in ‘The Land of Smiles’: from Bangkok’s sizzling street food and countryside cycles to off-the-beaten-track idyllic beaches of warm water and golden sands.
Highlights
Bangkok
Sample sizzling street food with a fun foodie guide
Chiang Mai
Meet free-roaming elephants and learn about how they’re protected
Koh Yao Noi
Glorious beach time on an unspoilt island with great snorkelling
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