Destinations: Bangkok – Kanchanaburi – Ayutthaya – Sukhothai – Lampang – Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai – Krabi – Koh Lanta Island.
Duration: 16 Days
Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok (DP)
Upon arrival at Bangkok airport (Gate No.4), you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. The glorious history of Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, is closely linked to the Chakri dynasty, which still reigns but does not rule. You’ll settle into the hotel and have free time to relax. Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 2: Bangkok city (B, G)
After breakfast, you’ll visit the Grand Royal Palace, dedicated to the ceremonies of the Thai royal family. It is the most sacred, respected, and majestic place in Bangkok. The Grand Palace, or Royal Palace, is a complex with many historical monuments built over centuries. Most of these are temples and official buildings still in use today.
Within the same compound, you’ll find the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew, known for the statue of the Emerald Buddha. After exploring this complex, you’ll continue to Wat Pho, home to the giant Reclining Buddha. Wat Pho is one of the oldest and largest Buddhist temples in Bangkok, located on the eastern shore of the Chao Phraya River, just south of the Grand Palace. The temple’s symbol is the famous Reclining Buddha statue, which represents Buddha on his deathbed. The statue is 45 meters long and 15 meters high, with feet inlaid with mother-of-pearl.
After lunch at a local restaurant (to be paid on the spot), you’ll take a walk through Chinatown, considered the busiest area in Bangkok, known for its various specialties from countries in the region. The dishes are prepared using only the freshest ingredients of the day. You’ll visit Wat Traimit, famous for the Golden Buddha.
In the afternoon, you’ll board a long-tail boat for a trip along the Chao Phraya River and the lively inner canals of Thonburi, offering fantastic views of local life. You’ll have the opportunity to snack, buy trinkets, or use the restroom at stops along the way. Along the journey, you’ll stop at Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. Afterward, you’ll return to your hotel for free time. Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 3: Bangkok – Meaklong Market – Damnoen Saduak floating market – Kanchanaburi (B, G)
After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll take a short drive from the bustling streets of Bangkok, where the high-rise urban landscape quickly dissolves into a lush, green rural idyll. This full-day trip to Samut Songkhram Province, just an hour outside the capital, allows you to experience the traditional charms of the Thai countryside.
Your day begins with a visit to Mae Klong Railway Market, a country market that has sprung up along the train tracks. When a train pulls in or out of the station, the vendors swiftly clear their stalls, only to set them up again moments later once the train has passed! From here, you’ll continue your journey to the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Although quite touristy today, the market remains the best example of what a floating market was like decades ago. A relaxing paddle boat ride through the labyrinth of canals offers you the chance to see the old part of the floating market and observe local life along the canal.
Once off the boat, you’ll enjoy strolling around the colorful floating marketplace, bustling with boats and vendors selling tropical fruits and other delights. If your visit falls on a Saturday or Sunday, you’ll have the option to choose between exploring Damnoen Saduak or the smaller, less touristy Tha Kha Floating Market, where you can take a short paddle boat tour through the backwaters and visit an old Thai house making coconut palm sugar.
Next, you’ll depart for Kanchanaburi, where you’ll stop to visit the World War II memorial, including the Cemetery and the Kwai River Bridge. You’ll then board a train for a 30-minute ride along the railway beside the river. Afterward, you’ll be transferred to the city for the night. Stay overnight in Kanchanaburi.
Day 4: Kanchanaburi – Erawan Park – Ayutthaya (B, G)
After breakfast, you’ll depart for Erawan Waterfall, a stunning seven-tiered waterfall located in Erawan National Park. As you walk up to see each of the picturesque falls, it’s best to wear good walking shoes. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit if you wish to swim in the fall’s natural pools. In the afternoon, you’ll head to Ayutthaya, the ancient city known as the ‘Venice of the East,’ situated along the Chao Phraya River and its tributaries that surround the province of Ayutthaya. You’ll have the opportunity to visit many monuments and remains from the period in this city, which was founded in 1350 by King Uthong when the Thai migrated south under pressure from their northern neighbors. Overnight in Ayutthaya.
Day 5: Ayutthaya – Sukhothai (B, G)
After breakfast, you’ll hop on a Kermit tuk-tuk, a unique and charming vehicle found only in two of Thailand’s provinces: Ayutthaya and Trang. Along the ride, you’ll explore the city’s temple highlights, including Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, Wat Mahathat (where you’ll see the famous Buddha face emerging from a tree), and you’ll stroll through a local market on your way to Wat Phra Srisanphet.
Afterward, you’ll continue your road trip to Sukhothai, with stops in Uthai Thani and Phitsanulok. Sukhothai, Thailand’s ancient capital, is considered the birthplace of Thai culture and “Thainess.” The city is rich with historical significance and intrigue. Upon your late afternoon arrival in Sukhothai, you’ll check in at your hotel and spend the night there.
Day 6: Sukhothai – Lampang (B, G)
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the bicycle parking area, where you’ll pick up a bike to explore the Sukhothai Historical Park. The park contains nearly 200 well-preserved ruined chedis. Your first stop will be to see the image of Ajana Buddha and learn about the legend of the Buddha’s speech at Wat Srichum.
Next, you’ll ride to Wat Prapailuang, which served as a community center before the establishment of the Sukhothai Kingdom. You’ll then visit Wat Sri Sawai, Wat Sra Sri, and Wat Trapang Ngoen.
In the afternoon, you’ll be transferred to Lampang. Once you arrive, you’ll check into your accommodation and have free time to relax. Overnight in Lampang.
Day 7: Lampang – Chiang Rai (B, G)
After breakfast, you’ll visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, one of the finest examples of Lanna-style architecture in Thailand. Its viharns, open on all sides, are characteristic of the Lanna style. Unlike some temples that have been restored using modern materials and techniques, Wat Phra That Lampang Luang has been preserved in its original state since its construction in the 13th century. The temple’s name translates to “the temple of the Great Relic of the Lampang Buddha,” and its architecture is a blend of Lanna and Thai Lü styles.
After your visit, you’ll enjoy a 30-minute horse-drawn carriage tour through the city and nearby villages. You’ll have lunch on your own at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, you’ll continue your journey to Chiang Rai, with a stop at Phayao Lake, where you can enjoy a coffee and take in the beautiful lake views. You’ll arrive in Chiang Rai at the end of the day. Overnight in Chiang Rai.
Day 8: Chiang Rai City (B, G)
After breakfast, you’ll visit the local market to discover the area’s unique products. Next, you’ll visit the world-famous Wat Phra Kaew, where the Emerald Buddha was once enshrined, followed by a visit to Wat Phra Singha, home to one of Thailand’s most beautiful Buddha images.
Afterward, you’ll take a short drive from Chiang Rai City to Baan Dam (Black House), the unique creation of national artist Thawan Duchanee. Baan Dam is part art studio, part museum, and part home, featuring an eclectic mix of traditional northern Thai buildings interspersed with some outlandish modern designs.
Lunch will be on your own. In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a boat cruise on the Mae Kok River from Chiang Rai to a Karen village, where you can watch and feed the elephants. Afterward, you’ll embark on a one-hour elephant trek. You’ll then be transferred back to Chiang Rai. Stay overnight in Chiang Rai.
Day 9: Chiang Rai – Golden Triangle – Chiang Mai (B, G)
After breakfast, you’ll take a ride to visit Chiang Saen, the ancient city located on the banks of the Khong River. Next, you’ll visit the Opium Museum, which showcases the history of opium in Thailand. You’ll have lunch on your own at a local restaurant in the Golden Triangle.
Afterward, you’ll take a boat trip along the Mekong River to see where Thailand, Burma, and Laos meet at the Golden Triangle. In the afternoon, you’ll be transferred directly to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your hotel and stay overnight in Chiang Mai.
Day 10: Chiang Mai City and Doi Suthep (B, G)
The morning will be mainly devoted to a walking tour of the old town, with stops at the ancient city wall, the moat, and one of the old town’s gates. You’ll visit Chiang Mai’s most beautiful temples, including Wat Phra Singh, Wat Phan Tao, and Wat Chedi Luang. Afterward, you’ll stroll along small streets lined with traditional houses, where you’ll take a rickshaw tour. You’ll then walk through the central Warorot Market before visiting Doi Suthep Hill. To brighten up your evening, you’ll have the opportunity to browse the Night Market on your own. Stay overnight in Chiang Mai.
Day 11: Chiang Mai – Doi Inthanon – Chiang Mai (B, G)
In the morning, you’ll take approximately 2 hours to reach the highest peak in Thailand, Doi Inthanon National Park. Upon arrival, you’ll spend 2-3 hours trekking through the jungle along a narrow mountain trail, leading to a stunning hidden waterfall in the heart of the lush jungle.
Along the way, before reaching the Pagagayaw Karen hill tribe village, you’ll pass through farmland where you’ll see coffee plantations, flower farms, and beautiful rice terraces. At the Pagagayaw Karen hill tribe village, you’ll have the opportunity to taste a cup of locally grown coffee.
Next, you’ll visit Vachiratharn Waterfall, a 70-meter-high thunderous waterfall, and enjoy the cool, fresh air before continuing back to the ground.
Afterward, you’ll explore the beautiful architecture of Napamaytanidol Chedi and Phra Mahatat Napaphon Bhumisiri, which were built to honor the 60th birthdays of King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit. Finally, you’ll be transferred back to Chiang Mai.
Day 12: Chiang Mai – Elephant Jungle Sanctuary (B, L, G) Join in program
Morning after breakfast, you’ll drive to Elephant Jungle Sanctuary to visit as the program below:
Itinerary:
08:00 – 08:30 : Pick up from your hotel or accommodation.
08:30 : Drive approximately 1.5 hours South of Chiang Mai through rolling hills, forest, and local farming areas.
10:30 : Arrive at the Sanctuary. Meet your guide and walk for 10-15 minutes through the Jungle to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. Change into traditional Karen clothing. Enjoy an introductory lesson about elephant anatomy, history, and behavior.
11:00 : Meet the elephants. Feed, interact, and play with the elephants in a natural environment as you learn about their behavior and history. Take photos with the elephants.
12:00 : Enjoy a lunch of traditional Thai food and fresh fruit.
13:00 : Learn how to make herbal medicine balls, feed the Elephants and then walk with the elephants to the river. Bathe and brush the elephants.
14:00 : Join the elephants for a therapeutic mud spa. Swim in the river and take photos with the elephants.
15:00 : Change clothes and say good bye to the elephants.
15:30 : Leave the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and drive approximately 1.5 hours to Chiang Mai.
17:00-17:30 : Drop off at your hotel or accommodation. Overnight in Chiang Mai.
Day 13: Chiang Mai – Flight to Krabi – Koh Lanta Island (B, DP)
In the morning, you’ll have free time until your transfer to the airport for your flight to Krabi. Upon arrival in Krabi, you’ll be picked up and transferred to Ao Nang, where you’ll take a ferry to Koh Lanta Island. Once you check into your hotel, you’ll have free time to relax and enjoy the island at your own pace.
Koh Lanta is one of Thailand’s most beautiful islands, located just off the coast of Krabi. Its long coastline has nearly a dozen beaches; some considered the finest in the country, and each one with its own charm and atmosphere.
Day 14: Koh Lanta Island free & easy (B)
You’ll have the entire day free in Koh Lanta, with the option to participate in activities around the island.
Option: A Day on Phi Phi Island by Speedboat (L)
Join a group with an English-speaking guide.
Price: $69 per adult; $49 per child (ages 2-11)
Duration: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Enjoy a speed boat to the Phi Phi Island Group. Phi Phi Island is one of the best places in the world due to its magnificent resources of marine life.
Itinerary:
08h00-08h30: Pick up from your hotel.
Board a speedboat for Phi Phi Leh and visit the Viking Cave and the lagoon of Phi Phi Leh, one of the most beautiful lagoons.
Stop at Loh Sa Ma Bay to swim and snorkel. Head to Maya Bay. It’s very beautiful, that’s why the film The Beach was filmed there in 2000. After Maya Bay, we will go to Monkey Bay where you will be greeted by many little monkeys.
Have a delicious buffet lunch and relax at the restaurant on Phi Phi Island.
After lunch, no more snorkeling in Hin Klang. It is snorkeling in the open sea along the colorful coral reef gardens with exotic fish.
At the end, we stop and spend time swimming, relaxing and sunbathing on Bamboo Island.
Return to the pier and transfer to your hotel.
Notes: Program details may change depending on the tide or weather conditions.
Bring: Sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, hat, towels, swimsuit and flippers. (in low season a waterproof jacket is a good idea in case of rain)
Price included: Transfer to the hotel, entrance fees, accident insurance, mask and snorkel, life jacket, first aid kit, water and soft drinks, fruit, lunch (for halal or vegetarian Muslim food, please ask on reservation) and an English-speaking guide. Free meals and overnight in Koh Lanta.
Day 15: Koh Lanta Island free & easy (B)
You’ll have the entire day free to enjoy at your own pace. Overnight on Koh Lanta Island.
Day 16: Koh Lanta Island – Krabi – Flight to Bangkok – Departure (B, DP)
In the morning, you’ll be free until your transfer to Krabi airport for your flight back home. End of services.
What’s included:
- Breakfast and accommodation sharing double/twin rooms.
- Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above.
- Boat cruises as specified in the programme.
- Domestic flight tickets: Chiang Mai – Krabi and Krabi – Bangkok, including airport tax.
- Travel in an appropriate private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced safe driver.
- The services of experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary.
- Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the programme.
- Lunches (as specified in the itinerary) in the local restaurants.
What’s excluded:
- Other international flight tickets and airport tax.
- Visas
- Lunches and dinners, except as specified above.
- Drinks, tipping and personal expenses.
- Insurance.