Destinations: Bangkok – Kanchanaburi – Ayutthaya – Lopburi – Uthai Thani – Sukhothai – Lampang – Chiang Rai – Doi Mae Salong – Chiang Saen – Chiang Dao – Chiang Mai – Phuket.
Duration: 10 Days
Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok (DP)
Upon arrival at Bangkok airport, 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 tour (B, G)
An early start will get you to Wat Pho in time to experience the monks’ early morning chanting ritual. After this uplifting and often private experience, you’ll visit the temple grounds and see the famous 45-meter reclining Buddha.
Next, you’ll continue to The Grand Palace, Thailand’s most important landmark, where you’ll be awed by the grandeur and majesty of the building and its throne halls. You’ll also marvel at the mysterious Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand.
In the afternoon, you’ll board a long-tail boat to sail up the majestic Chao Phraya River before entering the Khlong, which takes you away from the usual tourist trail. Inside the network of Khlongs, you’ll stop at Wat Khun Chan, an interesting temple area rarely visited by tourists. Crossing a small footbridge will lead you into the old alleys, where you’ll enjoy a cold coffee before entering Wat Paknam, known for its white stupa and hidden museum.
Back on the boat, you’ll continue through a beautiful part of the Khlong, where you’ll see a mix of old wooden houses and new modern mansions, until you reach an orchid and fruit farm. You’ll have time to walk around and see the many types of orchids on display.
On the way back to Saphan Taksin pier, you’ll stop to feed the holy catfish in the Khlong. You’ll stay 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 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.
The day starts with a visit to Mae Klong Railway Market, where a country market has sprouted up along the tracks. When a train pulls in or out of the station, the vendors quickly clear their stalls, only to set them up again moments later when the train has passed! From here, you’ll continue to the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Although quite touristy today, the market remains the best example of how a floating market originally looked decades ago. A relaxing paddle boat ride through the labyrinth of canals offers a chance to see the old part of the floating market and local life along the canal side. Off the boat, you’ll enjoy strolling around the colorful marketplace bustling with boats and vendors selling tropical fruits and other delights.
For visits falling on a Saturday or Sunday, you’ll have the option to choose between visiting Damnoen Saduak or the smaller, less touristy Tha Kha Floating Market, where a short paddle boat tour in the backwaters includes a visit to an old Thai house making coconut palm sugar.
Next, you’ll transfer to Kanchanaburi to visit the World War II memorial, including the Cemetery.
In the afternoon, you’ll take a 30-minute train ride to experience and enjoy the beautiful views along the river. This historic railway is part of the remaining section of the “Death Railway,” departing from the provincial capital to the Railway Station from Tonburi (or Namtok). Afterward, you’ll transfer to the city for the night and stay overnight in Kanchanaburi.
Day 4: Kanchanaburi – Bang Pa In – Ayutthaya (B, G)
After breakfast, you’ll depart for Bang Pa-In. After more than 2 hours, you’ll arrive in Bang Pa-In to visit the Summer Palace, built during the Ayutthaya era. The palace showcases an eclectic collection of buildings that blend European, Khmer, Thai, and Chinese architectural styles. It’s the favorite summer palace of the King.
After your visit, you’ll be transferred to Ayutthaya, the ancient city of Thailand. You’ll catch a ride in a Kermit tuk-tuk. These ‘cute’ tuk-tuks are found in only two of Thailand’s provinces: Ayutthaya and Trang. Along the ride, you’ll explore the temple highlights of the city, including Wat Yai Chaimongkol, Wat Mahathat (with a Buddha face emerging from a tree), and a local market en route to Wat Phra Srisanphet. You’ll check in to your hotel and stay overnight in Ayutthaya.
Day 5: Ayutthaya – Lopburi – Uthai Thani (B, G)
After breakfast in the morning, you’ll depart for Uthai Thani via Lopburi. You’ll visit King Narai’s Palace, built by King Narai the Great, who ruled Ayutthaya from 1656 to 1688. He ordered the palace to be built in 1666 and stayed here for about 8–9 months a year, except during the rainy season. King Narai designated Lopburi as the second capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. The palace served as a place for relaxation, hunting, administering the country’s affairs, and welcoming official visitors.
You’ll have lunch on your own before continuing your journey to Uthai Thani. Along the way, you’ll stop to visit Ban Khok Mo village, where traditional weaving remains an important activity. You’ll also visit the incredible Thasung Temple and its “Crystal Hall.” Afterward, you’ll take a boat ride on the beautiful Sakaekrang River, known for its many floating houses. Upon arrival in town, you’ll tour the colorful night market. You’ll stay overnight in Uthai Thani.
Day 6: Uthai Thani – Sukhothai (B, G)
Today, you’ll take the road for about 45 minutes to get to Hub Patthard. There, you’ll cross a cave that will lead you to a small hidden valley. You’ll then visit another major site in Thai history: Kamphaeng Phet. This archaeological park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and includes Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Phra That, and the Aranyik Archaeological Site.
Following a scenic country road, you’ll stop in Phitsanulok to visit the Cha Tawee Folk Museum and the riverside temple of Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, home to one of the most sacred Buddha images in all of Thailand. From here, you’ll continue on to the city of Sukhothai for the night.
Day 7: Sukhothai – Lampang (B, G)
After breakfast, you’ll be picked up and transferred to the bicycle parking area, where you’ll start cycling to visit Sukhothai Historical Park. The park contains almost 200 ruined chedis in remarkable condition.
First, you’ll visit the Ajana Buddha image and the legend of the spoken Buddha at Wat Sri Chum. Then you’ll cycle to Wat Prapai Luang, which was the center of the community before the establishment of the Sukhothai Kingdom. Next, you’ll visit the temples of Wat Sri Sawai, Wat Sra Sri, and Wat Trapang Ngoen.
In the afternoon, you’ll be transferred to Lampang, a charming city where you’ll stay overnight.
Day 8: Lampang – Chiang Rai (B, G)
After breakfast in the morning, you’ll visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, one of the best examples of Lanna-style architecture in Thailand. Its viharns, which are open on all sides, are typical of the early Lanna style. Unlike some temples that have been restored with modern materials and techniques, Wat Phra That Lampang Luang has been preserved in its original state. Founded in the 13th century, its name translates to “the temple of Lampang’s Great Buddha Relic.” The architecture is a mix of Lanna and Thai Lü styles.
Afterward, you’ll enjoy a 30-minute horse-cart ride through the city and nearby villages. In the afternoon, you’ll continue to Chiang Rai. Along the way, you’ll have a pleasant rest stop at Phayao Lake, where you can enjoy a coffee and take in the beautiful lake views. You’ll arrive in Chiang Rai by the end of the day and stay overnight.
Day 9: Chiang Rai – Doi Mae Salong – Chiang Saen (B, G)
After breakfast, you’ll depart for northern Thailand, a wooded, mountainous, and beautiful area. This morning, you’ll explore the surroundings, starting with the road that leads to Mae Salong. You’ll climb up and down green hills covered with tea plantations and taste the delicious tea produced by one of the many plantations in the region.
From Doi Mae Salong, you’ll visit two ethnic minority villages: the Akha village of Loyo and the Lisu village of Ban Hanygo. Afterward, you’ll visit the Mae Fah Luang Botanical Garden. You’ll stay overnight in Chiang Saen.
Day 10: Chiang Saen – Thaton – Chiang Dao (B, G)
In the morning, you’ll visit the Opium Museum. After that, you’ll continue on the road to Thaton, a pleasant site dominated by a beautiful Buddha. You’ll visit Wat Thaton Temple before being transferred to the mountainous district of Fang and up to Mount Doi Angkhang.
You’ll explore the Royal Project at Doi Angkhang, known for its planting of flowers and fruits suited to the cold climate. You’ll also visit hill tribe villages, including Ban Khum. You’ll stay overnight in Doi Angkhang.
Day 11: Chiang Dao – Chiang Mai – Join Cooking class (B, L, D)
You’ll depart for Chiang Mai via Chiang Dao, where you’ll visit the Chiang Dao Cave. There are four interconnected caverns to explore, so be prepared to bend down and possibly crawl between incredible stalactites.
In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Chiang Mai and enjoy a shared cooking class, learning to prepare Thai dishes. You’ll stay overnight in Chiang Mai.
Day 12: Chiang Mai (B, G)
In the morning, you’ll embark on a walking tour of the old town, stopping at the old wall, the moat, and a gate of the old town. You’ll see the most beautiful temples of Chiang Mai, including Wat Phra Singh, Wat Phan Tao, and Wat Chedi Luang. Then, you’ll stroll along small streets lined with traditional houses and take a rickshaw tour.
Afterward, you’ll walk through the central market of Warorot. In the afternoon, you’ll visit Doi Suthep Hill. To brighten up your evening, you’ll have the chance to browse the Night Market on your own. You’ll stay overnight in Chiang Mai.
Day 13: Chiang Mai – Elephant Poopoo paper farm – Mae Ping River cruise (B)
In the morning after breakfast, you’ll transfer to the Elephant Poopoo Paper Farm, an eco-friendly, naturally built outdoor museum park that introduces and explains the unique steps involved in making paper products from elephant poop fibers.
At the Elephant Poopoo Park Chiang Mai, you’ll explore eight pavilions that show you the process from elephant poo to the final paper product. You’ll even have the chance to practice making poopoo paper yourself—exciting!
In the afternoon, you’ll take a two-hour boat trip along the Mae Ping River, an excellent way to spend the afternoon. You’ll watch as the scenery along the river changes and see many beautiful traditional teak houses and plenty of rural greenery. You’ll stay overnight in Chiang Mai.
Day 14: Chiang Mai – Phuket (B, DP)
Your time will be your own until your car arrives at the hotel to take you to the airport for your flight to Phuket. Upon arrival, you’ll be picked up and transferred to your hotel located in the Patong Beach area. The rest of the time is yours to enjoy. You’ll spend the night in Phuket.
Day 15: Phuket free (B)
Day 16: Phuket free (B)
Day 17: Phuket – Koh Phi Phi Island (B)
You’ll have free time before your transfer by ferry, which is estimated to depart at 08:30, to Koh Phi Phi. Upon arrival, you’ll check in at your hotel in Koh Phi Phi. The rest of the time is yours to enjoy. You’ll stay overnight in Koh Phi Phi.
Day 18: Koh Phi Phi Island free and easy (B)
Your time will be your own! You’ll spend the night in Koh Phi Phi.
Day 18: Koh Phi Phi Island free and easy (B)
Your time will be your own! You’ll spend the night in Koh Phi Phi.
Day 20: Koh Phi Phi Island free and easy (B)
Your time will be your own! You’ll spend the night in Koh Phi Phi.
Day 21: Koh Phi Phi Island – Phuket – Bangkok – Departure (B, DP)
In the morning, you’ll take the ferry (estimated to depart at 14:30) to Phuket and then transfer to Phuket 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 – Phuket, Phuket – 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.