Discover the historical and natural wonders of Thailand with this spectacular nine-day tour from Bangkok, located in the centre of the country, to Chiang Mai, in the north. Visit the country’s main heritage sites such as the Ayutthaya and Phitsanulok and explore the infamous Golden Triangle, one of the world’s leading opium-producing areas. Join this memorable tour and have a complete Thai experience!
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Ayutthaya: Ancient capital of Siam and the location of a haunting UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sukhothai: A historic former capital with well-preserved ruins of temples and palaces.
Golden Triangle: See three countries from one spot in Sop Ruak at the confluence of the Ruak and the Mekong rivers.
Chiang Rai: Stroll through the local morning market and see the bridge crossing to Myanmar.
Chiang Mai: Visit a tribal village, cruise a river on a longtail boat, take in the views from the hilltop Wat Doi Suthep temple and much more.
Day 1: ARRIVAL BANGKOK
Arrive at Bangkok Airport, where our representative will meet and greet you. Then, enjoy a comfortable transfer to your centrally located hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the beautiful Thai capital. Bangkok, ‘the City of Angels’, is the most populous city in the country and it is packed with cultural attractions, tantalizing food stalls, and countless shopping temptations.
Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 2: ROYAL GRAND PALACE & TEMPLE TOUR
Pick up after breakfast for a tour encompassing the three most popular Buddhist temples in Bangkok. Start with a visit to the Royal Grand Palace, a great architectural masterpiece of several buildings from the outside and a magical inside, which was used as a royal residence from the 18th century to the mid-20th century. It is without any doubt a national reference and possibly the most visited royal monument of Thailand, which shouldn’t be missed. The building houses the "Wat Po", Bangkok's oldest temple, in which is located the famous gold leaf-covered reclining Buddha. This tour includes also the temple "Wat Trimit" with its 5.5-ton Golden Buddha. Evening free at leisure. Perhaps you could indulge yourself with a traditional Thai Massage, surprise your taste buds with the amazing local flavours and cap off the day by enjoying the sunset in any of the stylish rooftop bars which have blossomed in the city’s skyscrapers in recent years… the options are limitless.
Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 3: RAILWAY MARKET AND DAMNERN SADUAK FLOATING MARKET
Depart from Bangkok and head to Maeklong Railway Marker, also known as Talad Rom Hoop. Upon arrival, the guide will introduce you to the history of this area. See the action in several minutes before the train passing through the market. The process happens so quick it will amaze you for the unique moment. Then go to the world-famous floating market of “Damnoen Saduak”, there are countless floating markets throughout the country, the colourfully clad merchants at these lively markets paddle along congested canals in sturdy canoes laden with fresh fruits and vegetables to sell to shoppers on the banks. This is an exciting and fun way to see the local like and to go bargain hunting. Transfer back to Bangkok. Breakfast included.
Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 4: BANGKOK – AYUTTHAYA – PHITSANULOK (405km – 6 hrs)
After being picked up from your hotel, head to Bang Pa-In to visit the sumptuous Summer Palace of Rama V. Continue to the former capital of Ayutthaya and contemplate the ancient temples of Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, Wat Mahathat and Wat Phanan Choeng in the Ayutthaya Historical Park. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in Chai Nat, then continue to Phitsanulok for a brief orientation tour of the city before checking in at the hotel.
Overnight in Phitsanulok.
Day 5: PHITSANULOK – SUKHOTHAI – LAMPANG (410km – 5.5 hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel, head to Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat to join the locals in their morning prayers and offerings in this historic temple, which houses one of Thailand’s most revered Buddha statues. Depart for Sukhothai to explore this ancient city packed with historical landmarks, the most impressive being the Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the ruined temples and palaces as well as the Buddha statues of all sizes. Lunch en route at a local restaurant. A short drive away is Si Satchanalai, which boasts the evocative ruins of half a dozen temples, including Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat – which is reached by crossing a wooden suspension bridge – as well as countless statues of Buddha and elephants. This usually quiet location offers a special spiritual interlude to the tour before arriving in Lampang for the evening.
Overnight in Lampang.
Day 6: LAMPANG – PHAYAO – GOLDEN TRIANGLE – CHIANG RAI (470km – 5.5 hrs)
After breakfast, explore the wonderful Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, just a brief drive from Lampang, and marvel at the elaborate decorations and beautiful Buddha statues. Continue north, stopping briefly at Phayao Lake for a coffee break, continuing to the southern outskirts of Chiang Rai to visit Wat Rong Khun, a dazzling temple built in the 1990s. Its ornate white exterior, with embedded mirror pieces, gives it a resplendent appearance, making it one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand. Continue to Chiang Rai for lunch. Afterwards, head to the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. This natural wilderness gained unwanted notoriety in the 1960s because of the abundant opium cultivation in the area. Then enjoy a boat trip around the Golden Triangle with a stop at Don Sao Island, which forms part of Laos (boat trip lasts approx. 45 minutes). Later, visit the 212 House of Opium and stroll around its rare collection of opium paraphernalia such as weights, scales and pipes. Learn the history of this drug and about the devastating effect its trade had on local communities.
Overnight in Chiang Rai.
Day 7: CHIANG RAI – CHIANG MAI (220km – 8.5 hrs)
Enjoy a lively start to the day’s activities at the fragrant and vibrant Chiang Rai morning market and then a brief stop at Wat Phra Kaew temple. After, delve deeper into the local culture at the Hill tribe Museum and Education Centre, where the lifestyles of the area’s mountain peoples are explained along with the challenges to their survival. Continue by road to Tha Ton and enjoy a tasty lunch before heading to the ancient city of Chiang Mai. On arrival, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the most revered temples in the country. This sacred location is at the top of a mountain from where you can appreciate stunning panoramic views over the city. To reach the temple requires a climb up a 309-step naga staircase. Alternatively, a cable car (included) takes you to the temple. Breakfast and lunch included. (start 7:00, finish approx. 19:00)
Overnight in Chiang Mai.
Day 8: CHIANG MAI
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading to Elephant Poopoopaper Park, an eco-friendly, naturally built outdoor museum park that introduces and explains the unique steps involved in making our much talked about paper products from elephant poop fibres! The interpretive walking tour through our lush gardens brings visitors through eight different pavilions explaining each stage of our fascinating process from poo collection to rinsing to final product assembly. Visitors are encouraged to pull up a stool, roll up their sleeves and join with our talented artisans and guides and participate in our head-turning process! Complemented by the presence of rich graphics and signage, visitors will also be introduced to Chiang Mai's long and rich history of traditional papermaking and handicrafts production.Continue the visit with a stop at the Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden in Mae Rim, which first opened in 1992. The facility’s purpose is to promote botanical research and biodiversity and to conserve Thailand’s natural plant resources. The Banana Avenue trail takes you to see the tremendous collection of over 200 different varieties of banana trees, mainly from Southeast Asia. Visit the Tropical Rainforest house, the largest conservatory of the glass complex. With a floor space of 1,000 square metres by 33 metres high, it holds a wide collection of tropical species, such as palms, banana trees and ginger plants. Then stroll through the majestic Orchid House. Another highlight 20 metres up in the air amongst the mountain treetops is Thailand’s longest canopy walkway. The walkway stretches around 370 metres, winding along the mountainside. With glass viewing platforms every 50 to 100 metres, you will certainly feel part of the landscape. Look down at the subtropical jungle plants far below your feet or gaze around at the surrounding mountains. At the end of the walkway, you are rewarded with views stretching across the lush subtropical valley. The visit is followed by lunch at a local restaurant. After, continue to the Baan Tipmanee woodworking shop. Learn how these artisans make Chiang Mai’s most famous carved wooden products. An optional khantoke dinner is available in the evening.
Overnight in Chiang Mai.
Day 9: DEPART CHIANG MAI
Relax over breakfast at the hotel and then enjoy the freedom of Chiang Mai. Explore the city at your own pace and leisure and catch the sights and attractions of this city teeming with green spaces and popularly known as the ‘Rose of the North’. The day is yours to do as you wish. Departure transfer to Chiang Mai Airport included.
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Thailand. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
