Thailand’s ancient capital

DAY 1: Arrive in Bangkok

Sa-wat-dee! Welcome to Bangkok, the ‘City of Angels,’ and the vibrant capital of Thailand. As one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities, Bangkok offers magnificent temples, grand palaces, traditional canals, bustling markets, and a lively nightlife for all tastes. After your hotel transfer and check-in, take some time to explore the city’s charm at your own pace. Consider hopping on a river taxi to visit the bustling Chinatown, browse the vibrant local markets, indulge in a Thai massage, or stroll along Khao San Road to sample the street food delights.

Overnight stay in Bangkok.

Summary of inclusions

• Private airport transfer
• Hotel in Bangkok

DAY 2: Sightseeing Bangkok

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before heading to the renowned Wat Po to witness the peaceful morning chanting ritual of the monks – an inspiring way to begin the day. Take some time to explore the temple grounds and admire the impressive reclining Buddha. Next, visit the majestic Royal Grand Palace, Thailand’s most iconic landmark, and marvel at the revered Emerald Buddha, the most sacred Buddha image in the country.

In the afternoon, stroll through the vibrant streets of Chinatown, where you can experience the lively atmosphere, browse local markets, and visit a traditional Chinese temple. Afterwards, embark on a long-tailed boat journey through Thonburi’s canals, passing by ancient temples, lush greenery, stilted wooden houses, and bustling floating vendors. Often called the ‘Venice of the East,’ Bangkok’s river and canal life is deeply intertwined with Thai culture, offering a glimpse into traditional lifestyles that have remained unchanged for generations.

Conclude the day with a visit to Wat Traimit, home to the famous Golden Buddha, a stunning 5.5-ton statue of solid gold. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon, with the evening free for you to enjoy at your leisure.

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Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Boat
• Sightseeing Bangkok
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Bangkok

DAY 3: Ayutthaya – Uthai Thani

After breakfast, check out and depart Bangkok for a scenic drive to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand from the 14th to the 18th century.

Established around 1350 by King U Thong, Ayutthaya became Siam’s second capital after Sukhothai. Its strategic location made it a thriving trading hub, not just in the region but globally. Today, Ayutthaya is home to an impressive array of temples and ruins that showcase a captivating blend of Khmer and early Sukhothai architecture. The city holds a crucial place in Thailand’s history, culture, and art, making it one of the country’s top highlights.

Upon arrival, explore the historical park’s ancient ruins and temples, and sample one of Ayutthaya’s famous treats – candy floss roti. Visit local homes to engage with the community, learn about their traditions, and observe traditional handicraft making, such as palm leaf fish mobiles. Next, explore the local market and enjoy shopping for unique local products.

Later, visit the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace to admire its majestic gardens, royal mansions, and stunning landscapes, including the Wehart Chamrunt, Warophat Phiman, Ho Withun Thasana tower, and Aisawan Thippa-Art pavilion. Continue to Wat Nivet Thammmpravat, a uniquely distinctive Buddhist temple featuring remarkable Gothic-style architecture and stained glass windows.

Afterward, head to Uthai Thani, where you’ll check in at your hotel. The evening is free for you to explore the charming town by the SaKae Krang River at your leisure.

Overnight in Uthai Thani

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Sightseeing Ayutthaya
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Uthai Thani

DAY 4: Phitsanulok – Sukhothai

This morning, after breakfast at the hotel, visit Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri, located on a mountain, to explore the temple and enjoy a stunning view of Uthai Thani. Then, drive to Phitsanulok, a historically significant city situated along the Nan River.

Phitsanulok, founded over 600 years ago, is one of Thailand’s oldest cities and served as the capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom for 25 years, beginning in 1463. The charming city is home to several ancient royal relics and important religious monuments.

Visit Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat (Wat Mahathat/Wat Yai), renowned throughout Thailand for its 700-year-old golden Buddha statue, Phra Buddha Chinnarat, considered the most beautiful Buddha image in the country. Continue to the Local History and Cultural Museum to gain insights into the area’s history, culture, and traditions.

Afterward, take a one-hour drive to Sukhothai.

Meaning ‘the dawn of happiness,’ Sukhothai is a small, picturesque city in Lower Northern Thailand, best known for the ruins of the ancient city that served as Siam’s first capital during the 13th century, marking the dawn of the golden age of Thai history. This site is considered the cradle of Thai civilization, art, and architecture, with around 200 ancient temples recently excavated and partially restored.

Visit Sukhothai Historical Park, where you can wander through the ruins of royal palaces, Buddhist temples, city gates, walls, moats, and a sophisticated water management system that once formed the spiritual and cultural heart of the kingdom. The site is preserved and restored by the Fine Arts Department in collaboration with UNESCO.

After checking into your hotel, enjoy the remainder of the day exploring at your own pace.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Phitsanulok & Sukhothai explore
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Sukhothai

DAY 5: Lampang – Lamphun

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and head north from Sukhothai toward Chiang Mai. After about an hour, stop at Sri Satchanalai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site on the banks of the Yom River, where 134 ancient monuments have been uncovered.

Continue driving north to Lampang, where you’ll enjoy a leisurely horse carriage ride through the town, admiring the wooden houses along the river, and visiting Wat Chedi Sao, a temple famous for its 20 stupas.

Next, proceed to Lamphun, with a stop at Thung Kwian Jungle Market to experience the lively atmosphere of local trading, with a variety of goods from the land and jungle. En route to Chiang Mai, visit Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, a stunning temple featuring a towering golden chedi—a favorite among postcard images.

Arrive in Chiang Mai in the late afternoon, check in at your hotel, and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

As the hub of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is the country’s fifth-largest city, surrounded by mountains and lush countryside. Founded in 1296 AD, Chiang Mai was once the capital of the ancient Lanna kingdom.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Sightseeing Lampang & Lamphun
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Chiang Mai

DAY 6: Chiang Mai Sightseeing

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and journey north from Sukhothai toward Chiang Mai. About an hour into the drive, stop at Sri Satchanalai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site along the Yom River, where 134 ancient monuments have been discovered.

Continue north to Lampang, where you’ll take a leisurely horse carriage ride around the town, admiring the traditional wooden houses along the river, and visit Wat Chedi Sao, a temple renowned for its 20 stupas.

Next, travel to Lamphun, with a stop at Thung Kwian Jungle Market to experience the vibrant local trading scene, featuring a wide array of goods from the land and jungle. On the way to Chiang Mai, visit Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, a magnificent temple with a towering golden chedi – a postcard-perfect sight.

Arrive in Chiang Mai in the late afternoon, check into your hotel, and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Chiang Mai, the cultural hub of Northern Thailand, is the country’s fifth-largest city, surrounded by mountains and lush greenery. Established in 1296 AD, Chiang Mai was once the capital of the ancient Lanna kingdom.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Sightseeing Chiang Mai
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Chiang Mai

DAY 7: Chiang Mai explore

After breakfast, set out from Chiang Mai for a day tour to Chiang Rai, the ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom. Along the way, stop at Mae Kachan Natural Hot Springs in Wiang Pa Pao district to stretch your legs, visit the spring, and explore the local market. Continue the drive and visit Wat Rong Khun – Chiang Rai’s famous White Temple – known for its unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist architecture and striking white color.

Upon arrival in Chiang Rai, begin exploring the city with a visit to the King Mengrai statue, honoring the city’s founder in 1262, and the remarkable Wat Phra Kaew. Next, visit the Oub Kham Museum, home to the Lanna Heritage Conservation Centre, which preserves artifacts from the ancient Lanna kingdoms that once spanned parts of Thailand, Laos, Burma, and Vietnam. Among its treasures is the Golden Throne of Chiang Tung (now KengTung in eastern Burma).

Cross the Kok River to visit Wat Rong Suea Ten, a stunning temple renowned for its vibrant blue colors and intricate carvings. Afterward, drive back to Chiang Mai, where the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Sightseeing Chiang Rai
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Chiang Mai

DAY 8: Chiang Mai Cooking Class

This morning, dive into the rich culinary traditions of Chiang Mai with an engaging class at a Thai cooking school. The experience begins with a visit to a local food market, where your Thai chef will guide you through the bustling stalls, explaining the array of exotic ingredients. You’ll learn how to select the right ingredients for your dishes, how to use them, and suitable substitutes for when you’re cooking at home. After returning to the cooking school, you’ll enjoy a fun and informative session on preparing five authentic Thai dishes, followed by the chance to savor the delicious meal you’ve created. To top it off, you’ll receive a comprehensive recipe book featuring the dishes you’ve learned to make.

The rest of the day is yours to leisurely explore the charming city of Chiang Mai at your own pace.

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Summary of inclusions

• Bus
• Thai cooking class
• Breakfast & lunch
• Hotel in Chiang Mai

DAY 9: Chiang Mai Departure

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. You’ll have some free time to relax before your transfer to the airport for your onward flight. 

Wishing you safe travels, and hope to see you again soon!

Summary of inclusions

• Private airport transfer
• Breakfast