Tour of Spectacular Thailand

DAY 1: Arrive in Bangkok

Sa-wat-dee! Welcome to Bangkok, the “City of Angels!”

As the capital and largest city of Thailand, Bangkok is one of Asia’s most dynamic cities, brimming with magnificent temples, grand palaces, authentic canals, bustling markets, and a lively nightlife to suit every taste.

Upon arrival, you’ll be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel (check-in is at 2:00 PM).

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy. Depending on your arrival time, you might want to take a riverboat taxi to Chinatown and wander through its vibrant, bustling streets, explore the city’s many sights, sounds, and aromas, or indulge in some shopping.

In the evening, why not head to the colorful Khao San Road, Bangkok’s tourist hub, to soak up the exciting nightlife and savor a street food feast?

Summary of inclusions

• Private airport transfer
• Hotel in Bangkok

DAY 2: Explore Bangkok

Start your day with an early visit to the renowned Wat Pho to witness the serene morning chanting ritual performed by the monks, an inspiring way to begin your day. Wat Pho, one of Thailand’s six first-class Royal temples, houses the country’s largest collection of Buddha images and is famous for its 46-meter-long reclining Buddha.

Stroll around the temple grounds, admiring the enormous gold-plated reclining Buddha and the auspicious symbols on its feet.

Next, head to the magnificent Royal Grand Palace, Bangkok’s most significant landmark. Once the residence of Thailand’s kings, it represents a prime example of ancient Siamese architecture. Adjacent to the palace is Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which houses the revered Buddha image meticulously carved from a single block of jade.

Continue to Wat Traimit, another iconic Bangkok temple, home to the Golden Buddha, a statue weighing over 5.5 tons of solid gold. The statue, originally cast around the 14th century and covered with stucco, was uncovered in 1955 when it was being moved to its current location.

Afterward, board a colorful river taxi for a cruise through Bangkok’s canals and visit Chinatown. Explore the bustling streets, visit a Chinese temple, and enjoy some shopping.

Return to the hotel, and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

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

DAY 3: Ratchaburi & Kanchanaburi explore

Depart from Bangkok and drive southwest to Ratchaburi Province to visit the Damnoen Saduak floating market. Along the way, stop to explore salt fields in Samut Songkhram and interact with salt workers, and experience the unique Mae Klong Railway Market, where vendors quickly retract their canopies and move their goods to make way for passing trains. This market is vibrant with locally grown fruits, fresh seafood, dried spices, and other local products.

Continue your journey by boarding a long-tail boat to cruise the winding canals of Damnoen Saduak floating market. Witness the traditional Thai way of life still in practice today, sample exotic Thai fruits and foods, or shop for local handicrafts.

Next, travel to Kanchanaburi Province. Upon arrival, visit the Chong Kai Allied War Cemetery, the final resting place for 1,740 POWs who perished due to forced labor, malnutrition, and harsh conditions during the construction of the Death Railway. Continue to Baan Tai Temple, which once served as a POW camp. Then, enjoy a long-tail boat cruise on the Kwai River, taking in the scenic views along the banks and the historic bridge featured in the famous book and film, “The Bridge on the River Kwai.”

Overnight at a hotel in Kanchanaburi.

Summary of inclusions

• Ratchaburi & Kanchanaburi explore
• Breakfast
• Boat
• Private vehicle
• Hotel in Kanchanaburi

DAY 4: Erawan NP & waterfalls

Set off for Erawan Waterfall in Erawan National Park, located about 75 km from Kanchanaburi. This waterfall features seven tiers cascading over 1,500 meters and is considered one of Thailand’s most stunning natural wonders.

You can easily walk along the paths to each level, but reaching the top involves a more challenging climb up the cliff. The effort is rewarded with breathtaking views! Enjoy trekking, swimming, or relaxing at the various waterfall levels.

Afterward, drive to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand from the 14th to 18th centuries. Once the largest and most magnificent city in the world, Ayutthaya was devastated by war with the Burmese in 1767-1768. Situated in the Chao Phraya River valley, Ayutthaya succeeded Sukhothai as the Siamese capital. The remnants of the city, including reliquary towers and massive monasteries, reflect its former grandeur.

Check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Erawan waterfalls explore
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Ayutthaya

DAY 5: Ayutthaya ancient city

After breakfast, explore the Ayutthaya Historical Park. Wander among the ancient ruins and temples to immerse yourself in the kingdom’s historical splendor.

This morning, visit a local market to experience some fascinating shopping for local products and sample a famous Ayutthaya treat – candy floss roti. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit local homes, engage with residents, and learn about their lifestyle, traditions, and traditional handicrafts.

Next, visit the Bang Pa In Royal Palace. Enjoy the majestic royal gardens, opulent mansions, and impressive features such as the Wehart Chamrunt, the Warophat Phiman, the Ho Withun Thasana tower, and the Aisawan Thippa-Art pavilion.

Then, proceed to Wat Nivet Thammmpravat, known for its striking Gothic-style architecture and stained glass windows.

In the afternoon, drive back to Bangkok and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

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

DAY 6: Chiang Rai sightseeing

Fly to Chiang Rai in the morning. As the northernmost major city in Thailand and known as ‘the gateway to the Golden Triangle,’ Chiang Rai offers a blend of unique local culture, stunning ancient architecture, a relaxed ambiance, and delicious local cuisine.

Upon arrival, start your tour of Chiang Rai with a visit to the statue of King Mengrai, the founder of the city. Then, explore the impressive Wat Phra Kaew, the original home of the revered Emerald Buddha.

Next, visit the Oub Kham Museum, the Lanna Heritage Conservation Centre, which showcases artifacts from the ancient Lanna kingdoms that spanned parts of Thailand, Laos, Burma, and Vietnam. Highlights include the Golden Throne of Chiang Tung (now Kengtung in eastern Burma).

Cross the Kok River to see Wat Rong Suea Ten, renowned for its striking blue color and intricate carvings.

If time allows, visit the Black House (Baan Dam), an eclectic collection of nearly 40 black houses featuring unique traditional styles. The collection includes a vast array of paintings, sculptures, animal bones, skins, and precious items from around the world.

Enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Internal flight
• Sightseeing Chiang Rai
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Chiang Rai

DAY 7: Golden triangle explore

Enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel before departing for the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge. Begin your visit with a stop at the Opium Museum to learn about the history and significance of the Golden Triangle.

Drive along winding roads with breathtaking mountain views, making stops at hill tribe villages such as the Karen long neck, Akha, Yao, and Lisu people.

Visit a jade cutting factory and explore a vibrant local market to gain insight into local products and trading practices.

Proceed to Chiang Mai, with a stop at the Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple. This striking temple is renowned for its white color and intricate carvings. Also, visit the Mae Kachan Natural Hot Springs in Wiang Pa Pao district.

Check into your hotel in Chiang Mai and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Touring golden triangle
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Chiang Mai

DAY 8: Chiang Mai city tour

Begin your day with a short drive out of town, then follow the scenic, winding mountain road to Doi Suthep Temple, the most revered temple in Chiang Mai. Perched on a hill overlooking the landscape, this sacred site requires a climb up 309 naga-guarded steps. Explore the temple grounds, listen to the serene chanting of resident monks, and take in the panoramic views of Chiang Mai and its surroundings.

Next, head to the Royal Park Rajapruek, a stunning botanical garden spanning 80 hectares. The park features various zones, with the impressive Ho Kham Luang Royal Pavilion at its center, showcasing traditional Lanna architecture. Explore the Orchid Garden to see rare orchid species and visit different areas highlighting global architectural and gardening styles.

In addition, visit Bor Sang village, renowned for its traditional paper umbrella-making crafts.

Return to your hotel in the afternoon, with the remainder of the day free for you to relax at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

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

DAY 9: Chiang Mai cooking class

This morning, delve into Chiang Mai’s vibrant culinary scene with an engaging cooking class at a local Thai cooking school. The experience starts with a guided visit to a bustling food market, where your Thai chef will introduce you to an array of exotic ingredients, explain their uses, and offer tips on substitutions you can use at home.

Back at the cooking school, you’ll participate in a hands-on class where you’ll learn to prepare five distinct Thai dishes. After cooking, enjoy the delicious meal you’ve created. You’ll also receive a comprehensive recipe book to recreate the dishes at home.

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

Summary of inclusions

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

DAY 10: Pai discovery

Depart from Chiang Mai and head northwest toward Pai. Your journey begins with a visit to the Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden, which spans over a thousand hectares of lush hills and forests. The garden features 12 greenhouses showcasing a diverse array of native plants and flowers and serves as a hub for research, biodiversity conservation, and environmental education.

Next, continue to Mork Fa Waterfalls in the Mae Taeng district, part of Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. Enjoy a short walk through the forest to reach the falls, where you can take in the scenery and perhaps enjoy a refreshing swim.

As you approach Pai, stop to explore the Pai Memorial Bridge, a historical site from World War II. Built by Japanese forces in 1941 using local labor, the bridge was part of their strategic route to Burma.

Check into your hotel, and after a short rest, visit Mae Yen Temple, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Conclude the day with a trip to Pai Canyon, known for its striking eroded red sandstone formations. Often compared to the Grand Canyon in scale, Pai Canyon provides a scenic hiking experience and a spectacular sunset view over the mountainous terrain.

Return to your hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Pai explore
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Pai

DAY 11: Mae Hong Son explore

After breakfast, check out and head to Mae Hong Son. Along the way, stop to visit the Sai Ngam Hot Springs, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters. Continue to Tham Lod, one of Thailand’s most impressive caves, featuring a freshwater stream, stunning stalactites and stalagmites, and prehistoric artifacts dating back to 5000 BC. Explore the nearby hill tribe villages of the Lahu, Lisu, and Karen people.

Upon arrival in Mae Hong Son, check in to your hotel. This afternoon, embark on a city tour, visiting the Burmese-style temples Wat Jong Kham and Wat Jong Klang, built by the Shan people who make up about 50% of the local population. Also visit Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu for its panoramic views of Mae Hong Son.

The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Mae Hong Son touring
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Mae Hong Son 

DAY 12: Doi Inthanon National Park

Depart from Mae Hong Son and drive to Doi Inthanon National Park. Visit the Royal Twin Pagodas, Naphamethanidon and Naphaphonphumisiri, perched at 2,565 meters above sea level, built to honor the King and Queen of Thailand.

Next, embark on a two-hour hike along the Pha Dok Sieo Trail, meandering through the jungle and cloud forest. Along the way, enjoy views of waterfalls, birds, flowers, rice fields, and picturesque landscapes. Visit a White Karen hill tribe village known for its coffee plantations.

Continue to the Wachirathan Waterfall, a stunning feature of the national park that flows year-round. Drive back to Chiang Mai, check in to your hotel, and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Doi Inthanon NP trek
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Chiang Mai

DAY 13: Chiang Mai free & easy

Today, you have the freedom to explore Chiang Mai at your own pace. Consider renting a bicycle for a relaxed ride through the countryside, or indulge in a traditional Thai massage for a bit of pampering. Alternatively, visit an elephant sanctuary to interact with these majestic creatures in a conservation-focused environment, where you can feed and play with them while learning about their role in natural conservation. In the evening, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Chiang Mai’s famous night markets for a unique local experience

Summary of inclusions

• Breakfast
• Hotel in Chiang Mai

DAY 14: Chiang Mai departure

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and spend your morning at leisure. Check-out time is at 12:00 PM.

You will then be transferred to the airport for your departure flight. Safe travels, and see you again!

Summary of inclusions

• Private airport transfer
• Breakfast