9 Days / 8 Nights Departures: December 2022 - October 2023
1: Bangkok, Thailand
Welcome to Thailand! Upon arrival, you will be picked up at the airport and then transferred to your hotel in Bangkok to check in.
Afterwards, you can explore vibrant Bangkok or join an optional group dinner. Take a stroll down the iconic Khao San Road and explore the bustling night markets, live music bars and restaurants.
Accommodation: 4* Furama Xclusive Sathorn or similar
Day 2: Bangkok, ThailandFill up on breakfast at the hotel before a full day exploring Bangkok on an included City Tour. Follow your local guide through the chaotic streets and quaint back alleys of Bangkok and visit the city’s two unmissable highlights. Wander through China Town to the banks of the Chao Phraya River and visit Wat Pho to see the famous 46-metre-long Reclining Buddha covered in gold leaf!
Continue to the Grand Palace just nearby, the perfect example of an ancient Siamese court, to witness the magical atmosphere. You may get a chance to visit the Temple of Emerald Buddha, located within the palace compound. There is a strict dress code at the Grand Palace so be sure to cover your shoulders and knees with loose-fitting such as long pants and shirts.
Afterwards, we travel on the Chao Phraya River (The River of Kings) and on through the Klongs (canals) of Thonburi. You will have the chance to observe and photograph the serene family homes and temples along the waterways, which gave the city the name “Venice of the East”.
You will also pay a visit to one of the most photographed sights in Bangkok, Wat Arun. The majestic shrine has a pagoda as high as 76 metres and is decorated with glazed ceramic pieces that reflect the rising sun, giving the temple its name.
After a big day exploring Bangkok, head back to the hotel to enjoy the afternoon at your own leisure.
Accommodation: 4* Furama Xclusive Sathorn or similar
Meals: B
Day 3: Bangkok - Kanchanaburi, ThailandAfter breakfast, we depart Bangkok on an air-conditioned coach early in the morning as we make our way to Kanchanaburi. Famously known for the bridge over the Kwai River, it is a significant scene of World War II and Thailand's sombre war history. Start discovering the area with a visit to the War Cemetery and the War Museum, dedicated to the prisoners who lost their lives during the construction of the bridge.
Hop on a boat trip on the River Kwai towards the famous bridge, where you can cross it on foot and take a walk around the site.
Our next stop will be the unusual railway section, "Hellfire Pass", a pass built in record time by allied prisoners of war between 1942 and 1943.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before transferring to the hotel where you'll have some free time to continue exploring on your own.
Accommodation: 4* Felix River Kwai Resort or similar
Meals: B
Day 4: Kanchanaburi - Ayutthaya - Ang Thong - Phitsanulok, ThailandToday you'll farewell Kanchanaburi for the historic city of Ayutthaya! Known as Thailand’s hidden archaeological gem, this city is teeming with Buddhist temples, monasteries and ancient statutes that cannot be missed. Follow your guide on a walking tour through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site that dates back to 1350, which was once the capital of the ancient Siamese Kingdom and is considered the biggest city in the world!
Explore the magnificent royal monastery of Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, Wat Mahathat and three ancient pagodas, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet.
Next, we will ride to the city of Ang Thong to visit the incredible Wat Muang temple, famous for housing the largest seated Buddha figure in Thailand, and the ninth largest in the world, at almost 100 metres high.
After enjoying a local lunch, we make our way to the city of Phitsanulok, located at the heart of Thailand and considered one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage centres in the country. During the journey, witness the change in the landscape as it turns greener and lusher into a jungle-like flora.
Finishing the day with a phone full of new photos and plenty of knowledge from your local guide, arrive at your hotel for check-in and some leisure time.
Accommodation: 4 * Pattara Resort & Spa or similar
Meals: B
Day 5: Phitsanulok - Sukhothai - Chiang Rai, ThailandFor the early risers, wake up early today to visit the hotel's surroundings, make an offering to the monks, and experience one of the most emblematic aspects of Thai culture up close.
After breakfast, we ride to Sukhotai, the historical heartland of Thailand. This impressive UNESCO World Heritage City was the cradle of Thai civilisation and home to the Sukhothai Kingdom from 1238 to 1438. Follow your local guide on a walking tour through the Sukhothai Historical Park to explore the ancient temples, impressive ruins and the giant Wat Sri Chum Buddha statue in a scenic park setting.
Then, grab a window seat as we continue the journey towards Chiang Rai in the Lampang province. En route, we will have lunch and rest along the shores of the spectacular Phayao Lake.
Arriving in Chiang Rai in the late afternoon, enjoy some free time to rest, swim in the hotel pool or visit the city's night market.
Accommodation: 4 * Laluna Hotel and Resortor similar
Meals: B
Day 6: Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai, ThailandKick off the day with a hefty breakfast, as our first stop will be the new and striking Wat Rong Suea Ten, also known as Blue Temple. Discover the marvellous paintings with a style similar to that of the famous White Temple, the architect of which trained here for years.
To soak in the local culture, follow your guide to the village of Akha, an ethnic group known for its colourful costumes and the surrounding picturesque tea plantations.
We then continue to the spectacular and contemporary White Temple (Wat Rong Kun in Thai) on the outskirts of Chiang Rai, witness white represents the purity and wisdom of Buddhism in sublime beauty and serenity. This bizarre-looking temple is the brainchild of Chiang Rai’s famous artist and painter Chalermchai Kositpipat. Unlike most Thai temples, the building is all white with glass and mirrors embedded into the outside to make it sparkle in the sunlight. Keep your cameras at the ready because this temple is truly Insta-worthy! This hilly, forested area also holds serene landscape views, and winding rivers and is home to the best elephant sanctuaries in Thailand!
Spend the evening in Chiang Rai, resting up at our luxurious hotel before a big day ahead.
Accommodation: 4 * Mövenpick Suriwongse Hotel Chiang Maior similar
Meals: B
Day 7: Chiang Mai - Elephant EcoValley - Chiang Mai, ThailandToday, we depart for a half-day excursion to the Elephant EcoValley for many exciting and animal-friendly activities. Besides getting the best insight about these fascinating creatures, you will get to harvest grass/vegetation for elephant snacks along the way; hike on foot to Upper EcoValley with the elephants; plant a banana tree or herbs; make herb ‘n’ fruit nutritional vitamin balls; feed the vitamin balls to the elephants (They love them!); share a mud bath with your new buddies (watch or wash ’em yourself!); then shower outdoors overlooking a mountain stream!
After returning to Chiang Mai in the afternoon, go up to the well-known mountain temple of Wat Doi Suthep, the best spot to appreciate the city in all its splendour.
At night, enjoy some free time relaxing or take a walk through the famous night market and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Accommodation: 4* Mövenpick Suriwongse Hotel Chiang Maior similar
Meals: B
Day 8: Chiang Mai - Fly to Bangkok, ThailandAfter breakfast at the hotel, continue discovering Chiang Mai on your own or relax by the poolside until your transfer to the airport for a short flight to Bangkok. As we check in to the hotel and freshen up, make sure to tick off any attractions left on your list on your last night in Bangkok.
Accommodation: 4 * Furama Xclusive Sathornor similar
Meals: B
Day 9: Bangkok, ThailandAfter breakfast, you can either check out and take a flight home or explore more destinations in Southeast Asia. Ask our travel experts for some tour ideas and advice.
Meals: B