Day 1
Bangkok Arrival
Welcome to the lively city of Bangkok. Depending on your arrival time, the rest of the day is yours to begin immersing yourself in the local culture.
Overnight: Furama Silom Bangkok (or similar)
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2
Discover Bangkok
Bangkok is a vibrant blend of energy, offering a sensory experience like few other cities. Neoclassical buildings sit alongside towering skyscrapers and grand golden temples, while the bustling canals are filled with river taxis and ferries. Today's sightseeing includes Wat Pho, the magnificent Grand Palace, and a walk through Chinatown. Later, hop on a longboat along the Chao Phraya River for a unique perspective of the city.
Overnight: Furama Silom Bangkok (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3
Bridge Over the River Kwai
Experience the sights and sounds of the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and the unique Railway Track Market before departing Bangkok for Kanchanaburi. This area was the site where many Allied POWs and forced Asian labourers built the Thai-Burma Railway during the Japanese occupation in WWII. Visit the iconic bridge over the River Kwai and explore the Thai-Burmese Railway Museum to learn about their stories, then pay your respects at the War Cemetery before checking into your hotel. Spend the night in Kanchanaburi.
Overnight: Mida Resort Kanchanaburi (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4
Explore Kanchanaburi
Drive to Hellfire Pass and explore the intriguing museum before taking a short walk through the pass. Board a historic locomotive for a ride along a section of the Death Railway, passing through the Kwai Gorge. In the afternoon, return to Bangkok.
Overnight: Furama Silom Bangkok (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5
Ayutthaya
A sacred city and former royal capital, Ayutthaya is now a ruined kingdom that still holds traces of its former grandeur. Explore this remarkable archaeological site, visiting key attractions including Bang Pa-In, the former royal summer residence. Return to Bangkok before flying to Chiang Rai, a city nestled in Thailand's northern highlands.
Overnight: Laluna Hotel & Resort, Chiang Rai (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6
Golden Triangle
Transfer to the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet, once notorious for opium cultivation. Enjoy a boat ride on the Mekong River, crossing into Laos to visit Don Sao Island, where you can leisurely explore the local market. Return to Chiang Rai and spend the evening browsing the night market.
Overnight: Laluna Hotel & Resort, Chiang Rai (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7
Mae Salong Mountain
Travel to Mae Salong Mountain, renowned for its tea plantations, where you can sample some of the local brew. Enjoy a Yunnanese lunch before visiting Doi Tung Palace and Mae Fah Luang Garden.
Overnight: Lisu Lodge (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8
Hmong Hilltribe Lodge
Explore the impressive Buddhist White Temple before departing Chiang Rai. As you make your way towards Chiang Mai, enjoy a scenic drive along a picturesque mountain road with stunning views. Upon entering Chiang Mai province, spend the night at Hmong Hilltribe Lodge, an eco-lodge run by Hmong villagers. The rooms, designed in traditional tribal style, offer views of lush fields and hills. After dinner, enjoy a captivating Hmong folklore performance.
Overnight: Hmong Hilltribe Lodge (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9
Elephant Care Centre & Bamboo Rafting
Visit the Thai Elephant Care Centre in Mae Rim this morning. Nestled in the scenic Mesa Valley, the centre provides a peaceful retirement for elephants rescued from illegal logging camps and elephant shows. After a lunch stop, head to Mae Daeng for a relaxing bamboo rafting experience on the Mae Daeng River. Sit back and enjoy the stunning scenery as your boatman guides you along the river.
Overnight: Duangtawan Hotel, Chiang Mai (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10
Lost City of Wiang Kum Kam
Visit the intriguing archaeological site of Wiang Kum Kam, a 'lost city' just outside Chiang Mai. King Mangrai initially chose it as his capital (Chiang Rai) before river floods led him to establish Chiang Mai in 1296. Next, explore two of Chiang Mai’s temples, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh, before enjoying some free time in the city.
Overnight: Duangtawan Hotel, Chiang Mai (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11
Chiang Mai Cooking Class
Uncover the secrets of traditional Thai cooking with a morning cookery class. Then, visit Wat Doi Suthep, a temple located atop Doi Suthep Mountain. In the evening, enjoy a Thai Kantoke dinner accompanied by a range of cultural performances.
Overnight: Duangtawan Hotel, Chiang Mai (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12
Depart Chiang Mai
This morning is at your leisure, before your transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Meals included: Breakfast.
