Essential Thailand

Enjoy your early breakfast then take your drive straight to the Grand Palace to be one of the first visitors of the day! (just to avoid the crowds). You will explore this well-known site of Thailand which includes the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, The Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House and The Funeral Palace.

You will also see the Emerald Buddha Temple (WatPhraKaew) and Wat Pho – the most extensive temple in Bangkok with a colossal reclining Buddha and the Chedi of the Kings.

After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant you will then board a private boat and take to the maze of canals (klongs) that snake through the city. Kick back and enjoy the ride as you pass by traditional stilted family homes and soak up the quiet river lifestyle of those who work and live on the water.

Still keen for more? Your personal guide can take you to visit to Jim Thompson’s House, an exquisite example of traditional Thai residential architecture, where you’ll find an incredible collection of Asian art.

At around 16:00 PM you will get back to your hotel and enjoy your time of leisure.

Overnight in Bangkok.
Meals: (Breakfast/lunch/_)

Depart early for the DamnoenSaduak Floating Market which is 110 km west of Bangkok. On your journey, today, you’ll pass leisurely by rice paddies and salt fields. You will make a stop en–route to visit a farmhouse and watch locals produce sugar from coconut. The tour continues with a 30-minute speedboat trip along fruit plantation to see Thai houses and the traditional way of life.

Arrive at the DamnoenSaduak Floating Market and be fascinated by boats of various shapes and sizes used by local merchants to ferry their goods. You can hire a small boat to navigate your way along the market to shop for local products.

After the market, you’ll visit a wood carving factory.

Arrive in Kanchanaburi town by midday. You’ll spend time visiting the world-famous bridge over the River Kwai, a part of the Death Railway constructed by Allied prisoners of war. You’ll have the opportunity to take a train ride on Death Railway through magnificent scenery, passing over the original wooden viaduct constructed by Allied POWs.

After lunch at a local restaurant, you will leave Kanchanaburi, passing green paddy fields, villages, and temples then return to Bangkok.

Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon, check in and rest for the day.

Overnight in Bangkok
Meals: (Breakfast/lunch/_)

Morning transfer to the airport to take a short flight to Bangkok and then transfer via another flight to Chiang Rai.

Upon arrival in Chiang Rai, you will be met and greeted by your local guide and driver. Start your tour in Chiang Rai city with a visit to Wat Prakaewand King Mengrai Monument. Next, visit the White Temple, one of the most recognizable temples in Thailand. The temple outside the town of Chiang Rai attracts a large number of visitors, both Thai and foreign, making it one of Chiang Rai’s most visited attractions.

Finish the tour and transfer to the hotel in downtown to check in. And free time at your leisure.

Overnight in Chiang Rai
Meals: (Breakfast/_/_)

Breakfast at the hotel and check out, then start the tour to visit the infamous Golden Triangle renowned for centuries as the centre of the opium trade. From a hilltop viewpoint, marvel at the splendor of the mighty Mekong joining with the Ruak and forming the actual “Triangle” with Laos Burma and Thailand.

Take a long tail boat along a river. Then free shopping at Mae Sai Boarder. On the way to Chiang Mai, stop to relax at Mae Khajan Hot spring. Visit Long Neck village before driving to Chiang Mai for the night.

Overnight in Chiang Mai
Meals: (Breakfast/_/_)

Depart your hotel (Note: Takeaway breakfast from the hotel) and arrive at the foothill of DoiSuthep mountain in time to buy offerings and join the locals during the daily alms giving ceremony. This is a serene Buddhist procession where dozens of monks walk barefoot through the street collecting food and everyday items.

Continue up the mountain to WatDoiSuthep and climb the 309 steps of the Golden Naga staircase to reach its golden pagodas. After a visit to DoiSuthep, continue to discover one of the best–kept secret temples of Chiang Mai, WatPalad, known as the Temple below the Temple. This temple is a significant element of the Chiang Mai area’s history with its temple grounds aged beyond 650 years old.

Next, proceed to WatUmong, built in the 14th century, a heavily forested temple covered by moss and small plants offering a unique yet charming sense of natural decay. After a walk through its mysterious tunnels, you’ll reach the Viharn of the temple to experience your own private blessing ceremony.

After that, enjoy this lovely day with a delicious bowl of Khao Soy. This famous Northern Thai dish is a combination of coconut cream, crispy noodles and plenty of spice that is sure to delight!

Continue to visit the Three Kings Monument, followed by Chiang Mai City Arts and Culture Center, located in an old building of elegant architectural design built in 1927. Standing on the location of a former royal hall, the building was used as the central administrative office of Phayap administrative unit of Siam, and later as the Provincial Hall of Chiang Mai. (Note: Chiang Mai City Arts and Culture Center is closed on Mondays and during Songkran festival. Open from Tuesday – Sundays: 08:30 – 17:00)

Later, discover the lost city of WiangKumKam, “The Underground Empire,” one of the greatest cultural and historical significances. Following a massive flood, the city of WiangKumKam vanished without a trace. For over 200 years, WiangKumKam became a lost civilization buried under layers of earth. You’ll explore the main ancient ruined temples by bicycle: WiangKumKam, WatChedi Liam, Wat Phraya MengRai, WatKan Thom, and Koo Paa Dom.

Overnight in Chiang Mai
Meals: (Breakfast/lunch/_)

Today you will enjoy a full day visit to Elephant Nature Park; a natural home and sanctuary for elephants, buffalos, dogs, cats, birds and many other rescued animals.

Your visit will start with a picturesque drive through the rural countryside to Elephant Nature Park. You will hear the personal stories of rescued and orphaned elephants. See how they became a proud herd and free from abuse for the first time in their lives.

Many find their visit to Elephant Nature Park rewarding and very relaxing. Observe free roaming elephants (no riding), and other rescued animals enjoying the natural surroundings of our sanctuary.

Your visit helps support our regional projects and offers an invaluable opportunity of helping elephant conservation.

Overnight in Chiang Mai
Meals: (Breakfast/Lunch/_)

Enjoy your last moments in Chiang Mai then take your flight back to Bangkok and transfer via your international flight home.

Meals: (Breakfast/_/_)