Bangkok & Northern Thai Highlights

Arrive at Bangkok International Airport, where we meet and greet you before arranging your unescorted transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure – you could unwind with a traditional Thai massage, sample the city’s vibrant local flavours, and round off the evening with sunset views from one of the many rooftop bars. Overnight in Bangkok.

You have a full day at leisure to explore Bangkok at your own pace, or you can choose from a selection of optional excursions available locally.

If it’s your first time in the city, you may opt for a half–day tour of the Royal Grand Palace – Bangkok’s most celebrated landmark – which also takes in Wat Phra Kaew, the city’s most sacred temple and home to the Emerald Buddha. The palace complex served as the royal residence from the 18th century to the mid–20th and is among Thailand’s most visited sites (optional – not included). Overnight in Bangkok.

After breakfast, we depart Bangkok for Bang Pa-In to visit the Summer Palace of Rama V. We then continue to the former capital, Ayutthaya – exploring Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, Wat Mahathat and the museum in Ayutthaya Historical Park. We pause for lunch at a local restaurant before travelling on to Phitsanulok to check in at the hotel. Overnight in Phitsanulok.

After breakfast, we visit Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat in Phitsanulok to see one of Thailand’s most revered Buddha images, then continue by road to Sukhothai to explore the UNESCO-listed Sukhothai Historical Park with its ruined temples, palaces and Buddha statues. We stop for lunch at a local restaurant en route. A short drive takes us to Si Satchanalai to explore the evocative remains of several temples – including Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, reached via a wooden suspension bridge – alongside numerous Buddha and elephant statues. This quieter site offers a calm pause before we continue to Chiang Mai. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Elephant Jungle Sanctuary (Grand Canyon). Following a safety and orientation briefing, we take part in an ethical, respectful experience focused on elephant care, conservation and observation. We learn about the sanctuary’s mission and watch the elephants in a natural setting where their welfare and freedom of movement are prioritised, with time to capture memorable photos. After lunch, we continue to the bustling Wararot Market – a historic landmark renowned for the variety and quality of its produce – before visiting the fragrant flower market. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

After breakfast, we visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep for panoramic views over Chiang Mai. The temple is reached by a naga staircase of 309 steps or by the included cable car, and it features a number of dazzling structures. We then continue to the historic Wat Suan Dok to admire its Sri Lankan–style chedi – 48 metres high – overlooking the Royal Cemetery. After lunch at a local restaurant, we travel by road and stop at Wat Rong Khun – the White Temple – built in the 1990s, its all–white exterior inlaid with mirrors giving it a distinctive appearance. We continue to Chiang Rai to check in. Overnight in Chiang Rai.

After breakfast, we visit Wat Rong Seua Ten – the Blue Temple – noted for its vivid blue interior and striking white Buddha. The name means dancing tiger, and the site once held a temple abandoned for 80–100 years before villagers began its revival in 1996; construction started in October 2005, the white Buddha was completed in 2008 and the main hall in January 2016. We continue by road to the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet, for a boat trip with a stop at Don Sao Island in Laos (approx. 45 minutes). Lunch is at the Imperial Golden Triangle hotel. In the late afternoon, we transfer to Chiang Rai airport – please book your flight accordingly.