Siam Trails and Gems Exploration

We begin with an early pick-up from the designated meeting point in Bangkok before travelling to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam. Here, we explore the evocative ruins of this once-thriving island city, largely destroyed by invading forces 250 years ago. Highlights include temples such as Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, Wat Phanan Choeng and Wat Mahathat, where the roots of a tree famously envelop the head of a Buddha statue. We then board a traditional longtail boat for a scenic cruise around the island, offering a unique perspective on the historic ruins. After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to Kamphaeng Phet for hotel check-in. The afternoon is yours to relax at leisure. Overnight in Kamphaeng Phet.

After breakfast, we travel to Lampang to visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, a prominent Lanna-style temple set on a hill and enclosed by walls. We climb the naga staircase to explore the complex, which includes seven buildings and a sacred tree. Inside the ordination hall, admire the bronze Buddha statue and the golden chedi housing a relic of the Buddha. Following lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to Chiang Mai, known as the ‘Rose of the North’. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. You might choose to explore the city independently or unwind with a traditional Thai massage (not included). In the evening, you can visit the lively night bazaar or opt for a khantoke dinner—an authentic northern Thai meal accompanied by cultural performances (optional, not included). Overnight in Chiang Mai.

After breakfast, we visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of Thailand’s most revered temples, perched atop a mountain offering sweeping views over Chiang Mai. To reach the temple, you can climb the 309-step naga staircase or take the included cable car for a more leisurely ascent. Following this spiritual visit, we explore San Kamphaeng Road, a 10-kilometre stretch renowned for its shops selling locally crafted goods such as pottery, silverware, lacquerware, handmade saa paper, sculptures, jewellery, wood carvings and silk. In some workshops, you can observe artisans at work. Look out for the high-quality celadon pottery and silver items. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to the hotel where the afternoon is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

After breakfast, we leave Chiang Mai and travel to Lamphun to visit Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, one of northern Thailand’s most significant temples. This thousand-year-old site features impressive Buddha statues and striking stupas, including a 46-metre-tall Lanna-style golden chedi and a 21-metre Haripunchai-style chedi. We then continue south to Sukhothai Historical Park, the ruins of Siam’s first capital founded in the 13th century. Known as the ‘Dawn of Happiness’, Sukhothai marked the start of a golden age for Thai culture under King Ramkhamhaeng the Great, who created the Thai alphabet. The UNESCO World Heritage Site encompasses nearly 200 buildings, including numerous temples, divided between those inside the ancient walls and moat and those outside. We stay overnight in Sukhothai.

After breakfast, we leave Sukhothai and travel to Lopburi, a city known for its lively troops of macaques that freely roam the streets. We visit the ancient Khmer temple of Phra Prang Sam Yot and the nearby Brahman shrine of San Phra Kan, often called the ‘Monkey Temple’ due to its famous inhabitants. Enjoy a tasty lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Bangkok, where we will drop you off in the city centre.