Thai Experience

Your six day journey begins in Bangkok – make your way to the designated meeting point for collection. We travel first to Bang Pa-In to visit the Summer Palace of King Rama V, then continue to Ayutthaya – the former capital – to explore Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, Wat Mahathat and Wat Phanan Choeng within Ayutthaya Historical Park. We stop for lunch at a restaurant in Chai Nat before driving on to Phitsanulok for a brief orientation tour of the city, after which we check in to our hotel.

After breakfast in Phitsanulok, we visit Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat to join locals for morning prayers and offerings at this historic temple, which houses one of Thailand’s most revered Buddha images. We then travel to Sukhothai to explore the UNESCO‑listed Sukhothai Historical Park, admiring ruined temples, former palaces and Buddha statues of all sizes. Lunch is at a local restaurant en route. A short drive brings us to Si Satchanalai to discover atmospheric ruins, including Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat – reached via a wooden suspension bridge – along with numerous Buddha and elephant statues. This usually quiet site offers a reflective pause before we continue to Lampang for the evening – overnight in Lampang.

After breakfast we drive to Wat Phra That Lampang Luang for a look at its intricate decoration and serene Buddha images. We continue north with a short coffee break by Phayao Lake, then visit Wat Rong Khun on the southern edge of Chiang Rai – a striking all white temple inlaid with mirrors, built in the 1990s. We reach Chiang Rai for lunch before heading to the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet, a region once notorious for opium cultivation in the 1960s. We take a boat trip of about 45 minutes on the Mekong, including a brief stop at Don Sao Island in Laos, then visit the 212 House of Opium to see its collection of artefacts and learn about the trade’s impact on local communities. Overnight in Chiang Rai.

We start the day at Chiang Rai’s morning market, taking in the lively bustle and aromas, then make a brief stop at Wat Phra Kaew. We continue to the Hill Tribe Museum and Education Centre to learn about the cultures of the region’s mountain communities and the challenges they face. We travel by road to Tha Ton for lunch, then head on to the ancient city of Chiang Mai. On arrival, we visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep – one of Thailand’s most revered temples – set on a mountain with panoramic views over the city. We reach the temple either by climbing the 309‑step naga staircase or by cable car – the choice is yours. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

After breakfast, we depart for Elephant Jungle Sanctuary (Grand Canyon). Following a safety briefing and orientation, we take part in an ethical experience focused on elephant care, conservation and observation. We learn about the sanctuary’s mission while observing the elephants in a natural environment where their welfare and freedom of movement are prioritised – with time for meaningful photos.We then continue to Royal Park Rajapruek, a botanical and cultural park covering approximately 200 acres, established in 2006 to commemorate King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 60th anniversary on the throne. We stroll through landscaped gardens showcasing indigenous and international plant species, followed by lunch at a local restaurant.In the afternoon, we visit Baan Tipmanee, a traditional woodworking shop, to see how highly skilled local artisans create Chiang Mai’s renowned hand carved wooden products using techniques passed down through generations. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

We include breakfast at the hotel, after which you have a full day at leisure to explore Chiang Mai at your own pace – take in the sights and attractions that interest you most in this city of green spaces, known as the Rose of the North. Make the most of your free time before we provide your departure transfer to Chiang Mai Airport.