Thailand & Cambodia Grand Tour

On arrival at Chiang Rai Airport, our representative will greet you and we transfer you to your centrally located hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure – you can explore the heart of the old town, which dates from the reign of King Mangrai in the 13th century, or wander the night bazaar for a first taste of Chiang Rai. Overnight in Chiang Rai.

After breakfast at the hotel, we head into the city centre to pause at the King Mangrai monument en route to the Hilltribe Museum and Education Centre, learning about the dozens of hill tribes that have lived in the surrounding highlands for centuries and the effects of globalisation. We continue to the Mae Chan district to visit Yao and Akha villages for an insight into daily life, then drive on to Mae Sai, a small border town with a busy market. From here we head into the heart of the Golden Triangle – where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet – a region that became notorious in the 1960s for opium cultivation. After lunch (included), we continue to Chiang Saen to visit the hilltop Wat Phra That Chom Kitti, reached via a 350-step staircase. We return to Chiang Rai around 6:00 pm. Overnight in Chiang Rai.

After breakfast, we travel south towards Chiang Mai, stopping on the outskirts of Chiang Rai at Wat Rong Khun. This contemporary, all white temple is inlaid with tiny mirrors and is widely regarded as one of Thailand’s most striking sights. On arrival in Chiang Mai, we continue up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep – one of the country’s most revered temples – set on a mountain with panoramic views over the city. To reach the chedi, you can choose to climb the 309‑step naga staircase or take the included cable car.

We then head to the riverbank to board a boat for a relaxing cruise along the River Ping, pausing at a local farm to savour a khao soi noodle curry and enjoy dance performances. After a stroll through the flower and fresh produce market, we return to the hotel at around 6:00 pm. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

After breakfast, we depart for Elephant Jungle Sanctuary (Grand Canyon). Following a safety and orientation briefing, we take part in an ethical experience focused on elephant care, conservation and observation. We learn about the sanctuary’s mission and observe the elephants in a natural setting where their welfare and freedom of movement are prioritised, with time to capture memorable photos.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we return to Chiang Mai for an afternoon exploring the old city, still ringed by remnants of its walls and moat. We visit Wat Suan Dok to admire its 48–metre–high Sri Lankan–style chedi overlooking the Royal Cemetery, continue to Wat Phra Sing to appreciate its large complex of more than 60 buildings, and then visit 14th–century Wat Chedi Luang in the heart of the old town. In the evening, you can choose to enjoy an optional khantoke dinner – not included. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

After breakfast in Chiang Mai, we drive to Lamphun to visit Wat Phra That Hariphunchai – a golden temple complex with origins dating back to the Mon Kingdom in the eighth century. We then continue to the picturesque town of Lampang to see the historic Wat Phra That Lampang Luang. After an included lunch, we enjoy a scenic drive to Sukhothai Historical Park, arriving in the afternoon, and explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which preserves the ruins of ancient Sukhothai – the first capital of the kingdom of the same name. We return to the hotel around 5:00 pm. Overnight in Sukhothai.

This morning we join locals to offer food to Buddhist monks during their alms round – a quiet and respectful start to the day. We then drive south from Sukhothai via Uthai Thani, stopping in Chai Nat for an included lunch. Our route reflects the historic southward expansion of Siam. On arrival in Ayutthaya, the former capital, we explore Ayutthaya Historical Park, visiting Wat Phra Si Sanphet and the adjacent Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit to see its golden Buddha. We continue to Wat Phra Mahathat, noted for the Buddha head entwined in tree roots. The park’s UNESCO World Heritage status underlines its significance. We return to the hotel at around 6:00 pm. Overnight in Ayutthaya.

After breakfast, we drive from Ayutthaya through peaceful countryside to Kanchanaburi, where the Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai rivers meet. The area is known for its natural beauty and its poignant wartime history – the Second World War Death Railway and bridge made famous by the film The Bridge on the River Kwai. We visit the war cemetery and the Thailand–Burma Railway Centre to learn about the harsh conditions faced by Allied prisoners of war and Asian labourers during the railway’s construction. After an included lunch, we return to the hotel at around 3:00 pm. You then have the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure. Overnight in Kanchanaburi.

After breakfast, we depart Kanchanaburi by road for Nakhon Pathom to visit Phra Pathommachedi – a 127 metres high stupa and the tallest of its kind in the world. We then continue to Damnoen Saduak to experience its famous floating market – a lively scene of boats selling fresh fruit, vegetables and local delicacies. Lunch is included. We continue to Bangkok for a hotel drop off at around 4:00 pm. Overnight in Bangkok.

Enjoy a full day at leisure to discover Bangkok at your own pace. If it’s your first visit, you can join a half day tour of key Buddhist sites, including the Royal Grand Palace – the former royal residence from the 18th century to the mid 20th century – and Wat Phra Kaew, home to the revered Emerald Buddha. In the evening, you can opt for a Thai and international buffet dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River – the River of Kings – passing landmarks such as Wat Arun and the Grand Palace, with live music and a show on board. The dinner cruise is not included. Overnight in Bangkok.

After breakfast, enjoy free time in Bangkok until your transfer to the airport, bus or train station for your journey to Siem Reap – transportation between Bangkok and Siem Reap is not included and must be arranged directly. On arrival at Siem Reap International Airport, and after clearing immigration, we will meet you and accompany you to your hotel, assisting with check-in. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to settle in or take a first look around. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then spend the day at leisure to discover Siem Reap at your own pace – explore as you wish or simply take time to relax. Overnight in Siem Reap.

We begin with breakfast at the hotel. You then have a full day at leisure to explore Siem Reap at your own pace – or relax and make the most of the hotel facilities. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel, with a free morning to spend as you wish. Check-out is at 12:00 pm. Afterward, we escort you to Siem Reap International Airport for your departure flight – the minimum check in time is 2 hours for domestic flights and 2.5 hours for international flights.