Bangkok Ancient Capitals Journey

Upon arrival at Bangkok International Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative who will assist you with an unescorted transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and explore at your own pace. You might choose to unwind with a traditional Thai massage or sample the city’s vibrant local cuisine. As evening falls, consider visiting one of Bangkok’s many rooftop bars to enjoy a sunset view over the city’s striking skyline. Overnight in Bangkok.

Spend a full day at leisure in Bangkok to explore the city at your own pace or choose from a variety of optional excursions available locally. The Royal Grand Palace is a highlight not to be missed – an architectural masterpiece that served as the royal residence from the 18th century until the mid-20th century. Within its grounds lies Wat Phra Kaew, the city’s most sacred temple, home to the revered Emerald Buddha. Overnight in Bangkok.

After an early breakfast, we will collect you from your hotel at 07:00 and travel to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam. Here, you will explore the evocative ruins of this once vast island city, largely destroyed by invading forces 250 years ago. Highlights include the temples of 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 city’s historic remains. Lunch is served at a local restaurant before we continue to Kamphaeng Phet for hotel check-in and overnight stay.

Take to the road after breakfast at the hotel, heading towards Lampang. On arrival, visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang. This large Lanna-style temple is prominently located on a hill surrounded by walls. Climb the naga staircase and explore the complex, which boasts seven buildings and a sacred tree. Admire the bronze Buddha statue in the ordination hall and the relic of Buddha in the golden chedi. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant (included) before continuing to Chiang Mai, popularly known as the ‘Rose of the North’. Check-in on arrival with the rest of the day at leisure. Maybe explore the city at your own pace or enjoy a relaxing Thai massage (not included). In the evening, head to the bustling night bazaar for a stroll or enjoy an evening out by trying a khantoke dinner, a traditional northern Thai feast combined with a selection of traditional cultural performances (optional, not included). Overnight in hotel in Chiang Mai. Breakfast and lunch included. (start 7:00, finish approx. 16:00).Overnight in Chiang Mai.

After a delightful breakfast at the hotel, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the most revered temples in the country. This sacred location is at the top of a mountain from where you can appreciate stunning panoramic views of the city. To reach the temple, you must climb up a 309-step naga staircase, or use the cable car (included). This spiritual experience is followed by a visit to the famous San Kamphaeng Road, a 10km-long stretch of road flanked by shops selling locally produced goods such as pottery, silverware, lacquerware, handmade saa paper, sculptures, jewellery, wood carvings and silk products. In some shops, you can even watch the artisans at work. Keep an eye out for the celadon pottery and the silver goods, known for their excellent quality. After a typical lunch in a local restaurant (included), return to the hotel and spend the afternoon free at leisure.Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Bid farewell to Chiang Mai after breakfast at the hotel, heading to Lamphun, which is home to one of the north’s most important temples, the one-thousand-year-old Wat Phra That Hariphunchai. Visit the temple and admire the Buddha statues and impressive stupas, including the 46-metre-tall Lanna-style golden chedi and 21-metre-tall Haripunchai-style chedi. Afterwards, head south to Sukhothai Historical Park, to see the ruins of the first capital of Siam. Founded in the 13th century, Sukhothai means ‘Dawn of Happiness’, and it proved to herald the beginning of a golden age for Thai culture under the rule of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great, who is credited with creating the Thai alphabet. The historical park hosts the ruins of almost 200 buildings, including dozens of temples.  The complex, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is divided between the ruins within the walls and moat and those outside them. Lunch included. Overnight in Sukhothai.

Depart Sukhothai after breakfast at the hotel, heading towards Lopburi. This historic city is famed for the troops of macaques that roam the streets as if they were in the jungle. Visit the ruins of the ancient Khmer temple of Phra Prang Sam Yot and the adjacent Brahman shrine of San Phra Kan,  known as the ‘Monkey Temple’. Enjoy a typical lunch in a local restaurant (included) en route and continue to Bangkok. Overnight in Bangkok.

Begin your last day in Thailand with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Then transfer to Bangkok International Airport and continue with your travelling arrangements.