Bangkok & Golden Triangle

After you land at Bangkok International Airport, our representative will meet and greet you and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure – you can begin exploring the city, unwind with a traditional Thai massage, sample distinctive local flavours, or take in the sunset from one of Bangkok’s stylish rooftop bars. Overnight in Bangkok.

We set out to explore three of Bangkok’s most important Buddhist temples. We begin at Wat Traimit – the Temple of the Golden Buddha – which houses a 3–metre statue made from solid gold and weighing 5.5 tonnes. Travelling through Chinatown, we continue to Wat Pho, home to the 46–metre–long, 15–metre–high Reclining Buddha and the Chedis of the Kings. Next, we visit the Grand Palace, a superb example of an ancient Siamese court and the former residence of the Kings of Bangkok (closed during royal ceremonies and during visits of heads of state). Within the complex we see the Funeral Palace, Reception Palace, Throne Hall, Coronation Hall, Royal Guest House and Wat Phra Kaew – the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. To round off the tour, we call in at a local lapidary factory and showroom, where you can browse and, if you wish, purchase locally made jewellery, handicrafts and silk at competitive prices. Overnight in Bangkok.

We depart Bangkok for Maeklong Railway Market – also known as Talad Rom Hoop. On arrival, our guide introduces the market’s background before we take our spot a few minutes ahead of the train’s arrival to watch vendors swiftly fold away their stalls as it passes through – a brief but unforgettable scene. We then continue to the world‑famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where colourfully clad merchants paddle canoes loaded with fresh fruit and vegetables along the canals, trading with shoppers on the banks. It’s a lively way to witness local life and try a little bargain hunting. After the visit, we transfer back to Bangkok. Overnight in Bangkok.

After breakfast, we transfer you to the airport. On arrival in Chiang Mai, we take you to your hotel in time for a 13:30 central Chiang Mai pick–up for a guided tour of the old town and its main temples. We begin at Wat Suan Dok, home to a 48–metre Sri Lankan–style chedi overlooking the Royal Cemetery. We continue to Wat Phra Sing – a large complex with more than 60 buildings – before visiting the 14th–century Wat Chedi Luang in the city centre, restored after decades of decay. We also visit nearby Wat Chet Yot, which shows its age, and Wat Chiang Man, noted for its many elephant sculptures. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

After breakfast, we visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep for sweeping views over the city. The temple is accessed by a naga staircase of 309 steps or the included cable car – you can choose your preferred way up. We then explore the complex and its dazzling structures before continuing to Wararot Market, a historic landmark known for its variety and quality, and the nearby flower market. In the evening, we share a khantoke dinner – a traditional northern Thai feast – with cultural performances inspired by the Lanna kingdom. 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 while watching the elephants in a natural environment where their welfare and freedom of movement come first, and we capture meaningful photos along the way. After lunch, we continue by road via Doi Saket, stopping at Wat Rong Khun – the White Temple – a striking 1990s creation with an ornate all white exterior inlaid with mirrors. We then continue to Chiang Rai, arriving in the afternoon and transferring to the hotel. Overnight in Chiang Rai.

After breakfast, we check out and travel to Chiang Saen for panoramic views over the Golden Triangle – where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet as the Mekong River flows between them. We then board a boat for a cruise around the Golden Triangle – about 30 minutes on the water – to see the area from a different perspective. Lunch is at a local restaurant, after which we transfer you to Chiang Rai Airport.