Bangkok Golden Triangle Journey

Upon arrival at Bangkok International Airport, a tour representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to explore this vibrant city at your own pace. You might choose to unwind with a traditional Thai massage, sample the diverse local cuisine, or enjoy the sunset from one of the many stylish rooftop bars that have recently appeared among Bangkok’s skyscrapers. Overnight stay in Bangkok.

Today we visit three of Bangkok’s most significant Buddhist temples. We begin at Wat Traimit, home to the Golden Buddha—a solid gold statue standing three metres tall and weighing 5.5 tonnes. Next, we pass through Chinatown en route to Wat Pho, renowned for its Reclining Buddha, which measures 46 metres in length and 15 metres in height, symbolising the Buddha’s passage into nirvana. Our final stop is the Grand Palace, a stunning example of ancient Siamese architecture and the former royal residence. Here, we explore various palaces used for different ceremonies, including the Funeral Palace, Reception Palace, Throne Hall, Coronation Hall, Royal Guest House, and Wat Phra Keo, which houses the revered Emerald Buddha. To conclude the day, we visit a local lapidary factory and showroom, where you can browse jewellery, handicrafts and silk produced locally at competitive prices. Overnight in Bangkok on selected board basis.

We leave Bangkok and travel to Maeklong Railway Market, also known as Talad Rom Hoop. Upon arrival, the guide will share the history of this unique market. You will witness the remarkable moment when the train passes directly through the bustling market – a swift and fascinating event. Next, we visit the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where colourful vendors paddle along narrow canals in traditional boats, selling fresh produce and local goods. This lively market offers a vibrant glimpse into everyday life and plenty of opportunities for bargain hunting. After the visit, we return to Bangkok for an overnight stay on selected board basis.

After breakfast, we transfer you to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, you will be taken to your hotel to settle in before meeting your guide at 13:30 in central Chiang Mai. We then explore the old town and its main temples, beginning with Wat Suan Dok, known for its 48-metre-high Sri Lankan-style chedi overlooking the Royal Cemetery. Next, we visit Wat Phra Singh, a large complex of over 60 buildings celebrated for its intricate architecture. We continue to Wat Chedi Luang, a 14th-century temple at the heart of the old city, notable for its restored, rustic appearance. The tour also includes Wat Chet Yot, which shows signs of its age, and Wat Chiang Man, famous for its numerous elephant sculptures. We return to your hotel in Chiang Mai for an overnight stay on a selected board basis.

After breakfast, we visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, perched on a mountain overlooking Chiang Mai. You can reach the temple by climbing the 309-step naga staircase or take the included cable car. The temple features striking architecture and offers spectacular panoramic views of the city below. Next, we explore Wararot Market, a historic hub known for its diverse and high-quality produce, followed by a visit to the nearby flower market, where vibrant blooms fill the air with fragrance. In the evening, enjoy a khantoke dinner—a traditional northern Thai meal—accompanied by cultural performances inspired by the Lanna kingdom, which shaped the region’s heritage for nearly five centuries. Overnight in Chiang Mai on a selected board basis.

After breakfast at the hotel, we visit Elephant Poopoopaper Park, an eco-friendly outdoor museum dedicated to the unique process of making paper products from elephant dung fibres. The guided walking tour through the lush gardens takes you across eight pavilions, each explaining a stage of production—from collection and rinsing to the final assembly. You are invited to join our skilled artisans and take part in the hands-on process. Informative displays also highlight Chiang Mai’s long tradition of papermaking and handicrafts. After lunch, we travel by road via Doi Saket to Wat Rong Khun, known as the White Temple. Built in the 1990s, this striking temple features an ornate white exterior embedded with mirrors, creating a dazzling effect. We then continue to Chiang Rai, arriving in the afternoon to settle into your accommodation.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and travel to Chiang Saen for panoramic views of the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand converge along the mighty Mekong River. We then take a 30-minute boat trip around this unique area, offering a fresh perspective on the meeting point of these three countries. Following the boat ride, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before transferring to Chiang Rai Airport for your onward journey. Breakfast and lunch are included.