Private Grand Thailand
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Begin in Chiang Rai and finish in Bangkok on a 10 day journey – a relaxed sweep of culture, scenery and flavour. You’ll explore the Golden Triangle and Chiang Rai’s glittering White Temple, then roll into Chiang Mai for mountain top Doi Suthep views, a River Ping cruise and khao soi. An ethical encounter at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary adds unforgettable moments. History lovers will relish UNESCO Sukhothai and Ayutthaya – plus a serene morning alms ritual. In Kanchanaburi you’ll visit the River Kwai sites for poignant wartime stories. Round things off at Nakhon Pathom’s towering stupa, the colourful Damnoen Saduak floating market and Bangkok’s dazzling temples and palaces.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Overview
Duration
10 daysHotel Rating
3 or 4 star hotelsStarts
Mueang Chiang RaiEnds
BangkokMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Thailand that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Country
ThailandPassengers
$5,336.25
$1,601.00
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private TourRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursAccommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Itinerary
Day 1 - Mueang Chiang Rai - Chiang Rai
On arrival at Chiang Rai Airport, we’ll meet you and arrange a comfortable transfer to your centrally located hotel – the rest of the day is at leisure. You might choose to explore the old town, which dates back to the 13th century during the reign of King Mangrai, or wander the night bazaar for a first taste of Chiang Rai. Overnight in Chiang Rai.
Day 2 - Chiang Rai - Mae Chan - Mae Sai - Chiang Saen
After breakfast, we head into Chiang Rai’s centre to pause at the King Mangrai monument, then visit the Hilltribe Museum and Education Centre to learn about the region’s many hill peoples and how their traditions have adapted to modern change. We continue into the Mae Chan district to explore Yao and Akha villages and experience daily life at first hand. From here, we drive to Mae Sai – a small border town with a busy market – before travelling into the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet, a region that gained notoriety in the 1960s for opium cultivation. After lunch, we continue to Chiang Saen to visit hilltop Wat Phra That Chom Kitti, reached via a staircase of 350 steps, then return to Chiang Rai. You have the rest of the day at leisure to relax or explore independently. Overnight in Chiang Rai.
Day 3 - Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai
After breakfast, we travel south from Chiang Rai towards Chiang Mai, stopping on the outskirts to visit Wat Rong Khun – a contemporary temple built in the 1990s, renowned for its ornate all white exterior inlaid with mirrors. On arrival in Chiang Mai, we continue 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 shrine, you can either climb 309 steps up the naga staircase or take the included cable car. We then head to the riverbank to board a boat for a cruise along the River Ping, pausing at a farm to savour khao soi noodle curry while enjoying dance performances. After a walk through the local flower and fresh produce market, we return to the hotel. Overnight in Chiang Mai.
Day 4 - Chiang Mai
After breakfast at the hotel, 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 are prioritised, with time for photographs. After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue into Chiang Mai for an afternoon exploring the old city – still edged by its moat and remnants of the defensive walls. We visit Wat Suan Dok to see its 48–metre–high Sri Lankan–style chedi overlooking the Royal Cemetery, continue to Wat Phra Sing – a large complex of more than 60 buildings – and finish at 14th–century Wat Chedi Luang in the heart of the old town. In the evening, you can choose an optional khantoke dinner – not included. Overnight in Chiang Mai.
Day 5 - Chiang Mai - Lamphun - Lampang - Sukhothai
After breakfast, we depart for Lamphun to visit Wat Phra That Hariphunchai – a golden temple complex with origins in the eighth century Mon Kingdom. We continue to Lampang to visit the historic Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, then stop for lunch. In the afternoon, we drive to Sukhothai, arriving late to explore Sukhothai Historical Park – a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site preserving the ruins of ancient Sukhothai, the first capital of the kingdom of the same name. Overnight in Sukhothai.
Day 6 - Sukhothai - Chai Nat - Uthai Thani - Ayutthaya
We begin the day in a reflective spirit, joining locals to offer food to Buddhist monks on their morning alms round. We then drive south from Sukhothai, following the historic route of Siam’s southward expansion via Uthai Thani, and pause in Chai Nat for lunch. 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 the impressive golden Buddha. We continue to the atmospheric ruins of Wat Phra Mahathat to view the famous Buddha image embraced by tree roots within this UNESCO World Heritage Site.Overnight in Ayutthaya.
Day 7 - Ayutthaya - Kanchanaburi
After breakfast, we drive through unspoilt rural landscapes to Kanchanaburi, a quiet town where the Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai rivers meet. Known for its natural beauty and wildlife, it also carries a sombre legacy of the Second World War – the infamous Death Railway Bridge, brought to wider attention by the film The Bridge on the River Kwai. We visit the war cemetery – the final resting place of thousands of soldiers – and the Thailand–Burma Railway Centre to learn about the appalling conditions faced by Allied POWs and Thai slave labourers during the railway’s construction. After lunch, you have the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Kanchanaburi.
Day 8 - Kanchanaburi - Bangkok - Nakhon Pathom - Ratchaburi
After breakfast, we depart Kanchanaburi for a scenic drive to Nakhon Pathom to visit the temple housing the 127‑metre‑high Phra Pathommachedi stupa – the tallest of its kind in the world. We then continue to Damnoen Saduak, famed for its vibrant floating market. Take in the sights, sounds and aromas as boats glide past laden with fresh fruit, vegetables and local snacks. We continue to Bangkok for drop‑off at your city hotel.Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 9 - Bangkok
Spend the day at leisure exploring Bangkok at your own pace. If it’s your first visit, you could join an optional half day tour of key Buddhist temples, including the Royal Grand Palace – an architectural ensemble used as a royal residence from the 18th century to the mid 20th century – which houses Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok’s most sacred temple and home to the famous Emerald Buddha. In the evening, you may opt for a Thai and international buffet dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River, passing landmarks such as Wat Arun and the Grand Palace, with live music and an on board show – the dinner cruise is not included. Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 10 - Bangkok
After a final breakfast at the hotel, you have the rest of the day at leisure to spend as you wish. We’ll arrange your transfer to Bangkok Airport at the scheduled time for your onward travel.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Reviews
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Prices & Dates
'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices (if available) are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room.
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