Siam Trails

After an early pick up from the designated meeting point in Bangkok, we travel to Ayutthaya, the former capital set on an island. We explore key temples – Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, Wat Phanan Choeng and Wat Mahathat, where a Buddha head lies entwined in tree roots – and reflect on a city largely destroyed by invading forces around 250 years ago. We then board a traditional longtail boat for a scenic cruise around the island, viewing the ruins from the water. After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to Kamphaeng Phet and check in to the hotel. You have the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Kamphaeng Phet.

After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to Lampang to visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, a large Lanna style temple set on a walled hill. We climb the naga staircase to explore the complex with its seven buildings and sacred tree, and we admire the bronze Buddha in the ordination hall along with the Buddha relic in the golden chedi. We then enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before continuing to Chiang Mai – often called the Rose of the North – and check in on arrival. The rest of the day is at leisure: you can explore the city at your own pace or opt for a relaxing Thai massage. In the evening, you can stroll the bustling night bazaar or choose a khantoke dinner with traditional northern performances (optional, not included).Overnight in Chiang Mai.

After breakfast, we visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of Thailand’s most revered temples, set atop a mountain with panoramic views of Chiang Mai. Reach the shrine by climbing the naga staircase of 309 steps, or take the included cable car – the choice is yours. We then continue to San Kamphaeng Road, a renowned 10 km stretch lined with workshops and shops selling locally made pottery, silverware, lacquerware, saa paper, sculptures, jewellery, wood carvings and silk. In some places we can watch artisans at work; celadon ceramics and silver goods here are typically of excellent quality. After lunch at a local restaurant, we return to the hotel and you have the afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

After breakfast we leave Chiang Mai for Lamphun to visit Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, one of the north’s most important temples and over a thousand years old. We explore the complex and admire its Buddha statues and striking stupas – including a 46‑metre‑tall Lanna‑style golden chedi and a 21‑metre‑tall Haripunchai‑style chedi – before continuing south to Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site preserving the first capital of Siam. Founded in the 13th century, Sukhothai – meaning Dawn of Happiness – marked the start of a cultural golden age under King Ramkhamhaeng the Great, who is credited with creating the Thai alphabet. We tour the ruins both inside the old city walls and moat and in the surrounding area, among the remains of almost 200 structures and dozens of temples. Overnight in Sukhothai.

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart Sukhothai for Lopburi, a historic city known for the troops of macaques that roam its streets. We explore the ancient Khmer temple of Phra Prang Sam Yot and visit the adjacent Brahman shrine of San Phra Kan – often referred to as the Monkey Temple. We stop en route for lunch in a local restaurant, then continue to Bangkok for drop off at your hotel. Breakfast and lunch included.