Thailand Grand Journey

Upon arrival at Chiang Rai Airport, our representative will welcome you and escort you to your centrally located hotel for a comfortable transfer. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and explore at your own pace. You might choose to wander through the historic old town, which dates back to the 13th century during King Mangrai's reign, or visit the lively night bazaar to experience the local atmosphere. Overnight stay is arranged in your selected hotel in Chiang Rai.

After breakfast at the hotel, we begin the day with a visit to the city centre to see the iconic monument of King Mangrai. From there, we head to the Hilltribe Museum and Education Centre, where you will learn about the various hill tribes that have inhabited the surrounding highlands for centuries and how they have adapted to modern changes. Next, we travel to the Mae Chan district to explore the remote villages of the Yao and Akha peoples, experiencing their traditional way of life. We then continue to Mae Sai, a bustling border town known for its lively market, before entering the heart of the Golden Triangle - the meeting point of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. This area was once infamous for its extensive opium cultivation during the 1960s. After lunch, we visit Chiang Saen to climb the 350-step staircase to Wat Phra That Chom Kitti, a hilltop temple offering panoramic views. We return to Chiang Rai in the afternoon, leaving the rest of the day free for you to relax or explore at your leisure. Overnight in Chiang Rai at your selected hotel.

After breakfast, we set off for Chiang Mai, stopping on the southern outskirts of Chiang Rai to visit Wat Rong Khun. This striking temple, completed in the 1990s, is renowned for its all-white exterior adorned with mirrored glass, making it one of Thailand's most distinctive religious sites. Continuing to Chiang Mai, we visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a highly revered temple perched atop a mountain offering panoramic views of the city. We ascend the 309-step naga staircase to reach the temple, or you may choose to take the included cable car. Later, we board a boat for a scenic cruise along the River Ping, stopping at a local farm to enjoy a traditional khao soi noodle curry accompanied by cultural dance performances. Afterward, we explore the vibrant flower and fresh produce market before returning to the hotel for the evening.

After breakfast, we visit Elephant Poopoopaper Park, an eco-friendly outdoor museum that showcases the unique process of making paper from elephant dung fibres. The interpretive walking tour through the lush gardens takes you across eight pavilions, each explaining a stage of production: from collection and rinsing to the final paper assembly. You're invited to join our skilled artisans and guides in hands-on activities, gaining insight into this fascinating craft. Informative graphics also highlight Chiang Mai's long tradition of papermaking and handicrafts. Following lunch at a local restaurant, we explore Chiang Mai's ancient old town, still bordered by remnants of its original walls and moat. We visit Wat Suan Dok, notable for its 48-metre-high Sri Lankan-style chedi overlooking the Royal Cemetery, then continue to Wat Phra Sing, a large complex of over 60 buildings. Finally, we see the 14th-century Wat Chedi Luang in the heart of the old city. In the evening, you may choose to enjoy an optional khantoke dinner (not included). Overnight in Chiang Mai at your selected hotel.

After breakfast, we set off for Lamphun to visit Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, a striking golden temple complex dating back to the Mon Kingdom in the eighth century. Next, we travel to the charming town of Lampang to explore Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, a historic temple renowned for its traditional Lanna architecture. Following a delicious lunch, we take a scenic drive to Sukhothai Historical Park, arriving in the late afternoon. Here, we explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves the ruins of Sukhothai, the first capital of the kingdom bearing the same name. Overnight in Sukhothai at your selected hotel with board included.

Begin the day with a serene experience by joining locals in offering food to Buddhist monks during their morning alms round. Afterwards, travel southwards, stopping in Chai Nat for a satisfying lunch. Today's journey from Sukhothai through Uthai Thani to Ayutthaya follows the historical southward expansion of the Siamese kingdom. Upon arrival in Ayutthaya, once the capital of Siam, visit the Ayutthaya Historical Park. Explore the temple of Wat Phra Si Sanphet and the nearby Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit, where you can admire the golden Buddha. Continue to the haunting ruins of Wat Phra Mahathat, famous for the Buddha head entwined in tree roots. This remarkable heritage site is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight in Ayutthaya at your selected hotel with board option included.

After breakfast, we travel through tranquil countryside largely unchanged by time before arriving in Kanchanaburi, a peaceful town where the Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai rivers meet. Known for its natural beauty and abundant wildlife, Kanchanaburi also bears a significant historical legacy as the site of the infamous World War II "Death Railway Bridge", made famous by the film The Bridge on the River Kwai. We visit the war cemetery, the final resting place for thousands of soldiers, and the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, which details the harsh conditions endured by Allied prisoners of war and Thai labourers who built the railway. After lunch, the remainder of the day is yours to relax and explore at your leisure. We stay overnight in Kanchanaburi at a selected hotel with board included.

After breakfast, we leave Kanchanaburi and enjoy a scenic drive to Nakhon Pathom, where we visit the temple featuring the impressive Phra Pathommachedi stupa. At 127 metres, it is the tallest stupa in the world and a significant religious landmark. We then continue to Damnoen Saduak to explore its famous floating market. Here, you'll experience the lively atmosphere as numerous boats offer fresh fruit, vegetables and local delicacies - a vibrant glimpse into traditional Thai commerce. Later, we proceed to Bangkok for your hotel drop-off, where you can relax and prepare for the next stage of your journey. Overnight in Bangkok at your selected hotel with board option.

Spend a full day at leisure exploring Bangkok at your own pace. If this is your first visit, we recommend a half-day tour of the city's most renowned Buddhist temples. Visit the Royal Grand Palace, an architectural masterpiece that served as the royal residence from the 18th century until the mid-20th century. Within the complex is Wat Phra Kaew, home to the revered Emerald Buddha, making it one of Thailand's most sacred sites. In the evening, you may wish to enjoy an optional dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River. This offers a buffet of Thai and international cuisine while passing iconic landmarks such as Wat Arun and the Grand Palace, accompanied by live music and entertainment. The dinner cruise is not included. Overnight in Bangkok at your selected hotel.

Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before spending the day at your leisure in Bangkok. When the time comes, we will transfer you to Bangkok Airport for your onward journey. Breakfast is included.