Private Thailand & Cambodia

On arrival at Chiang Rai Airport, we meet and greet you before a comfortable transfer to your centrally located hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is at leisure – you could explore the heart of the old town, which dates from the reign of King Mangrai in the 13th century, or wander the night bazaar for a first taste of Chiang Rai. Overnight in Chiang Rai.

After breakfast, we head into central Chiang Rai to view the King Mangrai monument en route to the Hilltribe Museum and Education Centre, where we learn about the region’s many hill tribes and how their traditions have adapted in a globalised world. We continue to Mae Chan to visit Yao and Akha villages and observe daily life with sensitivity and respect. We then drive to Mae Sai, a lively border town with a busy market, before entering the heart of the Golden Triangle – where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet – a region that became notorious in the 1960s for opium cultivation. After an included lunch, we carry on to Chiang Saen to visit hilltop Wat Phra That Chom Kitti, reached via a 350‑step staircase. We return to Chiang Rai at around 6.00 pm. Overnight in Chiang Rai.

After breakfast we travel south towards Chiang Mai, stopping on the city’s outskirts to visit Wat Rong Khun – an eye‑catching all‑white temple from the 1990s with intricate mirror‑inlaid detail. On arrival in Chiang Mai, we continue to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of Thailand’s most revered temples, perched on the mountain with wide views over the city. To reach the shrine we either climb the 309‑step naga staircase or take the cable car – included. We then head to the riverbank for a gentle cruise along the River Ping, stopping at a local farm to savour khao soi noodle curry while enjoying dance performances. After a stroll through the city’s flower and fresh produce market, we return to the hotel around 6:00 pm. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Elephant Jungle Sanctuary (Grand Canyon). Following a safety and orientation briefing, we join an ethical, respectful 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 meaningful photos. After lunch at a local restaurant, we return to Chiang Mai for an afternoon exploring the old city, still edged by remnants of its walls and moat. We visit Wat Suan Dok to admire its 48–metre–high Sri Lankan–style chedi overlooking the Royal Cemetery, continue to Wat Phra Singh – a large complex of more than 60 buildings – and then visit 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.

After breakfast, we set off for Lamphun to visit Wat Phra That Hariphunchai – a golden temple complex with roots in the Mon Kingdom in the eighth century. We then continue to the picturesque town of Lampang to explore the historic Wat Phra That Lampang Luang. After lunch – included – we enjoy a scenic drive to Sukhothai Historical Park, arriving in the afternoon. Here we explore this UNESCO–listed World Heritage Site, which preserves the ruins of ancient Sukhothai, the first capital of the kingdom. We return to the hotel around 5:00 pm. Overnight in Sukhothai.

Begin the day with a quiet local tradition as we join residents offering food to Buddhist monks on their morning alms round. We then drive south, stopping in Chai Nat for an included lunch, following a route from Sukhothai via Uthai Thani towards Ayutthaya that echoes the historic southward expansion of Siam. On arrival in Ayutthaya – the former Siamese capital – we explore Ayutthaya Historical Park, visiting Wat Phra Si Sanphet and the neighbouring Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit to see its impressive gilded Buddha. We continue to the ruins of Wat Phra Mahathat, known for the Buddha head entwined in tree roots. This remarkable ensemble has earned the park UNESCO World Heritage status. We return to the hotel around 6:00 pm. Overnight in Ayutthaya.

After breakfast we drive from Ayutthaya through rural landscapes to Kanchanaburi, a quiet town where the Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai rivers meet. The area is known for its scenery and also for its World War II history as the site of the ‘Death Railway’ and the bridge made famous by the film The Bridge on the River Kwai. We visit the war cemetery and the Thailand–Burma Railway Centre to learn about the conditions in which Allied POWs and Thai labourers worked to build a military supply railway. After lunch – included – we return to the hotel around 3:00 pm, and you have the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Kanchanaburi.

After breakfast, we leave Kanchanaburi for a scenic drive to Nakhon Pathom to visit Phra Pathommachedi – a revered temple crowned by a stupa rising 127 metres, the tallest of its kind in the world. We then continue to Damnoen Saduak to experience its lively floating market, where boats sell fresh fruit, vegetables and local snacks. Lunch is included. We continue to Bangkok and drop you at your city hotel around 4:00 pm. Overnight in Bangkok.

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Bangkok – explore at your own pace or opt for a suggested half–day tour of the city’s most popular Buddhist temples. A visit to the Royal Grand Palace – the former royal residence from the 18th to the mid–20th century – includes Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok’s most sacred temple and home to the Emerald Buddha. In the evening, you can choose an optional Thai and international buffet dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River, gliding past landmarks such as Wat Arun and the Grand Palace, with live music and a short show on board – dinner cruise not included. Overnight in Bangkok.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy time at leisure in Bangkok until we transfer you to your chosen departure point – airport, bus or train station – for your own onward journey to Siem Reap. Transportation between Bangkok and Siem Reap is not included and should be arranged by you directly. On arrival at Siem Reap International Airport and after clearing immigration, we will meet you, transfer you to your hotel and assist you to check in. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or begin exploring at your own pace. Overnight in Siem Reap.

We enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then the day is yours to explore Siem Reap at your own pace – no guided activities are scheduled. You can plan your own sightseeing or simply take it easy. Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast at the hotel, we leave the rest of the day free for you to make your own plans in Siem Reap – explore the surrounding streets at your own pace or simply relax and enjoy the hotel’s facilities. No guided activities are scheduled today. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel, then spend the morning at leisure as you wish. Check-out is at 12:00 pm – we will escort you to your transfer for Siem Reap International Airport for your departure flight. Please allow a minimum of 2 hours for domestic check-in and 2.5 hours for international check-in.