Basic Bangkok & Chiang Mai

On arrival at Bangkok International Airport, we’ll meet and welcome you, then guide you to your transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure – take time to settle in and get acquainted with Bangkok. You could unwind with a traditional Thai massage, sample local flavours, and round off the evening with sunset views from one of the city’s rooftop bars. Overnight in Bangkok.

After breakfast, we spend half a day exploring three of Bangkok’s most important Buddhist temples. We begin at Wat Traimit – the Temple of the Golden Buddha – which houses a solid-gold statue standing 3 metres tall and weighing 5.5 tonnes. We then pass through Chinatown en route to Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha and home to the Chedis of the Kings. The reclining image is 46 metres long and 15 metres high, depicting the Buddha’s passing into nirvana.Next, we visit the Grand Palace, former residence of the Kings of Bangkok and a striking example of an ancient Siamese court. Within the complex we see the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House and the revered Emerald Buddha Temple.To round off the tour, we call in at a local lapidary factory and showroom to view locally made jewellery, handicrafts and silk at competitive prices. Please note the Grand Palace may be closed during special royal ceremonies or when visiting heads of state are in town. Overnight in Bangkok.

After breakfast, we leave Bangkok for Maeklong Railway Market – Talad Rom Hoop – where we learn about the market’s background and watch the train roll through, a swift and striking moment that showcases daily life at close quarters. We then continue to the renowned floating market at Damnoen Saduak to see traders paddling along busy canals with boats piled high with fresh fruit and vegetables. Here we have time to explore the stalls and try a bit of bargaining before travelling back to Bangkok. Breakfast included. Overnight in Bangkok.

After one last breakfast in Bangkok, enjoy some free time at your own pace before we provide an unescorted transfer to Bangkok Airport for your flight to Chiang Mai – flight not included. On arrival in Chiang Mai, proceed to the Arrivals hall where our driver will be waiting with a sign bearing your name, and we transfer you to your hotel to check in and settle. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to relax or explore nearby. All transfers today are unescorted. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

After breakfast, enjoy a full day to discover Chiang Mai at your own pace. If you’d like a guided introduction, you can join the optional Half-day Doi Suthep Temple and City Temples tour – a shared activity with pick up from the Empress Hotel, operating 08:30–13:30. Transfers are included – meals are not. Dress casually – comfortable, light clothing is recommended. You’ll travel up the winding hillside road to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s most significant temple, around 600 years old and set 3,500 feet above sea level. Inside stands the city’s symbol – a copper-plated chedi topped with a five tier gold parasol housing relics of the Lord Buddha. On a clear day, the terrace offers panoramic views across the city. Reach the temple via the 306-step Naga staircase, or take the funicular. Back in the city, visit Wat Suan Dok – the King’s flower garden temple – with its large central stupa, and Wat Chedi Luang, known for its impressive chedi originally built in 1411. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Start your final morning in Chiang Mai with breakfast at the hotel, then we arrange your unescorted transfer to Chiang Mai Airport for your onward journey.