Thailand Experience Journey

We begin the tour with an early start, meeting at 06:45 to be collected and set off for Bang Pa-In, where we visit the elegant Summer Palace of Rama V. From there, we continue to Ayutthaya, the former capital, exploring the ancient temples of Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, Wat Mahathat and Wat Phanan Choeng within the Ayutthaya Historical Park. After a lunch break at a local restaurant in Chai Nat, we travel onwards to Phitsanulok for a brief orientation tour of the city before checking in to our hotel for the night.

After breakfast, we visit Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat to join the locals in their morning prayers at this historic temple, home to one of Thailand’s most revered Buddha statues. We then travel to Sukhothai to explore the ancient city’s remarkable landmarks, including the UNESCO-listed Sukhothai Historical Park. Here, you can admire the ruins of temples and palaces alongside numerous Buddha statues of varying sizes. Lunch is served at a local restaurant en route. Afterwards, we take a short drive to Si Satchanalai, where the evocative ruins of several temples await, including Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, accessible via a wooden suspension bridge. This tranquil site offers a reflective pause before we continue to Lampang for the evening. Overnight in Lampang.

After breakfast, we visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, a short drive from Lampang, to admire its intricate decorations and impressive Buddha statues. Continuing north, we pause at Phayao Lake for a coffee break before reaching the southern outskirts of Chiang Rai to explore Wat Rong Khun. This striking temple, built in the 1990s, is renowned for its all-white exterior adorned with mirrored fragments, making it one of Thailand’s most visually stunning temples. We then proceed to Chiang Rai for lunch. In the afternoon, we travel to the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar converge. This area was once infamous for opium cultivation in the 1960s. We take a 45-minute boat trip around the Golden Triangle, including a stop at Don Sao Island, part of Laos. Afterwards, we visit the 212 House of Opium, where you can explore a rare collection of opium-related artefacts and learn about the history and impact of the opium trade on local communities. We stay overnight in Chiang Rai.

Begin the day with a visit to the bustling and fragrant Chiang Rai morning market, where local produce and crafts create a vibrant atmosphere. Next, make a brief stop at Wat Phra Kaew temple, an important spiritual site in the city. We then explore the Hill Tribe Museum and Education Centre, gaining insight into the cultures and challenges faced by the region’s mountain communities. After lunch in Tha Ton, we travel by road to the ancient city of Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of Thailand’s most revered temples, perched atop a mountain offering panoramic views of the city below. You may choose to climb the 309-step naga staircase or take the cable car to reach the temple. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

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 guided walking tour through lush gardens takes you across eight pavilions, explaining each stage from collection to finished product. You can join our skilled artisans in hands-on activities, gaining insight into Chiang Mai’s long tradition of papermaking and handicrafts, supported by informative displays.Next, we stop at Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden in Mae Rim, established in 1992. We follow the Banana Avenue trail to see over 200 varieties of banana trees, mostly from Southeast Asia. We explore the Tropical Rainforest house, a vast space housing palms, banana trees and ginger plants, then stroll through the impressive Orchid House. The visit includes a walk along Thailand’s longest canopy walkway, featuring steel and glass platforms that offer views of the subtropical jungle and surrounding mountains.After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to Baan Tipmanee woodworking shop to observe artisans crafting Chiang Mai’s renowned carved wooden products. In the evening, you may choose to enjoy an optional khan toke dinner. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely day to explore Chiang Mai at your own pace. Discover the city’s green spaces and vibrant streets, known as the ‘Rose of the North’, and visit the attractions that interest you most. Later, a transfer is provided to Chiang Mai Airport for your onward journey. Breakfast is included.