Best of the North Thailand

Welcome to Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling capital. 

Upon arrival in Bangkok, a driver and local guide greet the guests outside the airport and transfer them to the hotel in the city center. Enjoy the rest of the day at their leisure to recover from jet lag and explore the city on their own.  

Meals: N/A.    
Accommodation: Hotel in Bangkok.

After breakfast, the guide meets the guests and takes them to the Harbor on the Chao Phraya River to embark on a boat and explore the traditional Thai klongs (canals) and see the still-active waterborne life of the Nonthaburi residents.  The tour continues with a visit to Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, one of the most well-known sites in Bangkok. It is best seen from the opposite side of the river. 

Next, explore the Grand Palace, located on the bank of the Chao Phraya River, which has been the official residence of the King of Siam since 1782. It is made up of numerous buildings, halls, and pavilions set around open lawns, gardens, and courtyards. Inside the grounds, they visit Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha – the most beautiful and sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. 

The day concludes with a visit to Wat Pho, the temple of the reclining Buddha. The temple has a long list of credits: The oldest and largest temple in Bangkok, the longest reclining Buddha, the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand, and the first public education institution.    

Meals: Breakfast.    
Accommodation: Hotel in Bangkok.  

This morning, leave Bangkok for Ayutthaya, the ancient capital for over 400 years. On the way, the first stop is Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, located 18km from Ayutthaya on the bank of the Chao Phraya River. 

Arrive in Ayutthaya, guests will visit Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, Wat Maha That (an over 600-year-old temple), and Wat Na Phra Mane. Wat Na Phra Mane is still in good condition and was used as the Burmese military headquarters during the war. Inside this temple, they will see the sparkling Golden Buddha with the three thousand-year-old Buddhas carved from green stone, which are extremely valuable national relics. 

In the afternoon, guests continue to Phitsanulok for an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast.    
Accommodation: Hotel in Phitsanulok.     

After breakfast, the morning begins with a visit to Wat Yai in Phitsanulok, a temple renowned for its revered golden Buddha image. The journey continues to Sukhothai Historical Park, one of Thailand’s most impressive World Heritage sites. A bike ride through the site is a pleasant way to take in the scenery (if you have the energy to bike). 

In the afternoon, the drive leads north to Lampang for an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast.    
Accommodation: Hotel in Lampang.

The day starts with a visit to Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, which is one of the best-preserved examples of Lanna-style temple architecture in Thailand. Then, guests visit Dhanabadee Ceramic Museum to learn about the region’s long tradition of pottery. In the afternoon, the drive continues to Chiang Rai. Upon arrival, guests check in at the hotel and take a break. If time allows, visit Wat Rong Khun, also called the White Temple, with its surreal design and intricate details, and the local market, which offers a glimpse of everyday life.  

Meals: Breakfast.    
Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Rai.

After breakfast, the journey heads to Mae Chan to visit an Akha hill tribe village where travelers can observe traditional houses, colorful costumes, and local customs. Then drive to the archaeological remains at Chiang Sean, original capital of the Lanna kingdom, which originated around 1328, visit the multitude of sites, including ancient ruins of temples, stupas, and the ancient city wall and moat.

Continue to the world-famous Golden Triangle, where the borders of three countries: Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar, guests can enjoy panoramic views over the Mekong River and see the Golden Buddha statue. Then visit the Hall of Opium, a big museum with historical displays of opium culture, including all the various implements used in the planting, harvest, and all information about the dangers of opium.

Experience with a long-tail boat trip along the Mekong River with a short stop at Don Sao village in Laos.

Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Rai.

Leave Chiang Rai for Chiang Mai. On the way, they stop in Sankampang District, known for its traditional handicraft villages where artisans create silk, umbrellas, wood carvings, and silverware. 

Upon arrival, check into the hotel and have lunch at a downtown restaurant of their choice. Then, set out on a guided tour to visit Wat Phrathad Doi Suthep – 3,500 feet above sea-level, the most sacred temple in Northern Thailand, containing a holy relic of Lord Buddha. You will have a panoramic view of the city from this height. From its terrace, travelers enjoy sweeping views of the city below. 

The afternoon includes visits to Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang, two of Chiang Mai’s most important temples.

Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Mai.     

Breakfast shall be served at the hotel, and then take a visit to an elephant camp, where guests can watch the elephants bathe and demonstrate their skills. Have a chance to ride the elephants crossing the river into the forest.

Then return by oxcart to the elephant camp to have lunch. After lunch, enjoy a bamboo rafting adventure along the river for around 45 minutes. Onwards to an orchid farm where there are many beautiful species of orchid. Return to the hotel with the rest of the day free to relax.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.    
Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Mai.        

Have breakfast at the hotel, then guests enjoy a free morning before transferring to the airport for a flight to Bangkok. At the airport, they check in for their international departure. 

Meals: Breakfast.    
Accommodation: N/A.