Bangkok to Ayutthaya & North Thailand - 8 Days

Arrive in Bangkok and transfer by shared minivan to the hotel. Rooms will be ready for check-in from 14:00. If you arrive early, you can leave your bags at the hotel and head out to explore.

This evening, gather at 18:00 on the hotel’s rooftop for a welcome meet-and-greet with your guide. Enjoy a complimentary drink as you take in the dazzling views of Bangkok’s skyline.

Tour Style: On this tour you will enjoy sightseeing at all included sights with expert local guides, and all of your travel arrangements are included. You will travel without a tour guide between destinations.

Our guide will meet us at the hotel for an immersive morning exploring some of Bangkok’s most iconic sights. We begin at Pak Klong Talad, the city’s bustling 24-hour flower market. A feast for the senses, this market is filled with the colours and fragrances of fresh blooms arriving daily from across Thailand.

Next, hop into a traditional Tuk Tuk, Thailand’s iconic three-wheeled ride, and journey through the city to Wat Pho, home to the impressive Reclining Buddha and the largest collection of Buddha images in Bangkok.

From here, continue to the riverbank and board a public ferry across the Chao Phraya River. Our destination: Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), one of Bangkok’s most striking landmarks. Admire its intricate towers, decorated with pieces of porcelain and coloured glass designed to catch the morning light and reflect a radiant glow. After exploring the temple, we return by ferry and transfer back to the hotel.

Spend the rest of your day at your own pace – relax, explore more of Bangkok, or enjoy the hotel’s facilities.

Bangkok – Ayutthaya – Uthai Thani. This morning, depart Bangkok and journey north to Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former Siamese capital. A thriving international trading hub between 1350 and 1767, the city was famed for its grand temples and royal palaces. Explore the atmospheric ruins, wandering through the well-planned city streets that were once some of the finest in the world, until the city was sacked by the Burmese.

Continue through scenic countryside to a traditional drum-making village, where we'll witness the entire process of crafting these unique instruments.

Next, discover the world of Thai natural wellness with a visit showcasing traditional methods of extracting essential oils and tinctures from local plants – a gentle, time-honoured practice rooted in centuries of Thai knowledge.

Enjoy lunch at a charming riverside marketplace, known for its beautifully preserved wooden buildings decorated in intricate gingerbread-style fretwork – a proud recipient of a UNESCO heritage conservation award.

In the afternoon, travel onward to Uthai Thani, home to two of Thailand’s most dazzling temples. Visit the stunning Crystal Temple, adorned with shimmering mirrored mosaics, and just beside it, the awe-inspiring Golden Temple, resplendent with intricate gold detailing. Tonight we're staying in Uthai Thani, and the evening is at leisure.

Uthai Thani - Sukhothai. As the sun rises, witness the morning ritual of Thai locals making merit – offering food and alms to monks to support the monastic community. You are welcome to take part in this meaningful tradition by purchasing food and giving alms. Afterwards, enjoy breakfast at the hotel while observing the traditional flag-raising ceremony.

Leaving Uthai Thai, we head first to Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park, a former frontier town during the Sukhothai era. Scattered with ancient temples and ruins, we'll have some time to explore, and you can also try the region’s famed egg bananas – considered among the most fragrant in Thailand.

We continue north through some of Thailand’s most scenic landscapes en route to Sukhothai, the cradle of Thai civilization and artistic style. This beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site is filled with elegant chedis, pagodas, and temples set amid tranquil gardens and lotus-filled ponds. We explore by bicycle, cycling past majestic ruins, serene Buddha statues, and local farms. End the day with an included Thai dinner at a local restaurant.

Sukhothai – Chiang Mai. Begin the day with one of Thailand’s most picturesque drives, winding through lush forests and vibrant rice paddies en route to the northern highlands. Along the way, discover the timeless art of traditional Thai weaving. In rural communities, handwoven cotton and silk garments are still proudly worn, especially during ceremonies and festivals. These skilled weavers produce some of the world’s finest fabrics, blending beauty with deep cultural significance.

We will visit Karen and other hill tribe communities to gain insight into their unique traditions and daily lives. These areas are sustainably supported by Royal Projects, which help preserve both culture and environment. Later, we arrive in Lamphun, home to one of Thailand’s most impressive temples. This architectural gem features styles from multiple eras and boasts the largest bronze gong in the world, as well as a golden Chedi that exemplifies the elegance of classic Lanna design.

After our stop in Lamphun, we complete the journey to Chiang Mai, Thailand's second city and northern powerhouse. As evening falls, explore the vibrant night markets, where dozens of street vendors offer everything from handmade crafts to delicious local dishes. Or simply unwind with a drink at one of the city’s bars.

Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai. Today, we journey even further north, stopping to visit some local sulphur hot springs en route to Chiang Rai. On arrival, we visit the famous White Temple (Wat Rong Khun).

Next, we head to the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Burma, Laos, and Thailand meet. After lunch, embark on a longtail boat ride along the waterways, taking in the stunning scenery and experiencing the unique opportunity to be surrounded by three countries and multiple cultures at once.

On our return to land, we learn more about the infamous history of the Golden Triangle with a visit to the Opium Museum, where you’ll learn about the region’s role in the opium trade. We then head back to Chiang Rai, where we're spending the night.

Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai. We’ll start our day early as we travel back to Chiang Mai via the scenic route through Wiang Pa Pao. Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, we’ll hop into rickshaws and head to the heart of the city, where we’ll visit the 14th-century Wat Sri Supan, situated in the city’s traditional silver-making district. This area is known for its rich handicraft heritage, and the temple serves as an important centre for preserving the silversmith tradition. At the Ancient Lanna Arts Study Centre, we’ll see the artisans in action, practicing ancient techniques passed down through generations.

In the late afternoon, we’ll visit a mystic tunnel temple hidden within a forest, where the trees are adorned with words of wisdom. Finally, we’ll make our way to the summit of Doi Suthep Mountain, where we’ll enjoy a magical sunset and panoramic views of Chiang Mai as the city lights up. The rest of the evening is at leisure.

After breakfast at the hotel, an included transfer takes you to Chiang Mai airport for your departure.