Thailand North Experience - 9 Days

Upon arrival at Bangkok Airport, our representative will welcome you and transfer you comfortably to your centrally located hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or explore Bangkok at your own pace.

Known as the "City of Angels", Bangkok is Thailand’s largest city, rich in cultural landmarks, vibrant street food stalls, and abundant shopping opportunities.

After breakfast, we will collect you for a tour of Bangkok’s three most renowned Buddhist temples. Begin with the Royal Grand Palace, an architectural masterpiece that served as the royal residence from the 18th century until the mid-20th century. While the palace itself is viewed from the outside, its significance as a national landmark is unmistakable.

Within the complex, we visit Wat Pho, Bangkok’s oldest temple, home to the famous gold leaf-covered reclining Buddha. The tour also includes Wat Trimit, where you will see the impressive 5.5-ton Golden Buddha statue. The evening is free for you to relax or explore at your leisure—perhaps enjoy a traditional Thai massage, sample local cuisine, or watch the sunset from one of the city’s stylish rooftop bars.

We leave Bangkok this morning and travel to Maeklong Railway Market, also known as Talad Rom Hoop. Upon arrival, the guide will share the history of the area before you witness the remarkable moment when a train passes directly through the bustling market – a swift and unique spectacle.

Next, we visit the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where colourful vendors paddle along narrow canals in traditional boats, selling fresh produce and local goods. This lively market offers a genuine glimpse into local life and plenty of opportunities for bargain hunting. After the visit, we return to Bangkok for an overnight stay.

After hotel pickup, we travel to Bang Pa-In to visit the elegant Summer Palace of Rama V, a fine example of royal architecture. Next, we continue to Ayutthaya, the former capital, where we explore the ancient temples of Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, Wat Mahathat and Wat Phanan Choeng within the Ayutthaya Historical Park.

Following this, we enjoy lunch at a restaurant in Chai Nat before proceeding to Phitsanulok. Upon arrival, we take a brief orientation tour of the city before checking in to the hotel for the evening.

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, renowned for its historical landmarks and the Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can admire the ruins of temples and palaces, along with 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 you will see the evocative ruins of several temples, 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.

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 outskirts of Chiang Rai to explore Wat Rong Khun. This striking temple, built in the 1990s, is renowned for its ornate white exterior embedded with mirror fragments, making it one of Thailand’s most visually stunning religious sites.

We then enjoy lunch in Chiang Rai before heading to the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. This area, once infamous for opium cultivation in the 1960s, offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history. We take a boat trip around the Golden Triangle, including a stop at Don Sao Island, part of Laos, lasting approximately 45 minutes.

Later, we visit the 212 House of Opium, where you can explore a rare collection of opium-related artefacts and learn about the drug’s impact on local communities.

Begin the day with a visit to the bustling Chiang Rai morning market, where the vibrant colours and aromas offer a true taste of local life. Next, stop briefly at Wat Phra Kaew temple before heading to the Hill Tribe Museum and Education Centre. Here, we explore the cultures and traditions of the region’s mountain communities, gaining insight into their way of life and the challenges they face.

After a scenic drive to Tha Ton, enjoy a delicious lunch before continuing to the ancient city of Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of Thailand’s most sacred temples, perched atop a mountain with panoramic views over the city. You can choose to climb the 309-step naga staircase or take the included cable car to reach the temple. Breakfast and lunch are included. The day’s activities start at 07:00 and conclude around 19:00.

After breakfast, we visit Elephant Poopoopaper Park, an eco-friendly outdoor museum that reveals the unique process of making paper from elephant dung fibres. The guided walk through eight pavilions explains each stage—from collection to rinsing and final product assembly. You can join the artisans and guides to try your hand at this unusual craft. The displays also highlight Chiang Mai’s long tradition of papermaking and handicrafts.

Next, we continue to Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden in Mae Rim, established in 1992 to support botanical research and conserve Thailand’s plant diversity. Here, you’ll explore the Banana Avenue trail featuring over 200 varieties of banana trees, the Tropical Rainforest house with its extensive collection of tropical plants, and the Orchid House. A highlight is Thailand’s longest canopy walkway, suspended 20 metres above the forest floor, offering spectacular views of the subtropical valley below.

After the garden visit, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Baan Tipmanee woodworking shop to see artisans crafting Chiang Mai’s renowned carved wooden products. An optional khantoke dinner is available this evening.

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning in Chiang Mai at your own pace. Take the opportunity to explore the city’s abundant green spaces and vibrant streets, often called the ‘Rose of the North’. This day is free for you to discover local markets, cafes or cultural sites as you wish. Later, you will be transferred to Chiang Mai Airport for your onward journey.