Magical 8-Day Thailand Journey to Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai

DAY 1: BANGKOK ARRIVAL – HALF DAY BANGKOK TEMPLE TOUR

Upon arrival at Bangkok airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our driver and guide and then transferred to visit Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha Temple), Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha Temple), and Wat Benchamaborpitr (Marble Temple).

One of the most popular tours, bringing you along to 3 of the most stunning temples Bangkok has to offer! It features the “Wat Traimit” with its 5.5-ton heavy Golden Buddha Image and the Wat Chetuporn (commonly known as the Wat Po), which boasts the over 45-meter-long Reclining Buddha. Wat Pho is also regarded as the first center of public education and is sometimes called ‘Thailand’s first university.’ Mural paintings, inscriptions, and statues found in the temple educated people on varied subjects such as literature, warfare, archaeology, astronomy, geology, and meditation and are considered the home of the Thai traditional massage.

We end the tour with a visit to the Wat Benchamaborpit (also known as the Marble Temple): a representation of an outstanding success of marriage between Italian Carrara marble and classical Thai architecture. Especially for those interested to know a bit more about Buddhism and its history, combined with the always-busy city life.

Then transfer to your pre-booked hotel for check-in and relaxation.

Meal: None

Overnight at a hotel in Bangkok

DAY 2: BANGKOK – FREE AND EASY

Enjoy free time exploring the city on your own, or do the optional tour listed below.

*** 

OPTIONAL PRIVATE TOUR 1: RAILWAY MARKET & DAMNOEN SADUAK FLOATING MARKET

Facts:

Tour type: Private

Duration: 4 hours (07.30 – 11.30h)

Meals: None

Morning: Visit the famous Damnoen Saduak floating market.

Depart from Bangkok and head to Maeklong Railway Market, also known as Talad Rom Hoop. Upon arrival, the guide will introduce you to the history of this area. See the action in several minutes before the train passing through the market. The process happens so quick it will amaze you for the unique moment.

Then tour takes you to the rural yet world-famous floating market of Damnern Saduak, situated around 100 kilometers west of Bangkok. It is generally known as Klong Ton Khem Floating Market or Damnern Saduak Floating Market. Damnern Saduak has officially three floating markets. A narrow canal flanked with food stalls and souvenir shops forms the principal market at Ton Kem. Farther south are the rarely visited markets at Her Kui and Khun Pitak. Photographers at Ton Kem will get their best shots from the bridge, which crosses over the canal, and from the produce shed on the right. Nowadays, the market is bustling with activity from very early in the morning until about 11.00 am. Transfer back to Bangkok for relaxing.

Remark: Boat with maximum 6 pax per one (small boat only)

Price in USD per person

Included: Private vehicle with English speaking guide. Boat fee & mineral water

Excluded: tour go and back to Bangkok in day, any tour overnight need to be advised for surcharge transportation and guide fee.

OPTIONAL PRIVATE TOUR 2: HALF DAY GRAND PALACE

Facts:

Tour type: Private

Duration: 4 hours (08.30 – 12.30h. or 13.00 – 17.00h)

Meals:  None

Visit the Royal Palace to see Dusit Hall (Funeral Hall) and the holy Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha)

(Except Sunday Dusit Hall Closed)

A visit to the Royal Grand Palace, the nation’s landmark and most praised royal monument in Thailand is a must. The former royal residence of the Chakri Kings, the palace is the perfect example of an ancient Siamese court. Built in 1782 by King Rama I, it was the centre of power for more than 150 years. Today, the palace is Bangkok’s major landmark and most popular tourist attraction.

Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is located right next to the Grand Palace together form perhaps the greatest spectacle for the visitor to Bangkok. Despite the fact that the whole compound is so full of tourists you spend half the time trying to avoid getting in people’s photos, it’s still pretty amazing place to visit. It consists of over 100 brightly coloured building, golden spires and glittering mosaics, and dates back to 1782, when Bangkok was founded. When you enter the compound, you first of all see Wat Phra Kaew and the nearby attractions, and then move on to the Grand Palace afterwards.

Noted: Photography is permitted in the Royal Palace Grounds and in the compounds of the Emerald Buddha Temple, but not inside the buildings.

Dress Code: Participants on this tour should note that the chapel is a national shrine and you will be required to wear proper attire (no bare shoulders, knees or strapless-heel shoes). Shoes must be removed before entering the temple buildings as a matter of respect

Be mindful: The Palace may be closed without prior notice during Royal ceremonies and officials/head of state visits.

Tours on Sundays. The inner courts of Grand Palace are frequently closed on Sundays; we recommend not to book this excursion on Sundays to avoid disappointment.

Price in USD per person

Included: Private vehicle with English speaking guide. Entrance fee & mineral water

***

Meal: Breakfast

Overnight at a hotel in Bangkok

DAY 3: BANGKOK – FREE AND EASY

Enjoy free time exploring the city on your own, or do the optional tour listed below.

***

OPTIONAL PRIVATE TOUR: FULL DAY TOUR TO “DEATH RAILWAY” & BRIDGE ON RIVER KWAI

Facts:

Tour type: Private

Duration: 8 hours (08.00 – 17.00h)

Meals: Lunch

Visit the world famous ‘River Kwai Bridge’, plus the War Museum and the train ride on the ‘death railway’.

This tour takes you to the world famous bridge on the River Kwai, built during World War II by the prisoners of war. The bridge is located near the town of Kanchanaburi, 130 kilometres west of Bangkok.

You will visit the well-kept Wat Cemetery of Allied Prisoners, which contain the graves of an estimated 9,000 Allied soldiers who lost their lives while building the bridge and constructing the notorious “Death Railway” which the Japanese had hoped to stretch all the way to the Burmese border. This tour will bring you also closer to the past, as paying a visit to the JEATH Museum (the name “JEATH” is derived from Japan, England, America/Australia, Thailand and Holland), where the past has been created and relived with pictures and artefacts out of this time.

Of course, experience a train ride over the original Death Railway track is enclosed in this excursion while a sumptuous lunch awaits the clients upon arrival at the disembarkation station along the railway track. We will return to Bangkok in the late afternoon to your booked hotel.

Price in USD per person

Included: Private vehicle with English speaking guide. Lunch + Train ticket + Entrance fee & mineral water.

Excluded: tour go and back to Bangkok in day, any tour overnight need to be advised for surcharge transportation and guide fee.

 Meal: Breakfast

Overnight at a hotel in Bangkok

DAY 4: FULL DAY BANGKOK – AYUTTHAYA (WITH GUIDE) – TAKE NIGHT TRAIN TO CHIANG MAI (NO GUIDE)

In the morning after breakfast, meet our driver and, and then drive to the former capital of Thailand, visiting Bang Pa In (Summer Palace) and the ruins of the ancient city of Ayutthaya.

A full-day tour brings you to visit the former capital of Thailand, Ayutthaya, situated approximately 75 kilometers north of Bangkok and one of those destinations you must see. The mixing of cultures in Ayutthaya began in the mid-16th century when ships from Ayutthaya plied the Asian seas, trading with neighboring countries.

When the Dutch began showing up in the 17th century, Ayutthaya became a port city, and trade routes were extended to China, Japan, Indonesia, Portugal, Holland, and France, and up to the Scandinavian countries later. Although the ancient villages of foreign traders lining the Chao Phraya riverbanks were abandoned when the city was sacked by Burmese troops in 1767, some remnants survive to showcase the city’s past glory.

The tour starts at the Summer Palace of the late King Rama V, commonly known as “Bang Pa-In,” which is another touch of beauty. You continue to the magnificent ruins of early splendor that Ayutthaya is famous for all over the world. We will pass or visit all the most impressive ruins of this World Heritage Site for taking sufficient pictures.

Note: Kindly be aware that proper attire is required to enter the Summer Palace compounds.

After the tour, you will be taken to the train station to take the overnight train to Chiang Mai.

Meal: Breakfast

Overnight at 2nd Class Air-Con with sleeping berth

DAY 5: CHIANG MAI ARRIVAL – DOI SUTHEP TEMPLE & ANCIENT TEMPLES – KHANTOKE NORTHERN DINNER & CULTURAL SHOW

Upon arriving in Chiang Mai, meet our driver and guide, and then transfer to have breakfast at a local restaurant.

Then depart to visit Chedi Luang, which was built at the end of the 14th century. The great chedi was to remain the tallest structure in Chiang Mai and was once the home of the Emerald Buddha image, Thailand’s most sacred religious relic. Visit Phra Singh Temple, which was built in the year 1345. This temple contains marvelous examples of Lanna art, including a Lanna-style viharn and the finest scripture repository of its type in the north.

Proceed to Phrathat Doi Suthep Temple, one of northern Thailand’s most sacred temples, built in the year 1383. It is located 1,050 meters above sea level. See the marvelous golden chedi, which contains the holy relics of Lord Buddha. Enjoy the panoramic view of Chiang Mai City and Ping Valley from the summit of Suthep Mountain. Phrathat Doi Suthep Temple can be approached on foot by climbing 306 steep stairs, flanked by tremendous mythical Nagas, which symbolize humanity’s progress from earth to nirvana. After that, transfer to your pre-booked hotel for check-in and relax.

Dress Code: Visitors must be properly dressed before being allowed entry to the temple. Men must wear long pants and shirts with sleeves—no sleeveless tops. If you’re wearing sandals or flip-flops, you must wear socks (in other words, no bare feet.) Women must be similarly modestly dressed. No see-through clothes, bare shoulders, etc. It is also recommended to avoid bright colors.

In the late afternoon, our driver will pick you up from the hotel lobby and depart for the Northern Dinner & Cultural Show. Enjoy a dinner, the traditional northern Thailand form of dining. The food is served on a wooden pedestal tray called Khantoke. While guests enjoy the meal, there are usually performances of traditional northern Thai dances and music.

A traditional Northern Thai dinner provides kao neaw (sticky rice), Gaeng Hung-lay (Burmese pork curry), and gai tawd (fried chicken). Paad Pugg: fried vegetable; Naam Prik Ong: pork cooked in mildly hot tomato-chili paste, served with fresh cucumber slices. Mee Krob: crispy noodles; Kaeb Moo: pork rind with paste for dipping; and a starter, Klow Thod: fried banana. Experience using fingers to break off pieces of sticky rice and dip it into various bowls instead of using cutlery. Desserts are kao taent (popped rice crackers), coffee or tea, and fresh fruits.

Relax while being entertained by performances of traditional Northern Thai Lanna dances and music such as the Fingernail Dance, Sword Dance, Candle Dance, Ramwong Dance, and firework displays. Additionally, there are also hill tribe shows and music. Then transfer back to the hotel.

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at a hotel in Chiang Mai

DAY 6: CHIANG MAI – FREE AND EASY

Enjoy free time exploring the city on your own, or do the optional tour listed below.

***

OPTIONAL PRIVATE TOUR: FULL DAY DOI INTHANON NATIONAL PARK – THE HIGHEST PEAK OF THAILAND 

Facts:

Tour type:  Private

Duration:  8 hours (08.00 – 16.00h)

Meals:  Lunch

Pick up from the hotel lobby and depart to Doi Inthanon National Park, which is Thailand’s highest mountain (2,565 meters above sea level) offers beautiful scenery, evergreen mountain forests, dwarf rhododendron groves, rare bird life, and impressive waterfalls. Visit the Summit and take a short trek along Angka Nature Trail; explore and feel the beauty and the unforgettable nature around. Continue to the great Twin Royal Pagodas, which were built for His Majesty the King and Her Royal Highness the Queen of Thailand. This place provides a marvelous view of its surroundings.

Lunch served at the local restaurant.

Depart to Doi Inthanon Royal Project, one of the many royal-sponsored projects to familiarize hill tribe people with new agricultural techniques. View the flower nurseries and cultivation areas. Then visit Vachiratharn Waterfall, a large waterfall which plummets over the edge of a high cliff around 100 meters into a deep pool below. It is also one of the highest waterfalls in Northern Thailand, great to take pictures. Then transfer back to the hotel.

Price in USD per person

Included: Air-con Vehicle with English speaking guide, Lunch + Entrance fee & mineral water.

Remark:

• All rate provided for hotels located in City center, any supplement or conditions apply for hotels and resorts outsides the city center.
• Van provided in the quotation, if any bus requirement, the price will be updated case by case.

***

OPTIONAL JOIN TOUR : FULL DAY DOI INTHANON NATIONAL PARK AND HILLTRIBE VILLAGE

Price in USD per person: $ 65 per person

Start: Chiang Mai/Finish: Chiang Mai

Pick up time: 08:00 ~ 08:30

Return time: 17:00

Details overview:

Join out tour Doi Inthanon National Park and discover the awe-inspiring natural wonders of Thailand’s highest peak. Begin your adventure by ascending to the Highest Peak of Thailand, where you can walk along the serene Ang Ka Luang Nature Trail. This lush evergreen forest is a haven for nature lovers, offering a cool respite with temperatures ranging between 10-15°C year-round.

Continue your journey to the iconic King and Queen Pagodas. These majestic structures, surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens, provide panoramic views that are simply breathtaking. As part of this Chiang Mai Day Tour, you’ll visit the stunning Wachirathan Waterfall and Sirithan Waterfall, each offering a unique and mesmerizing sight. The cascading waters create a perfect backdrop for memorable photos and a tranquil atmosphere for relaxation.

The adventure doesn’t stop with nature. Dive into the vibrant local culture at the Hmong Market, where you can browse an array of handmade crafts and fresh produce. Then, visit the Karen Village to meet the White Karen hill tribe, known for their exquisite craftsmanship and rich traditions. This interaction provides a unique insight into the lives of these indigenous communities, making your tour both culturally enriching and memorable.

Included: Pickup/dropped off at hotel or guesthouse, guide, entrance fee, lunch. 

Meal: Breakfast

Overnight at a hotel in Chiang Mai

DAY 7: CHIANG MAI – FREE AND EASY

Enjoy free time exploring the city on your own, or do the optional tour listed below.

*** 

OPTIONAL PRIVATE TOUR 1: ONE WAY TRANSFER FROM CHIANG MAI TO CHIANG RAI (OR VICE VERSA) WITH GUIDE

• Distance: ~186 km far from Chiang Mai city center
• Duration: 3 to 4 hour for transfer

Price included: air-con vehicle with English speaking guide from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai hotel (Provided Van from 1 to 13 pax, Bus provided from 14 pax to up)

Excluded:

• Not including transportation for tours in Chiang Mai/Chiang Rai or overnight fee for drivers and guides.

Remark:

• All rate provided for hotels located in City center, any supplement or conditions apply for hotels and resorts outsides the city center.

OPTIONAL PRIVATE TOUR 2: HALF DAY WHITE TEMPLE & CHIANG RAI CITY

Facts:

Tour type: Private

Duration: 4 hours (08.30 – 12.30h. or 13.00 – 17.00h)

Meals: None

Today we took time to visit Blue Temple (Wat Rong Seur Ten); designed by the local Chiang Rai artist who used to do the teamwork of White Temple before. The main temple building is a distinctive blue color with the new philosophy of Buddhist art.

Depart to Black House, (Baan Dam Museum); belongs to the national artist who is celebrated for his eerie sculptures made from horns and bones, reptile skins, traditional African sculptures, old boats, Lanna-style woodcrafts and art installations housed across 32 buildings, most of which are Lanna-style pavilions made from black wood.

Then visit to White Temple (Rong Khun Temple); designed by the famous national artist. The main temple building is a distinctive white color, decorated with fragments of reflective glass which can be seen from afar. Then transfer back to the hotel.

Price in USD per person

Included: Air-con Vehicle with English speaking guide, Entrance fee & mineral water (Van provided)

Remark:

• All rate provided for hotels located in City center, any supplement or conditions apply for hotels and resorts outsides the city center.

***

OPTIONAL JOIN TOUR : FULL DAY CHIANG RAI DAY TRIP VISIT WHITE TEMPLE, BLUE TEMPLE AND BLACK HOUSE 

Price in USD per person: $ 65 per person

Start: Chiang Mai/Finish: Chiang Mai

Pick up time: 07:00 ~ 07:30

Return time: 19:30 ~ 20:00

Details overview:

Begin your mesmerizing Chiang Rai day tour with a scenic drive from Chiang Mai, arriving first at Mae Kajan Hot Springs. Here, you can relax in the warm waters and soak in the serene surroundings, setting the perfect tone for your adventure.

Next, marvel at the iconic Wat Rong Khun, commonly known as the White Temple. This architectural masterpiece dazzles with its intricate mirror decorations and symbolic designs, offering a glimpse into the unique artistry of Northern Thailand. Continue to Wat Rong Sueten, the Blue Temple, where you will be captivated by its striking blue hues and exquisite murals.

After a delightful local lunch, visit the enigmatic Black House Museum, an architectural marvel filled with traditional Thai structures and the dark, thought-provoking art of Thawan Duchanee. Conclude your day tour Chiang Rai with a visit to the Karen Long-neck Village. Here, you’ll gain insight into the fascinating customs and traditions of the Karen people, known for their distinctive neck rings.

Included: Pickup/dropped off at hotel or guesthouse, guide, entrance fee, boat, lunch.  

Meal: Breakfast

Overnight at a hotel in Chiang Mai

DAY 8: CHIANG MAI/ CHIANG RAI DEPARTURE

Breakfast at the hotel & free at leisure or do the optional tours listed below until transfer to the airport for a flight departure.

The tour ends with many thanks!

***

OPTIONAL PRIVATE TOUR: HALF DAY GOLDEN TRIANGLE & MAE SAI BURMESE BORDER

Facts:

Tour type:  Private

Duration: 4 hours (08.30 – 12.30h. or 13.00 – 17.00h)

Meals:  None 

Pick up from the hotel lobby and depart to Mae Sai Town, the Thailand-Myanmar border which is also the northernmost point of Thailand. Enjoy shopping local products from China and Myanmar.

Continue to visit the Golden Triangle where the borders of three countries; Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar are met. See the Golden Buddha Statue and the panoramic view of Mekong River.

Then visit the Opium Museum, displaying all the stories about the opium and the Golden Triangle. Continue visit to archeological remains at Chiang Sean; original capital of the Lanna kingdom, which originated around 1328. Finish the tour, transfer back to the hotel.

Price in USD per person

Included: Air-con Vehicle with English speaking guide, Entrance fee, Boat fee & mineral water (Van provided)

Remark:

• All rate provided for hotels located in City center, any supplement or conditions apply for hotels and resorts outsides the city center.

***

Meal: Breakfast

PRICE IN USD PER PAX BASED ON TWIN OR DOUBLE SHARING

VALID: FROM 01 May.2025 TO 30 Sep.2025

* INCLUSIVE

• Accommodation in twin/double room with daily breakfast
• Meals as indicated in the program
• Services of a driver and private air-conditioned vehicle during tours and transfers as mentioned
  • From 1-7 pax, 01 Van will be arranged
  • From 8-10 pax, 02 Van will be arranged
  • From 11-19 pax, 01 Bus will be arranged
• Experienced English-speaking guide during tours and transfers as mentioned
• Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary
• 1-way overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
• Local logistic fee
• Government’s taxes

SPECIAL OFFER: [Free] 02 bottles of mineral water per person per day on vehicle – on days of transfer and sightseeing only

EXCLUSIVE

• Early check-in or late check-out
• Optional tour provided
• Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc. All other services not specified in the itinerary
• International & Domestic flight tickets
• Meals (other than mentioned in the program)
• Additional transfer required due to any emergency
• Tipping for guides, drivers, hotel staff, restaurant staff, boat riders, etc.
• Visa – as per country’s requirements
• Travel insurance (we highly recommend that you purchase adequate insurance)

IMPORTANT NOTE:

• All prices are quoted in USD/ per person, based on Double/ Twin occupancy.
• Surcharge for booking during Peak Season at hotels: TBA
• Surcharge for other holidays: TBA

LIST OF HOTELS USE