Thailand Holiday Package: From Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Welcome to Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand! Upon your arrival at International Airports in Bangkok, our tour guide/driver will welcome you at the exit and then escort you to the hotel in downtown Bangkok for check-in. Rest of your day will be free time for relaxation to get ready to explore Bangkok with your guide the next day.

Bangkok city means the “City of Angels” in translation from Thai name, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon. It is a vibrant metropolis, and known for its bustling markets, ornate temples, and delicious street food. You can indulge in diverse culinary scene of the city, from street eateries to upscale dining. Enjoy the lively nightlife of the city with rooftop bars, and live music venues. Bangkok city offers a blend of tradition and modernity, making it an exciting and captivating destination.

After breakfast, we start our tour with a visit to Wat Phra Kaew, built in 1782 and located in the northeast corner of the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Occupied one-fourth of the Grand Palace’s area, Wat Phra Kaew is known as the most famous royal Buddhist temple in Thailand. This temple is well-known for enshrining one of three national treasures of Thailand, the Emerald Buddha, which is carved from a single block of Emerald.

After visiting Wat Phra Kaew, we continue to visit the Grand Palace. This was first established in 1782, constructed as a replica of the old palace built in the former capital city of Ayutthaya. It serves as a symbol of the Bangkok Dynasty and is the most well-preserved, largest, and most distinctive palace in Thailand. The Grand Palace is currently used for coronation ceremonies, royal celebrations, and hosting foreign dignitaries.

Continuing our tour to visit Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok. Wat Pho is regarded as the first university in Thailand and is considered the birthplace of Thai medicine and traditional Thai massage. It still houses a private school established in 1957 that teaches traditional Thai medicine and offers authentic Thai massages (optional, self-pay). Temple also houses the largest reclining Buddha and the highest number of Buddha images and stupas in the city.

We then head to Chinatown of Bangkok, renowned as one of Bangkok’s liveliest and most bustling commercial areas, for lunch. It is also home to Wat Traimit, the world’s largest solid gold Buddha statue. The entire street of Chinatown stretches for about 2 km, lined with numerous shops, and thousands of businesses proudly displaying eye-catching Chinese signs.

After lunch, we will visit Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha), built in 1785. This is renowned for housing the world’s largest gold Buddha weighs 5.5 tons and stands at a height of 3 meters. It was constructed with the contributions of 3 Chinese individuals; hence it is also known as the Three Chinese Temple or Three Friends Temple. The royal family usually holds annual ceremonies here to welcome the New Year.

In the afternoon, we can take a Tuk-Tuk ride to the pier via a quick stop at Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market, also known as Bangkok Flower Market, which is one of the top 9 flower markets in the world. Then, we will visit Wat Arun, built in 1809 and established to honor King Taksin, the 41st monarch of Thailand (1767-1782) and a national hero. Then, rest of the day will be free time for your own leisure.

• Travel Tips: Please dress up in decent clothes for visiting Temples and Royal Palace.

After breakfast, we start the day with a visit to Maeklong Railway Market, which is famous as the most dangerous market in the world. This is a railway market with a history of over 100 years. The stalls, filled with vegetables and meat, are set up right beside the train tracks.

Later, you will visit to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, the largest and most well-known floating market among Thai and foreign tourists. This floating market has a history of over 100 years, offering a glimpse of a traditional way of local life. Enjoy your time watching vendors sell fresh products (fruits, vegetables, flowers), local handicrafts, souvenirs (locally made bags), and delicious Thai street food from boats on canals. This is the only market, that still preserves the traditional Thai water market style today! If you do not take a boat, you can also explore the market under the sheltered walkways on land.

This afternoon, continue our 2-hour drive trip to Kanchanaburi. Upon arrival in Kanchanaburi, your first stop will be the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre. This offers a comprehensive exploration of the history of the Thailand-Burma Railway, also known as the Death Railway. Walk to the War Cemetery of Kanchanaburi, a solemn memorial dedicated to the thousands of Allied prisoners of war who lost their lives during the Death Railway construction.

Next, we will visit the River Kwai Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the bridge stands as a powerful reminder of the hardships endured by prisoners of war during World War II. Then, we will check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of day at your own pace.

After breakfast, we will visit Erawan National Park, famous for its magnificent Erawan Waterfall, a great escape for families and children. This seven-tiered cascade tumbles down through lush rainforest, creating a series of turquoise pools perfect for swimming and cooling off. Each tier has its own unique charm. For most travelers, we recommend exploring the first to the third tier to relax.

• First Tier – Phra That: The first tier is the easiest to reach and features a shallow pool, perfect for families with young children.
• Second Tier – Wang Macha: The second tier offers a deeper pool with a small cave behind the cascading water.
• Third Tier – Phala Dat: The third tier is known for its long, curved pool and cascading waterfall.

For advanced hikers interested in continuing, you can explore tiers four to seven with a local mountain guide (additional fee applies). Please let us know in advance if you’re interested!

• Fourth Tier – Phu Pha Tok: The fourth tier, also known as the Emerald Pool, is considered to be the most beautiful tier. It features a deep, turquoise pool surrounded by lush greenery.
• Fifth Tier – Sapote: The fifth tier is a bit more challenging to reach, but it rewards visitors with a stunning view of the surrounding rainforest.
• Sixth Tier – Dong Pruk Sa: The sixth tier, also known as the Crystal Pool, is another challenging but rewarding hike. The pool here is known for its crystal-clear water.
• Seventh Tier – Mae Yaz: The seventh tier is the highest tier of the waterfall and is the most difficult to reach. However, the views from the top are truly breathtaking.

Travel Tips for Visiting Erawan Waterfall:

• You should go early in the morning to avoid crowds, especially on weekends and holidays.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing that you can swim in.Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a swimsuit.
• A sightseeing bus is available if you’d like to use it to get to the first tier of the waterfall.
• Pack a picnic lunch and drinking water. Note that picnicking is only allowed around the first and second tiers.
• Pleae be respectful of the environment and leave no trace.

Late afternoon, you’ll return to town, where you can enjoy a stroll around the Heritage Walking Street. This street is lined with buildings dating back to the 1920s and 1930s, showcasing a unique blend of Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Sino-Portuguese architectural styles. Every Saturday evening, the street will be transformed into a vibrant night market.

Today, we will depart for 2.5 hour drive from Kanchanaburi to Ayutthaya, the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom founded in 1350. It flourished from the 14th to the 18th centuries, during which time it grew to be one of the world’s largest and most cosmopolitan urban areas and a center of global diplomacy and commerce.

Upon arrival in Ayutthaya, we’ll enjoy our first stop at Wat Chaiwattanaram, a temple known for its unique row of prang towers lining the banks of the majestic Chao Phraya River. The temple’s design is said to be influenced by Khmer architecture, and it boasts breathtaking river views.

Our journey continues with a visit to Wat Phra Sri Sanpet, the largest temple ruin in Ayutthaya and its most recognizable landmark. This former grand royal temple complex is now a powerful symbol of the city’s past glory, dominated by three ruined prang towers.

Our next exploration is Wat Maha That. Here, one of the most photographed sights awaits: the head of a stone Buddha image embraced by the roots of a fig tree. This evocative image stands as a testament to the enduring presence of Buddhism despite the passage of time.

After breakfast, we head to the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum to explore its remarkable collection of artifacts. The museum is housing treasures unearthed from the ruins of the ancient Ayutthaya Kingdom, that flourished from the 14th to the 18th centuries. These artifacts offer a tangible connection to the kingdom’s grandeur, artistry, and daily life.

After our sightseeing tour to museum, we will be driving back to Bangkok. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time for your relaxation or to explore Bangkok at your own pace. Stay overnight in Bangkok.

After breakfast, head to Bangkok Airport to take the flight to Chiang Mai (about 1h 20m). Upon arrival to Chiang Mai Airport, our guide/driver will welcome you and escort you to your hotel for check-in. Rest of the day will be free time for your own relaxation.

Chiang Mai is the second biggest city in Thailand. This was the capital of the independent Lanna Kingdom (the first kingdom in Thai history) until 1558. It is renowned for its rich history, numerous Buddhist temples, and unique culture. Chiang Mai is also renowned as the “Rose of the North” and the city offers a slower pace of life. Visitors from all over the world come here to get close to elephants through various Elephant Sanctuaries, experience local life of Thai people, and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere through its Walking Street Market and Night Bazaars around Chiang Mai Old City.

Chiang Mai is a very popular destination to see elephants up close in a wide open space. Today, we will have a half-day morning visit to Elephant Nature Park (ENP). This is rescue and rehabilitation center for Elephants in Northern Thailand, founded by renowned elephant rights advocate, Saengduean Chailert, known by her nickname Lek.

It is the first ethical elephant sanctuary of its kind established in Asia and currently provides a caring home to many elephants from street begging, elephant riding, and circus shows, where they often sustain both physical and psychological injuries.

The park’s herds include blind, crippled, orphaned, and senior elephants who are now free to live a peaceful life in natural surroundings, where they are loved and respected.

Afterward, you can have rest of the day for relaxation. Recommendation for Free Time: If you are interested, you can try out Lila Thai Massage near the Tha Pae Gate (optional). This offers a delightful opportunity to experience the real local life in Chiang Mai.

On this day, we will go for a half-day foodie adventure by participating in a Thai cooking class and learn the secrets behind some of Thailand’s most beloved dishes.

Most Thai cooking classes in Chiang Mai offer a hands-on learning experience, allowing you to actively participate in the creation of your flavorful dishes. You’ll typically be guided by a local experienced chef who will introduce you to essential Thai ingredients, their unique flavors, and traditional cooking techniques.

In this afternoon, you will spend half day City Walking in Chiang Mai Old City exploring Chiang Mai’s stunning Temples (Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phan Tao), vibrant culture, and a laid-back atmosphere. It’s a place for Architecture and culture lover. Then go back to your hotel for overnight.

It is time to end your 10-day Thailand Holiday Package. You will have some free time in Chiang Mai and explore more on your own till your guide/driver escorts you to the airport for your flight to your next destination.