Treasures of Thailand 9 Days

Upon arrival at Bangkok airport, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. The glorious history of Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, is closely linked to the Chakri dynasty, which still reigns but does not rule. After check-in hotel, you’ll have free time to relax. Overnight in Bangkok.

After breakfast, you’ll visit the Grand Royal Palace, which hosts ceremonies for the Thai royal family. Within the same compound, you’ll explore the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew, renowned for the Emerald Buddha statue.

Following your visit to this complex, you’ll continue to Wat Pho, known for its Reclining Buddha. Then, you’ll visit Wat Traimit, famous for its Golden Buddha.

In the afternoon, you’ll board a long-tail boat for an excursion along the Chao Phraya River and the bustling interior canals, offering fantastic views of local life. Along the way, you’ll stop at Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. You’ll return to the hotel and have free time for relaxation. Overnight in Bangkok.

Early in the morning, you’ll drive southwest of Bangkok to visit the Maeklong Railway Market. You’ll have the chance to take photos and enjoy local snacks at the market before driving to Damnoen Saduak, a rural floating market. You’ll stop for a motorboat trip along the waterway to explore the picturesque floating market of Damnoen Saduak.

Afterwards, you’ll continue on the road to the city of Kanchanaburi. Upon arrival, you’ll visit the World War II memorial, including the Jeath War Museum and Cemetery.

You’ll then board a train for a ride along the beautiful river for around 30 minutes before transferring to visit the Kwai Bridge. You’ll stay overnight in Kanchanaburi.

After breakfast, you’ll depart for Erawan Waterfall, a stunning seven-tiered waterfall located in Erawan National Park. You’ll walk up to see each picturesque fall, so it’s best to bring good walking shoes. You’ll also want to remember to bring your swimsuit if you wish to swim in the natural pools of the falls.

In the afternoon, you’ll continue your journey to Ayutthaya. The ancient city of Ayutthaya is known as the ‘Venice of the East’ due to its location along the Chao Phraya River and its tributaries. Founded in 1350 by King Uthong, the city was established when the Thai migrated south under pressure from their northern neighbors. You’ll have the opportunity to visit many monuments and remains from this period. You’ll stay overnight in Ayutthaya.

After breakfast, you’ll catch a Kermit tuk tuk. These ‘cute’ tuk tuks are found in only two of Thailand’s provinces: Ayutthaya and Trang. During the ride, you’ll explore the temple highlights of the city, including Wat Yai Chaimongkol, Wat Mahathat (where a Buddha face emerges from a tree), and you’ll stroll through a local market on your way to Wat Phra Srisanphet.

Next, you’ll visit the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, built during the Ayutthaya era. The palace showcases an eclectic collection of buildings that blend European, Khmer, Thai, and Chinese architectural styles. It’s the favorite summer palace of the King. You’ll then transfer to the station to embark on the night train to Chiang Mai. Overnight will be onboard.

You’ll spend the morning on a walking tour of the old town, with stops at the old wall, the moat, and a gate of the old town. You’ll see some of the most beautiful temples in Chiang Mai, including Wat Phra Singh, Wat Phan Tao, and Wat Chedi Luang.

You’ll then stroll along small streets lined with traditional houses and take a rickshaw tour. After that, you’ll walk through the central market of Warorot.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit Doi Suthep Hill, then explore craft villages where you’ll see lacquer factories, silk weaving, umbrella manufacturing, wood carvings, and goldsmith work.

Afterward, you’ll transfer back to the hotel. To brighten up your evening, you’ll browse the Night Market on your own. You’ll spend the night in Chiang Mai.

After breakfast, you’ll drive to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary for a memorable visit. You’ll journey approximately 1.5 hours south of Chiang Mai, passing through rolling hills, forest, and local farming areas. Upon arrival, you’ll meet your guide and take a short walk through the jungle to the sanctuary. There, you’ll change into traditional Karen clothing and receive an introductory lesson about elephant anatomy, history, and behavior.

Next, you’ll have the opportunity to meet the elephants, feeding, interacting, and playing with them in their natural environment. You’ll learn about their behavior and history and take plenty of photos. Lunch will be served, featuring traditional Thai dishes and fresh fruit.

In the afternoon, you’ll learn how to make herbal medicine balls before feeding the elephants again. Then, you’ll accompany them to the river for a refreshing bath and brush. Following this, you’ll join the elephants for a therapeutic mud spa, swim in the river, and capture more photos.

Finally, you’ll change back into your clothes, say goodbye to the elephants, and drive back to Chiang Mai, arriving in the late afternoon. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel and spend the night in Chiang Mai.

Your guide will meet you at the hotel. You’ll enjoy a beautiful drive to Mae Orn, with a stop at the San Kampaeng market to buy ingredients for your lunch and seasonal fruit. You’ll then continue to Mae Kam Pong.

Upon arrival in Mae Kam Pong, you’ll be greeted by some of the villagers and your local community guide. You’ll learn about the history of this remarkable village and take a scenic trek around it. Most villagers are engaged in growing bai miang, a plant used to make tea, as well as coffee and aromatic mushrooms. You’ll also see villagers making handicrafts such as decorated pillows filled with tea leaves, rattan baskets, and bamboo furniture.

There are various walks available around Mae Kam Pong. Our program is flexible and will be adjusted according to your preferences. Lunch will be either at a homestay in the village or a picnic along the way, depending on the day’s program. A traditional massage is available. In the late afternoon, you’ll return to Chiang Mai for overnight accommodation.

Your time will be free until its time for transfer to the airport for flight return to Bangkok and your onward connecting flight.