From Angkor's Heritage to Andaman Beach Escape in 18 Days

A day dedicated to discovering the mystical temples of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire (9th-15th centuries):
The Angkor Wat temples, dedicated to Vishnu, the supreme god of Hinduism, are considered the masterpiece of Khmer art and architecture.
The Angkor Thom temples form a walled city of 10 km² that once housed a million people. During the visit, you can admire the huge statues of the South Gate, the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King, and the famous Bayon Temple, composed of 54 gigantic towers with 216 faces of Avalokitesvara, the most important goddess of Buddhism.
Return to Siem Reap in the late afternoon.
In the evening, enjoy dinner and a traditional Apsara music and dance show at a charming local restaurant.
Overnight in Siem Reap.

Breakfast. Full-day excursion to the majestic temples on the Small and Grand Circuits:
Visit Banteay Srei Temple (Citadel of Women): one of the most beautiful temples, built with pink sandstone and adorned with intricately carved Apsaras and deities.
Explore the sacred temples of Neak Poan, Preah Neak, Preah Khan, and Banteay Samre, known as the miniature Angkor Wat.
Visit the impressive Ta Prohm Temple, an abandoned Buddhist monastery overgrown by the jungle.
In the late afternoon, enjoy the sunset from the mountain temple of Pre Rup.
Return to Siem Reap.
Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Free morning in Siem Reap.

Morning excursion to the Tonle Sap Lake, the largest lake in Southeast Asia:

• Stop at the lakeside village of Kompong Khleang - an authentic and less touristy destination. Explore the village with houses on stilts or floating rafts, visit the market, pagoda, and a primary school filled with smiling children.
• Experience the daily life of local fishermen.

At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for the flight to Bangkok. 

After settling in, take some time to relax or begin exploring the bustling streets of the Thai capital. Spend your first night in Bangkok, soaking up the city's dynamic atmosphere, perfectly setting the stage for the exciting journey ahead.

A day dedicated to exploring the city of Bangkok.

• Visit the Grand Palace, Thailand's most important landmark, where you will be impressed by the grandeur and majesty of the building and its throne rooms.
• Admire the mysterious Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in the country.
• Visit Wat Pho along the way, the largest and oldest temple in Bangkok, famous for its 45-meter reclining Buddha statue.
• We will then visit Wat Traimit, which is well-known for the Golden Buddha.
• Board a long-tail boat to sail along the Chao Phraya River before entering a klong, staying away from the heavily touristy areas. Stop at Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn.

Return to the hotel to rest for the night in Bangkok.

Depart early to visit the Maeklong market, located on the railway tracks very close to the train terminus. Walk along the rails to explore the vibrant market and witness how quickly the merchants fold up their stalls in preparation for the train, which is scheduled to pass around 8:30 a.m.

Afterwards, head to the small market of Samut Songkhran, where you'll embark on a beautiful canoe ride along the Grand Canal and then through smaller canals, providing an authentic glimpse of rural Asia just outside of Bangkok. The approximately one-hour ride will culminate in the heart of the Damnoen Saduak floating market.

Explore this traditional market, bustling with sellers offering a variety of products, including food, flowers, plants, and even animals.

Return to Bangkok and enjoy some free time to relax.

Overnight stay in Bangkok.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast, and then embark on a journey to Bang Pa-In, which will take approximately 2 hours. Upon arrival, we'll explore the Summer Palace, an architectural gem with roots tracing back to the Ayutthaya period. This stunning palace served as a royal summer retreat during the 17th century, offering a glimpse into the opulent history of Thailand.

Following our visit to the Summer Palace, we'll make our way to Ayutthaya, often referred to as the 'Invincible City' of Thailand. To explore this ancient city, we'll hop aboard a Kermit tuk-tuk, and our first stops will be at significant temples, including Wat Yai Chaimongkol and Wat Mahathat, renowned for its sacred Buddha relics.

As we continue our journey, we'll stroll through a local market, providing an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the vibrant local life.

We'll return to your hotel to complete the check-in process, and you'll spend the night in Ayutthaya.

After breakfast, embark on an exploration of the ancient city of Ayutthaya via a charming "Kermit" tuk-tuk ride, a unique mode of transportation found exclusively in two of Thailand's provinces: Ayutthaya and Trang. During this journey, you'll discover the highlights of Ayutthaya, including Wat Yai Chaimongkol, Wat Mahathat (home to a remarkable Buddha face emerging from a tree), and have the opportunity to stroll through a vibrant local market.

Next, continue your cultural expedition with a visit to the Bang Pa-In Palace, originally constructed during the Ayutthaya period. The palace showcases a captivating blend of architectural styles, drawing inspiration from European, Khmer, Thai, and Chinese influences. It has long been a favored summer retreat of the Thai kings.

Following your Ayutthaya adventures, return to Bangkok for your onward flight to Chiang Rai. Upon your arrival, you will be warmly greeted by our driver and comfortably settled into your hotel.

Enjoy your night in Chiang Rai.

After breakfast, hit the road towards Doi Mae Salong. You'll journey through rolling green hills draped with tea plantations, where you'll have the opportunity to savor the exquisite teas produced by one of the many local plantations. At Doi Mae Salong, you'll explore two ethnic minority villages: Loyo, home to the Akha community, and Ban Haygo, a Lisu village.

Next, your itinerary takes you to Mae Sai, situated on the Thai-Myanmar border and marking the northernmost point of Thailand.

Continuing your journey, you'll head to the Golden Triangle, a strategic location offering a unique vista shared by Thailand, Burma, and Laos - the point where these three borders converge.

Upon arrival, you'll delve into the intriguing world of opium at the Opium Museum, which offers comprehensive insights into the history and significance of opium in the Golden Triangle.

Then, your visit continues to Chiang Saen, an ancient city dating back to around 1328. Here, you'll explore a multitude of historical sites, including ancient temple ruins, stupas, remnants of ancient fortifications, and moats.

Spend the night in Chiang Saen.

Morning is dedicated to exploring Chiang Rai, starting with the renowned Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Phra Singha, one of the oldest Thai temples still inhabited by Buddhist monks to this day.

Your journey continues with a visit to Wat Rong Khun, the stunning White Temple, an architectural marvel of the city. This temple stands out with its radiant white color and the use of glass pieces embedded in the plaster, sparkling in the sunlight.

Afterwards, you'll depart for Chiang Mai, passing through scenic hills, valleys, and charming villages. On the way, there's a brief stop at the Mae Khachan hot spring for coffee, restroom facilities, and a chance to soak your feet in the springs.

Night in Chiang Mai.

A day dedicated to exploring the rich heritage of Chiang Mai, a city founded in the 13th century, which reflects a blend of Lanna, Siamese, and Burmese cultures.

Begin with a walking tour of the old town, including stops at the ancient wall, the moat, and an old town gate. You'll have the opportunity to admire some of Chiang Mai's most exquisite temples, such as Wat Phra Singh, Wat Phan Tao, and Wat Chedi Luang.

Following this, wander along quaint streets lined with traditional houses and enjoy a rickshaw ride. Your exploration will lead you to the bustling Warorot Central Market.

In the afternoon, ascend to Doi Suthep Hill, offering splendid panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside. You can reach the summit by climbing 290 steps or taking a cable car. At the peak, a golden chedi houses the revered relics of the Buddha.

Night in Chiang Mai.

In the morning, it takes about 2 hours to reach Thailand's highest peak at Doi Inthanon National Park.

Upon arrival, a 2 to 3-hour jungle walk follows along a narrow mountain trail leading to a hidden waterfall within the lush jungle. Along the way, before reaching the hill tribe village of Pagagayaw Karen, we'll pass through farmlands where coffee plantations, flower farms, and beautiful rice terraces can be observed. You'll have the chance to explore the Karen hill tribe village of Pagagayaw and savor a cup of locally grown coffee. Later, we'll head to Vachiratharn Waterfall, a 70-meter-high, powerful waterfall.

Afterward, you'll have the opportunity to admire the splendid architecture of Nopamaytanidol Chidi and Phra Mahatat Nopaphon Bhumisiri, both constructed to commemorate the 60th anniversary of King Bhumipol and Queen Sirikit.

Finally, we'll return to Chiang Mai for the night.

Begin your day with a warm welcome from your English-speaking guide at your hotel. Then, embark on a car journey, approximately one and a half hours south of Chiang Mai, meandering through hills, forests, and local agricultural areas.

Arrive at the sanctuary. Meet your guide and take a 10-15 minute walk through the jungle to reach the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. Here, don traditional Karen clothing and participate in an introductory lesson about elephant anatomy, history, and behavior.

It's time to meet the elephants. Interact with, feed, and play with these magnificent creatures in their natural environment while learning about their behavior and history. Capture memorable moments with the elephants through photos.

Savor a delicious lunch featuring Thai dishes and fresh fruit.

Engage in crafting herbal balloons, feed the elephants once more, and then embark on a leisurely walk with the elephants to the river. Here, you'll have the opportunity to bathe and brush the elephants.

Join the elephants for a therapeutic mud spa and take a refreshing swim in the river, all while continuing to create lasting memories with these gentle giants.

Bid farewell to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and embark on a 1.5-hour drive back to Chiang Mai.

Return to your hotel or accommodation.

Spend the night at your hotel in Chiang Mai.

Transfer to Chiang Mai airport for a flight to Krabi via Bangkok. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by the driver and check in at the hotel. You will have free time to rest and enjoy the beach.

Krabi is a true beach paradise with its magnificent, fine sandy beaches stretching over forty kilometers and its warm, crystal-clear waters. Surrounded by wild vegetation, reefs, secluded coves, and lush jungles, this seaside resort hides natural beauties and exceptional sites.

Overnight stay in Krabi.

Note: It is possible to replace Krabi with Phuket or Koh Samui according to your preferences!

Enjoy your free days exploring the dynamic Phi Phi Island at your leisure. Here are some additional suggestions for your free days on vibrant Phi Phi Island:

• Discover beaches: Long Beach, Loh Dalum Bay, and Laem Tong Beach offer unique charms - relaxation or vibrant activities.
• Island hop: Visit Bamboo Island, Maya Bay, or Mosquito Island for snorkeling and stunning scenery. (Maya Bay is closed for about two months every year for conservation purposes. The closure usually takes place during the monsoon season, from August 1st to October. However, the exact dates may vary slightly each year, so it is advisable to check for updates before planning your visit.)
• Local immersion: Explore markets, villages, and savor local cuisine for authentic experiences.
• Adventure: Dive into water sports or hike viewpoints for thrilling exploration.
• Sunset cruise: Enjoy a scenic boat trip as the day fades away.
• Nightlife: Beach bars, clubs, and fire shows for a lively evening.
• Relaxation: Unwind with a spa day or beach lounging.

Note: You can also opt for transferring from Phi Phi Island to Phuket by boat!

Depending on your flight schedule, you will return to Bangkok to prepare for your journey home. This marks the conclusion of your unforgettable 18-day Cambodia Thailand tour with Kampá Tour. We hope you've created beautiful memories to cherish and look forward to welcoming you again for more adventures.