Discovering Central and Northern Thailand in 2 Weeks

Start your "Thailand 10-day" tour today with 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.

Breakfast and departure for the Erawan Waterfall, famous for its multi-level waterfalls and caves, some of which are decorated with rock paintings. You can swim in the crystal-clear waters and see the many animals that live in this national park.

Afternoon, drive towards Ayutthaya. The ancient city of Ayutthaya is known as the “Venice of the East” because it lies along the Chao Phraya River, surrounded by tributaries. Many monuments and remnants of the era can be visited in this city founded in 1350 by King Uthong when the Thais had to migrate south under pressure from their northern neighbors.

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.

08:00 - 08:30: 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.

10:30 a.m.: 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.

11:00 a.m.: 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.

12:00 p.m.: Savor a delicious lunch featuring Thai dishes and fresh fruit.

1:00 p.m.: 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.

2:00 p.m.: 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.

3:00 p.m.: Bid farewell to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and embark on a 1.5-hour drive back to Chiang Mai.

5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.: Return to your hotel or accommodation.

Spend the night at your hotel in Chiang Mai.

Reception in Chiang Mai and departure for Pai in the north. On the way, explore Mae Malai Market, where you can sample local delicacies and exotic fruits. Next, visit Pong Deuid Waterfall, one of Chiang Mai province's most stunning hot springs. This spa is a hidden gem within a well-maintained park nestled in a picturesque valley. Downstream from the bubbling geysers, you'll find shallow rock pools perfect for swimming.

Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before reaching Pai. This small, hillside community offers a natural, clean, refreshing, and warm atmosphere. It's a melting pot of different ethnic groups from the plains and mountains, each with their unique religious beliefs and languages that have come together to create a distinctive cultural tradition. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore the secluded village of Pai and visit three other villages representing local ethnic groups, including Ban Bang Paek (Lisu tribe), known for their vibrant clothing and high-altitude settlements.

After breakfast, your day begins with a visit to the local market. Following that, you'll set off for Mae Hong Son.

• Along the way, you'll make a stop at Baan Phang Paek Village, home to the Lisou community, an ethnic minority with Sino-Tibetan roots.

• Your journey continues towards Ban Tham Lod, where you'll explore the Tham Lod caves on a bamboo raft. You'll cruise on an inland lake, uncovering its remarkable limestone formations and prehistoric coffins. These caves have been shaped over millions of years by a watercourse that follows a circular path, creating an impressive geological wonder. The site comprises three separate caves: Sao Hin, Tukta, and IP Man. To explore these caves, tourists embark on a 1600-meter raft journey.

• Lunch Break: After your cave exploration, you'll enjoy lunch.

• Mae Hong Son: You'll then proceed on the road to Mae Hong Son. Along the way, you'll visit three temples near the picturesque Jong Kham lake, a central point of the town.

  • Wat Chong Kham: This temple, founded in 1827 by the Shan of Mae Hong Son, features a 5-meter-high seated Buddha in Burmese style. It's located next to Wat Chong Klang, the town's other temple.

  • Wat Chong Klang: Built in the 1860s, this temple has a Burmese-style chedi that can be easily spotted from the lake's shores.

  • Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu: This temple stands as the main attraction of Mae Hong Son, overlooking the town like a sentinel. The best time to visit is during sunset between November and February when the surrounding mountains are enveloped in mist.

You'll spend the night in Mae Hong Son.

After breakfast, at approximately 7 am, you will visit the local market before departing for Chiang Mai via Mae Chaem.

You will arrive in Chiang Mai by the end of the day, where you will spend the night at the hotel.

Depending on your flight schedule, you will fly to Bangkok for your return journey.

This marks the end of your 2-week Central and Northern Thailand tour! Safe travels home, and until next time, Kampá khao (Thank you) for joining us!