Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Thailand – Ayutthaya – Kanchanaburi – Bangkok – Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai
100% customisable for you
Head to the airport, whizz through security and enjoy a pre-flight tipple in the lounge – your Thailand adventure begins today. Your overnight international flight to Bangkok leaves London at around midday and takes around 11 and a half hours, landing early the next morning.
When you touch down, you’ll be met and driven one and a half hours north to Ayutthaya, a fascinating city chock-full of temples, monasteries and colourful floating markets.
On arrival, check into your hotel, drop your bags and spend some time settling in after your long flight. Later, head out for a wander along the Chao Phraya and Pa Sak rivers, soaking up the bustling atmosphere that thrives along their banks.
Come evening, either enjoy a tasty dinner at your hotel or head out for your first taste of Thai cuisine – our clued-up Concierge is on hand to recommend some hidden gems.
This morning, head out for a tour of Ayutthaya with a knowledgeable guide. Once the royal capital, Ayutthaya was a significant hub before large parts were destroyed by Burmese forces in 1767. Alongside your guide, wander through the city’s UNESCO-listed remains, which provide an insight into its former grandeur.
As you wander through the city, stop to visit its most iconic landmarks as your guide fills you in on their storied history. Start with Wat Phra Si Sanphet, a classic example of Ayutthaya architecture home to three towering chedis, before visiting the bronze Buddha at Wat Phra Mongkhon and admiring the striking Khmer architecture at Wat Chaiwatthanaram.
Continue to Wat Yai Chai Mongkohn, which has an impressive collection of seated Buddha images, and then to Wat Mahathat, where you'll find the famous stone Buddha face which, over the years, has been encircled by tree roots.
Wave goodbye to Ayutthaya this morning as you’re privately transferred west to Kanchanaburi, a two and a half hour drive away. When you arrive, stop for lunch overlooking the River Kwai, then stroll over its infamous bridge, built by allied prisoners of war during World War II. If you’re after a little more history, you could also visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre to learn more about the brutal history behind the bridge or amble along Pak Phraek’s storied streets.
Later, transfer to your floating hotel by traditional longtail boat. Enjoy a peaceful afternoon overlooking the River Kwai before being lulled to sleep by gentle waves – more exploring awaits tomorrow.
How best to explore Kanchanaburi? On two wheels, of course. This morning, hop on a bike and set off on a nine-mile tour across the Kwai Noi River Valley, soaking up views over mountains, lakes and lush forests. Along the way, you’ll also catch a glimpse into local life as you ride through local villages and past temples and schools.
Later, leave your bike behind for a gentle journey along the Kwai Noi River aboard a bamboo raft, stopping for a refreshing dip amid the beautiful surroundings.
After an afternoon of relaxation at your hotel, head out to Kanchanaburi’s night market, where fragrant aromas waft from vibrant stalls and locals chat to familiar vendors. Kick the evening off right with some street food (pad Thai, anyone?), before wandering through to the second section of the market, where traditional clothing and handmade accessories await.
Round off your time in Kanchanaburi with a visit to the Soombon Legacy Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing sanctuary for elderly elephants.
To protect these gentle geriatric giants, the foundation operates a ‘Hands Off’ policy, ensuring the elephants feel safe and comfortable in their surroundings. Your guide will fill you in on the organisation’s work as you visit an interactive museum, cut fruit and enjoy a lunch overlooking the river, making for a peaceful and ethical experience.
Later, grab your bags and meet your private driver for the three-hour transfer back to Bangkok. When you arrive, check into your riverside hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon settling in.
Come evening, dial up the R&R with an evening dedicated entirely to wellness. After a relaxing reflexology session or head and shoulder massage, you’ll be whisked to a gourmet restaurant for a restorative four-course dinner composed of tradition Thai favourites – yum.
Famous for its eclectic buildings, Bangkok is an architectural mix of ancient pagodas, fantastical palaces, traditional wooden houses and towering skyscrapers. This morning, head out with a local architect and writer to discover the city’s lesser-known architectural gems, stopping at a few hard-hitters along the way.
The tour takes you from the renowned flower market all the way to the historic riverside districts along hidden alleyways and passages. As you wander, your guide will fill you in on how architectural styles reflect the city’s history, trade and communities.
The rest of the day is yours for the taking, whether you’d rather continue exploring the city streets or head back to your hotel for a peaceful afternoon. Come evening, indulge in a sundowner overlooking the river – you are on holiday, after all.
While yesterday was spent discovering Bangkok’s hidden gems, today’s all about its defining landmarks. This morning, head out on a guided tour to the Grand Palace, a sprawling complex that historically served as the Thai royal residence.
Alongside marvelling at the Grand Palace’s ornate architecture, you’ll have the chance to visit some of the complex’s other important sites. Begin at Wat Phra Kaew, home to the sacred Emerald Buddha statue. Then, venture south of the Grand Palace site to Wat Pho, most famous for its 150ft-long and 50ft-high gold-clad reclining Buddha.
After a chilled afternoon, head out again this evening to discover the city’s vibrant night markets. Fancy a taste of the local nightlife? Head to Jodd Fairs in the Ratchada district, where locals sit sipping ice-cold beers on stools. Prefer a more chilled atmosphere? Visit the nearby night market for live music and street food staples or beeline for the Asiatique Riverfront market for a spot of upscale shopping.
After one last riverside breakfast, you’ll be collected from your hotel and whisked to the airport for the short one-and-a-half-hour flight north to Chiang Rai. Once you touch down, it’s another private transfer to your hotel, where you’ll check in for a two-night stay.
Spend the rest of the afternoon settling into your new surroundings, perhaps with a spot of sunbathing or a dip in the pool.
If you didn’t quite get all your souvenir shopping done yesterday, you’re in luck – on the agenda tonight is a visit to Chiang Rai’s bustling night market. Wander along rows of stalls piled high with local handicrafts, creative clothing and mouthwatering street food, stopping to watch traditional dance or music performances.
Another day, another temple. Today, you’ll be touring some of Chiang Rai’s most iconic temples with an expert guide, learning about their sacred significance as you go.
Begin at Wat Rong Khun, more famously known as the White Temple. Designed by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, this pearl-white temple is inlaid with tiny mirrored pieces, symbolising the purity of Buddhism and enlightenment.
Next, it’s onto Wat Rong Suea Ten, or the Blue Temple (are we sensing a theme?). Wander along its vibrant facades before stopping for lunch in a nearby restaurant that showcases the work of local artists.
Suitably stuffed, continue to the Baan Dam (‘Black House’), a museum designed to oppose the White Temple and represent the darkness of humanity.
Finally, stop for a peaceful drink at a local pottery workshop, watching as the skilled artists transform clay into intricate designs in a beautiful forest setting.
It’s time for the final leg of your historical holiday to begin. This morning, bundle your bags into a car for the private transfer to Chiang Mai, a scenic three-hour drive away.
When you arrive, check into your hotel, your home away from home for the next four nights. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy, so get stuck into your holiday read by the pool or take a leisurely stroll in the hotel gardens.
If you fell in love with elephants in Kanchanaburi, you’re in for a real treat. Today, meet a private guide for a visit to the Elephant Rescue Park, where distressed or injured elephants are relocated for a peaceful life.
Begin the tour at a factory which makes recycled paper from elephant dung – a truly sustainable souvenir – before heading to a traditional market. When you arrive at the park, you'll have the opportunity to learn about the special relationship between the rescued elephants and their handlers and gain a better understanding of the threats to the Thai elephant population and their natural habitat.
Then, wander through the park to meet the elephants themselves. Join the staff to feed and interact with the elephants, coming up close and personal with one of the world's most beautiful creatures. Cameras at the ready…
Today, it’s back to discovering the historical side of Chiang Mai with a guided temple tour aboard a traditional tuk-tuk.
Start with a visit to the town centre, admiring the towering Tha Phae Gate and ancient city walls as your guide gives you the lowdown on the city's past. Then, zip along the city streets to a number of temples and artisan shops, making sure to stop at Wat Chiang Man, the former residence of King Mangrai, who established Chiang Mai in 1296.
The rest of the day is yours for the taking, whether you’d rather continue your temple tour independently, stop for some street food or head back to your hotel to relax and ponder your newly acquired knowledge.
Swap history for modernity today as you explore Chiang Mai’s Nimman district. Unlike the temple-filled Old City, this lively university district is chock-full of trendy cafés, hipster boutiques and shopping centres, perfect for a morning stroll. As you wander along Nimmanhaeman Road, be sure to stop and admire the colourful murals splashed across the walls – the Thai graffiti artist, Alex Face, has made his mark here.
Come evening, either tuck into a tasty dinner at a local restaurant – ask our Concierge for some stellar recommendations – or head to the Chiang Mai night market for a final taste of local street food staples. What better way to round off your trip than with a steaming bowl of khao soi (curry noodle soup)?
It’s sadly time for you to re-enter the real world. This morning, you’ll be privately transferred to the airport for the short one-and-a-half-hour flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, where you’ll hop aboard your connecting flight to the UK.
You’ll be in the air for just under 13 hours and will touch down in the early evening, armed with a newfound appreciation for this fascinating country.
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from checking you in for your flights to our network of local Concierges
