Treasures of Thailand 8 Days - Chiang Mai to South, Small Group Tour (English Only)

Journey back in time to the ancient kingdoms of Thailand with this enchanting eight-day tour. Start your adventure in Chiang Mai, the beautiful former capital of the Lanna kingdom, mingle with the locals in the night market and, be amazed by the beauty of the ancient Buddhist temples. Then, continue to Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites that both served as capitals of Siam. Your odyssey ends in bustling Bangkok, the capital known as the ‘City of Angels’. Join this tour and learn about Thailand´s past, understand its culture, and catch a glimpse of its mesmerising natural beauty. This tour is operated in a small group of up to 8 passengers.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Chiang Mai: The fragrant ‘Rose of the North’ was the capital of the Lanna Kingdom founded by Mangrai the Great in the 13th century.

Sukhothai: Explore the well-preserved ruins of the former capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom.

Ayutthaya: Discover the impressive ruins of what was one of the world’s biggest cities during the early modern period.

Kanchanaburi: Visit the notorious ‘Death Railway Bridge’ that inspired the World War II novel and film, the Bridge on the River Kwai.

Damnoen Saduak: Immerse yourself in the scents and sounds of Thailand in the colourful floating market – one of the most enchanting images of the country. 

Day 1: ARRIVAL CHIANG MAI

Arrive at Chiang Mai Airport, a representative will meet and escort you to the centrally located hotel. Enjoy the rest of day at leisure, relaxing at the hotel or maybe exploring the charming old town, which is surrounded by walls and a moat. Stroll the charming streets and alleys, and browse the lovely artisan shops and the savoury food stalls. If you want to get closer to the culture and people, visit the night market and see an astonishing selection of local handicrafts, colourful souvenirs, tasty snacks and more. Vendors will test your bargaining skills to max!

Overnight in hotel in Chiang Mai on selected board basis. 

Day 2: CHIANG MAI

Indulge in a delicious breakfast and then enjoy a half day tour giving you an overview of this beautiful city. We take the winding road up the side of the hill overlooking the city to visit the most significant temple in Chiang Mai, the 600-year-old Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which lays 3,500 feet above sea level. Inside you will find the symbol of the city, the copper-plated Chedi that is topped by a five-tier gold parasol, which contains relics of the Lord Buddha. From the terrace, on a clear day, you will have a fine panoramic view of the entire city. Once you get there, that final climb up the 306 steps of the Naga staircase (a Thai mythological Dragon-headed serpent) will seem worth it! In the city, we will see the Kings glorious flower garden temple at Wat Suan Dok with a large central Stupa, and Wat Chedi Luang which consists of an impressive Chedi, originally built in 1411 and Wat Pra That Doi Suthep (the most outstanding landmark of Chiang Mai 3,500 feet above sea level). 

Overnight in hotel in Chiang Mai on selected board basis. 

Day 3: CHIANG MAI – LAMPHUN – LAMPANG – SUKHOTHAI (380km – 4.5 hrs)

Begin your day with a great breakfast and then depart for Lamphun to visit Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, a golden temple complex whose origins have been traced to the Mon Kingdom in the eighth century. Head towards the picturesque town of Lampang to visit the historic temple of Wat Phra That Lampang Luang. After lunch, enjoy a scenic drive to Sukhothai Historical Park, arriving in the late afternoon. Explore the park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site covering the ruins of ancient Sukhothai, which was the first capital of the kingdom of the same name. 

Overnight in hotel in Sukhothai on selected board basis. 

Day 4: SUKHOTHAI – UTHAI THANI – AYUTTHAYA (430km – 5 hrs)

Begin your day in a spiritual manner, as you join locals in offering food to Buddhist monks during their morning alms round. Drive south and stop for a delicious lunch in Chai Nat. Today’s route from Sukhothai via Uthai Thani to Ayutthaya mirrors the southward expansion of Siam, following the kingdom’s historical development. Arrive in Ayutthaya, a former capital of Siam, and go to the Ayutthaya Historical Park to visit the temple of Wat Phra Si Sanphet and the adjacent Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit. Contemplate the golden Buddha and continue to the eerily enchanting ruins of Wat Phra Mahathat, with its famous statue of Buddha devoured by tree roots. Such a heavenly heritage ensemble has earned this historical park the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Overnight in hotel in Ayutthaya on selected board basis. 

Day 5: AYUTTHAYA – KANCHANABURI (190km – 2 hrs)

Have breakfast and then drive through pastoral landscapes virtually untouched by the passage of time before arriving at Kanchanaburi, a quiet town at the confluence of the rivers Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai. It is renowned for the beauty of its natural surroundings and the abundant wildlife, but it also holds an unwanted place in history as the location of the notorious World War II ‘Death Railway Bridge’, immortalised in the Hollywood classic, The Bridge on the River Kwai. Visit the war cemetery, the final resting place of thousands of soldiers, and the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre to learn about the appalling conditions in which Allied POWs and Thai slave labourers worked to build a military supply railway. After a delectable lunch, enjoy the rest of day at leisure.

Overnight in hotel in Kanchanaburi on selected board basis. 

Day 6: KANCHANABURI – NAKHON PATHOM – BANGKOK (150km – 2 hrs)

Depart Kanchanaburi after breakfast at the hotel, enjoying a scenic drive towards Nakhon Pathom to visit the temple with the magnificent 127-metre-high Phra Pathommachedi stupa, the tallest of its kind in the world. Continue to Damnoen Saduak, which is famed for its vibrant and colourful floating markets. Breathe in the fragrances of the Orient as dozens of boats glide along, selling fresh fruit and vegetables as well as tasty local delicacies. The buzz of the noise and the bustle of activity are quintessential Thai experiences. Continue to Bangkok for drop off at your hotel in the city. 

Overnight in hotel in Bangkok on selected board basis. 

Day 7: BANGKOK

Indulge in a rich breakfast, getting ready for a memorable tour encompassing the three most popular Buddhist temples in Bangkok. Start with a visit to the Royal Grand Palace, a great architectural masterpiece of several buildings, which was used as a royal residence from the 18th century to the mid-20th century. It is without any doubt a national reference and possibly the most visited royal monument of Thailand. Located right next to the Grand Palace is Wat Pho, Bangkok’s oldest temple, famed for its giant golden reclining Buddha and its traditional Thai massage school. Next, visit the Wat Traimit temple with its 5.5-tonne Golden Buddha statue. Have the evening free at leisure. Perhaps you could indulge yourself with a traditional Thai massage, surprise your taste buds with the amazing local flavours, and watch a mesmerising sunset in any of the stylish rooftop bars which have blossomed in the city’s skyscrapers in recent years.

Overnight in hotel in Bangkok on selected board basis. 

Day 8: DEPART BANGKOK

Enjoy breakfast and time at leisure before transferring to Bangkok Airport to continue with your individual travel plans. 

Breakfast included. 

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Thailand. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.