Thailand – From Temples to the Beach 13 days (ATD-T03)

You will arrive at Bangkok International Airport and from there you will be taken by private transfer to your hotel for check-in. You’ll be free to spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Overnight in Bangkok

Today enjoy a private guided tour of Bangkok visiting the capital’s key attractions. First in the agenda will be the Wat Phra Kaew, the chapel of the Emerald Buddha, which houses the world’s most precious image of The Lord Buddha, the 75cm statue of jade sits atop an 11m golden pedestal surrounded by the lavish mural and richly decorated pavilions. Next, you move on to the Grand Palace – one of the most beautiful samples of an ancient Siamese court. It used to be the residence of the Kings of Thailand, which encompasses several major buildings (the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House, and the Funeral Palace).

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, your guide and driver will take you to Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) for a visit before you enjoy a discovery trip into the canals of Thonburi by a long-tailed boat, passing by venerable temples among lush greenery, wooden houses built on stilts, coconut groves, garlanded shrines and spirit houses and vendors offering goods on their boats. Bangkok was given the name “Venice of the East”. Life along the river and canal has become an inseparable part of the Thai lifestyle. A boat cruise allows visitors to see the Thai way of life along both banks, scenes of a traditional lifestyle which has hardly changed over the years.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Bangkok

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the historical park of Ayutthaya. Arrive at the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, built during the Ayutthaya era, you will visit the Ancient City, including;

– Wat Maha That, the heart and soul of  Ayutthaya people, a classic temple ruin of Ayutthaya and famous for the picturesque Buddha head engulfed by the Bodhi tree roots. The foundation size, remaining prangs, and towers attest to the significance during its time.

– Wat Na Phra Mane – Remains in perfect condition, as it was used as the Burmese headquarters.

– Wat Lokayasutharam which has a mysterious past, whereby its origins are unknown, to see the largest reclining Buddha of Ayutthaya at 8 meters high and 42 meters long. The Buddha image was made of brick and covered with plaster

After visiting the Ayutthaya Historical Park, you will return to Bangkok by a relaxing Cruise Trip. Lunch on board (buffet Lunch) “Delicious Meals served in the luxurious surroundings of the cruise boat.” Throughout the journey, you will be able to watch the Chao Phraya River banks scenery, either on deck in the fresh cool tropical air or from the refreshing air-conditioned passenger room. You will get an amazing ling clear view of the life of the inhabitants that dwell along the river, and the unforgettable scenery of children as they greet the visitors going by, making it an altogether worthwhile experience.

Arriving at the city, you will pass the Royal Grand Palace, followed by Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn). The temple was the former palace when the Thai capital of Ayutthaya was replaced by Thonburi.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Bangkok

After breakfast and check out of the hotel your guide and driver will transfer you to Ratchaburi Province, home of the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Along the way, make a quick stop to visit a traditional Thai house, where you can see locals making brown coconut sugar. Explore the house and its surrounding area, which is home to many different animals living on the coconut plantation.

Upon arrival at Damnoen Saduak, you will embark on a long-tail boat trip to discover the floating market. Enjoy watching the farmers selling food, fruits, flowers and many kinds of local products from their boats. Explore the floating market at your leisure for about an hour and take time to try some authentic Thai foods, such as Pad Thai, Mango Sticky Rice, Boat Noodles or Coconut Ice Cream sold along the canal.

Meet up with your guide and driver again and transfer directly to Bangkok Airport for a short flight to Chiang Mai, the former seat of the Lanna kingdom. Chiang Mai is a blissfully calm and laid-back place to relax and enjoy sightseeing.

Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, your guide and driver will greet you and take you to the hotel in the Old town for check-in. The rest of the day will be free at your leisure.

Meals included: Breakfast 
Overnight in Chiang Mai

After breakfast, your private guide and driver will pick you up and transfer you to Doi Suthep Mountain where you will visit Wat Doi Suthep, one of the North’s most sacred temples. Upon arrival, you will climb a staircase of 306 steps leading to Doi Suthep Temple. This is definitely the best way to approach the temple but there is also a funicular railway if you are less steady on your feet. As well as seeing this magnificent temple the trip would be worth it just for the stunning views across Chiang Mai alone. From the cool viewpoint at the front of the temple, you can see the amazing view of the whole of Chiang Mai below.

Leaving Doi Suthep Temple you will continue further up the mountain to visit the exotic White Hmong hill-tribe village. Stop at a native household and discover the daily lives of the friendly villagers. Learn about their unique customs and heritage before returning to Chiang Mai for lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon you will get out of Chiang Mai for a short visit to the Hill Tribes Handicraft Center where local people produce a variety of handmade products such as colorful Sa-paper, Umbrella, Thai silk and cotton weaving, Teakwood – carving and Silverware.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Chiang Mai

After breakfast, depart Chiang Mai heading out of the city to Thailand’s premiere National park, Doi Inthanon. On turning into the park, the road will start to climb towards Thailand’s highest peak. On the route up the mountain, your first stop will be at Siritharn Waterfall, then you will proceed further up the mountain to the king and queen pagodas. From these two iconic pagodas, you can enjoy some stunning views across the park to the valley below.

The trip will then proceed to the top of the mountain, at the top you can stand on Thailand’s highest point and get your photo taken at the famous highest mountain in Thailand sign. At the top of the mountain is the stunningly beautiful Angkha Nature trail, this is a short walk of 400 meters but it will take you through some unique flora and forest which can only be seen at this high elevation. After Thailand’s highest peak, you will drop by at the Hmong hill tribe market and then have lunch.

After lunch, it will be time for your walk which will take you deeper into the park and away from the well-visited tourist trail up the mountain. The walk will take around two hours and you will follow the beautiful Pah Dok Siew Nature Trail, the trail will take you through the rice paddies and forest and you will get to enjoy some unique views of the park which many visitors miss. At the end of the walk, it will be time to board the transport again for the trip back down to the mountain. En-route you will stop by at one of Inthanon’s most spectacular Wachiritharn Waterfalls, before winding your way back to your hotel in Chiang Mai.

Time will be on your own in the evening time, hanging around the Nigh Bazaar, exploring Chiang Mai by yourself.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Chiang Mai

Enjoy your free day in Chiang Mai or you can consider joining our recommended optional experience below.

Meals included: Breakfast 
Overnight in Chiang Mai

After late breakfast and check out of the hotel, you will be picked up by and transferred to the airport for a short flight to Phuket, among the world’s finest beach destinations, with fine white sands, nodding palm trees, glittering seas, and lively towns.

Upon arrival in Phuket, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel/ resort for check-in. The rest of the day will be yours at leisure.

Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Phuket

Today will be at your own leisure to enjoy the beach. You can consider joining our recommended optional experience below.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight in Phuket

After breakfast, transfer to the dock to embark on a traditional longtail boat trip to discover Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island. During the boat trip, you will experience the mangrove forests and karst formations from a different perspective. Get up close to the limestone rocks on a short canoe trip before heading to Koh Tapu and Khao Phing Kan which are commonly referred to as James Bond Island. They have been a major local attraction ever since Koh Tapu was featured in “The Man with the Golden Gun” movie in 1974.

Continue to visit the floating Muslim village of Koh Panyi, where you will enjoy a delicious seafood lunch.

After lunch, you will go to Suwan Khuha Cave Temple to see the statue of the reclining Golden Buddha. Get some time to feed the resident monkeys before the return trip to your hotel in Phuket.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Phuket

Today will be at your own leisure to enjoy the beach.

Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Phuket

Another free day to relax and enjoy the beach.

Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Phuket

Your private transfer greets you at the hotel after breakfast and escorts you to Phuket International Airport where you board your flight home or travel on to more adventures, we will help you with the planning.

Meals included: Breakfast