11-Day Thailand in Essence

Upon your arrival in Bangkok, your guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is on your own.

Overnight: Bangkok

Following breakfast, set out to visit Wat Traimit, 'Temple of the Golden Buddha' famous for its 900-year-old and five-and-a-half-ton solid gold image. Continue to see Wat Arun, perhaps better known as the Temple of the Dawn, which is one of the most published images of Bangkok.

After that, explore Wat Po, this city's largest and oldest temple housing the largest single Buddha image - the Reclining Buddha. 

After lunch comes to the highlight of today's tour - the renowned Grand Palace, one of the must-sees that adjoin Wat Phra Kaew, the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand. 

Overnight: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the early morning, you'll visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market (about 2 hours drive away from Bangkok). Then you will be escorted to Kanchanaburi. Board a train along the Burma Railway built by Japanese prisoners of war and Indonesian slave laborers. Next, visit JEATH War Museum (World War II Museum) and take a photo at the Bridge over the River Kwai, where the famous movie The Bridge On River Kwai was filmed.

Overnight: Kanchanaburi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at hotel, then meet your guide and check out. Depart for Ayutthaya (about 2.5 hours drive), the former Capital of Thailand by van. En route, visit Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, the summer palace for the King and Queen. Later on, continue to see Wat Chai Wattanaram (Khmer Temple), one of the most imposing ancient Buddhist monasteries, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, the largest temple in Ayutthaya, Wat Mongkhon Bophit, the former Royal Temple built in 1610 and restored in 1956, and Wat Mahathat, one of the 10 royal temples of the highest class in Bangkok. Nearby is Wat Ratchabura, the most significant feature of which is the 600-year-old stupa that enshrines relics of the Buddha.

Overnight: Ayutthaya
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast at your hotel, drive to Lopburi and visit Wat San Phra Kan (Phra Prang Sam Yot) and San Phra Kan (Monkey Temple). Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before driving to Sukhothai (about 5 hours' drive) for some relaxing on your own.

Overnight: Sukhothai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Your tour today focuses on the Sukhothai Historical Park and the Sri Satchanalai Historical Park. Found in the 13th century, Sukhothai (literally means Dawn of Happiness) was the first truly independent Thai Kingdom, which enjoyed a golden age under King Ramkhamhaeng, credited with creating the Thai alphabet. After the tour, drive to Lampang for overnight.

Overnight: Lampang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Check out and drive to visit Phrathat Lampang Luang Temple, the northern finest temple and best presentation of Lanna style architecture and explore with a unique colorful Horse Carriage around the town. Also, visit Baan Sao Nuk, a 150 years old teak house in northern Thai style and Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao, where the famous Emerald Buddha was enshrined for 32 years (from A.D. 1436 to 1468). Later on, proceed to Chiang Rai (about 5 hours drive). Free at leisure after check-in.

Overnight: Chiang Rai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After check out, you will meet your guide for driving to Mae Sai Border. This is not only the biggest border but also used as an important gateway to Tha Khi Lek, Myanmar the mystic country. (Tourist pays immigration fee 500THB / person on your own) After that, continue to Golden Triangle where the three borders of Laos - Myanmar.

Overnight: Chiang Mai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, you will have a half day Cooking Class to learn about Thai food and Chiang Mai culture. In the afternoon, you will continue to visit Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, one of the most sacred temples in Chiang Mai, and have a bird-eye view of the incredible Chiang Mai on the top.

Overnight: Chiang Mai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Your visit starts a Full day Elephant Nature Park (Join-in Group Tour). You will hear the personal stories of rescued and orphaned elephants. See how they became a proud herd and free from abuse for the first time in their lives. Many find their visit to Elephant Nature Park rewarding and very relaxing. Observe free-roaming elephants, and other rescued animals enjoying the natural surroundings of our sanctuary. Your visit helps support the regional projects and offers an invaluable opportunity to help elephant conservation.

Overnight: Chiang Mai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, you will meet the guide and be transferred to the airport for onward flight.

Meal: Breakfast