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

In the early morning, visit the bustling flower and vegetable market and have an insight into the local life. After that, proceed to the amazing Grand Palace, the landmark of Thailand. You will be taken by its lovely garden and gilded stupas with sophisticated decors. Don't miss Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Emerald Temple.

Make stopover for lunch and then relax on a long-tail boat cruising along the canal. The final stop is Wat Arun, an iconic white temple with unique architecture style.

Overnight: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, you will head to Kanchanaburi. Upon arrival, visit Hellfire Pass Museum where you could learn moving stories about the construction of Burma Railway during the World War II. Continue to Krasae Cave, a small cave on the Death Railway. Don't miss to walk on the wooden railway bridge built on the edge of the steep cliff! It is an exciting adventure for you. After that, head to the town, where you can walk across the Bridge over the River Kwai and enjoy a boat ride on the Kwai River. The last stop is the Don Rak War Cemetery.

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

Today, 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. After that, continue to Golden Triangle where the three borders of Laos - Myanmar. The last site you will visit today is Long Neck Karen Village. Transfer to Chiang Mai in the evening. Free at your leisure after check-in.

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

Today, get up close and friendly with the elephants being cared for in Baan Chang Elephant Park. This ethical and sustainable refuge, a 50-minute shuttle bus ride from your hotel, leaving around 8:30 to 9:00, offers you the chance to not only see the happy animals but to touch, feed, bathe and play with them. For the elephants’ welfare, there are no rides or circus tricks. You will have the chance to prepare their lunch and before turning to the hotel, visiting the babies in the nursery area.

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