Northern Thailand with transfers: from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Palaces, ancient ruins, temples and monkeys are on the menu as this epic six-day tour from the capital to northern Thailand kicks off in style. Head to Bang Pa-In to visit the sumptuous Summer Palace of Rama V. Continue then to the former capital of Ayutthaya and contemplate the ancient temples of Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, Wat Mahathat and Wat Phanan Choeng in the Ayutthaya Historical Park. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in Chai Nat before moving on to Phitsanulok for a brief orientation tour of the city. Check in to your hotel. Lunch included.

After breakfast at the hotel, head to Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat to join the locals in their morning prayers and offerings in this historical temple, which houses one of Thailand’s most revered Buddha statues. Depart then for Sukhothai to explore this ancient city packed with historical landmarks, the most impressive being the Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. Admire the ruined temples and palaces as well as the Buddha statues of all sizes. Lunch en route at a local restaurant. A short drive away is Si Satchanalai, which boasts the evocative ruins of half a dozen temples, including Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat – which is reached by crossing a wooden suspension bridge – as well as countless statues of Buddha and elephants. This usually quiet location offers a special spiritual interlude to the tour before arriving in Lampang for the evening. Breakfast and lunch included.

After breakfast, explore the wonderful Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, just a brief drive from Lampang, and marvel at the elaborate decorations and beautiful Buddha statues. Continue north, stopping briefly at Phayao Lake for a coffee break. Then it’s on to the southern outskirts of Chiang Rai to visit Wat Rong Khun, a dazzling temple built in the 1990s. Its ornate all-white exterior, with embedded pieces of mirror, gives it a resplendent appearance, making it one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand. Continue to Chiang Rai for lunch. Afterwards, head to the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. This natural wilderness gained an unwanted notoriety in the 1960s because of the abundant opium cultivation in the area. Then enjoy a boat trip around the Golden Triangle with a stop at Don Sao Island, which forms part of Laos (boat trip lasts approx. 45 minutes). After, visit the 212 House of Opium and stroll around its rare collection of opium paraphernalia such as weights, scales and pipes. Learn the history of this drug and about the devastating effect its trade had on local communities. Breakfast and lunch included

Enjoy a lively start to the day’s activities at the fragrant and vibrant Chiang Rai morning market and then make a brief stop at the Wat Phra Kaew temple. After, delve deeper into local culture at the Hill Tribe Museum and Education Centre, where the lifestyles of the area’s mountain peoples are explained along with the challenges to their survival. Continue by road to Tha Ton and enjoy lunch before heading to the ancient city of Chiang Mai. On arrival, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the most revered temples in the country. This sacred location is at the top of a mountain from where you can appreciate stunning panoramic views over the city. To reach the temple you can either climb a 309-step naga staircase or take the cable car. Breakfast and lunch included.

Wake up to breakfast and then visit with a stop at the Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden in Mae Rim, which first opened in 1992. The Banana Avenue trail takes you to see the tremendous collection of over 200 different varieties of banana trees, mainly from Southeast Asia. Visit the Tropical Rainforest house, which, with a floor space of 1,000 square meters and 33 metres high, holds a wide collection of tropical species, including palms, banana trees and ginger plants. Then stroll through the majestic Orchid House and brave Thailand’s longest canopy walkway, made of steel with glass viewing platforms every 50 to 100 metres. Look down at the subtropical jungle plants far below your feet or gaze around at the surrounding mountains. This visit is followed by lunch at local restaurant. After, continue to the Baan Tipmanee woodworking shop and learn how these artisans make Chiang Mai’s most famous carved wooden products. An optional khantoke dinner is available in the evening. Breakfast and lunch included.

Relax over breakfast at the hotel and then enjoy the freedom of Chiang Mai. Explore the city at your own pace and leisure, visiting the sites and attractions most interesting to you in this city teeming with green spaces, popularly known as the ‘Rose of the North’. The day is yours to do as you wish. Breakfast included.