Central Thailand, Bangkok

Thailand wilderness and the Golden Triangle 3^*

Arrival at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport*.

Welcome to Bangkok, the 'City of Angels', Southeast Asia's premier metropolis and the region's most vibrant capital. This extraordinary city is steeped in history and spirituality, with Thai temples lining the riverbanks and colourful palaces glistening in the sunshine. The river meanders through the heart of the city. Shoppers won't be disappointed either, with the chance to bargain for top-quality handicrafts in some of Asia's chicest shops. Food lovers will be spoilt for choice with the delicious dishes on offer around every corner. There's no doubt that this city will leave you with unforgettable memories!

Your transfer guide will meet you and take you to your hotel. Check in and then use the rest of the day to recover from your flight. Dinner at leisure.

Meals included today: none.

Distances and travel time: Bangkok airport - hotel: 32 km (approx. 45 minutes). The room is available from 2 p.m..

*Please note: International flights must arrive between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.. Outside these times, please add a private transfer at extra cost.

Breakfast at the hotel.

At 8:00 am, meet your English-speaking guide. Head north to nearby Ayutthaya.

10h00 - 17h00: Visit the Summer Palace of Bang Pa In and the fabulous ruins of Ayutthaya. Destroyed when Ayutthaya fell in the 18th century, then rebuilt in the mid-19th century by King Rama V, on the road to Bangkok, the Summer Palace, also known as Bang Pa-In, embodies the impressive architectural encounter between East and West. You'll discover Ayuthaya, the superb city destroyed by the Burmese army in 1767 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, capital of the Kingdom of Siam for 417 years. You'll discover the remains of the former capital: Wat Yai Chai Mongkhol, with its huge statue of a reclining Buddha; the majestic Wat Chaiwatthanaram on the riverbank; Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the symbol of Ayutthaya, in the grounds of the former royal palace; Wat Mahathat, with its Buddha head encased in the roots of a banyan tree.

Lunch in a local restaurant. In the late afternoon, close to the site, the Bang Lan market is held, with its many food stalls and various specialities, where locals buy or sample an anthology of popular Thai cuisine.

Dinner on your own.

Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch in a local restaurant and dinner on your own.

Breakfast at hotel.

At 8:00 am, meet your English-speaking guide. Head north to nearby Ayutthaya.

10:00 am - 5:00 pm: Visit the Bang Pa In Summer Palace and the fabulous ruins of Ayutthaya. Destroyed when Ayutthaya fell in the 18th century, then rebuilt in the mid-19th century by King Rama V, on the road to Bangkok, the Summer Palace, also known as Bang Pa-In, embodies the impressive architectural encounter between East and West. You'll discover Ayuthaya, the superb city destroyed by the Burmese army in 1767 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, capital of the Kingdom of Siam for 417 years. You'll discover the remains of the former capital: Wat Yai Chai Mongkhol, with its huge statue of a reclining Buddha; the majestic Wat Chaiwatthanaram on the riverbank; Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the symbol of Ayutthaya, in the grounds of the former royal palace; Wat Mahathat, with its Buddha head encased in the roots of a banyan tree.

Lunch in a local restaurant. In the late afternoon, close to the site, the Bang Lan market is held, with its many food stalls and various specialities, where locals buy or sample a selection of popular Thai cuisine.

Dinner at leisure.

Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch in a local restaurant and dinner on your own.

Breakfast at the hotel. At 8 a.m., meet your guide.

10:45 - 11:30 a.m.: Visit to Wat Tha Sung

Today you will leave Ayutthaya and drive through the central plains, stopping in Uthai Thani where you will visit the Tha Sung Temple, one of the most impressive temples in Thailand and often referred to as the "glass temple" on account of its glass interior.

Noon - 1:30 p.m.: Lunch - Cruise on the Sakaekrang River

Embark on a boat cruise on the Sakaekrang River to experience the traditional way of life and the locals' floating houses dotted along the river. This unspoilt destination is a remnant of the Thailand of decades ago with its unhurried pace of life and picturesque landscape.

You will then continue to Sukhothai, your final destination for today. Sukhothai is the place where it all began: the first great kingdom of Thailand; the cradle of this fabulous culture; and the beginning of a major civilisation. The ancient city of Sukhothai, recognised as a world heritage site by UNESCO, is the kind of location that brought explorers to Asia in the first place, and has fascinated kids and adults alike ever since. Marvel at the glorious, towering Buddha statues and beautifully carved elephants supporting an imposing stupa. However, Sukhothai is much more than just a picture-postcard setting. Above and beyond the beauty of its temples, it has always been one of Thailand's most ancient sites, setting the standards for Thai architecture, art, culture, and spirituality.

Once you've settled into your hotel, you'll have the rest of the evening free to do as you please. Make your own dinner arrangements.

Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch cruise

Distances and journey times: Ayutthaya - Uthai Thani: 134 km (approx. 1h45).

Breakfast at the hotel, then meet your guide at 8:30 am.

9:00 am - 11:00 am: Discover Sukhothai Historical Park by bike

Cycle today through the streets of the ancient city of Sukhothai (meaning "Dawn of Happiness"), to discover the history of Thailand's most important kingdom. It's fun to explore the UNESCO World Heritage temples and monasteries on two wheels**, stopping to admire the engraved elephants, the Buddha statues and the high stupa.

Remarks:

• Sukhothai Historical Park opening hours: 6am-7.30pm.
• Distance and duration of bike ride: 4 to 6 km (approx. 1h30 to 2h)
• Difficulty level: 0 - accessible to anyone who knows how to ride a bike.

**11:30am - 2:40pm: Make your own amulet and have lunch with a local **

Not far from the Historical Park, you'll meet the owner of the house where you'll have lunch. Passionate about local history, you'll feel right at home as he shares his knowledge with you, and as you sample a simple but tasty local specialty: Sukhothai noodles. You'll also have the chance to make your own lucky charm: a Buddhist amulet to take home with you.

Dinner at your leisure.

Meals included: breakfast at hotel, lunch with local people.

After breakfast, you'll leave Sukhothai and drive to Lampang where you'll visit the magnificent Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, an impressive Buddhist temple built in the Lanna architectural style.

It still retains its remarkable, traditional, original structure. Dating back to 1476, it is perhaps the oldest wooden structure in Thailand and still stands thanks to its sturdy teak pillars. The ramparts surrounding the temple give it a fortress-like appearance. You will then continue on to Chiang Mai, a city often described as the most charming in Thailand. Northern Thailand's most important cultural centre offers an impressive and varied heritage of ancient temples, from colourful structures that glisten in the sun to more discreet beauties in earthy tones or rustic brick and wood. The surrounding countryside is simply spectacular. Chiang Mai is also the gateway to the northern mountains, offering invigorating hikes, enigmatic elephants, and culturally intriguing minority villages.

In the afternoon, take a walk up Doi Suthep, one of the oldest and highest hills overlooking Chiang Mai. Doi Suthep is also home to one of the city's most spiritually significant and revered temples. You will have the chance to receive a private blessing and attend the monks' chanting: a moving experience and a true encounter with Thailand's spiritual tradition. Then enjoy the magical play of colours in the sky at sunset. Dinner at leisure.

Meals included: breakfast at the hotel, lunch in a local restaurant in Lampang.

Distances and travel times Sukhothai - Lampang: 200 km (approx. 3h00 by minibus) / Lampang - Chiang Mai: 105 km (approx. 1h30 - 2 h00 (subject to traffic conditions) / Hotel - Doi Suthep: 20 km (45 mn)

Free morning at your disposal to relax at your hotel or to explore the city on your own.

Make your own lunch arrangements.

An evening in Chiang Mai by songthaew:

In the late afternoon, you'll set off to explore the city of Chiang Mai in a songthaew: a local pick-up converted to carry passengers in the back. You'll start by heading to a hidden spot by the river, where you'll sample some northern dishes while sipping a refreshing drink and watching the sun go down. You will then set off again to explore the bustling markets and pass by famous monuments on your way to the centre of the Old Town. When you stop at the public park, you'll be able to see locals and expats enjoying a spot of sport at the end of their working day - it's a great place to watch people doing yoga or playing takraw or badminton. There are also free aerobics classes,which are open to all! You will then return to your songthaew, which will take you close to the river, where there is a local restaurant. Round out the evening in this picturesque riverside setting, enjoying delicious local dishes.

Meals included: breakfast at the hotel, dinner in a local restaurant.

This morning, you will leave Chiang Mai and head for Chiang Dao.

The impressive Doi Luang Chiang Dao and its karst peaks make it the 3rd tallest mountain in the country. It is home to an impressive network of caves that conceal some of the most vast caves in northern Thailand and are revered by the locals as holy places. As you make your way through the caves, you'll climb from chamber to chamber, through the narrow passageways, with a local guide who will assist you along the way.

After this caving adventure, you will continue on to Thaton, a tranquil town set in a fertile valley, whose surrounding mountains are home to various ethnic minorities indigenous to northern Thailand. In the late afternoon, you will head for Wat Thaton, a gigantic complex of temples scattered across the hills surrounding the town. The buildings are spread over a total of 9 levels, each with its own significance and importance, however, levels 8 and 9 are the most spectacular as they offer beautiful views of Thaton and the River Kok below. Duration: approximately 1 hour (more if you climb).

Note: As is customary in all temples, smart clothing is recommended, although there are no strict controls.

The temples can be climbed by staircase for those who wish, however, a minivan is also available to take you to the upper levels.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch in a local restaurant.

Distance and journey time: Chiang Mai - Thaton: 200 km (approx. 3h45)

You will leave early this morning for the hotel to discover the Pu Muen mountain before heading for a village where the Red Lahu ethnic group live. Doi Pu Muen stands just outside Fang and forms part of the Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park. A special all-terrain vehicle will be used to reach the village, as the final stretch is inaccessible to ordinary vehicles. Once you reach the village, the villagers will explain how they grow tea and coffee. You will be invited to take part in the tea leaf plucking** and watch how the tea is processed before it is beautifully packaged - ready to be sold. You will also be involved in preparing your lunch in the traditional way, using bamboo containers and banana leaves.

After these moments spent together with the villagers of this isolated community, you will make your way back down to the valley and continue your journey to Chiang Rai.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Distances and journey times: From Thaton to Doi Pu Muen: 50 km (approx. 1 hr) / Doi Pu Muen - Chiang Rai: 112 km (approx. 2h30).

You will start the day with a visit to Black House, a complex of religiously inspired buildings created by one of Chiang Rai's famous artists, Thawan Duchanee. In this special place, you can admire his works of art, often inspired by hell and the dark side of humanity.

You will then continue on to Mae Sai and visit the bustling market in this town on the border with Myanmar and the northern tip of Thailand. After that, you'll head for the Golden Triangle, famous for its mysterious stories linked to former drug trafficking and past wars. The picturesque Wat Pu Kao with its panoramic view of the Mekong is the best way to admire this iconic site. At the famous Golden Triangle, a fun surprise awaits as you make your way to a charming restaurant nestled in the countryside. Simple but delicious local dishes are served in a magnificent setting.

After lunch, you will visit the Opium Museum where you will learn more about the history and trade of opium.

7:30 - 9:30 p.m.: Chiang Rai's main sights by night in a tuk tuk.

In the evening, explore the city of Chiang Rai by tuk tuk and visit its monuments, which are beautifully illuminated at night. You'll discover the gilded clock tower, designed by a famous local artist, where you can enjoy a light and sound show. Then you'll see the statue of King Mengrai, a place where the locals come to pay their respects and make offerings of incense and flowers to ensure that their journeys are trouble-free and prosperous. Finally, you will dine at a good restaurant in Chiang Rai's night bazaar before enjoying a stroll in the surrounding area before returning to your hotel.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch at La Vallée, dinner.

Distance and driving time: Chiang Rai - Golden Triangle - Chiang Rai: 140 km (approx. 2 hrs 30 mins in total).

Today is your last day in Chiang Rai: first you will discover the marvellous Wat Rong Khun. Also known as the White Temple, it is one of the unique highlights when visiting temples in northern Thailand. The jagged peaks of this gleaming white temple emerge from a grassy garden like a white fire, while the entire structure is elegantly reflected in the adjacent pond. This magnificent and complex work of art is a combination of ancient art and contemporary architecture created by local artist Chalermchai Kositpipat.

Back in Chiang Mai, you'll have time to explore the famous Warorot Market - the perfect place to go souvenir hunting before boarding the night train to Bangkok (without a hide).

Please note:

• As catering options on the train may be limited, it is advised that you dine before boarding the train and/or purchase snacks and drinks to take with you on the train.
• Train tickets can only be purchased 30 days in advance and are subject to availability.
• Grouped seats are also subject to availability.
• Train tickets cannot be purchased during the festive season from 20 December to 10 January and from 12 to 18 April. Therefore, for these dates, we suggest you travel by plane.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Distances and journey times: Chiang Rai - Wat Rong Khun (White Temple): 12 km (20 minutes) / Wat Rong Kung - Chiang Mai: 173 km (approx. 3h00).

Arrival at Bangkok station in the early hours of the morning (around 6:50 a.m. at Bang Sue Bangkok station).

Welcome and transfer with your English-speaking guide to the hotel near the station, for a shower and a bite of breakfast.

From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Visit Bangkok like a local

Take the BTS (aerial metro) across the city, and you'll have the chance to see the city "from above", from an unfamiliar perspective, leaving from Chatuchak station (7 stations with a metro change at Siam Square & 6 stations to Saphan Taksin) to Taskin Bridge on the banks of the Chao Praya River, from where you'll board a local ferry back up to the Tha Tien wharf for a visit to the nearby Wat Pho. This site has over a thousand different representations of Buddha and its largest statue is one of the most iconic in Bangkok: the Reclining Buddha. You'll be able to hear the morning chants of the monks from the main hall. A little later, take a walk to Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the most sacred temple to the Thai people. It forms part of the Grand Palace complex, with its many chedis and golden-tipped roofs, reception halls, magnificently decorated buildings, statues, etc. Certainly the highlight of any visit to Bangkok, and not to be missed under any circumstances.

Lunch at a local restaurant During the tour.

It's time for an adventure: hop on the famous tuk tuk and head down Rachadamnoen Avenue, past the Democracy Monument. You arrive at Loha Prasat (also known as the Iron Temple) with its small amulet market right next door, and overlooking the avenue - the magnificent Thai pavilion that is very popular among photograohy enthusiasts. Finally, take a tuk tuk across the Khao San Road district for a final ride to your hotel. You're free to enjoy the city's nightlife for the rest of your evening and you can make your own arrangements for dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch in a local restaurant

Breakfast at the hotel. The room is available until 12 noon.

Transfer to Bangkok airport to catch your international flight (without a guide).

Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel.

Bangkok distances and travel time - Bangkok Airport by minibus: 35 kilometres - 45 minutes

IMPORTANT: do not schedule an international flight before 3 p.m..

Departure from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK).

Please note that the maximum group size during the tour is 16 people**.

The international flight must arrive between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.. Outside these times, please add a private transfer at additional cost.

For those booking the "hotel only" option (without international flights), please inform us of your flight details as soon as possible via the contact form located in the "Help and Contact" section at the bottom of the page, so we can organise your transfers.

Luggage transport to and from hotels is not included.

Accommodation: As indicated, the hotels are rated three-star or four-star according to local standards. The services provided may not be equivalent to European three-star and four-star standards.

Guides: During the guided tours mentioned in the itinerary, you will benefit from the services of a private English-speaking guide.