Ancient Capitals

📍 Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport – Siam Heritage Hotel (34.6 km): 49 min / Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport – Ariyasom Villa (28.4 km): 39 min / Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport – The Peninsula (47.1 km): 55 min

Arrive in Bangkok, meet with the EXO Travel guide and transfer to the hotel for check in.

Overnight in Bangkok

Inclusions:

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning’s adventure begins with a ride on the city’s Skytrain. This elevated train line is busy in the morning with business people and schoolchildren who use it to avoid street traffic for a faster, air-conditioned commute. Disembark near the Chao Phraya River and board a public boat, another popular commuter option. Enjoy views of the city’s skyline as you pass by and see houses precariously balanced on stilts along the river’s edge. Guests staying at a riverside hotel may board a shuttle boat to the central pier for the public boat.

The boat stops at a local pier, where you will hop aboard an electric tuk tuk—Thailand’s famous three-wheeled vehicle used by locals throughout the country. Drive through the old town of Bangkok to Bangkok City Hall, the starting point of the street food walking experience.

The first visit is Wat Suthat, one of the oldest and largest Buddhist temples in Bangkok, followed by a quick photo stop at the Giant Swing, located in front of the temple. After that, walk through the area’s narrow streets to experience local culture, with various opportunities to sample traditional food and sweets. Try kafae boran, old-style Thai coffee, at a small traditional coffee shop, and then stroll to taste a popular Thai dessert, khanom thua paep (mung bean rice crepe). Just a few steps away, visit another local stall to sample gui chaii, a dumpling stuffed with vegetables such as bean sprouts and spinach.

Next, continue walking toward the Chinese Chao Phor Suea Shrine to see a tiger god image. Stroll through the alley of Phraeng Phuthon, one of the best-preserved heritage neighborhoods in Bangkok, where guests can enjoy homemade coconut ice cream from a family that has followed the same recipe for generations.

After this tasty experience, the guide will lead guests through a small local market in the next neighborhood, selling fresh seafood, fruits, clothes, and more. The tour then arrives at a large Buddha manufacturer on a small street in Nava Alley, where guests can see various Buddha images and statues in all sizes and witness the process of making them in the workshops.

Take a short walk back to the Giant Swing, where a transfer will be waiting to continue the afternoon tour.

Re-board the e-tuk tuk to explore an impressive complex of temples, palaces, pavilions, and museums. A must-see attraction is the Emerald Buddha, which, according to legend, is nearly 2,000 years old.

After visiting the Grand Palace, the tour continues to nearby Wat Pho—Bangkok’s oldest and arguably most impressive temple. Home to the magnificent 45-meter-long Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho also served as Thailand's first school of traditional medicine and Thai massage.

Note: Appropriate dress is required for visits to palaces and temples. Shorts, mini-skirts, tight-fitting trousers, sleeveless shirts or vests, and sandals are not allowed.

Return to the hotel by private transfer.

Overnight in Bangkok

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Bangkok – Ayutthaya Historical Park (80.9 km): 1.06 hr / Ayutthaya Historical Park – Bang Pa-In Summer Palace (21.9 km): 28 min

After breakfast at the hotel, the day begins with a drive from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city. The journey passes through Bangkok’s sprawling suburbs and into the vibrant countryside and lush paddy fields.

After approximately 1.5 hours, arrive in Ayutthaya and hop onto a “Kermit” Tuk Tuk (a special type of motorized tuk tuk available only in Ayutthaya and Trang provinces) to explore the magnificent ruins and ancient temples within the historical park. Learn about the city’s rich history, from its founding as the capital in the 14th century to its fall to Burmese invaders in the 1700s. Venture through the temple-studded landscape, stopping to visit the revered Wat Yai Chaimongkol and Wat Mahathat, where you can photograph the iconic Buddha image entwined within a tree.

After exploring the ancient kingdom’s ruins, re-board a tuk tuk to a local, unique restaurant for an elevated Thai lunch in stunning surroundings. The staff, service, food, atmosphere, and location all hold historical significance from the Ayutthaya period.

Following lunch, proceed by private transfer to the final stop on this relaxed-paced tour: Arts of the Kingdom Museum. This museum provides a deep insight into the world of Royal Thai art, featuring handcrafted golden thrones, massive wooden sculptures, and hand-woven fabric pictures. Explore the museum with the assistance of your guide and the museum’s audio guide, learning about the history of the region and the significance of these pieces within Thai culture. Some artifacts are fairly modern, connected to the contemporary Thai royal family, while others are centuries old.

If time permits, you may also visit the Khon Museum. Khon is one of Thailand’s oldest narrative dance forms, telling historical stories through performance. Commissioned by the famous Queen Sirikit through the SUPPORT Foundation, a new theatrical interpretation of Khon performances is showcased. The museum displays the elaborate costumes and apparatus used in these performances, along with the history and traditions of Khon throughout time.

After exploring these impressive museums, transfer to your hotel in Ayutthaya.

Overnight in Ayutthaya

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Ayutthaya – Phitsanulok (303 km): 3.49 hr / Phitsanulok – Sukhothai Historical Park (71.4 km): 57 min

After breakfast at the hotel, continue driving further north to Phitsanulok and enjoy a brief visit to Wat Mahathat, which features Thailand’s most beautiful Buddha image, Phra Puttha Chinnarat. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, proceed to Sukhothai, whose name means “dawn of happiness.” Founded in the 13th century, Sukhothai became the kingdom's first capital and is known as the golden age of Thai history. Visit Sukhothai Historical Park, once a walled city surrounded by a moat, which contains almost 200 ruined chedis in remarkable condition. See the main sites, including Wat Mahathat, Wat Sri Chum, Wat Sri Sawai, Wat Sra Sri, Wat Trapang Ngoen, and the Ramkhamhaeng Museum before checking into your hotel.

A bike ride in the historical park is available for an additional supplement—a pleasant and easy way to explore the ruins!

Overnight in Sukhothai

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Sukhothai – Si Satchanalai Historical Park (69.5 km): 1 hr / Si Satchanalai Historical Park – Chiang Mai (257 km): 3.27 hr

After breakfast, drive north to Si Satchanalai Historical Park, located on the banks of the Yom River, north of Sukhothai. The ancient town, formerly called Muang Chaliang, was renamed Si Satchanalai during the reign of Phra Ruang. Within the park, 134 ruined monuments have been discovered. Visit the main sites, including several temples, as well as the Celadon Kiln Site Study and Conservation Center at Ban Ko Noi, approximately 4 kilometres north of Si Satchanalai. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, drive to the northern capital, Chiang Mai, arriving in the charming city in the early evening, then check in at your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore Chiang Mai at your own pace or with a guide if desired. You may wish to enjoy a local dinner at a riverside restaurant, followed by a stroll through the night market to shop for handicrafts or souvenirs.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

Rise early this morning and be picked up at 06:00. (Note: Takeaway breakfast box from the hotel.) Begin your day by taking a closer look at Chiang Mai’s rich traditions with an early morning tour with the monks. Set off at first light and drive to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, located on a mountaintop and considered one of Chiang Mai’s most sacred sites.

Arrive in time to see the monks emerge from their monasteries for the daily alms collection. Witness the saffron-robed monks silently shuffle down the streets, collecting offerings from local Buddhist residents. This serene ceremony is the perfect introduction to Chiang Mai’s spiritual side.

Climb the massive staircase to the top of Doi Suthep, admiring the Golden Naga images that line the stairs. Stroll around the golden stupa at the center of the pagoda and take in the sweeping views of the city.

Continue along the spiritual trail with a visit to tranquil Wat Umong. Dating back to the 14th century, this sacred temple contains a network of mysterious tunnels and caves. In one of these quiet corners, receive a special blessing from a local monk.

Following this introduction to the spirituality of northern Thailand, head to a popular local restaurant for a snack. Try a bowl of khao soi, Chiang Mai’s most famous dish, which combines crispy noodles with coconut curry sauce. Enjoy the delicious noodles while reflecting on the magical morning, then return to the hotel.

In the afternoon, explore the main ancient temple ruins of Wiang Kum Kam, the Lost City, by bicycle, visiting Wat Chedi Liam, Wat Phraya Meng Rai, Wat Kan Thom, and Wat Koo Paa Dom. After seeing Wiang Kum Kam, visit Wat Chiang Mun, the oldest temple in the ‘new’ city of Chiang Mai, which contains numerous ancient artifacts. Continue by vehicle to the Three Kings Monument, then to Chiang Mai Arts & Culture Center, which offers a wonderful collection chronicling the history of Chiang Mai.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Chiang Mai town – Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (17.2 km): 39 min / Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai / Golden Triangle (about 188 km): 2.38 hr

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive toward Chiang Rai, approximately a 3-hour journey.

Arrive in Chiang Rai for lunch at Cabbages & Condoms, operated by the Population and Community Development Association (PDA), followed by a visit to the PDA Hilltribe Museum and Education Centre. Later, stop at Wat Rong Khun, the “White Temple,” before proceeding to Chiang Saen, a former Lanna principality dating back to 1328.

Overnight in the Golden Triangle

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

After breakfast at the hotel, visit the area of ancient Chiang Saen before continuing to Mae Sai, the bustling trading town at the northernmost border between Thailand and Myanmar. Take a stroll through the lively marketplace, hearing bits of the Myanmar language as people buy and sell their wares.

With your taste buds tantalized by the mouth-watering snacks on display, refuel with lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, proceed to the viewpoint of the Golden Triangle to see where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet. Then, take a long-tail boat to admire the splendour of the mighty Mekong River as it joins the Ruak River, forming the “triangle” between Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand.

Return to your hotel.

Overnight in Chiang Rai / Golden Triangle.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Chiang Rai – Chiang Rai Airport (8.1 km): 14 min / Golden Triangle – Chiang Rai Airport (67 km): 1.05 hr

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Chiang Rai Airport for your onward flight.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast