Enchanting Thailand

📍 Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport – Bangkok Hotels (approx. 30 – 40 km): approx. 40 – 50 min

Upon arrival at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport in the early morning, you will be met and greeted by our Exo Travel guide and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy an early check-in and breakfast at the hotel.

At noon, leave the hotel and walk to the nearest BTS Skytrain station for a ride toward the river. Then, board a private long-tail boat to explore the peaceful Klong Bang Luang. Pass by shophouses, local temples, and vendors along this waterway, which was once a major trading route and is lined with impressive homes of aristocrats. Your guide will point out local landmarks and cultural idiosyncrasies of the area.

The boat will stop at Baan Silapin, a 100-year-old renovated house now home to an art gallery. The gallery serves

as a central gathering point for the community’s artisans. Spend time browsing the works of art on display and learn about Thailand’s modern arts scene. Take a short walk around the community to see the traditional houses that line the canal.

Stop here for up to two hours to enjoy the gallery, participate in an art workshop, or explore the local community, before experiencing a unique puppet show performed by puppeteers trained under the Joe Louis School of Puppetry (puppet show performance is not guaranteed due to short-notice changes). On the way back to the city, visit the Temple of Dawn – Wat Arun.

In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner onboard the Manohrah Dinner Cruise.

Return to the hotel by public transportation.

Overnight in Bangkok

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Bangkok Old Town by electric tuk tuk, driving through the Thai Champ Elysee Avenue and heading toward Wat Pho, where you will listen to the monks’ morning chanting. This ritual offers a special insight into Buddhist culture and the life of the monks. You will visit the impressive Reclining Buddha and then explore the near by Grand Palace, with its numerous magnificent buildings and halls.

Note: The Grand Palace is one of Bangkok’s most popular attractions, receiving millions of tourists annually. To make the most of your visit and avoid crowds, your guide will have flexibility to visit the temple either early in the morning or late in the afternoon, depending on your itinerary. If the crowds are too overwhelming, the guide can take you to an alternative temple in the area, such as Wat Saket or Wat Suthat. This decision should be made before entering the Grand Palace.

Lunch will be at Elefin Coffee, which prides itself on offering high-quality coffee and service in a setting that captures the essence of old Siam. Their aim is simple: provide the best quality coffee amidst a uniquely Thai environment. Elefin Coffee introduces a new type of café experience, serving as a place for community, entertainment, and relaxation. The café also provides a platform for local artists to showcase their work, reflecting their commitment to elevating the community and promoting local culture.

In the afternoon, hop on an electric tuk tuk and continue to explore one of Bangkok’s best-kept secrets for street food in Chinatown, a neighborhood internationally renowned for having the city’s longest street-food offerings. On this tour, you will explore the backstreets as well as the bright lights and energy of Yaowarat Street, while learning about the history of the area and meeting some of Chinatown’s favorite street-food artisans. Sample a variety of dishes, including famous Chinese dumplings, peppered pork noodles, Chinese donuts, and sweet Chinese desserts, and visit a traditional tea shophouse. By the end of the tour, you will understand why Chinatown holds some of Bangkok’s best-kept culinary secrets.

Following the Chinatown visit, enjoy a scrumptious Thai dinner at a riverfront restaurant.

Overnight in Bangkok

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Bangkok –Ayutthaya (71.2 km): 56 min

After breakfast, be picked up at 07:00 and explore Thailand's ancient capital and cultural heartland on an absorbing Ayutthaya day trip by train, boat, and tuk-tuk. The day begins with a morning train ride of approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from Bangkok to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Ayutthaya, passing through verdant countryside and lush paddy fields.

Upon arrival in Ayutthaya, which dates back to the 14th century, spend the morning exploring the breathtaking, temple-studded landscape by a unique Kermit tuk-tuk, visiting the city’s most notable temples.

See the majestic Wat Yai Chaimongkol, the impressive Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, and Wat Mahathat, where a Buddha face has naturally emerged from a tree. Learn about the history of Ayutthaya, which was once the largest city in the world, and hear stories of its glory days and eventual fall to invading forces from Myanmar.

Between temple visits, experience local life with a stop at a vibrant market. Take a walk through the town's Muslim Quarter and sample a unique local delicacy, candy floss roti.

After lunch at a local restaurant, continue the Ayutthaya day trip with a leisurely long-tail boat ride of approximately one hour around Ayutthaya Island, offering the chance to view more historic sites from a different perspective. The tour concludes with a Kermit tuk-tuk ride to your hotel in Ayutthaya.

Overnight in Ayutthaya

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Ayutthaya – Lopburi (71.7 km): 1.09 hrs. Lopburi – Sukhothai (319 km): 3.50 hrs.

After breakfast at the hotel, check out in the late morning and proceed north to Sukhothai, with an en-route stop in Lopburi. Visit Phra Prang Sam Yod, also known as “The Monkey Temple,” famous for the many monkeys inhabiting the grounds. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Lopburi.

After lunch, continue onward to Sukhothai and visit Sukhothai Historical Park, which contains almost 200 ruined chedis in remarkable condition. Explore the park by tram and on foot. A bike ride is also possible for an additional fee, providing a pleasant and easy way to stroll around the ruins.

In the evening, enjoy dinner and a special cocktail at the hotel.

Overnight in Sukhothai

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Sukothai – Si Satchanalai (59.8 km) 1.08 hr Si Satchanalai – Lampang (153 km): 2.16 hr

After breakfast at the hotel, travel to a local organic farm where you will dress in the distinctive indigo-colored cotton Thai farmer uniform and get your hands dirty in the organic rice fields, transplanting seedlings, harvesting, or milling rice. There is also an opportunity to plough the paddies with a water buffalo.

Next, venture off the beaten track into Baan Na Thon Chan Community in Si Satchanalai District. This location is not something you will find in guidebooks or most holiday brochures, and our guests will have the opportunity to see how locals live and experience what an average day in the life of a grassroots Thai person is like.

Enjoy a very basic but delicious Sukhothai-style noodle soup served in a local cookshop.

After lunch, guests will have the opportunity to pick fruit (longan) in an orchard, visit a local silk-weaving house, observe the process of fermented cloth production, and see a toy-wooden manufacturer at work.

You will clearly see how the community applies a more progressive approach to sustainable living compared to people in more developed areas. A key feature of this tour is that locals open their doors to foreign guests, sharing the intimacy of their home lives. Afterward, continue your journey north to Lampang.

Overnight in Lampang

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Lampang – Phrae (100 km): 1.28 hr Phare – Nan (117 km): 1.47 hr

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and head toward the highlight of Lampang, Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, the famous Buddhist temple in the city. In Lampang, experience a ride in the traditional horse-drawn cart taxis, which are still operating today. Take a stroll along Talad Kao Road, where you can admire old Thai, Chinese, British, and Burmese merchant houses, and stop by a charming coffee shop to explore the emerging local art scene.

Continue onward to Nan, with an en-route stop in Phrae, one of Thailand’s oldest cities and one of the most authentic Lanna towns. Phrae is filled with traditional Thai architecture, including beautiful teak houses, eclectic temples, quiet lanes, and several large colonial-period teak mansions. Spend some time visiting Vongburi House, a large two-storey teak mansion built in 1897 for a family that once held a major teak concession in the area.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Proceed to Nan, recently designated as an area for sustainable tourism, with a focus on low-carbon travel. Drive north of Nan town for about an hour to Baan Nhong Bua in Tha Wang Pha District to observe the flamboyant lifestyle of the Tai Lue people, whose traditions have influenced the patterns of the flowing-water fabrics, “Pha Lai Nam Lai.” This fabric is woven to the rhythm of the river that flows through the village, using locally grown, naturally dyed cotton.

Return to Nan town for city sightseeing, including Wat Phumin, the most interesting temple in town, followed by a drive up to Wat Phra That Khao Noi. This viewpoint offers panoramic views of Nan town, and the Buddha statue appears to be blessing the city.

Overnight in Nan

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Nan – Boklua (88.1 km): 1.54 hr

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy some sightseeing in town. Visit the Noble House or Hong Chao Fongkham (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays), a teak house with a high basement that was once owned by Chao Fongkham, a descendant of Chao Anataworarithidej, the 62nd Lord of Nan. The house now serves as a museum, housing silverware, lace, waterline fabrics, and ornaments that reflect the prosperity of Muang Nan.

Next, visit the Ransri Kasem Building or Nan Christian School, established by the first missionaries in Nan. The building now serves as an exhibition space, showcasing the rich history of Nan.

Continue to Wat Baan Phra Kerd for a Tung Workshop. “Tung” means flag in Lanna. Participate in the workshop and later offer your creation to the monks for blessing.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

OPTIONAL VISIT: For those particularly interested in art, an alternative is to visit Nan Riverside Gallery (closed on Wednesdays), which features paintings and sculptures by the local artist Winai Prabripoo.

In the afternoon, drive out of Nan and up into the mountains to Boklua District, approximately a 2-hour drive. Arrive in Boklua in the late afternoon and check in at your resort, offering panoramic views of the lush mountains.

Enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Overnight at Boklua

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Boklua – Chiang Kham (190 km): 3.45 hr

Enjoy an early breakfast at the resort, then check out and depart at around 07:00. Today, travel to Phayao, with your destination being the small town of Chiang Kham, where you will stay at Rico Resort, nestled among the rice paddy fields.

Lunch will be served at the resort.

After lunch, transfer to visit a local village and the Thai Lue weaving house, observing the locals at work and learning about the art of weaving. Continue to Wat Nanthalam, a Burmese-style teakwood temple, followed by a visit to Wat Phra That Doi Kham, a modern-style temple also known as the “Temple of the Golden Mountain.”

Enjoy a lovely dinner set up at the resort.

Overnight in Chiang Kham

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

Enjoy breakfast this morning in the serene surroundings of the resort.

After breakfast, drive past the rice fields along the backroads near the resort until reaching Wat Phra Khaew, a temple over 400 years old, where the Emerald Buddha was once housed for an unknown period. Make a short stop at one of the largest Bo trees in Chiang Kham and Thailand, then continue to visit the Huai Sa Reservoir. From here, head to the Community Jungle, where you will embark on a gentle trek of approximately 2 km, learning about this green area, which is eco-friendly and well-preserved for the local ecosystem. Trek around the loop before returning to your transportation.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, sampling a variety of regional dishes.

After lunch, visit another famous temple in town, Wat Phra Nang Din, known for its Buddha image in a sitting position on the ground. The day’s trip concludes with a visit to the Ban Chayaphrom vegetable market, before returning to the resort.

Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Overnight in Chiang Kham

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Chiang Kham – Phu Chaisai Mountain Resort (124 km): 2.24 hr

After breakfast at the resort, check out and drive onward to Chiang Rai. Upon arrival, visit two highlighted attractions: The White Temple and The Blue Temple, both renowned for their stunning architecture and extraordinary styles.

Following the visits, continue to Mae Chan and spend the night at a natural mountain resort in Mae Salong.

Overnight in Mae Chan.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Phu Chaisai Mountain Resort – Chiang Mai (239 km): 4.06 hr

After breakfast, check out and head to Hloyo Village, a small Akha hill tribe community where you can experience authentic local life.

Upon arrival, be welcomed by the village headman and residents. The hosts will provide an informative introduction to the Akha people, including their beliefs, religion, traditions, and way of life. Gain a deeper understanding of these customs at a museum housed in a traditional mud house, featuring insightful displays about the history of the Akha people.

Take a walk through the village to see traditional bamboo houses constructed by hand. Meet local artisans and assist them in creating handmade crafts. Then, step into the kitchen for a cooking class, preparing typical Akha dishes using fresh ingredients and traditional techniques passed down through generations. Sit down to enjoy this freshly prepared meal, exchanging stories with your hosts while dining.

After lunch, proceed to Chiang Mai via Fang District, arriving in the evening.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

After breakfast at the hotel, be picked up and take a winding drive into the hills of Doi Suthep. Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, admiring the intricate naga carvings along the way. Upon reaching the top, explore the 14th-century pagoda and learn about its origins. Wander around the towering gilded stupa and take a moment to enjoy the panoramic views of Chiang Mai in the distance.

On the way down the hill, visit the secret jungle temple, Wat Phalad. Known as one of the most peaceful and beautifully crafted temples in Chiang Mai, Wat Phalad was built to enshrine a piece of bone said to belong to the historical Buddha. Here, meet one of the monks and receive a blessing for good health and good fortune.

After the morning visit, take a trishaw across the bridge to the lively Waroros Market, the hub of local life, bustling with fresh flowers and street food stalls. Your guide will explore the market with you, and you will have the chance to sample some local Thai sweets.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a free afternoon at leisure.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Chiang Mai – Chiang Mai Airport (14.2 km): 27 min

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

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast