From Temples to Tropics: 15 Days Exploring Thailand & Its Islands

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Embark on an extraordinary 15-day adventure through the captivating heart of Thailand, a journey meticulously crafted to reveal the country's most renowned treasures. From the bustling metropolis of Bangkok to the ancient kingdoms of the central plains, and from the verdant mountains of the North to the pristine shores of its southern islands, this tour promises an immersive and unforgettable experience. Discover magnificent historical sites, witness the serene beauty of the countryside, engage with the unique daily lives of hill tribes, and surrender to the tranquility of sun-kissed beaches. With domestic flights, comfortable transfers, expert guides, and most meals included, your focus can remain solely on soaking in the magic of Thailand. Prepare to be enchanted by a land of rich traditions, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural beauty.

OVERVIEW ITINERARY

Here is overview itinerary. Please contact for more details and better offers. 

Day 1: Bangkok (Arrival & Leisure)

Day 2: Bangkok (City Temple Tour)

Day 3: Bangkok → Kanchanaburi (Floating Market & River Kwai)

Day 4: Kanchanaburi → Ayutthaya (Ancient Capital Exploration)

Day 5: Ayutthaya → Phitsanulok → Sukhothai (Historical & Cultural Gems)

Day 6: Sukhothai (Historical Park & Ancient Temples)

Day 7: Sukhothai → Lampang → Chiang Rai (Elephant Hospital & Northern Landscapes)

Day 8: Chiang Rai (Golden Triangle & Artistic Temples)

Day 9: Chiang Rai → Chiang Mai (Mountain Temple & City Views)

Day 10: Chiang Mai (Doi Inthanon National Park Exploration)

Day 11: Chiang Mai → Phuket (Flight to Island Paradise)

Day 12: Phuket (Beach Relaxation)

Day 13: Phuket (Phang Nga Bay Exploration: Canoeing & James Bond Island)

Day 14: Phuket (Beach Leisure)

Day 15: Phuket (Departure)

DETAIL PROGRAM:

Day 1: Bangkok (Arrival)

• Meals: None

• Accommodation: Hotel in Bangkok

• Activities:

  • Upon your arrival at Bangkok's airport, you will be warmly greeted by our driver who will provide a comfortable transfer to your hotel.

  • The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure, allowing you to settle in or begin your exploration of this vibrant city at your own pace.

  • Overnight stay in Bangkok.

Day 2: Bangkok (City Temple Tour)

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Bangkok

• Activities:

  • Today, delve into the spiritual heart of Bangkok with a comprehensive city temple tour.

  • Your first stop is Wat Traimit, also known as the Golden Buddha Temple, where you'll marvel at its magnificent, solid gold Buddha statue.

  • Next, visit Wat Pho, home to the revered Reclining Buddha, and soak in the peaceful ambiance of this sacred site, also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.

  • Conclude your temple visits with Wat Benjamabophit, renowned for its exquisite marble architecture, offering a blend of Thai and European design.

  • Optional Add-On: Pay the entrance fee to visit The Grand Palace, a stunning complex of royal residences and temples, including the sacred Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha Temple).

  • After the temple explorations, savor a delicious local lunch at a charming Thai restaurant.

  • The afternoon is free for your leisure, perhaps for some shopping or further independent exploration.

  • Overnight stay in Bangkok.

Day 3: Bangkok → Kanchanaburi (Floating Market & River Kwai)

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Kanchanaburi

• Activities:

  • You will be picked up at your hotel in Bangkok and begin your scenic journey to the picturesque Floating Market of Damnoen Saduak. Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere as vendors sell their goods directly from traditional boats.

  • After ample photo opportunities, continue to Kanchanaburi, a town steeped in World War II history.

  • Experience a poignant ride on the Death Railway train, crossing the iconic bridge over the scenic River Kwai valley, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

  • Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, savoring authentic Thai flavors.

  • In the afternoon, embark on a relaxing boat trip on the River Kwai, taking in the serene environment and the historical significance of the area.

  • Return to Kanchanaburi for your overnight stay.

Day 4: Kanchanaburi → Ayutthaya (Ancient Capital Exploration)

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Ayutthaya

• Activities:

  • In the morning after breakfast, continue your journey to Ayutthaya, a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital of Siam.

  • Delve into the rich history of this ancient kingdom by visiting its famous ruins, including the impressive Buddha statues at Wat Mongkol Bopit, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, and the grandeur of Wat Chaiwatthanaram. These sites offer a glimpse into the architectural and artistic brilliance of the Ayutthaya period.

  • Overnight stay in Ayutthaya, allowing you to absorb the historical ambiance.

Day 5: Ayutthaya → Phitsanulok → Sukhothai (Historical & Cultural Gems)

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Sukhothai

• Activities:

  • After breakfast, your driver and guide will pick you up from the hotel for your transfer to Sukhothai, another significant historical capital.

  • En route, make a fascinating stop in Phitsanulok.

  • Visit the archaeological site of Chan Royal Palace, the presumed birthplace and original residence of King Naresuan the Great, offering insights into early Thai royalty.

  • Continue your visit at Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat, colloquially known as Wat Yai, a highly revered Buddhist temple housing the famous golden Phra Phuttha Chinnarat, considered one of the most beautiful Buddha images in Thailand.

  • Then, resume your journey to Sukhothai.

  • Check in at your hotel and enjoy your leisure time.

  • Overnight stay in Sukhothai.

Day 6: Sukhothai (Historical Park & Ancient Temples)

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Sukhothai

• Activities:

  • After breakfast at your hotel, your driver and guide will pick you up at 08:00 AM for a comprehensive city tour of Sukhothai.

  • Explore Sukhothai Historical Park, literally "dawn of happiness," which encompasses the magnificent ruins of the capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom from the 13th and 14th centuries. The park is best explored by bicycle (optional, or by vehicle).

  • Continue your visit at Wat Si Sawai, one of the oldest temples in Sukhothai, believed to have been founded towards the end of the 12th century or early 13th century.

  • Enjoy a delicious local Thai lunch at a traditional restaurant.

  • In the afternoon, continue exploring more significant temples within the historical park, including Wat Tra Phang Ngoen (with its striking stucco Buddha), Wat Srasri (known for its tranquil setting and island ubosot), the central and impressive Wat Mahathat Temple, and finally, the iconic Wat Srichum, famous for its enormous seated Buddha statue (Phra Achana) housed within an open-roofed mandapa.

  • Overnight stay in Sukhothai.

Day 7: Sukhothai → Lampang → Chiang Rai (Elephant Hospital & Northern Landscapes)

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Rai

• Activities:

  • After breakfast at your hotel, continue your journey north towards Chiang Rai.

  • En route, make a meaningful stop at the Friends of the Asian Elephant Hospital located in Lampang. This pioneering facility is the world's first elephant hospital, dedicated to caring for sick and abused elephants and preserving their natural habitat. You'll learn about this vital initiative and may even encounter some of its resident pachyderm patients.

  • Enjoy a local Thai lunch at a restaurant along the way.

  • Then, continue your scenic drive to Chiang Rai, passing through beautiful northern Thai landscapes.

  • Upon arrival in Chiang Rai, check in to your hotel and enjoy some free time at leisure.

  • Overnight stay in Chiang Rai.

Day 8: Chiang Rai (Explore Golden Triangle)

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Rai

• Activities:

  • Today, embark on an exciting exploration of the Golden Triangle region and Chiang Rai's most famous sites.

  • Your first visit is to the mesmerizing White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), a privately owned art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple, known for its intricate white stucco and glass.

  • Then, visit the Black House Museum (Baan Dam Museum), an unconventional and contemporary art collection created by the artist Thawan Duchanee, offering a striking contrast to the White Temple.

  • Experience the unique culture of the Long Neck Village, a tribal community where women wear stacked brass rings on their necks and sell handmade crafts.

  • Continue your visit to the vibrant Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), a monumental modern Buddhist temple distinguished by its vivid blue coloring and elaborate carvings.

  • Overnight stay in Chiang Rai.

Day 9: Chiang Rai → Chiang Mai (Mountain Temple & City Views)

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Mai

• Activities:

  • After breakfast, continue your journey further south, passing through the beautiful northern landscape en route to Chiang Mai, the "Rose of the North."

  • Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, you will visit a landmark of the city, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. This revered temple, originating from the 13th century, is located 1050m above sea level. From its elevated position, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view over the city of Chiang Mai.

  • Afterward, arrive at your hotel for check-in and leisure time.

  • Overnight stay in Chiang Mai.

Day 10: Chiang Mai (Visit Doi Inthanon National Park)

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Mai

• Activities:

  • At 08:00 AM, head to Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand's highest mountain.

  • Explore the modern twin Chedis (pagodas) of the King and Queen, built to commemorate their majesties' birthdays, offering stunning views and serene gardens.

  • Proceed to a local Karen hill tribe village, gaining insight into their traditional way of life.

  • After enjoying lunch, you will visit the breathtaking Vachiratharn Waterfall, a powerful multi-tiered cascade, and the serene Siritharn Waterfall.

  • Later, visit the beautiful flower garden located at the Royal Project Research Station, an initiative aimed at supporting local communities through sustainable agriculture.

  • Finally, return to your hotel in Chiang Mai.

  • Overnight stay in Chiang Mai.

Day 11: Chiang Mai → Phuket (Flight to Island Paradise)

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Phuket

• Activities:

  • Enjoy a leisurely morning in Chiang Mai.

  • At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to Chiang Mai Airport for your domestic flight to Phuket, Thailand's largest island and a renowned tropical paradise.

  • Upon arrival in Phuket, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in.

  • Overnight stay in Phuket.

Day 12: Phuket (Leisure & Beach Relaxation)

• Meals: Breakfast (B)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Phuket

• Activities:

  • Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at your hotel.

  • Today is your leisure time to unwind and indulge in the beauty of Phuket's famous beaches.

  • Phuket is a paradise for those who love to relax, sunbathe, and swim in crystal-clear waters. You can enjoy delicious Thai food or freshly cooked seafood right on the beach, or perhaps go horse riding along the shore.

  • Overnight stay in Phuket.

Day 13: Phuket (Phang Nga Bay Exploration)

• Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Phuket

• Activities:

  • In the morning, transfer to the pier and head out to the iconic Phang Nga Bay, famous for its dramatic limestone karsts rising vertically from the emerald-green waters.

  • Visit Hong Island (meaning 'room island') and enjoy a relaxing canoe ride through its hidden lagoons and caves.

  • Continue to Panak Island for more sightseeing of the impressive limestone cliff landscape.

  • Savor a delicious buffet lunch at the unique Muslim Village of Panyee Island, a fascinating community built on stilts over the water. Explore this village of historical and traditional houses.

  • At 14:00, visit the world-renowned James Bond Island (Koh Ta-pu), made famous by the 007 movie, The Man with the Golden Gun.

  • Afterward, spend your leisure time relaxing or swimming at the beautiful Naka or Lawa Island.

  • At 16:30, arrive back at the pier and be transferred back to your hotel.

  • Overnight stay in Phuket.

  • Optional Add-On: Boat trip to Koh Phi Phi:

    • Morning transfer to the pier, heading out to Phi Phi Island, a stunning archipelago.

    • At 10:30, arrive at Bamboo Island – relax on its pristine white sandy beach and enjoy snorkeling and swimming in the crystal-clear blue and green waters.

    • Enjoy a delicious lunch buffet at Phi Phi Don, the main island.

    • Then, head to Phi Phi Leh, visiting the mysterious Viking Cave, the playful Monkey Beach, and the breathtaking emerald waters of Pileh Lagoon.

    • At 14:30, leave Phi Phi Leh to return to the pier, and be transferred back to your hotel.

Day 14: Phuket (Leisure & Beach Relaxation)

• Meals: Breakfast (B)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Phuket

• Activities:

  • Enjoy another leisurely breakfast at your hotel.

  • This day is entirely yours for continued relaxation at the beach in Phuket. Whether you wish to sunbathe, swim, explore local shops, or simply enjoy the tropical ambiance, Phuket offers endless possibilities for leisure.

  • Overnight stay in Phuket.

Day 15: Phuket (Departure)

• Meals: Breakfast (B)

• Accommodation: None (Departure Day)

• Activities:

  • Morning, enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel.

  • Spend your leisure time to relax and savor the last moments of your beach getaway.

  • When the time comes for your departure, our driver will pick you up and transfer you to Phuket International Airport (HKT) for your onward flight, concluding your unforgettable Thailand journey.

Important Notes