Bangkok

Thanks for booking our 8-day Thailand tour from USA! When your flight arrives at Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport or Suvarnabhumi Airport, our guide will be waiting for you in the arrival hall. After a warm welcome, you will be escorted to the hotel in a comfortable private car exclusively arranged for you. It takes 30 to 40 minutes depending on the traffic.

Let’s start our guided Thailand tour! Today’s first destination is Wat Pho, the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok. Here, you’ll witness the morning ritual of monks chanting prayers. Take a stroll through the tranquil temple and you’ll find the 46-meter (151-foot) long magnificent reclining Buddha statue.

The Grand Palace

Next, we’ll walk a few minutes north to the highlight of the day, the Grand Palace. This elaborately designed palace is the symbol and the most important temple complex of Thailand, exhibiting the finest art of Siamese paintings, sculptures and decorations. The golden stupa and the Phra Mondop’s (Library) glazed tiles sparkle in the sunlight, showcasing the luxury of royal architecture. Our guide will also lead you to the Wat Phra Kaew within the palace, a gorgeous temple dedicated to the sacred Emerald Buddha.

At noon, our guide will lead you on a shuttle boat to Supatra River House, a riverside restaurant across the Chao Phraya River for a sumptuous Thai lunch.

Chinatown - Bangkok

After a short break, we’ll drive about 20 minutes to Bangkok Chinatown, where we’ll explore the bustling blocks on foot. Our guide, who has spent years navigating Bangkok and is most familiar with its labyrinth of alleys, will take you for a walk along one of the city’s oldest streets.

Chao Phraya River

Next, we’ll walk a few minutes to the Ratchawong Pier to embark on a traditional Thai long-tail boat to float along the Chao Phraya River for 1 hour. Along the way, you can observe the captivating mix of modernity and tradition of Bangkok as you pass by skyscrapers and ancient temples. Especially, our boat will navigate through small channels to find some traditional Thai houses, providing you with a picture of the authentic daily lives of locals. Don’t forget to take some bread to feed the lively catfish that swim alongside your boat.

Temple Of Dawn (Wat Arun)

Our boat will dock at Wat Arun on the west side of the river, and the guide will lead you to visit this magnificent temple. Its striking pagoda rises majestically into the sky, earning it the nickname “Thailand’s Eiffel Tower”. At sunset, the intricate design of geometric shapes and colorful ceramic fragments is bathed in golden light, bringing you ultimate visual enjoyment. Then you’ll be escorted to the hotel.

Ayutthaya Historical Park

After breakfast, we will drive for about 1 hour to Ayutthaya, the second kingdom of Siam. The guide will lead you to visit Ayutthaya Historical Park, where you can witness 95 splendid sites from the illustrious Ayutthaya era (1351-1767), including palaces, temples, and museums. Among the treasures, the magnificent pagodas and intricate murals at Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit will enchant you. Don’t miss taking photos with Ayutthaya’s emblem, a breathtaking sight of Buddha’s head entwined in tree roots. To show respect, remember to keep your posture lower than Buddha’s head. Then the guide will accompany you to the nearby Muslim Quarter, strolling through ancient houses and savoring Ayutthaya’s beloved snack, Roti Sai Mai. Watch skilled artisans wrap sweet and fluffy marshmallows in pancakes, take a bite, and indulge in the tempting aroma. Then we’ll visit a local market where you can see the real life of ordinary Thais and buy fresh and cheap fruit.

Bang Pa In Palace

After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, a long-tail boat ride is specially arranged for you to transfer to the elegant Bang Pa-In Palace on the bank of the Chao Phraya River. Dating back to the 17th century, the palace was the summer residence of Thai Kings and was also used for state occasions.

Uthai Mai

Then, we will drive 2 hours to Uthai Thani and check in at a local hotel.

Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri

Today will begin at Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri, perched on top of Sakae Krang Mountain. We will first explore its lower level, where you will be greeted by an impressive bronze Buddha statue dating back to the Sukhothai era (1238-1438). Ascend the 449 steps and you will reach the temple’s upper section. A stunning replica of the Buddha’s footprint and a bell from the time of Rama V await your discovery. Also, you can admire a spectacular panorama of the city at the viewing platform.

Next, we will head to Wat Chantaram (Wat Tha Sung). The golden façade of this temple radiates a gorgeous allure you won’t soon forget, while the inside three-story space seamlessly blends the styles of ancient Siam and lavish Western influences. The highlight of this temple is the main hall, characterized by intricate diamond-shaped mirror mosaics that adorn the pillars and walls, creating a breathtaking play of light. And many luxurious crystal chandeliers sparkle above, bringing you into a surreal world. Besides, you will find the revered Chinnarat Buddha statue inside. Local devotees often come here to pray for good luck.

Sakae Krang River

At noon, hop on a traditional rice barge with our guide to cruise along the Sakae Krang River. Onboard, you can have lunch while watching bamboo houses on both sides and fishermen going about their daily routines.

Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat

In the afternoon, we will drive about 2.5 hours to Phitsanulok to visit the magnificent Buddhist temple, Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat. Finally, you’ll be escorted to Sukhothai and check in at a local hotel.

Ramkhamhaeng National Museum

After breakfast, we will proceed to Ramkhamhaeng National Museum, where you will dive deep into the history of the Sukhothai Kingdom and the artistic Buddha statues with our guide’s detailed explanation. One of the museum’s most valuable treasures is the stone stele bearing King Ramkhamhaeng’s manuscript, regarded as the oldest example of Thai writing. You can learn more about the development of Thai script from the adjacent information wall.

Sukhothai Historical Park

Next, we will visit Sukhothai Historical Park across from the museum, embarking on a journey through Thailand’s First Kingdom. Please wear your comfiest shoes and pack your sun protection gear since there are few shelters. Our exploration will focus on Wat Mahathat, Wat Si Sawai, and Wat Sa Si, where you will unveil the different uses of these temples. Wat Mahathat, the largest building in the park, was a hub for significant festivals and gatherings in Sukhothai Kingdom. Influenced by the Khmer style, the long walkways and reliefs of its main pagoda echo the grandeur of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

Si Satchanalai Historical Park

Start the day with a hearty breakfast before venturing out by private car for a 1-hour ride to the Si Satchanalai Historical Park on the bank of the Yom River. As a little sibling of the Sukhothai Historical Park, Si Sarchanalai showcases a great blending of northern Thai, Bangkok, and Sukhothai styles.

Ban Hat Rin

After lunch at a local restaurant, you will be led to a weaving village in Ban Hat Siao. The local Thai Puan community, who emigrated from Laos over a century ago, showcases their exceptional weaving skills that have been inherited for generations. You can marvel at the magical weaving craftsmanship of creating exquisite silk fabrics.

Chiang Mai

Then we will continue on the country road for 3.5 hours to Chiang Mai, where we will stay for three nights. After hotel check-in, the rest time is on your own.

In the morning, our guide and the driver will escort you to Wat Chai Mongkol to enjoy a 30-minute cruise along the Mae Ping River. You’ll find some unique river-view restaurants and Lanna-style buildings seamlessly blending with the surrounding natural beauty. Once the boat docks, we will stroll to a nearby local farmhouse, where fluffy rabbits hop around and playful pigs waddle in pens. The laid-back atmosphere created by coffee trees and jackfruit trees will make you enjoy rural life on Chiang Mai’s outskirts!

Warorot Market (Kad Luang)

Our next stop is Warorot Market, a bustling hub of local life. Lively stalls are full of vegetables, spices, household goods, and sacrificial supplies. When you are busy observing the common patterns on Thai fabrics or picking souvenirs like dried fruits and ointments, don’t forget to pause and appreciate the pictures depicting the market’s history hanging in the middle. Haggling is also part of the fun, and most vendors prefer cash payments. ★ Exclusive Experience: Take a Trishaw Ride through Chiang Mai Ancient City Want to have a unique sightseeing experience? Our specially arranged trishaw ride can make it! Go along Thapae Road, you will pass by Chiang Mai’s ancient City Wall, experiencing the cozy atmosphere when glimpsing majestic temples and local markets.

Wat Phra Singh

Then our guide will accompany you to visit Wat Phra Singh, the largest temple in Chiang Mai. At noon, a special lunch with the local specialty Khao Soy will be prepared for you at a popular local restaurant.

Wat Suan Dok

After that, we will visit Wat Suan Dok and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the most significant temple in Chiang Mai. Get ready to climb 306 steps to reach the temple’s entrance, or take a cable car ride (included in the price) if you want to save energy. You may watch local worshippers’ sacred praying rituals: walking around the stupa in three circles while holding lotus flowers. If you feel tired, rejuvenate yourself with a panoramic view of Chiang Mai and fresh air at the temple’s observation deck. After that, our guide and the driver will escort you back to the hotel.

Today we will explore Ob Khan National Park. After visit, you’ll be escorted to the hotel.

Mae Kampong Village

In the morning, we will drive east for about 1 hour toward Mae Kampong Village. En route, we will stop at a local market to pick ingredients for lunch. With a cool climate all year around, Mae Kampong Village is like a natural oxygen bar. As we meander through the winding tracks, you will find a glistening natural waterfall. Moreover, you can overlook the village at the observation deck in the mountaintop café. The handicraft market and snack stalls within the village allow you to experience its traditional charms. With our guide’s assistance, you can communicate with villagers about their lives. At noon, go to the homestay we arranged for lunch. Roll up your sleeves and join the host to prepare lunch, using the fresh ingredients you’ve handpicked from the market.

Chiang Rai

Take a rest, and then we will continue the 2.5-hour drive through the mountain road to Chiang Rai, and check in at a local hotel. Along the way, a traditional massage will be arranged for you to refresh from the exhaustion.

Golden Triangle

Driving northward for 1 hour, today’s trip will satisfy your curiosity about the Golden Triangle, so named because it is the meeting point of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos, where gold was traded to exchange opium. Nowadays, it is dedicated to developing coffee planting and tourism. Then a specially arranged boat is ready to take you on a 30-minute cruise along the Mekong River.

House of Opium

Our exploration continues with a visit to the Hall of Opium Museum, uncovering how poppies were introduced to this region and became a major cash crop. Afterward, you will be led to the Akha and Yao Tribal Villages. After a day of fulfilling sightseeing, you will be escorted back to the hotel.

Ko Samui

After breakfast, our driver will escort you on a 3.5-hour drive to Chiang Mai Airport for a 2-hour flight to Koh Samui. Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted by our Koh Samui local driver, who will transfer you to the hotel in a 5-minute smooth and comfortable drive. The rest of the day is free for you.

Ko Samui

Today marks your first full free day in Koh Samui.

Ko Samui

It is another free day for you to explore Koh Samui.

Ko Samui

This is your last day in Koh Samui, and you can still schedule activities according to your interests.

Bangkok

After breakfast, our driver will escort you to the airport for a 1-hour flight to Bangkok. Wish you a happy return trip!