The essential journey through Thailand

BANGKOK
The day after your arrival you will board a boat to cross the Chao Phraya River to the remarkable flower market right by the river, then continue by boat to visit the khlongs (canals) of Thonburi, followed by a visit to Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). The afternoon will be devoted to the Grand Palace and the magnificent Temple of the Emerald Buddha, as well as Wat Pho, famous for its reclining Buddha. Lunch and dinner not included.

KANCHANABURI
Early morning departure for the Damnoen Saduak floating market, located about 110 km south of Bangkok. You will reach the market by small motorboat along the canals. Drive to Kanchanaburi. You will then take the train to Tham Krasae, with a striking passage over the river. Continue to the “Hell Fire Pass”, where you will walk along this stretch of railway, forever tied to Thailand’s history during the Second World War. Stop at Sai Yok Noi waterfall, then drive to the pier. You will travel up the river by motorboat along banks overrun with tropical vegetation.

Return to the pier and drive on to Kanchanaburi, visiting the Khmer temple of Muang Singh in a bucolic setting, then in Kanchanaburi itself, the Allied War Cemetery and the famous bridge over the river.

AYUTTHAYA
Departure towards U Thong; near this town, in the Don Kamayan area, you can see cotton being woven. Continue to Ang Thong province, close to Ayutthaya, and visit a village in the Ekkarat area, in the Pa Mok region, known for its drum-making. Continue on to Ayutthaya and check in at your hotel.

Visit the ruins of the former capital, including the main sites: Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Mongkhon Bophit, Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, Wat Na Phra Mehn — the only temple to have escaped destruction — and the majestic Wat Chaiwatthanaram on the riverbank.

UTHAI THANI
Departure to visit Bang Pa-In and the former royal family’s summer palace.
Drive on to Uthai Thani through the central plains.
Visit the remarkable Thasung temple and its “crystal hall”, then board a boat for a short cruise: you will travel up the scenic Sakaekrang River, passing numerous floating houses and their gardens.

SUKHOTHAI
Continue on to Sukhothai; shortly before arriving, visit a pottery village, time permitting. Visit Sukhothai Historical Park, including Wat Mahathat, Wat Sa Si, Wat Si Sawai, and Wat Si Chum with its 15-metre-tall “talking Buddha”.

PHAYAO – MAE KAM
After this visit, depart for Phayao, stopping by the lake, one of the country’s largest freshwater reserves. Continue to Chiang Rai, then take a small road to the Mae Kham area and your resort, nestled in the hills about 45 minutes from Chiang Rai. You will be able to enjoy panoramic views over the whole region.
A few minutes from your resort, you will reach Tham Pa Asha Thong temple, surrounded by hills. Because of the temple’s isolation, the monks collect their offerings on horseback; you may take part in the offerings if you wish. Continue along the Doi Mae Kham road; many villages in the area are home to Akha and Lisu minorities — visit of local villages. Continue on to Mae Salong, nestled in the mountains, a small town founded by the Kuomintang where cultures and minorities intersect. Stop along the way to admire the landscapes and tea plantations, including a visit to a tea plantation. You will also watch — and taste — tea being prepared. Continue on to Chiang Rai.

CHIANG RAI
Drive towards Chiang Saen. Arrival at the so-called “Golden Triangle”; from Sam Moum Muang hill, a panoramic view takes in the whole of the Golden Triangle and the border of the three countries. Visit the “Hall of Opium” (closed on Mondays), a museum tracing the history of opium through its historical and economic implications. You will then board a motorised longtail boat for a ride on the Mekong from the Golden Triangle to Chiang Saen. Continue to Doi Tung and Mae Fah Luang. This region, developed under a royal project, shifted from opium cultivation to growing fruit, vegetables and flowers. Visit the botanical garden and the royal villa. Return to Chiang Rai.

CHIANG MAI
Drive towards Chiang Mai. South of Chiang Rai, visit Wat Rong Khun, the temple that appears covered in frost. The route passes through Wiang Pa Pao, a region that produces two rice harvests a year, then continues through beautiful forest scenery and a national park. Arrival in Chiang Mai around midday. In the afternoon, continue to the highly revered Doi Suthep temple at 1,056 metres. Access is via a grand staircase flanked by naga (mythological serpent) balustrades; from the temple terrace, the view takes in the whole valley.
You will visit Chiang Mai’s old town, stopping at the old city wall and moat. Part of the visit is on foot. Visit the finest temples: Wat Phra Singh with its viharn adorned with magnificent murals, Wat Prasat right next door, then on foot to Wat Phan Tao, a former princely residence built of wood, and Chedi Luang with its enormous reliquary; the visit takes you along small streets lined with traditional houses. A cyclo tour through the old town, then a visit to Chiang Mai’s large central Warorot Market. In the afternoon, visit craft workshops: wood carving at Ban Thawai, lacquerware, umbrellas and other crafts that have become a specialty of the Chiang Mai region.
Departure for Chiang Dao, about an hour from the city. Visit an elephant camp in a magnificent setting, with an elephant ride through the surrounding forest, followed by a bamboo raft trip down the Ping River. You will also visit an orchid farm.

In summary:
– 2 nights in Bangkok, 4**** hotel
– 1 night in Kanchanaburi, charming 4**** hotel
– 1 night in Ayutthaya, 3*** boutique hotel
– 1 night in Uthai Thani, charming 3*** hotel
– 1 night in Sukhothai, 4**** hotel
– 1 night in Mae Kham, charming 3*** hotel
– 2 nights in Chiang Rai, 4**** hotel
– 3 nights in Chiang Mai, 4**** hotel