10 Day Northern Thailand Tour

Day 1: Welcome to Bangkok, City of Royal Heritage

Welcome to Bangkok, Thailand’s vibrant capital and gateway to Southeast Asia. After landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel. Bangkok’s heritage is rooted in the Chakri Dynasty, which continues to reign while symbolizing the cultural continuity of Thailand. Spend the rest of the day relaxing or strolling nearby streets to enjoy the contrast between ancient traditions and modern life. Meals: N/A.

Day 2: Bangkok’s Grand Temples and River Life

After breakfast, begin the day at the Grand Palace, the former royal residence and spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom. Within the same complex lies Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), home to Thailand’s most revered Buddha image, exquisitely carved from a single block of jade. Continue to Wat Pho, one of Bangkok’s oldest temples, famed for its 46-metre-long Reclining Buddha and as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Next is Wat Traimit, housing the world’s largest solid-gold Buddha statue, an awe-inspiring symbol of prosperity. This afternoon, glide along the Chao Phraya River on a traditional long-tail boat. Discover Bangkok’s hidden life along quiet canals — wooden stilt houses, local markets, and riverside shrines. Stop at Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), known for its glittering porcelain mosaics and striking Khmer-inspired tower. Meals: Breakfast.

Day 3: Floating Market Wonders & Kanchanaburi War History

Early in the morning, travel to Mae Klong Railway Market, a fascinating local spectacle where vendors calmly move their stalls as trains pass just inches away. Enjoy a local snack before heading to Damnoen Saduak, Thailand’s most picturesque floating market. Drift by long-tail boat through a maze of waterways where merchants sell tropical fruits, snacks, and handicrafts from their boats. Continue to Kanchanaburi, a province with profound wartime history. Visit the JEATH War Museum and Allied War Cemetery, commemorating POWs of World War II. Lunch will be at a floating riverside restaurant overlooking the legendary Bridge over the River Kwai (lunch at own expense). Later, board the historic Death Railway for a scenic ride along the river. Meals: Breakfast.

Day 4: Exploring the Ancient Capital of Ayutthaya

Depart for Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam and once one of Asia’s greatest trading centres. Explore majestic ruins that reflect centuries of wealth and culture. Visit Wat Phu Khao Thong (Monastery of the Golden Mount) with its towering white chedi rising over rice fields. Continue to the ancient royal compound of Wat Phra Si Sanphet, formerly part of the Royal Palace. Nearby is Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopit, housing one of Thailand’s largest bronze Buddha images. Afterward, visit Wat Lokaya Sutha, famous for its serene reclining Buddha image set in an open courtyard. Meals: Breakfast.

Day 5: Bang Pa-In Palace & Flight to Chiang Rai

This morning, explore the elegant Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, featuring manicured gardens and architectural gems blending Thai, European, Khmer, and Chinese styles — used today for royal ceremonies. Transfer to Bangkok Airport for your flight to Chiang Rai. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Meals: Breakfast.

Day 6: Chiang Rai Temples, Art, and River Cruise

After breakfast, visit a vibrant local market to discover northern Thai produce, herbs, spices, and handicrafts. Continue to Wat Phra Kaew, where the Emerald Buddha was originally discovered before moving to Bangkok. Then explore Wat Phra Singh, home to one of the most elegant Lanna-style Buddha statues. Just outside the city lies Baan Dam (Black House), the provocative artistic creation of National Artist Thawan Duchanee — a striking mix of traditional Lanna structures, dark wooden architecture, and surreal artwork evoking philosophical themes. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise along the Mae Kok River to a nearby Karen village, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of one of Thailand’s hill tribes. Meals: Breakfast.

Day 7: Golden Triangle Discovery to Chiang Mai

After breakfast, travel to Chiang Saen, one of Thailand’s oldest settlements located on the Mekong River. Visit the Opium Museum, explaining the history and cultural significance of opium trade in this region. At the legendary Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet, enjoy a scenic boat ride on the Mekong River. Then drive to Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of Northern Thailand. Meals: Breakfast.

Day 8: Chiang Mai Old Town & Doi Suthep Highlights

Start with a walking tour of the Old City, passing remnants of ancient walls, gates, and moats. Visit Chiang Mai’s most revered temples: Wat Phra Singh – masterpiece of Lanna art Wat Phan Tao – charming wooden viharn Wat Chedi Luang – featuring the ruins of Chiang Mai’s largest pagoda Ride a traditional rickshaw through tranquil streets lined with historic houses, then explore Warorot Market, Chiang Mai’s busiest local bazaar. In the afternoon, ascend the sacred hill of Doi Suthep to visit its golden pagoda overlooking panoramic views of the city — a spiritual highlight for pilgrims. Evening free to explore the buzzing Chiang Mai Night Market. Meals: Breakfast.

Day 9: Chiang Mai to Bangkok – Silk Heritage & Cultural Afternoon Exploration

This morning, after breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, meet your guide and continue to the renowned Jim Thompson House, a beautifully preserved teak residence set within a lush tropical garden. Enjoy an engaging guided experience through the museum, learning about Thompson’s legacy in reviving Thailand’s silk industry while admiring traditional architecture and priceless art collections. Following the visit, stroll to nearby upscale boutiques featuring exceptional Thai silk, ceramics, and handcrafted artisan pieces — a wonderful opportunity to shop for unique souvenirs and high-quality textiles. Conclude your leisurely afternoon with a relaxing tea session at the House Café, surrounded by serene greenery and elegant cultural charm. This gentle yet enriching day captures Bangkok’s refined artisan heritage in a slow, enjoyable rhythm. Meals: Breakfast.

Day 10: Farewell Thailand

Have breakfast at the hotel, then enjoy free time until your transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Meals: Breakfast (Time Permitting)