VLTL05 - THAILAND HIGHTLIGHTS

Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok (–)

Activities:

• Upon arrival at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (Gate No. 4), meet your guide for transfer to the hotel.

• Check-in and free time to relax after your journey.

• Enjoy your first impressions of Thailand’s vibrant capital, closely tied to the Chakri dynasty.

Overnight: Bangkok

 

Day 2: Bangkok Grand City Tour (B)

Morning:

• Breakfast at the hotel.

• Visit the Grand Palace, Thailand’s most revered royal complex.

• Explore Wat Phra Kaew, home to the Emerald Buddha, the most sacred Buddha image in Thailand.

• Visit Wat Pho, home to the massive Reclining Buddha and the traditional Thai massage school.

• See Wat Traimit, known for housing the 5.5-ton solid gold Buddha.

Afternoon:

• Enjoy a long-tail boat cruise along the Chao Phraya River and inner canals, offering a glimpse of traditional life.

• Visit the iconic Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) with its porcelain-covered spire.

• Return to the hotel and free time for leisure.

Overnight: Bangkok

 

Day 3: Bangkok – Damnoen Saduak Floating Market –  Kanchanaburi (B)

Morning:

• Depart early to the Maeklong Railway Market, where vendors pull back their stalls as the train passes.

• Continue to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market: Take a long-tail boat through canals to the main floating market area.

Afternoon:

• Travel to Kanchanaburi, site of WWII history.

• Visit the JEATH War Museum and Kanchanaburi War Cemetery.

• Optional lunch at a floating restaurant by the River Kwai Bridge (own expense).

• Ride the Death Railway Train, offering scenic views for ~30 minutes.

Overnight: Kanchanaburi

 

Day 4: Kanchanaburi – Ayutthaya (B)

Morning:

• Depart for Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Siam.

• Explore historical temples and ruins:

  • Wat Phu Khao Thong (Golden Mount)

  • Wat Phra Si Sanphet, former royal temple

  • Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopit, with one of Thailand’s largest bronze Buddha statues

  • Wat Lokaya Sutha, featuring a large Reclining Buddha

Afternoon: Free time for lunch and local exploration.

Overnight: Ayutthaya

 

Day 5: Ayutthaya – Bang Pa-In – Bangkok – Flight to Chiang Rai (B)

Morning:

• Visit Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, a riverside royal retreat with eclectic Thai-European architecture.

• Return to Bangkok for flight to Chiang Rai.

Afternoon/Evening:

• Meet your local guide at Chiang Rai airport and transfer to the hotel.

• Free time at leisure to enjoy the northern atmosphere.

Overnight: Chiang Rai

 

Day 6: Chiang Rai City Tour (B)

Morning:

• Visit the local market to discover regional ingredients and crafts.

• See Wat Phra Kaew, former home of the Emerald Buddha.

• Explore Wat Phra Singh, showcasing classic northern Thai Buddhist design.

• Visit Baan Dam (Black House), an artistic compound by Thawan Duchanee, mixing dark, surrealist architecture with folk art.

Afternoon:

• Enjoy a Mae Kok River boat trip to a Karen village.

• Optional: Interact with or feed elephants at the village.

• Return to Chiang Rai.

Overnight: Chiang Rai

 

Day 7: Chiang Rai – Golden Triangle – Chiang Mai (B)

Morning:

• Travel to Chiang Saen, an ancient riverside town on the Mekong River.

• Visit the Golden Triangle Viewpoint, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet.

• Learn about the region’s past at the Hall of Opium Museum.

• Optional lunch at a local restaurant (own expense).

Afternoon:

• Take a short boat ride on the Mekong River for cross-border views.

• Transfer directly to Chiang Mai, northern Thailand’s cultural capital.

Overnight: Chiang Mai

 

Day 8: Chiang Mai Old City & Doi Suthep (B)

Morning: Take a walking tour of the Old City:

• Visit Wat Phra Singh, Wat Phan Tao, and Wat Chedi Luang.

• Observe remnants of the ancient moat, gates, and wall.

• Enjoy a rickshaw ride through quiet traditional streets.

Afternoon:

• Visit Warorot Market, a bustling local hub.

• Ascend to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, perched atop a mountain with panoramic views.

Evening: Free time to explore the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.

Overnight: Chiang Mai

 

Day 9: Chiang Mai – Mae Sapok Jungle Trekking (B, L)

Morning:

• Depart by local truck to the Mae Sapok area.

• Begin a jungle trek (~2 hrs) through forests and fields to a White Karen village.

• Interact with the villagers and learn about their lifestyle.

Afternoon:

• Continue the trek to a waterfall for swimming and relaxation.

• Enjoy a picnic lunch in nature.

• End with a bamboo raft ride down the river.

• Return to Chiang Mai around 17:00–17:30.

Overnight: Chiang Mai

 

Day 10: Chiang Mai – Departure (B)

Morning:

• Free time for last-minute shopping or relaxation.

• Transfer to Chiang Mai International Airport for your flight.

End of Services.

 

Notes:

• Accommodation with daily breakfast

• All transfers by private vehicle with English-speaking guide

• Entrance fees for sites and attractions as listed

• Domestic flight: Bangkok – Chiang Rai

• All activities mentioned (river cruises, train ride, jungle trekking, etc.)

• Meals as indicated: B (Breakfast), L (Lunch)