VLTL06 - THAILAND PASSION

Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok (–)

Morning–Afternoon:

• Arrive at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (Gate No.4).

• Meet and greet by your local English-speaking guide.

• Private transfer to your hotel in central Bangkok.

Evening:

• Free at leisure to relax or explore nearby neighborhoods.

• Optional: Enjoy a street food walk in Sukhumvit or boat ride on Asiatique riverfront.

Overnight: Bangkok

 

Day 2: Grand Bangkok City Exploration (B)

Morning:

• Breakfast at the hotel.

• Visit the Grand Royal Palace, an architectural masterpiece and ceremonial site of the Thai monarchy.

• Enter the sacred Wat Phra Kaew, home to the Emerald Buddha, the most revered icon in Thailand.

• Explore Wat Pho, one of Thailand’s oldest temples, with its famous Reclining Buddha (45m long) and Thai massage school.

Afternoon:

• Take a walk through Chinatown, one of the busiest and most flavorful districts of Bangkok.

• Visit Wat Traimit, housing the Golden Buddha, a solid gold statue weighing 5.5 tons.

• Enjoy a long-tail boat cruise through the canals of Thonburi, Bangkok’s quieter riverside community.

• Stop at Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) with its iconic porcelain spire.

Evening: Return to your hotel. Free at leisure.

Overnight: Bangkok

 

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

Morning:

• Depart early to Mae Klong Railway Market, where vendors dramatically fold up their stalls as trains pass.

• Continue to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.

  • Enjoy a paddle boat ride through the canals to witness local river-based life.

  • Optional: Visit to Tha Kha Floating Market on weekends for a quieter experience.

Afternoon:

• Drive to Kanchanaburi, a province steeped in WWII history.

• Visit the JEATH War Museum and the Allied War Cemetery.

• Board the Death Railway for a 30-minute scenic ride across wooden bridges and riverside cliffs.

Evening: Check in at your riverside resort and relax.

Overnight: Kanchanaburi

 

Day 4: Kanchanaburi – Erawan Park – Ayutthaya (B)

Morning: Visit Erawan National Park, hike the trail to all seven waterfall tiers, swim in emerald pools, and enjoy the jungle ambiance.

Afternoon:

• Drive to the UNESCO-listed city of Ayutthaya, the former capital of the Siamese Kingdom.

• Admire the riverside views and historical atmosphere as you settle in.

Overnight: Ayutthaya

 

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

Morning:

• Board a Kermit tuk-tuk, and explore Ayutthaya’s cultural sites:

  • Wat Yai Chaimongkol, with towering chedis

  • Wat Mahathat, famous for Buddha’s head encased in tree roots

  • Wat Phra Si Sanphet, a royal monastery

• Visit Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, featuring Thai, Khmer, European, and Chinese architectural elements.

Afternoon:

• Return to Bangkok and transfer to the airport.

• Take a domestic flight to Chiang Rai.

• Meet guide upon arrival and transfer to your hotel.

Evening: Free time to relax.

Overnight: Chiang Rai

 

Day 6: Chiang Rai City (B)

Morning:

• Visit the local market for insight into northern Thai products and food.

• Explore Wat Phra Kaew (original home of the Emerald Buddha) and Wat Phra Singh.

• Visit the striking Baan Dam (Black House) – an art museum mixing contemporary and Lanna-style architecture.

Afternoon:

• Board a Mae Kok River boat, cruise to a Karen village.

• Observe or feed elephants in natural surroundings.

• Enjoy a 1-hour elephant trek through riverside terrain.

Evening: Return to Chiang Rai for rest.

Overnight: Chiang Rai

 

Day 7: Chiang Rai – Mae Salong – Golden Triangle – Chiang Saen (B)

Morning:

• Depart for Doi Mae Salong, driving through misty hills lined with tea plantations.

• Enjoy tea tasting and panoramic views.

• Visit Akha village (Loyo), an ethnic minority community preserving ancient traditions.

Afternoon:

• Stroll through Mae Fah Luang Botanical Garden, filled with cool-climate flowers.

• Arrive at the Golden Triangle and enjoy a boat ride on the Mekong River, viewing Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar.

Evening: Overnight in Chiang Saen, an ancient riverside town.

Overnight: Chiang Saen

 

Day 8: Chiang Saen – Chiang Mai (B)

Morning:

• Drive south through Thaton and stop at Padong Karen Village to meet long-necked women with brass rings.

• Visit a Chinese traditional medicine pharmacy for an herbal demonstration.

Afternoon:

• Explore the mystical Chiang Dao Caves, with candlelit shrines and caverns.

• Arrive in Chiang Mai, check in and rest.

Overnight: Chiang Mai

 

Day 9: Chiang Mai Old City & Doi Suthep (B)

Morning: Walking tour through Chiang Mai Old City:

• Wat Phra Singh, Wat Pan Tao, and Wat Chedi Luang

• Ride a rickshaw through traditional streets lined with wooden homes.

• Visit Warorot Market for local crafts and snacks.

Afternoon:

• Ascend to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s iconic temple with panoramic views.

• Free time in the Night Bazaar in the evening.

Overnight: Chiang Mai

 

Day 10: Chiang Mai – Elephant Poopoo Paper & Mae Ping River – Night Train to Bangkok (B, L)

Morning:

• Visit Elephant Poopoo Paper Park, a quirky and sustainable initiative to recycle elephant dung into artisan paper.

• Enjoy a hands-on paper-making session.

Afternoon:

• Take a scenic 2-hour cruise along the Mae Ping River, admiring traditional teak houses and lush landscapes.

• Transfer to Chiang Mai Railway Station.

• Board the overnight train to Bangkok (2nd class sleeper).

Overnight: On board

 

Day 11: Bangkok – Flight to Trat – Ferry to Koh Chang Island (–)

Note: No guide day

Morning:

• Arrive in Bangkok (approx. 7–8am), transfer to airport for flight to Trat.

• Upon arrival, transfer to pier and take ferry to Koh Chang.

Afternoon:

• Arrive in Koh Chang, Thailand’s second-largest island, known for its beaches and jungle-covered mountains.

• Check in and free time to enjoy the beach.

Overnight: Koh Chang Island

Ferry estimate: 15:45–16:15

 

Day 12–13: Koh Chang Island – Free Days (B)

Note: No guide or driver day

Full Days:

• Relax at the resort or explore Koh Chang at your own pace.

• Optional activities: snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, waterfall visits, Thai massage, or local cooking class.

Overnight: Koh Chang Island

 

Day 14: Koh Chang – Trat – Flight to Bangkok – Departure (B)

Note: No guide or driver day

Morning:

• Transfer to the pier for the ferry back to the mainland.

• Proceed to Trat Airport for your return flight to Bangkok.

• Connect to your international departure flight.

• Ferry estimate: 09:45–10:15

End of Services.

 

Notes:

• Meals Included: B (Breakfast), L (Lunch), D (Dinner)

• Transport: Private transfers, domestic flights (BKK–Chiang Rai, BKK–Trat, Trat–BKK), overnight train (Chiang Mai–Bangkok, 2nd class), ferries & local boats

• Guiding: English-speaking guide (except where noted)

• Experiences: Temples, waterfalls, rice farm, elephant sanctuary, island-hopping, cultural visits

• Entry fees: Included for all listed sites

• What to bring: Swimwear, walking shoes, sunscreen, respectful attire for temples