VLTL09 - THAILAND PANORAMA

Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok (–)

Welcome to Thailand! Upon arrival at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide at Gate 4 and transferred to your hotel.

Bangkok is a vibrant city of contradictions – from golden temples to modern skyscrapers – and its glorious past is closely linked with the Chakri Dynasty, which continues to reign today.

Overnight: Bangkok

 

Day 2: Bangkok City Discovery (B)

Morning:

• Start early to visit Wat Pho, arriving in time to witness the serene morning chanting ritual by the monks.

• View the iconic 45-meter-long Reclining Buddha and explore the temple complex.

• Continue to the Grand Palace, Thailand’s most revered landmark, a former royal residence with ceremonial halls.

• Enter Wat Phra Kaew, home to the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most sacred image.

Afternoon:

• Board a traditional long-tail boat to explore the Chao Phraya River and nearby khlongs (canals).

• Stop at Wat Khun Chan and cross a footbridge to explore quiet local alleys and hidden temples.

• Visit Wat Paknam, famous for its striking white stupa and museum.

• Continue cruising past traditional teak houses and luxurious mansions.

• Visit an orchid and fruit farm before returning via Saphan Taksin Pier, stopping to feed the sacred catfish for good karma.

Overnight: Bangkok

 

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

Morning:

• Depart Bangkok for Samut Songkhram Province.

• Visit the Maeklong Railway Market, known for vendors who swiftly pack and unpack their stalls as trains pass.

• Continue to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market for a paddle boat ride through narrow canals.

• Stroll through the bustling marketplace filled with vendors selling tropical fruit, noodles, and souvenirs.

• Optional weekend switch: Visit the less touristy Tha Kha Floating Market, with a paddle tour and visit to a palm sugar house.

Afternoon:

• Head to Kanchanaburi to visit the JEATH War Museum and the Allied War Cemetery.

• Enjoy a 30-minute train ride on the Death Railway, offering scenic river views.

• Transfer to hotel in Kanchanaburi town.

Overnight: Kanchanaburi

 

Day 4: Kanchanaburi – Bang Pa-In – Ayutthaya (B)

Morning: Depart for Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, built during the Ayutthaya era, and explore its blend of Thai, Chinese, and European architecture.

Afternoon:

• Continue to Ayutthaya and explore by Kermit tuk-tuk, exclusive to this region.

• Visit Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, Wat Mahathat (with the Buddha head entwined in tree roots), and Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the former royal temple.

• Stroll through a local market.

Overnight: Ayutthaya

 

Day 5: Ayutthaya – Lopburi – Uthai Thani (B)

Morning:

• Depart for Lopburi, the ancient second capital of Ayutthaya.

• Visit King Narai’s Palace, built in 1666, used for royal diplomacy and summer retreats.

Afternoon:

• Drive to Uthai Thani, stopping at Ban Khok Mo Village, known for traditional weaving.

• Visit the luminous Wat Tha Sung, also known as the Crystal Hall.

• Take a boat ride on the Sakaekrang River, passing floating houses.

• Visit the night market to explore street food and local life.

Overnight: Uthai Thani

 

Day 6: Uthai Thani  – Sukhothai (B)

Morning:

• Travel to Hub Patthard, crossing a natural cave into a hidden green valley.

• Continue to Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park (UNESCO), with temples like Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Aranyik.

Afternoon:

• Visit Phitsanulok, stopping at the Cha Tawee Folk Museum and Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat.

• Arrive in Sukhothai, the cradle of Thai culture.

Overnight: Sukhothai

 

Day 7: Sukhothai – Lampang (B)

Morning: Bicycle tour through Sukhothai Historical Park, visiting:

• Wat Sri Chum (Ajana Buddha)

• Wat Prapailuang, Wat Sa Si, Wat Sri Sawai, and Wat Traphang Ngoen

Afternoon:

• Drive to Lampang, a peaceful town steeped in Lanna tradition.

• Free time to explore.

Overnight: Lampang

 

Day 8: Lampang – Chiang Rai (B)

Morning:

• Visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, a pristine example of 13th-century Lanna architecture.

• Enjoy a 30-minute horse cart ride through Lampang town.

Afternoon:

• Stop at Phayao Lake for coffee and lakeside views.

• Arrive in Chiang Rai by evening.

Overnight: Chiang Rai

 

Day 9: Chiang Rai – Doi Mae Salong – Chiang Saen (B)

Morning:

• Drive to Doi Mae Salong, a hilltop village known for tea plantations.

• Enjoy a tea tasting session.

• Visit Akha hill tribe village and learn about their customs.

Afternoon:

• Visit Mae Fah Luang Garden, then continue to Chiang Saen.

• Take a boat ride on the Mekong River to view the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos converge.

Overnight: Chiang Saen

 

Day 10: Chiang Saen – Thaton – Doi Ang Khang (B)

Morning:

• Visit the Opium Museum, tracing the history of the region's opium trade.

• Continue to Thaton, visiting Wat Thaton, a temple with panoramic views.

Afternoon:

• Drive to Doi Ang Khang, home to Royal Agricultural Projects and highland ethnic villages.

• Visit Ban Khum village and view local hill tribe life.

Overnight: Doi Ang Khang

 

Day 11: Chiang Dao – Chiang Mai – Cooking Class (B/L/D)

Morning:

• Visit the mystical Chiang Dao Caves, a vast network of limestone caverns.

• Transfer to Chiang Mai.

Afternoon:

• Join a shared Thai cooking class. Learn to prepare dishes like Thai curry, pad thai, and mango sticky rice.

• Enjoy a dinner made by your own hands.

Overnight: Chiang Mai

 

Day 12: Chiang Mai Old City(B)

Morning: Walking tour of the Old City:

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

• Ride a rickshaw through quiet lanes

• Explore Warorot Market

Afternoon:

• Visit Doi Suthep Temple, with panoramic views over Chiang Mai

• Free time at the Night Bazaar

Overnight: Chiang Mai

 

Day 13: Chiang Mai – Elephant Poopoo Paper Park – Mae Ping River Cruise (B)

Morning: Visit Elephant PooPoo Paper Park, a fun and eco-friendly attraction where you’ll learn how elephant dung is turned into handmade paper.

Afternoon: Board a boat for a Mae Ping River cruise, enjoying views of traditional wooden houses and lush gardens along the riverbanks.

Overnight: Chiang Mai

 

Day 14: Chiang Mai – Flight to Phuket (B)

Free time until transfer to the airport.

Take a domestic flight to Phuket.

Upon arrival, transfer to your beachside hotel in Patong Beach.

Overnight: Phuket

 

Day 15–16: Phuket – Free & Easy Days (B)

Note: No guide and driver days

Spend two full days at your leisure.

Relax on the beach or explore Phuket’s many attractions: island tours, spas, water activities, or nightlife.

Overnight: Phuket

 

Day 17: Phuket – Ferry to Koh Phi Phi (B)

Note: No guide day

Transfer to the pier for a ferry to Koh Phi Phi (approx. 08:30 departure).

Arrive and check in to your hotel.

Free time to explore or swim.

Overnight: Koh Phi Phi

 

Days 18–20: Koh Phi Phi – Free & Easy Days (B)

Note: No guide and driver days

Spend these days enjoying the island at your own pace.

Optional activities:

• Boat tour to Maya Bay, Viking Cave, Monkey Bay

• Snorkeling at Hin Klang, Bamboo Island

• Sunset viewpoints or diving excursions

Overnight: Koh Phi Phi

 

Day 21: Koh Phi Phi – Phuket – Bangkok – Departure (B)

Free time until ferry back to Phuket (est. 14:30 departure).

Transfer to Phuket Airport for flight to Bangkok, then connect to your international departure flight.

End of Services.

 

Notes:

• All accommodations with daily breakfast

• Thai domestic flights (Chiang Mai–Phuket, Phuket–Bangkok)

• Entrance fees, local guides, and transportation

• Meals as mentioned B (Breakfast), L (Lunch), D (Dinner)

• Shared tours: cooking class, canal tour, Mae Ping cruise, PooPoo Paper Park