Essentials of Thailand

Breakfast. Today you will explore three Buddhist temples in Bangkok on a half-day tour.

Wander through three stunning and sacred Buddhist Temples in Bangkok.  Weigh in at Wat Traimit or the Golden Buddha to see the Sukhothai-sculpted 5.5-ton solid-gold Buddha image. Said to date back as far as the early 13th century, the figure is as impressive as valuable. 

Next is Wat Chetuphon, home to Wat Pho, the reclining Buddha image. It is regarded as the first center of public education, decorated in mural paintings, statues, and inscriptions. Intellectuals gather there to discuss a variety of subjects such as literature, astronomy, geology, meditation, and more.

Last but certainly not least is a temple that employs the delicate combination of Italian Carrara marble with classical Thai architecture to create the lovely and unique Wat Benchamabophit. The temple boasts 53 Buddha images and beautiful lotus flower-filled canals that can be crossed by footbridges.

Later, you will explore Bangkok’s klongs (canals) and see why the city used to be called “the Venice of the East.” 

Nineteenth-century Bangkok was laced with canals, giving the capital the nickname the “Venice of the East.” Surviving canals, as well as the Chao Phraya River itself (meaning the River of Kings), provide memorable vignettes of a traditional waterborne way-of-life that has remained essentially unchanged over the centuries.

The river and canals can conveniently be explored by public transport or via a traditional long-tailed boat. The tour will finally take you to Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), a famous Chao Phraya riverbank landmark, which is best known for its porcelain encrusted central sparkling pagoda. After a wonderful tour, you will be brought back across the river to the main starting point.

Overnight : Bangkok Meals: Breakfast – Lunch

Begin today with a tour of the world-famous floating market of Damnern Saduak, a heady mix of sights, sounds, and smells.

Upon your return, take a walk through Bangkok’s commercial district of Siam Square, Pratunam and Phloen Chit. This is modern Bangkok at its heart.

Walk and haggle through the famous floating markets of Thailand. A narrow canal became the foundation of the Damnoen Saduak Market where food, produce, and souvenir shops bob along the water.

This tour will also bring you to the Nakorn Pathom, home to the highest Chedi and to the largest pagodas in Southeast Asia.

Overnight : Bangkok Meals: Breakfast 

Breakfast.

Open Wednesday to Sunday, the Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the best experiences in Bangkok and is well worth exploring. Among the largest markets in the world, Chatuchak sells everything from antiques to clothing to home decor. 

You could also consider spending the day at the temple of Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace. In the midst of modern Bangkok, Wat Phra Kaew stands out from the nondescript skyscrapers for its golden hue and tall spires. Tour the temple and have a walk on the palace grounds to get a sense of the old city.

Overnight : Bangkok Meals: Breakfast 

Depart Bangkok today for the northern city of Chiang Mai. After settling in, spend the remainder of your day exploring the shops, restaurants and sights on Nimmanhaemin Road, Chiang Mai’s place to see and be seen.

Overnight : Chiang Mai Meals: Breakfast 

Enjoy a full-day visit to Elephant Nature Park; a natural home and sanctuary for elephants, buffalo, dogs, cats, birds, and many other rescued animals. Your visit starts with a picturesque drive through rural countryside to Elephant Nature Park. You will hear the stories of rescued and orphaned elephants. See how they became a proud herd and free from abuse for the first time in their lives.

After unloading and distributing fruit treats, you will have a chance to feed the elephants from the viewing platform. Walk with the staff and the elephants to the river that skirts the park. Observe the elephants bathe and play while you stay dry on the river bank and take pictures of them. In the late afternoon, you’ll say goodbye to the elephants and Elephant Nature Park before the hour-long drive back to Chiang Mai where you will be dropped off at your accommodations.

Overnight : Chiang Mai Meals: Breakfast 

Begin your last day in Chiang Mai with a visit to Doi Inthanon National Park, one of the most beautiful spots in all of Thailand. Perched on the country’s tallest mountain, Doi Inthanon is blanketed by lush tropical forests and dotted with rivers and waterfalls. Enjoy a leisurely stroll across the park and don’t miss visiting the two chedis dedicated to Their Royal Majesties, The King and Queen.

Chiang Mai’s oldest public market, Warorot (also known as Waroros) is a great place to connect with the city’s soul and end your Thailand adventure.

Overnight : Chiang Mai Meals: Breakfast