Essence of Thailand – Ending in Bangkok 8 Days

Arrival in BANGKOK, customs procedures, and transfer to the hotel. Free time to explore Thailand’s capital, a vibrant city that blends ancient temples with modern skyscrapers.

We will take an extensive tour of the city of BANGKOK. We will visit the Temple of the Golden Buddha (entrance included), the Golden Mount (entrance included), from whose summit we will enjoy panoramic views of Bangkok, and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (entrance included), home to one of the largest reclining Buddhas in the world.

We will end our tour at the Grand Royal Palace (entrance included), the former residence of the Kings of THAILAND. Inside the palace, we will visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the most important in all of Thailand. Afterwards, we will cross the Chao Phraya River by ferry to the IconSiam Shopping Mall. Free time. Return to the hotel on your own.

Note: To visit the Grand Palace, visitors must wear long pants or a long skirt, and a long-sleeved shirt or one with sleeves at least to the elbow.

Arrival in the city of AYUTTHAYA, where we will take a stroll through the Muslim Quarter, home to a minority community. We will then visit the Archaeological Site (entrance included) of this former capital of the Kingdom of Siam. We will see two of its most iconic temples: the impressive Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon and the enigmatic Wat Mahathat, famous for the Buddha head entwined within the roots of a sacred tree. Afterwards, we continue our journey toward the north of the country. Lunch included at a local restaurant. Arrival in PHITSANULOK in the late afternoon.

Early in the morning, for those who wish to participate, we will leave the hotel to make an offering to the monks and experience up close one of the most important rituals of Buddhist culture. Afterwards, we will depart for SUKHOTHAI to visit the Archaeological Site (entrance included), known for its incredible beauty and sophisticated temples. We will also visit Wat Si Chum Temple (entrance included), home to a massive Buddha statue. Lunch included en route at a local restaurant.
We continue toward LAMPANG, where we will visit one of the most revered wooden temples in the country (entrance included). Finally, we arrive in vibrant CHIANG MAI, where we will take a brief panoramic city tour to see the main highlights before heading to the hotel. Overnight stay.

We begin the day by visiting two unique mountain temples in CHIANG MAI: Wat Pha Lat (entrance included), hidden in the jungle, and the legendary Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (entrance included), one of the most sacred temples in northern THAILAND. Afterwards, we head north to visit Elephant Eco Valley (entrance included) and learn more about the lives of elephants. Lunch included at a local restaurant. Later, we will have the opportunity to visit a Karen ethnic community—an experience designed to promote respect, intercultural understanding, and support for local development. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.

Visit to the Tweechol Botanical Garden (entrance included), a large and well-maintained botanical garden featuring a rich variety of tropical plants and an orchid garden. A vehicle tour inside the park is included. We continue to the MAE KACHAN Hot Springs. Afterwards, we stop at the iconic White Temple (entrance included), decorated with mirrors and blending Buddhist symbolism with modern creativity. Lunch included at a local restaurant.
We then head toward the Mekong River, where the “Golden Triangle” is located—the border between THAILAND, MYANMAR, and LAOS. We will learn about the culture and history of the area at the Opium Museum (entrance included). Arrival in CHIANG RAI in the late afternoon.

Transfer to the airport to board the included flight to BANGKOK. Upon arrival, you will have free time in Thailand’s capital to enjoy the city before the end of the tour.

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.