Thailand12 days
Thailand: Bangkok, Ayutthaya & Northern Temples — 12 Days
A 12-day journey from Bangkok's Grand Palace through Ayutthaya's ruins, north to the Golden Triangle and Chiang Mai's temples, ending in Phuket's limestone seascape.
This tour moves through Thailand's three primary regions in sequence: the capital's monumental architecture and river culture, the archaeological layers of Ayutthaya 75 kilometres north, the northern hill country where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge, and the southern limestone karst landscape around Phuket. You'll visit the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok, float the Chao Phraya River past rural villages and temple spires, spend time in Chiang Mai's old city and at Doi Suthep mountaintop temple, participate in a Buddhist alms ceremony, work with rescued elephants at the Elephant Nature Park, and boat through Phang Nga Bay's dramatic geology. The route covers twelve days with multiple overnight stays in each region, allowing time to move beyond the capital's main attractions into rural and coastal landscapes.
Highlights
- Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok's old city
- Ayutthaya's brick temple ruins and the Summer Palace of King Rama V, 75 kilometres north of Bangkok
- Chao Phraya River cruise from Ayutthaya to Bangkok, passing villages and palmgroves
- The Golden Triangle viewpoint where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet near Chiang Rai
- Doi Suthep temple, a mountain sanctuary above Chiang Mai city
- Buddhist alms ceremony (Tak Bat) and morning markets in Chiang Mai
- Full-day elephant encounter at the Elephant Nature Park in Mae Taeng Valley, including river bathing
- Phang Nga Bay limestone formations and 'James Bond Island' (Koh Tapu) by luxury cruiser from Phuket
Day by day
1Arrival in BangkokBangkok airport · your hotel
You will be met at Bangkok airport by your local guide, who will be holding a name-board in the arrivals area. After a brief introduction, you'll be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Overnight in Bangkok.
2Bangkok Temples and Grand PalaceGrand Palace · Wat Phra Kaew · Wat Po · Sala Rim Naam Restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Begin with a half-day tour of Bangkok's principal temples: Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and Wat Po, home to a Reclining Buddha figure. Continue to the Grand Palace, which occupies nearly one square mile and has served as the former royal residence of the Chakri Kings. This remains one of Bangkok's most visited sites. Return to your hotel for the afternoon at leisure. In the evening, proceed to the Sala Rim Naam Restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on the opposite bank of the Chao Phraya River for a Thai dinner accompanied by classical Thai dance performance. The setting is a traditional Thai pavilion overlooking the river. Note: this dinner excursion does not operate on Sundays.
3Ayutthaya Ruins and Chao Phraya River CruiseAyutthaya · Chao Phraya River · Bang Pa-In
Travel approximately 75 kilometres north of Bangkok to Ayutthaya, Thailand's former capital. Begin at Bang Pa-In, the Summer Palace of the late King Rama V, then continue through Ayutthaya's World Heritage temple ruins — remnants that showcase the city's past glory. The site shows layers of cultural exchange through its remaining stupas and chedis. In the afternoon, begin an air-conditioned river cruise southward down the Chao Phraya River back toward Bangkok, passing rural villages, temple spires, and palm groves while enjoying a buffet lunch on board. You will return to Bangkok in the evening.
4Bangkok to Chiang RaiChiang Rai · Bangkok airport · hotel in Chiang Rai
After breakfast at the hotel, you'll be transferred to Bangkok airport for your flight north to Chiang Rai. Your local guide will meet you in the arrivals area and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to settle in and wander at your leisure, or simply rest after your journey.
5Golden Triangle and Chiang SaenChiang Saen · the Golden Triangle
Visit the Golden Triangle, the geographic point where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet along the Mekong River. Continue to Chiang Saen, which sits on the steep northern banks of the Mekong. Founded in the 10th century by Thai commanders as the first independent northern principality, Chiang Saen was destroyed by Khmer forces, rebuilt by King Mengrai in 1259, then abandoned in favour of Chiang Mai. It was revived in the 14th century by Mengrai's grandson, a Buddhist patron who constructed most of the surviving stupas and chedis visible today.
6Drive to Chiang MaiChiang Mai · your hotel
After breakfast, travel by road for approximately three hours southward to Chiang Mai. Check in to your hotel for a three-night stay. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
7Buddhist Alms Ceremony, Markets, and Doi Suthep TempleDoi Suthep · Kruba Sri Vichai Statue · a local market · Wat Chedi Luang
Early in the morning, travel to the Kruba Sri Vichai Statue to observe the daily Buddhist alms ceremony, Tak Bat or 'Merit Making,' where monks receive food offerings. Optional participation available. Continue to a local market, then travel by rickshaw to Wat Chedi Luang in the old city. Return to the hotel for breakfast. In the afternoon, take a half-day temple tour exploring Chiang Mai's temples and ascend to Doi Suthep, a mountain top temple.
8Full Day at Elephant Nature ParkElephant Nature Park · Elephant Nature Park in Mae Taeng Valley · the river at Elephant Nature Park
Depart early for a full-day group excursion to the Elephant Nature Park in Mae Taeng Valley, an agricultural area north of Chiang Mai. You will travel by shared vehicle through Thai countryside, arriving at the park where expert guides share the personal histories of rescued elephants and discuss the species' conservation challenges in Southeast Asia. You will distribute fruit treats from a viewing platform and walk to the river for bathing time. Staff will instruct you on elephant bathing procedures; participation is optional. You may wade into the river to assist with washing or observe from the sandy shore. Lunch is provided at the park. The return journey to Chiang Mai takes approximately one hour, with drop-off at your hotel around 5 p.m.
9Flight to PhuketPhuket · your hotel
Fly to Phuket and transfer to your hotel for check-in. You will stay three nights in Phuket. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
10Phang Nga Bay Limestone Seascape and Koh TapuPhang Nga Bay · Koh Tapu · mangrove passages and cave systems · Koh Pannyi · Koh Khai
An all-day excursion takes you to Phang Nga Bay, known for its limestone karst formations. Depart from Laem Sai aboard a shared speedboat to view the towering karst formations of Panak Island and Hong Island, then approach Koh Tapu, also known as James Bond Island after the 1974 film The Man with the Golden Gun was filmed here. Continue through mangrove passages and cave systems where vertical cliff faces rise directly from the water. The boat then stops at Koh Pannyi (Sea Gypsy Island), a Muslim fishing village built on stilts over the water, where lunch is served. The tour concludes with a visit to Koh Khai before returning to Phuket.
11Phuket at LeisurePhuket
Enjoy the full day at your leisure in Phuket. Breakfast is included. Overnight in Phuket.
12Phuket DeparturePhuket airport
After breakfast at your hotel, meet your guide at the appointed time for transportation to Phuket airport.
Where you go
- 1Ayutthaya
- 2Chiang Rai
- 3Chiang Mai
- 4Phuket
- 5Phuket Airport
Included
- Hotel with daily breakfast, lunches & dinners as indicated, English speaking local guides, entrance fees to sites listed on the itinerary, private A/C transportation with expert drivers, airport transfers.
Not included
- Meals and drinks unless specified
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activity costs
- Peak season surcharges may apply.
- International & Internal flights are not included, please enquire.