arrow_back

11 Day itinerary in Thailand, Asia

Thailand Cultural Discovery

Embark on the 11-day history-based journey to fully explore Thailand's popular destinations. Starting from the vibrant Bangkok, venture north via the ancient capitals of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai to Lampang, Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai. You will discover historical landmarks and cultural delights in sce... Read More

1 / 7
All Photos
Alick

By Alick

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Easy
help_outline

Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

Bangkok

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Visit markets

Meet local people

Indigenous culture

Historic & cultural landmarks

Outdoors & Nature

Classic Sights

Beach & Sea

Start

Night

End

Highlights

1

Grand Palace & Longtail Boat Ride

2

UNESCO-protected Ayutthaya and Sukhothai

3

Temple hopping at Lampang

4

Chiang Mai for Thai Cooking

Itinerary

Mid-Range ($$) expand_more

Day 1

place Arrival, Bangkok

Your adventure begins in the country's vibrant capital of Bangkok. Upon landing, meet your local tour guide for a transfer between the airport and your downtown hotel with a private driver and vehicle. The rest of the day is free to relax after your long-haul flight.

Guide: Included for the day

Accommodation:

  • 4-Star Accommodation: Maitria Hotel Sukhumvit 18 – A Chatrium Collection
Day 2

place Bangkok, City Discovery

Your guide will be waiting in the lobby to lead you on a full-day discovery of the city's essential sights. Start by visiting a colorful flower and vegetable market to experience authentic local life. Carry on to the renowned Grand Palace, Thailand's most important landmark. This former royal residence houses glittering halls, pavilions and temples, including the sacred Wat Phra Kaew. The afternoon continues with a long-tail boat ride through the canals, known locally as Khlongs, to see Thai houses on stilts and the typical rural life of the local people. At the end of the cruise, admire the truly spellbinding Wat Arun from the boat on the river. Disembark and walk into the nearby Wat Pho to witness the 45-metre gilded reclining Buddha. Finally, return to your hotel, with the rest of the day to relax.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • 4-Star Accommodation: Maitria Hotel Sukhumvit 18 – A Chatrium Collection
Day 3

place Bangkok – Kanchanaburi

After breakfast, hit the road for a 3-hour drive to Kanchanaburi, a scenic riverfront city with a dark past. You will spot significant sites related to the infamous "Death Railway", built by Allied prisoners of war during World War II, including the museum sitting above Hellfire Pass, Krasae cave with its adjoining wooden railway bridge, the Hollywood-famous Bridge on the River Kwai, and Don Rak War Cemetery. During the journey, take in the natural beauty and spend quiet moments boating on the Kwai River to dispel the sombre moods. Finally, settle into your comfortable hotel for the night.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • 4-Star Accommodation: The FloatHouse River Kwai Resort โฟลทเฮ้าส์ ริเวอร์เเคว รีสอร์ท กาญจนบุรี
Day 4

place Kanchanaburi – Ayutthaya

Departing from Kanchanaburi in the morning, set off on a journey back in time to Ayutthaya, the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom from the 14th to the 18th centuries. On the 2.5-hour road transfer, stop by the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, once used by the royal court as a summer retreat. Upon reaching the UNESCO-inscribed Ayutthaya Historical Park, follow your guide to explore some remarkable ruined Buddhist temples, including Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, Wat Mongkhon Bophit, and Wat Maha That.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • 4-Star Accommodation: iuDia Hotel
Day 5

place Ayutthaya – Sukhothai

Today, start by visiting the sacred Wat Phutthaisawan, where atmospheric ruins and lively temple worship can both be experienced. If you like, head over to meet and even feed the tame and friendly monkeys living in Wat Kai. A 5-hour overland journey afterwards will take you to Sukhothai, the capital of the first Kingdom of Siam in the 13th and 14th centuries. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and relax for the rest of the day.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • 4-Star Accommodation: The Legendha Sukhothai Resort
Day 6

place Sukhothai – Lampang

Today, Sukhothai invites you to explore its two UNESCO-recognized historical parks for a fascinating glimpse into the country's royal past. Sukhothai Historical Park, once a walled city surrounded by moats, comprises the remains of royal palaces, Buddhist temples, city gates, and walls. Just one-hour drive away, the serene Si Satchanalai Historical Park, which means "City of good people", is an open green space dotted with ancient temples and ruins. Driving 2.5 hours in a northerly direction, you'll come to Lampang, which boasts well-preserved temples in various architectural styles. After settling into your hotel, feel free to discover the city on your own.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • 4-Star Accommodation: Lampang River Lodge
Day 7

place Lampang – Chiang Rai

After breakfast, start your temple exploration with visits to Wat Phra That Lampang Luang in typical Lanna style, Shan-style Wat Si Rong Muang, and Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao with a combination of Mon, Shan, Burmese and Lanna styles. Besides, do not miss the chance to ride on a horse-drawn carriage and go sightseeing around the old town of Lampang, known as the 'horse carriage city' and the only city in Thailand allowed to use horse carriages as transportation. After lunch at a local restaurant, travel onward by 4-hour drive to Chiang Rai, overland past the scenic Kwan Phayao. The rest of the day is on your own to relax or go around by yourself.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • 4-Star Accommodation: Imperial River House Resort
Day 8

place Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive about 1.5 hours to Mae Sai - the bustling border town between Myanmar and Thailand - for a brief exploration. Proceed with a 30-minute drive to spot the infamous Golden Triangle at the intersection of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. Next on the itinerary will be the exotic Long Neck Karen Village, where some women wear heavy brass rings around their necks. After that, continue on the transfer departing Chiang Rai for Chiang Mai, stopping by the eye-catching Wat Rong Khun (commonly known as white Temple) for amazing Instagram photos. Some 2 hours later, check into your hotel in Chiang Mai for the night.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • 4-Star Accommodation: Smile Lanna Hotel
Day 9

place Chiang Mai

This morning is reserved for a cooking class to discover the secret of Thai cuisine. Led by your chef, pick fresh ingredients on the local market and try your hands at making authentic dishes. After cooking, enjoy your creations for lunch. You will then visit Hmong Hilltribe Village to see Meo people in colorful traditional costumes, before continuing to the sacred Wat Phra That Doi Suthep on the mountaintop of Doi Suthep for fantastic views over Chiang Mai city.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • 4-Star Accommodation: Smile Lanna Hotel Chiang Mai
Day 10

place Chiang Mai, Elephant Encounter

The Elephant has been Thailand's national animal for a very long time. Today, drive out of the city into the lush countryside to Elephant Nature Park for a join-in group tour. First, get to know the sanctuary's rescue efforts for elephants, buffaloes, dogs, cats and other animals. You will then walk on an elevated boardwalk and around the park, observing how elephants socialize in their herbs, eat with their long trunks, play in the mud pit, and bathe themselves in the river. This will be an unforgettable day in the company of these gentle giants.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11

place Chiang Mai, Departure

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. You will be collected from your hotel and taken to the airport in time for your homebound flight.

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Accommodation expand_less

  • Maitria Hotel Sukhumvit 18 – A Chatrium Collection
  • Smile Lanna Hotel
  • Smile Lanna Hotel Chiang Mai
  • The Legendha Sukhothai Resort
  • Lampang River Lodge
  • Imperial River House Resort
  • The FloatHouse River Kwai Resort โฟลทเฮ้าส์ ริเวอร์เเคว รีสอร์ท กาญจนบุรี
  • iuDia Hotel

Meals expand_less

  • Breakfast (10)
  • Lunch (9)

Transport expand_less

  • All needed transfers at airport/hotel/station/ferry as per itinerary

Activities expand_less

  • Sightseeing or activities as listed in the itinerary with English-speaking guides
  • Entrance fees of the scenic spots as listed in the itinerary

Extras expand_less

  • Service charges

Not Included expand_less

  • Sightseeing / Meals or any other item NOT listed in the itinerary
  • International flights to and from Bangkok
  • Visa application & visa fee
  • Gratuities or tips
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses such as room service, internet charge, laundry, drink, fax, telephone call, etc
  • Excess baggage charge
  • Optional activities either recommended by tour guides or out of your own interests

About Alick

TEAM LEAD

verified Baboo Certified

star_outline 4.88 (16 reviews)

Expertise: 

Hiking

Visit markets

Meet local people

Indigenous culture

Yoga

Meditation

Historic & cultural landmarks

Outdoors & Nature

Classic Sights

Food & Drink

Travel with Purpose

Beach & Sea

I love traveling to discover new places and try local flavors. Working in travel is an ideal choice for me, and I adore being able to travel the world while assisting clients in planning their dream vacations and creating their own lifetime memories.

Travel that Makes a Difference

By choosing to travel with us, you support local communities, wildlife, and the environment. We are dedicated to positively impacting the world through every journey we offer.

Let’s regenerate the planet together

We overcompensate your entire journey’s carbon footprint including flights - for free.

Learn more
FROM PRICE PER TRAVELER

$2,700.00 USD