Thailand · 9 days · Private trip

The Best of
Bangkok & Chiang Mai

Ancient temples, floating markets, elephants and mountains. Nine days between the capital and the north, at your own pace.

See the itinerary
9 days
Duration
Private
Trip type
1,145 €
Per person
Doi InthanonDoi InthanonMae WangMae WangChiang MaiChiang MaiMae KampongMae KampongChiang RaiChiang RaiErawanErawanKanchanaburiKanchanaburiAmphawaAmphawaAyutthayaAyutthayaBangkokBangkok
from capital to north

From the temples of Bangkok to the mountains of Chiang Mai

An unforgettable 9-day journey through the best of Thailand: the vibrant city life, ancient temples, floating markets and iconic riverside views of Bangkok, then north to the rich culture of Chiang Mai, its lush mountains, elephant encounters and local hill-tribe traditions.

1,145 €
indicative price · per person · groups of 4
The final price may vary depending on the season, number of participants and hotel category

Plan this trip
day by day

Your itinerary

Day 1

Bangkok city tour

Begin with a boat ride along the river through Bangkok’s historic centre, passing the lively Pak Khlong Talat flower market. Visit the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), then walk to Wat Pho, home of the iconic Reclining Buddha.

Cross the river by ferry to Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, and finish with a ride on a private long-tail boat along the Chao Praya River, the «Venice of the East».

No meals included W22 Hotel Bangkok
Day 2

Floating market & mangroves

Start at the Maeklong Railway Market, where vendors pack up their stalls just as the train passes inches away. Continue to Amphawa to explore the vibrant Damnoen Saduak Floating Market or the local Amphawa market.

Then venture into the mangrove ecosystem: watch local fishermen, visit a seafood farm, spot monkeys and enjoy a traditional wooden boat ride through the mangroves.

Breakfast & lunch included W22 Hotel Amphawa · Bangkok
Day 3

Ayutthaya

Head to Ayutthaya. We take a boat to reach Bang Pa-In and visit the Royal Palace, with its blend of Thai and European architecture. Continue along the river to Ayutthaya and explore its most iconic temples: Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon.

Return to Bangkok after lunch at a local riverside restaurant, a day full of history and heritage.

Breakfast & lunch included W22 Hotel Ayutthaya · Bangkok
Day 4

Erawan Waterfall

Head to the spectacular Erawan Waterfall, in Erawan National Park: seven tiers of cascades with turquoise pools, jungle trails and crystal-clear natural waters. The experience also includes a stop at the historic Death Railway, a World War II site with breathtaking scenery.

With the option to hike up to the higher tiers for panoramic views amid rich wildlife and lush nature.

Breakfast included W22 Hotel Erawan · Bangkok
Day 5

Flight to Chiang Rai

Transfer to the airport for our flight to Chiang Rai. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and the rest of the day is free.

You can wander the city at your own pace and, from 5:00 PM onwards, there is the night market, with street food, live music and stalls of handicrafts and clothing.

Breakfast included 3-star hotel Chiang Rai
Day 6

Chiang Rai temples, then on to Chiang Mai

The morning is for the three most spectacular temples of Chiang Rai: Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple; Wat Rong Suea Ten, the Blue Temple; and Wat Huay Pla Kang, the Red Temple, with its huge white Guan Yin figure. We return via Lalitta Café, set among waterfalls and wooden huts.

We then head to Chiang Mai to visit the magnificent Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, 1,200 m above the valley, stopping on the way at the peaceful Wat Pha Lat.

If you would rather arrive on foot, we can swap the drive for the Monk’s Trail, the path monks traditionally walked barefoot: around 40 minutes uphill through the forest to Wat Pha Lat. The vehicle can wait at the top for those who prefer not to walk.
Breakfast & lunch included 99 The Gallery Chiang Rai · Chiang Mai
Day 7

Elephant sanctuary

An unforgettable day with elephants in Mae Wang: time in a respectful, natural setting, observing these gentle giants up close.

The day also includes a bamboo raft ride down the river, surrounded by stunning scenery and lush jungle.

Breakfast & lunch included 99 The Gallery Mae Wang
Day 8

Mae Kampong village

Explore Mae Kampong, a peaceful mountain village near Chiang Mai. On the way, stop at the Muang On Cave and the Mon Kuwera Maharat Thao temple, pass by The Giant Chiang Mai and a treetop cafe.

In the village, wander its streets, visit traditional wooden houses and cafes, admire the Mae Kampong Waterfall and enjoy sweeping views from the Kew Fin viewpoint. It’s an ideal village to relax, have coffee with great views and eat moo kata while gazing at the mountains and its wooden houses.

Breakfast included 99 The Gallery Mae Kampong
Day 9

Doi Inthanon National Park

Explore Doi Inthanon, home to Thailand’s highest peak. Visit the Twin Pagodas (King and Queen Pagodas), with beautiful mountain views, and stop at stunning waterfalls such as Wachirathan and Mae Klang.

Reach the highest point in Thailand and enjoy the optional Ang Ka Nature Trail, an easy walk through alpine vegetation and lush forest. Return to Chiang Mai in the afternoon.

Breakfast included 99 The Gallery Doi Inthanon · Chiang Mai
what’s included

Trip details

Included

  • Accommodation with daily breakfast
  • Meals mentioned in the programme
  • Local insurance and on-trip assistance
  • Domestic flight Bangkok → Chiang Rai
  • Airport transfers
  • Bangkok tour: public transport, guide and entrance fees
  • Railway market, floating market & mangroves: transport, boats and lunch
  • Ayutthaya: private transport, guide, entrances, boat and lunch
  • Erawan Waterfall: transport, entrances and life jackets
  • Chiang Rai: White Temple, Blue Temple and Red Temple
  • Chiang Rai → Chiang Mai: transport, Doi Suthep and Wat Pha Lat
  • Elephant sanctuary & bamboo raft: transport, guide and lunch
  • Mae Kampong village: transport
  • Doi Inthanon: transport, park and pagoda entrances

Extras included

  • Hotel list and links
  • Public transport tips
  • Google Maps QR
  • Local recipes
  • Packing list
  • Thai music playlist (QR)
  • Fun facts and cultural notes
  • Emergency numbers
  • Travel vocabulary

Not included

  • International flights
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • International travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned
  • Services not mentioned
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The trip destinations

Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya
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Kanchanaburi
Kanchanaburi
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Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai
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Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai
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Mae Wang
Mae Wang
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Mae Kampong
Mae Kampong
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resources

Trip essentials

Ready for the best of Thailand?

Nine days through Bangkok’s temples, floating markets and the mountains of Chiang Mai, shaped around your own pace.

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