Modern Thailand merges into historic Siam over nine unforgettable days with this round-trip starting and ending in Bangkok. Discover the ancient monuments, dazzling temples and bustling markets that help make Thailand the most captivating country in Southeast Asia. Visit ruins such as those of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, which offer an insight into the grandeur of past glories, and meet the inhabitants of remote rain forest villages, where the past is very much alive. Join us on this magical journey to uncover Siam’s glittering gems. 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Ayutthaya: Ancient capital of Siam and the location of a haunting UNESCO World Heritage Site

Lampang: Enjoy an unforgettable encounter with Thai elephants

Chiang Mai: Take in the views from the hilltop Wat Doi Suthep temple and explore the shopper’s paradise of San Kamphaeng Road

Lamphun: Visit the thousand-year-old Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, one of the holiest temples in the north

Sukhothai: A historic former capital with well-preserved ruins of temples and palaces

Lopburi: Explore two historic temples in this earthy city with troops of macaque monkeys roaming the streets

Na Jomtien: Enjoy a relaxing time at the scenic and beautiful Jomtien Beach, which is located only 20 minutes from the shopping and leisure districts of Pattaya.

What’s included?

TOUR GUIDE: 

▪ Operated with an English, Italian, French, German or Spanish speaking guide (on Days 3-7)

ACCOMMODATION: 

▪ 8 nights in air-conditioned rooms with bath/shower

MEALS:

▪ 9 breakfasts and 5 lunches (on Days 3,4,5,6 and 7)

TRANSPORT:

▪ Air-conditioned transportation; transfers mentioned in the programme by coach

ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES: 

▪ All entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary: Ayutthaya Historical Park; Wat Phra That Lampang Luang in Lampang; Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and San Kamphaeng Road in Chiang Mai; Wat Phra That Hariphunchai in Lamphun; Sukhothai Historical Park; Phra Prang Sam Yot and San Phra Kan in Lopburi

OTHER: 

▪ Meet & Greet on Day 1

Exclusions

▪ Expenses of a personal nature, drinks and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme

▪ Gratuity for driver and guide

▪ Optional tours

▪ International or domestic flight tickets and airport taxes or visa fees

Please note

Na Jomtien transfers on Day 9:

• Na Jomtien to Bangkok Suvanabhumi Schedules: 06:00 / 09:00 / 11:00 / 13:00 / 15:00 / 17:00 / 19:00 
• A change of two vehicles can be required, both from Bangkok to Na Jomtien or return
• For Seat-In-Coach transfers, only 1 suitcase and 1 hand luggage are allowed per person. Additional luggage will be charged per item at the Bell Travel Counter on the spot.
• Transfer and Flight Check-in time are based on 5 hours.

Hotel early check-out, early check-in, late check-in, connecting or adjoining rooms are all subject to availability and not guaranteed

No refunds for unused services. Splitting the package is not allowed.

Please note that local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to the contents of the tour without prior notice, including possible changes of hotels and/or itinerary

What do I need to bring?

Comfortable and warm clothing is the most suitable for travelling. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.  

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1-2 Bangkok

• Superior Hotel Category = Century Park or similar 4*

Day 3 Kamphaeng Phet

• Superior Hotel Category = Chakungrao Riverview or similar 3*

Day 4-5 Chiang Mai

• Superior Hotel Categroy = Holiday Inn Chiang Mai or similar 4*

Day 6 Sukhothai

• Superior Hotel Category = Legendha Sukhothai or similar 3*

Day 7, 8 Na Jomtien

• Superior Hotel Category = Worita Cove Hotel or similar 4*

Cancellation policy

Once ordered, this tour cannot be cancelled or refund or amended at any circumstances.

Day 1 :  ARRIVAL BANGKOK

Upon your arrival at Bangkok international airport, a tour representative will meet and greet you before guiding you to the transport that will transfer you to your hotel. Then, once you’re checked in, spend the rest of this first day at leisure. Perhaps you might want to indulge yourself with a traditional Thai massage, surprise your taste buds with the amazing local flavours or even cap off the day by watching the sunset from any of the stylish rooftop bars that have blossomed all over the city’s skyscrapers in recent years… the options are limitless. And, of course, if all you want to do is rest and take advantage of the facilities at the hotel, you are more than welcome to do just that. 

▪ Overnight in Bangkok

Day 2 :  BANGKOK

After breakfast at the hotel, prepare to experience a full day of free time for you to explore the wonderful city of Bangkok at leisure, visiting only those sites that interest you the most and tasting local delicacies in restaurants of your choice. Alternately, you can join one of the many optional excursions available on the spot. If this is your first time in Bangkok, we suggest joining an optional half-day tour of the most popular Buddhist temple and landmark in the city of angels: the Royal Grand Palace, a great architectural masterpiece which from the outside boasts a vast collection of buildings that together form this singular complex; behind its walls, however, lies a magical interior used as a royal residence from the 18th century to the mid-20th century. It is without any doubt a national reference and possibly the most visited royal monument in Thailand; make sure you don’t leave the country without visiting it. What’s more, the building also houses the Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok’s most sacred temple, in which you can admire the world-famous Emerald Buddha. The optional half day tour mentioned above is not included.

▪ Overnight in Bangkok

Day 3 :  BANGKOK – AYUTTHAYA – KAMPHAENG PHET (380 km – 5 hrs)

After an early breakfast served at 6:30 in the morning, you’ll be picked up from your hotel at 7:00 and driven all the way to the former capital of Ayutthaya. Step off the bus and contemplate the ruins of this once-vast island city, which was mostly destroyed by an invading army 250 years ago. Today, the haunting ruins hint at its former glory, such as can be seen in temples like Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, Wat Phanan Choeng and especially Wat Mahathat, where the roots of trees have devoured the head of a Buddha. Hop aboard a traditional long-tail boat and enjoy a scenic cruise around the island, observing the city’s ruins from a different perspective. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Kamphaeng Phet, where you’ll check in at the hotel and spend the night. 

▪ Overnight in Kamphaeng Phet

Day 4 :  KAMPHAENG PHET – LAMPANG – CHIANG MAI (350 km – 5 hrs)

Take to the road after breakfast at the hotel and head towards Lampang. On arrival, visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang; this large Lanna-style temple is prominently located on a hill surrounded by magnificent walls. Climb the naga staircase and explore the complex, which boasts seven buildings and a sacred tree. Admire the bronze Buddha statue in the ordination hall and the relic of Buddha in the golden chedi. Later on, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before continuing to Chiang Mai, popularly known as the ‘Rose of the North’. Check in at your hotel on arrival and then spend the rest of the day at leisure. Perhaps you might want to explore the city at your own pace or enjoy a relaxing Thai massage (not included). In the evening, head to the bustling night bazaar for a stroll or have a pleasant evening out by trying a khantoke dinner, a traditional northern Thai feast combined with a selection of traditional cultural performances. Traditionally, Northern families sit and eat their dinners around a Khantoke, a small circular table, sitting on the floor. On this tour you will enjoy a meal of several Northern dishes, along with a very graceful show of Northern Thai dancing, which includes the sword dance, candle dance, fingernail dance and the Ramwong, where you will be invited to participate. Later there is a special hill tribe show featuring dances from the various hill tribes of Northern Thailand. (Khantoke dinner is optional, not included). 

▪ Overnight in Chiang Mai

Day 5 :  CHIANG MAI

After breakfast in the hotel, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the most revered temples in the country. This sacred location is at the top of a mountain from where you can appreciate stunning panoramic views over the city. To reach the temple you will first have to climb up a 309-step naga staircase. Alternately, you can use the cable car (included) to reach the temple; both options are rewarding in their own special way. This spiritual sojourn is followed by a visit to the shopping heaven that is the famous San Kamphaeng Road, a 10-km-long stretch of road flanked by shops selling locally produced goods such as pottery, silverware, lacquerware, handmade saa paper, sculptures, jewellery, wood carvings and silk products. In some shops, you can even watch the artisans at work. Keep an eye out for the celadon pottery and the silver goods, which are both usually of excellent quality. After lunch in a local restaurant, return to the hotel to either relax or spend the afternoon exploring the city further at your own rhythm. 

▪ Overnight in Chiang Mai

Day 6 :  CHIANG MAI – LAMPHUN – SUKHOTHAI (370 km – 5 hrs)

Bid farewell to Chiang Mai after breakfast at the hotel and continue your journey, your next stop being Lamphun, home to one of the north’s most important temples, the one-thousand-year-old Wat Phra That Hariphunchai. Visit the temple and admire the Buddha statues and impressive stupas, which include a 46-metre-tall Lanna-style golden chedi and 21-metre-tall Haripunchai-style chedi. Then take to the road once more and head south to Sukhothai Historical Park, which covers the ruins of the first capital of Siam. Founded in the 13th century, Sukhothai means ‘Dawn of Happiness’ and it indeed heralded the beginning of a golden age for Thai culture under the rule of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great, who is credited with creating the Thai alphabet. In the historical park you can see the ruins of almost 200 buildings, including dozens of temples. The complex, which was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is divided between the ruins within the walls and moat and those outside them. Lunch will be provided in the local restaurant.

▪ Overnight in Sukhothai

Day 7 :  SUKHOTHAI – LOPBURI – NA JOMTIEN (595 km – 8 hrs)

Wake up to breakfast at the hotel and then depart Sukhothai, heading for Lopburi. This historic city is famed for the troops of macaques that roam the streets as if it were the jungle or they owned the place. Visit the ruins of the ancient Khmer temple of Phra Prang Sam Yot and the adjacent Brahman shrine of San Phra Kan, which is also known as the ‘Monkey Temple’, for reasons that will become obvious as soon as you get there. Later on, lunch will be served in a local restaurant en route to the last stop of the day: Na Jomtien. Once you arrive in this city, you’ll check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure, becoming acquainted with this fascinating new location at your own pace. 

▪ Overnight in Na Jomtien

Day 8 :  NA JOMTIEN

Charge your batteries with breakfast at the hotel before hitting the streets for a full day for you to spend at leisure. But who says you have to go on yet another adventure? You can also simply lounge by the pool without a worry in the world or head to the beach to sunbathe and swim in the salty sea. If you want to enjoy additional activities, though, you can join one of the many optional tours available in the area. A good option is the optional half-day tour of the charming gardens that can be found in the village of Nong Nooch. These gardens are the backdrop of some truly fascinating Thai cultural shows, including boxing, sword fighting and traditional dancing, just to name a few. 

▪ Overnight in Na Jomtien

Day 9 :  NA JOMTIEN – DEPARTURE BANGKOK (125 km – 2 hrs)

Wake up to one last breakfast at the hotel and then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure until your transfer comes to pick you up and drive you back to Bangkok airport, where our services come to an end and you will board your flight to your onward destination. 

▪ Breakfast included