Chiang Rai Trip Overview
Join this memorable ten-day tour and see some of Thailand´s most beautiful attractions. Start your adventure in Chiang Mai, the beautiful former capital of the Lanna kingdom, mingle with the locals in the night market, and be amazed by the beauty of the ancient Buddhist temples before continuing to Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites that both served as capitals of Siam. Your odyssey ends in bustling Bangkok, the capital known as the ‘City of Angels’.
Additional Info
Duration: 10 days
Starts: Chiang Rai, Thailand
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Chiang Rai Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand
Join this memorable ten-day tour and see some of Thailand´s most beautiful attractions. Start your adventure in Chiang Mai, the beautiful former capital of the Lanna kingdom, mingle with the locals in the night market, and be amazed by the beauty of the ancient Buddhist temples before continuing to Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites that both served as capitals of Siam. Your odyssey ends in bustling Bangkok, the capital known as the ‘City of Angels’.
Itinerary
Day 1: ARRIVAL CHIANG RAI
Stop At: Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai International Airport, 404, ตำบล บ้านดู่ Amphoe, เชียงราย 57000, Thailand
Arrive at Chiang Rai Airport, where our representative will meet and greet you. Then, enjoy a comfortable transfer to your centrally located hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the beautiful place. Maybe explore the heart of the old town, which dates from the reign of King Mangrai in the 13th century, or wander around the night bazaar to get a flavour of Chiang Rai.
Overnight in Chiang Rai
Duration: 12 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Standard Hotel Category = Laluna or similar 4*
Superior Hotel Category = Imperial River House Resort or similar 4*
Day 2: CHIANG RAI – GOLDEN TRIANGLE (270 kms – 6hrs)
Stop At: Laluna Hotel and Resort, 160 หมู่ที่ 4 Sanambin Rd, ตำบล รอบเวียง อำเภอ เมืองเชียงราย Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading to the centre to admire the iconic monument of King Mangrai en route to the Hilltribe Museum and Education Centre. Learn all about the dozens of hill tribes that, for centuries, have lived in the highlands around the city and understand how they have survived the spread of globalisation. Continue to the Mae Chan district to explore the remote hill tribe villages of Yao and Akha peoples, and experience their way of life first-hand. Take to the road for Mae Sai, a small border town with a busy market, before heading into the heart of the infamous Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. This natural wilderness gained an unwanted notoriety in the Sixties because of the abundant opium cultivation in the area. After lunch, continue to Chiang Saen to visit the hilltop Wat Phra That Chom Kitti, which is reached via a 350-step staircase. Return to Chiang Rai with rest of the day free at leisure.
Overnight in Chiang Rai
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Standard Hotel Category = Laluna or similar 4*
Superior Hotel Category = Imperial River House Resort or similar 4*
Day 3: CHIANG RAI – CHIANG MAI (260 kms – 4hrs)
Stop At: The Empress Chiang Mai Hotel, 199, 42 Changklan Rd, Tambon Chang Khlan, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Begin your adventure after breakfast at the hotel, heading towards Chiang Mai. On the southern outskirts of Chiang Rai, stop at the magnificent Wat Rong Khun, a dazzling temple built in the 1990s. Its ornate all-white exterior, with embedded pieces of mirror, makes it one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand. Continue to Chiang Mai and, on arrival, 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 of the city. To reach the temple you have to climb up a 309-step naga staircase. Alternatively, you can use the cable car. Head to the riverbank and board a boat for a cruise along the scenic River Ping. Stop at a farm to savour a delicious khao soi noodle curry as you enjoy interesting dance performances. After a walk through the local flower and fresh produce market, return to the hotel. The cable car is included
Overnight in Chiang Mai
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Standard & Superior Hotel Category = Empress Chiang Mai or similar 4*
Day 4: CHIANG MAI CITY AND SURROUNDINGS (40 kms – 1hrs)
Stop At: The Empress Chiang Mai Hotel, 199, 42 Changklan Rd, Tambon Chang Khlan, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Take a walk on the wild side after breakfast, with a visit to an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai province. The place is located in a lush rainforest and offers a perfect natural habitat for appreciating these gentle giants. Learn about Asian elephants – their nature, their individual traits, their lifestyles, their talents and their charms, and get a glimpse into the unique and very real relationships between elephants and their mahouts. After lunch in a local restaurant, continue to Chiang Mai for an afternoon exploring this ancient city. Chiang Mai’s old town is still surrounded by remnants of the old defensive walls and a moat. Visit the historic Wat Suan Dok and admire its 48- metre-high Sri Lankan-style chedi, which overlooks the Royal Cemetery. Continue to Wat Phra Sing in the old town and appreciate the beauty of this large complex of more than 60 buildings before visiting 14th century Wat Chedi Luang in the very heart of the old city. In the evening, you can enjoy an optional khantoke dinner (not included).
Overnight in Chiang Mai.
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Standard & Superior Hotel Category = Empress Chiang Mai or similar 4*
Day 5: CHIANG MAI – LAMPHUN – LAMPANG – SUKHOTHAI (380 kms – 4.5hrs)
Stop At: Sukhothai Heritage Resort, 999 Moo 2 Klongkrajong Tambon Khlong Krachong, Amphoe Sawankhalok, Chang Wat Sukhothai 64110, Thailand
Charge your batteries with breakfast and then depart for Lamphun to visit Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, a golden temple complex whose origins have been traced to the Mon Kingdom in the eighth century. Then, go to the picturesque town of Lampang to visit the historic temple of Wat Phra That Lampang Luang. After a delicious lunch, relax with a scenic drive to Sukhothai Historical Park, arriving in the late afternoon. Explore the park, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site covering the ruins of ancient Sukhothai, which was the first capital of the kingdom of the same name.
Overnight in Sukhothai.
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Standard Hotel Category = Sukhothai Treasure or similar 4*
Superior Hotel Category = Legendha or similar 4*
Day 6: SUKHOTHAI – UTHAI THANI – AYUTTHAYA (430 kms – 5hrs)
Stop At: Krungsri River Hotel, 27/2 หมู่ที่11 โรจนะ 1/2 Tambon Kamang, Amphoe Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chang Wat Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand
Begin your day in a spiritual manner, as you join locals in offering food to Buddhist monks during their morning alms round. Drive south and stop for a delicious lunch in Chai Nat. Today’s route from Sukhothai via Uthai Thani to Ayutthaya mirrors the southward expansion of Siam, following the kingdom’s historical development. Arrive in Ayutthaya, a former capital of Siam, and go to the Ayutthaya Historical Park to visit the temple of Wat Phra Si Sanphet and the adjacent Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit. Contemplate the golden Buddha and continue to the eerily enchanting ruins of Wat Phra Mahathat, with its famous statue of Buddha devoured by tree roots. Such a heavenly heritage ensemble has earned this historical park the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight in Ayutthaya .
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Standard Hotel Category = Krungsri River or similar 4*
Superior Hotel Category = Kantary or similar 4*
Day 7: AYUTTHAYA – KANCHANABURI (190 kms – 2hrs)
Stop At: Pong-Waan Resort & Spa, 72/1 หมู่ 2 Tambon Tha Ma Kham, Amphoe Mueang Kanchanaburi, Chang Wat Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand
Have breakfast and then drive through pastoral landscapes virtually untouched by the passage of time before arriving at Kanchanaburi, a quiet town at the confluence of the rivers Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai. It is renowned for the beauty of its natural surroundings and the abundant wildlife, but it also holds an unwanted place in history as the location of the notorious World War II ‘Death Railway Bridge’, immortalised in the Hollywood classic, ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’. Visit the war cemetery, the final resting place of thousands of soldiers, and the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre to learn about the appalling conditions in which Allied POWs and Thai slave labourers worked to build a military supply railway. After lunch, enjoy the rest of day at leisure.
Overnight in Kanchanaburi.
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Standard Hotel Category = Pung-Waan Resort or similar 3*
Superior Hotel Category = Felix River Kwai or similar 4*
Day 8: KANCHANABURI – BANGKOK (150 kms – 2hrs)
Stop At: Hotel Royal Bangkok@Chinatown, 409 421 ถ. เยาวราช Khwaeng Samphanthawong, Khet Samphanthawong, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100, Thailand
Depart Kanchanaburi after breakfast at the hotel, enjoying a scenic drive towards Nakhon Pathom to visit the temple with the magnificent 127-metre-high Phra Pathommachedi stupa, the tallest of its kind in the world. Continue to Damnoen Saduak, which is famed for its vibrant and colourful floating markets. Breathe in the fragrances of the Orient as dozens of boats glide along, selling fresh fruit and vegetables as well as tasty local delicacies. The buzz of the noise and the bustle of activity are quintessential Thai experiences. Continue to Bangkok for drop off at your hotel in the city.
Overnight in Bangkok.
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Standard & Superior Hotel Category = Royal @Chinatown or similar 4*
Day 9: BANGKOK
Stop At: Hotel Royal Bangkok@Chinatown, 409 421 ถ. เยาวราช Khwaeng Samphanthawong, Khet Samphanthawong, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100, Thailand
Enjoy a full day at leisure, discovering Bangkok on your own. For those who have never been to Bangkok, we suggest a half-day tour of the most popular Buddhist temples. The Royal Grand Palace, a great architectural masterpiece of several buildings was 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. The building houses the “Wat Phra Kaew”, Bangkok’s most sacred temple, in which is located the famous Emerald Buddha. In the evening we suggest you enjoy an optional Thai and International Buffet Dinner whilst cruising along the Chao Phraya River or River of the Kings. Pass by famous sites such as Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and the Grand Palace. Entertainment is also provided on board, giving you the chance to listen to live music and see an interesting show. The Dinner Cruise is not included.
Overnight in Bangkok.
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Standard & Superior Hotel Category = Royal @Chinatown or similar 4*
Day 10: DEPART BANGKOK
Stop At: Hotel Royal Bangkok@Chinatown, 409 421 ถ. เยาวราช Khwaeng Samphanthawong, Khet Samphanthawong, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100, Thailand
Wake up to one last breakfast at the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure until transferring to Bangkok Airport, from where you’ll continue with your individual travel plans.
Breakfast Included.
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
