Bangkok and Ancient Capitals, Small Group Tour

Discover both modern Thailand and historical Siam during this memorable eight-day round-trip that begins and ends in Bangkok. Admire 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 rainforest villages, where the past is very much alive. Join us on a magical journey to uncover Siam’s glittering gems! This tour is operated in a small group of up to 8 passengers.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Bangkok: Enjoy the sweet smells of fresh flowers at Bangkok’s largest flower market, Pak Khlong Talat.

Ayutthaya: Explore the ancient capital of Siam and the location of a haunting UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Chiang Mai: Enjoy an unforgettable encounter with Thai elephants, admire 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 earthly city with troops of macaque monkeys roaming the streets. 

Day 1: ARRIVAL BANGKOK (30km – 30min)

Arrive at Bangkok International Airport, where our representative will meet and greet you. Then, unescorted transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the beautiful surroundings on your own. Perhaps indulge yourself with a traditional Thai massage and delight your taste buds with the amazing local flavours. End the day watching the sunset at any of the stylish rooftop bars which have blossomed in the city’s skyscrapers in recent years - the options are limitless. 

Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 2: BANGKOK

Enjoy a full day at leisure to discover Bangkok on your own or to take one of the many optional excursions available on the spot. The Royal Grand Palace, a great architectural masterpiece of several buildings from the outside 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, where the famous Emerald Buddha is located.

Overnight in Bangkok.

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

After an early breakfast, pick-up from 07:00 at your hotel. Head to the former capital of Ayutthaya and contemplate 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 glories as can be seen in temples such as Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, Wat Phanan Choeng and Wat Mahathat – where the roots of trees have devoured the head of a Buddha. Hop aboard a traditional longtail boat and enjoy a scenic cruise around the island, observing the city’s ruins from a different perspective. After lunch in a local restaurant (included), continue to Kamphaeng Phet for check-in at the hotel.

Overnight in Kamphaeng Phet.

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

Take to the road after breakfast at the hotel, heading towards Lampang. On arrival, visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang. This large Lanna-style temple is prominently located on a hill surrounded by 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. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant (included) before continuing to Chiang Mai, popularly known as the ‘Rose of the North’. Check-in on arrival with the rest of the day at leisure. Maybe 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 enjoy an evening out by trying a khantoke dinner, a traditional northern Thai feast combined with a selection of traditional cultural performances (optional, not included). Overnight in hotel in Chiang Mai. Breakfast and lunch included. (start 7:00, finish approx. 16:00) 

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Day 5: CHIANG MAI

After a delightful breakfast at 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 of the city. To reach the temple, you must climb up a 309-step naga staircase, or use the cable car (included). This spiritual experience is followed by a visit to the famous San Kamphaeng Road, a 10km-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, known for their excellent quality. After a typical lunch in a local restaurant (included), return to the hotel and spend the afternoon free at leisure.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

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

Bid farewell to Chiang Mai after breakfast at the hotel, heading to Lamphun, which is 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, including the 46-metre-tall Lanna-style golden chedi and 21-metre-tall Haripunchai-style chedi. Afterwards, head south to Sukhothai Historical Park, to see the ruins of the first capital of Siam. Founded in the 13th century, Sukhothai means ‘Dawn of Happiness’, and it proved to herald 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. The historical park hosts the ruins of almost 200 buildings, including dozens of temples.  The complex, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is divided between the ruins within the walls and moat and those outside them. Lunch included. 

Overnight in Sukhothai.

Day 7: SUKHOTHAI – LOPBURI – BANGKOK (480km – 7 hrs)

Depart Sukhothai after breakfast at the hotel, heading towards Lopburi. This historic city is famed for the troops of macaques that roam the streets as if they were in the jungle. Visit the ruins of the ancient Khmer temple of Phra Prang Sam Yot and the adjacent Brahman shrine of San Phra Kan,  known as the ‘Monkey Temple’. Enjoy a typical lunch in a local restaurant (included) en route and continue to Bangkok. 

Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 8: DEPART BANGKOK

Begin your last day in Thailand with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Then transfer to Bangkok International Airport and continue with your travelling arrangements. 

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Thailand. 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.