Take a long tail boat ride to the Grand Palace, embracing the grandeur of the buildings and throne halls. Continue to the Amulet Market. After lunch, visit Wat Pho, home to the giant Reclining Buddha. Receive some massage training at a school in the temple grounds before receiving a soothing body treatment yourself.

Overnight in Bangkok

Drive south to Samut Songkram, first stopping at a unique market on railway tracks. Visit Tha Kha floating market and enjoy a paddleboat journey through the canals, enjoying coconut sugar syrup with a local family and visiting Rama II Park. Continue the drive to Kanchanaburi and visit the area’s World War II sites as well as Pak Preak community filled with shophouses. Take the long tail boat to the hotel. Overnight in Kanchanaburi

Depart for Elephant World, a sanctuary for homeless elephants. Get to know the mahouts, their animals and the relationship between them before enjoying a variety of activities with both man and gentle beast. Next, enjoy a canoeing trip along the River Kwai followed by a light bike ride though the forest, passing schools, temples and villages. Overnight in Kanchanaburi

Leave Kanchanburi by boat to Thailand’s former capital, Ayutthaya. Stop at Bang Pa In Summer Palace and Wat Niwet Thammapravat temple along the way. In the afternoon, explore the ancient city by bike, experiencing the highlights of the historical park. The scenery is even better in the evening as the temples are illuminated.

Overnight in Ayutthaya

Transfer to Bangkok’s international airport for the flight north to Chiang Mai. Then drive to the mountain temple of Wat Doi Suthep, one of the holiest in Northern Thailand. Receive a private blessing, witness the evening monk chant and enjoy the view of Chiang Mai.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Depart for the recently discovered lost city of Wiang Kum Kam. See the temple ruins as you cycle the area. Continue to the Three Kings monument and the Chiang Mai Arts & Culture Hall. After lunch, head towards the Mae Ping river banks and Warorot market for a stroll amongst the stalls. Continue by rickshaw to Tape Road before setting out on foot to explore ancient Chiang Mai.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

The day is spent at leisure.

Overnight in Chiang Mai