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Thailand's two great cities — Bangkok's kinetic energy and Chiang Mai's mountain serenity — linked by a journey through the kingdom's spiritual heart. Visit the Grand Palace, cruise Bangkok's canals, explore ancient Sukhothai and spend time in the hill tribe villages and elephant sanctuaries of the north.
Arrive in Bangkok and transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city. Spend the afternoon exploring the streets around your hotel and the nearby Chao Phraya riverfront. This evening, join your group for a welcome dinner — a feast of Thai flavours — and a briefing from our team about the journey ahead.
A full day exploring Bangkok's royal and spiritual heart. Morning at the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew — the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Walk to nearby Wat Pho with its 46-metre reclining Buddha, then take a water taxi across the Chao Phraya to Wat Arun — the Temple of Dawn. Afternoon exploring the Chao Phraya canal network by longtail boat.
Morning at leisure — Bangkok rewards extra exploration. Visit the weekend Chatuchak Market (if it's a weekend) or explore the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market an hour south of the city. Afternoon cooking class with a Thai chef — learn to balance sweet, sour, salty and hot in Thailand's national dishes. Evening train north to Chiang Mai (overnight sleeper, first class).
Disembark at Phitsanulok and visit the ancient city of Sukhothai — Thailand's first capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cycle through the vast archaeological park, where over 190 temples and monuments are scattered across 70km². The central zone is particularly atmospheric at dawn before the heat builds.
Arrive in Chiang Mai — the cultural capital of northern Thailand. Morning exploring the Old City's 300 temples within the ancient moat. Visit Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh — two of Chiang Mai's most important temples. Afternoon at the vibrant Warorot Market and a Chiang Mai cooking class this evening.
Today is one of the highlights of northern Thailand — a full day at a responsible elephant sanctuary in the forests around Chiang Mai. Feed elephants, walk alongside them through the forest and bathe them in the river. This is a no-riding, no-performing sanctuary focused on the welfare of retired working elephants.
Day trip to Chiang Rai — the northernmost major city in Thailand. Morning at the extraordinary Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) — a contemporary Buddhist masterpiece covered in mirrored glass and white plaster. Continue to the Golden Triangle viewpoint where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet at the Mekong River. Return to Chiang Mai.
A final morning in Chiang Mai at leisure. Browse the Sunday Walking Street (held on Sunday evenings — Chiang Mai's most atmospheric night market) or explore the Nimmanhaemin district — the city's hip café and gallery quarter. Farewell dinner this evening, then an early night before the flight home.
Your adventure ends this morning. Transfer to Chiang Mai International Airport for your onward flight. You fly home out of Chiang Mai — remember to book your international flight to reflect this.
Our team has led small-group adventures across Asia, East Africa, the Caucasus and South America since 2006. We know the routes we run inside out — and we run them personally.
Never more than 10 people on this tour. Small groups move differently — you get into places larger groups can't, spend more time in the moment and actually get to know the people you're travelling with.
You book your own flights, so you have full flexibility over your dates, airline and route. We're always happy to advise on the best connections — just ask when you enquire.
No booking engine. Enquire and our team will be in touch within 24 hours to discuss everything personally — and to tailor the trip around your schedule and what matters most to you.
