Cultural Treasures & Natural Beauty of Thailand - 16 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok, Explore the Capital at Leisure

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand's bustling capital, Bangkok! Meet your driver at the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in. After freshening up, venture out to explore the city at your own pace. Start with a boat tour along the Chao Phraya River for uninterrupted views of the skyline dotted with ancient temples and traditional wooden houses. Along the way, you can hop off at landmarks like Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn. Admire the towering spires adorned with colorful porcelain and seashells before ascending the temple's steep steps for panoramic city and river views.

When darkness falls, visit one of the city's many night markets, such as Asiatique The Riverfront. Wander the narrow alleys lined with over 1,500 boutiques and shops selling everything from handcrafted souvenirs to trendy fashion items and delicious street food. Sit down at one of the food stalls and indulge in classic Thai dishes like som tum (green papaya salad), khao pad (fried rice), or pad thai (stir-fried noodles with shrimp or chicken). End the night with a ride on Asiatique Sky, the market's Ferris wheel, for one more look at the city's skyline and winding river.

Day 2: Half-Day Tour of Bangkok's Temples & Grand Palace

Be sure to wear clothing that covers your legs and shoulders as you'll spend the morning discovering some of Bangkok's temples and the Grand Palace. Start at Wat Trimit, also known as the Temple of the Golden Buddha. This Chinatown landmark houses a gold statue of a seated Buddha, measuring nearly 16 feet (5 m) in height. Continue to Wat Pho, the oldest Buddhist temple complex in the city, to admire its 150-foot (46 m) Reclining Buddha statue and explore the serene temple grounds before heading to the Grand Palace, the former residence of the kings of Thailand.

Today, the royal family and the Thai government use this opulent palace for ceremonial purposes. Walk around the large palace complex to see its dazzling gold spires and intricate architecture, which exudes grandeur and opulence. Within the palace's confines, visit the coronation hall, funeral hall, and royal guest house. The palace is also home to Wat Phra Kaew, a sacred temple housing the revered Emerald Buddha statue carved from a slab of jade. After the four-hour tour, enjoy some free time to explore more of the bustling capital on your own.

Day 3: Transfer to Kanchanaburi via the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Say goodbye to Bangkok this morning as you set off on a 4.5-hour transfer to the small town of Kanchanaburi, nestled in the mountains of western Thailand. Break up the drive with a visit to a local palm sugar factory, where you can see how the sap is extracted from palm trees and turned into sugar. Then, hop aboard a long-tail boat and cruise past lush fruit plantations to reach the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where locals sell their goods along the riverbanks or right from their boat. Glide through the canals and peruse the array of street food, fresh fruits, and handcrafted souvenirs. 

Back in the car, complete the drive to a local restaurant in Kanchanaburi for lunch. After hotel check-in, join your guide on a tour of the area, starting at the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. Learn about the Allied prisoners of war buried here who died during World War II while constructing the Death Railway. Continue to the JEATH War Museum and peruse the collection of photographs, artifacts, and personal stories that vividly depict the prisoners' suffering. End the tour with a long-tail boat ride along the Mae Klong to reach Khwae Yai Bridge, made famous by the movie "The Bridge on the River Kwai."

Day 4: Visit Erawan National Park, Transfer to Ayutthaya

Get your hiking shoes and swimsuit ready for a one-hour transfer to Erawan National Park, renowned for its lush tropical rainforests and emerald-green waterfalls. The park's highlight is the seven-tiered Erawan Waterfall, named after the three-headed elephant from Hindu mythology. Swim in the mineral-rich water as you explore each tier, surrounded by diverse flora and fauna. You may even spot playful monkeys or colorful birds. After the half-day tour, meet your driver for a three-hour transfer to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand, where you'll check into your hotel.

Day 5: Half-Day Tour of Ayutthaya Historical Park, Transfer to Sukhothai

Join your guide on a half-day tour of the UNESCO-listed Ayutthaya Historical Park, home to the well-preserved ruins of 14th to 18th-century temples and palaces. Hop on a bicycle and follow your guide through the park, stopping at highlights like Wat Mahathat, famous for its Buddha head entwined in the roots of a banyan tree, and Wat Phra Si Sanphet, known for its three large stupas that contain the remains of past kings. If you like art, be sure to visit Wat Ratchaburana to admire the murals depicting Buddhist teachings and legends.

Then, switch to a tuk-tuk to explore local markets in the area, where you can find an array of handicrafts, fresh produce, and street food. Stop to try Thai specialties like pla pao (grilled fish served with spicy dipping sauces) or roti saimai (crepe-like pancakes filled with sweet cotton candy). After the tour, meet your driver and transfer to the station for a five-hour train ride to Phitsanulok. From there, you'll transfer one hour to the town of Sukhothai, the former capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom during the 13th and 14th centuries, and check into your accommodation in time for dinner.

Day 6: Transfer to Chiang Mai via Si Satchanalai Historical Park & Lampang

Leave Sukhothai behind this morning as you set off on a five-hour transfer to Chiang Mai, nestled in the mountains of northern Thailand. Break up the drive with multiple stops along the way, starting at Si Satchanalai Historical Park, home to well-preserved ruins from the Sukhothai Kingdom. As you wander through the park, you'll see towering stupas, crumbling city walls, and serene Buddha statues. Highlights of the park include impressive temples like Wat Chang Lom, surrounded by elephant statues, and Wat Chedi Jet Taew, known for its intricate pagodas.

Back in the car, continue to Wat Phra Tat Lampang Luang, a 13th-century Lanna-style temple perched on a small hill in Lampang. Admire the temple's teak wood structures, intricate carvings, and golden chedi. Then, step inside the main viharn (assembly hall) to see the revered Buddha statue and colorful murals depicting ancient stories. Take in views of the surrounding countryside before completing the drive to your hotel in Chiang Mai. 

Day 7: Self-Guided Day in Chiang Mai

Laid-back Chiang Mai is the perfect place to explore at your leisure. You can wander the ancient laneways of the walled Old City to learn more about the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom or opt for a cooking class to discover how to make local dishes. Follow your guide and local chef to a market to pick up fresh ingredients to create northern Thai favorites like khao soi gai (egg noodles in a curry broth) or nam prik noom kab moo (pork cracklings with green chili dip). When everything is ready, sit down to enjoy it as a group while you learn more about the rich culinary traditions of northern Thailand.

If you'd like to get out of the city, opt for a hike in Doi Inthanon National Park, which sits on the highest peak in Thailand at 8,415 feet (2,565 m) above sea level. Choose from one of the many trails to discover the park's lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant flora and fauna. The park is also famous for its twin pagodas, Naphamethanidon and Naphaphonphumisiri, which honor the king and queen of Thailand and offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. When darkness falls, visit the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar to shop for souvenirs and sample local delicacies.

Day 8: Temple & Market Tour of Chiang Mai 

Start your day with a guided visit to Wat Phra Singh, one of over 200 ancient Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai. Admire the Lanna-style architecture, elaborate murals, and the revered Phra Singh Buddha image before continuing to Wat Chedi Luang, once the tallest structure in the old Lanna Kingdom. Look up at the massive chedi and try to spot the damage at the top caused by an earthquake in the 16th century. Then, walk through the temple grounds to see the reclining Buddha statue and Inthakhin, a pillar built to protect and bring prosperity to the city. 

Stop at Warorot Market to shop for local delicacies like mango sticky rice, handcrafted goods, and souvenirs. Then, end the tour at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, accessible by climbing 306 steps adorned with intricately crafted Naga serpents. At the top, you'll encounter the glittering golden chedi surrounded by beautifully decorated halls and shrines. Observe monks in saffron robes quietly engaging in their daily rituals, or take part by lighting incense or offering prayers. On a clear day, you can also enjoy far-reaching views of Chiang Mai and the surrounding countryside. 

Day 9: Visit Ob Luang National Park, Temples, Transfer to Mae Hong Son

Your full-day transfer kicks off at 8:30 am with a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Mae Sariang, taking in the natural beauty of Ob Luang National Park along the way. Here, you can marvel at the dramatic gorges and ancient rock formations and maybe take a quick hike to the river viewpoint. Around noon, you'll arrive in Mae Sariang, a culturally rich town with rustic charm and traditional wooden houses on the Yuam River. Surrounded by rolling hills, dense forests, and rice paddies, it's an excellent spot for trekking, cycling, and exploring the scenic countryside. 

Enjoy a tasty meal at a local restaurant before visiting three tranquil temples: Wat Chom Thong, Wat Chom Mon, and Wat Chom Kitti. In the afternoon, continue your journey to Mae Hong Son province (another 2-3 hours). As you arrive, breathe in the serenity of the region's misty mountain landscapes. Finish the day with a check-in at your resort in the town of Pai, known for its scenic landscapes, hot springs, waterfalls, and vibrant night markets, and sleep well ahead of tomorrow's adventure.

Day 10: Bamboo Rafting in Nam Lod Cave, Visit a Long-Neck Hill Tribe Village

After breakfast, transfer one hour to Nam Lod Cave, where you can float along the Nam Lang River on a bamboo raft. As you glide past stalactites and stalagmites, look out for prehistoric cave paintings depicting various animals, human figures, and scenes from daily life. Then, head to Tham Pla, which translates to Fish Cave, as it's filled with sacred soro brook carp believed to be protected by local spirits. Continue to Mae Hong Son town, known for its Burmese-style architecture.

Have lunch at a local restaurant before boarding a long-tail boat along the Pai River to visit Ban Huay Pu Kang, a village made up of four sub-groups of the Karenni people with ethnic similarities and dialect differences. Two of these groups practice body modification, such as long necks (Kayan group) and big ears (Kayaw group). Tour the village and peruse local handicrafts to learn about the villagers' daily lives and customs, including the Kayan tradition of wearing brass coils around their necks.

Your next stop is Wat Phra That Doi Kongmu, a 19th-century Burmese-style temple on a hilltop surrounded by misty mountains. You'll also visit a Lanna-style temple, Wat Chong Kam, to compare the distinct architectural styles. End the tour at Wat Chong Klang, which showcases both styles and is famous for its impressive twin chedis and well-preserved murals. After a full day of meeting hill-tribe villagers and cave and temple hopping, return to your hotel in Pai to relax. 

Day 11: Transfer to Chiang Mai, Fly to Krabi, Relax on the Beach

Now that you've explored northern Thailand, it's time to transfer 2.5 hours back to Chiang Mai to catch a two-hour flight south to Krabi, nestled along the Andaman Coast. After checking in at your hotel, the rest of the day is free to spend as you wish. You could head to one of the many beaches in the area, such as Ao Nang Beach, to soak up the sun. The beach is also lined with shops, restaurants, and nightlife, making it perfect for those seeking both relaxation and entertainment. 

If you're looking for a more secluded spot, head to Railay Beach instead. It's only accessible by boat, so you can escape the bustling mainland. When you arrive, you'll be greeted by soft sands, swaying palm trees, and impressive rock formations that attract climbers from around the world. If you're visiting on the weekend, end the day at the Krabi Town Night Market. Wander the narrow lanes lined with street food, handmade crafts, and souvenirs. Indulge in local delights like tom yum goong (hot and sour shrimp soup), then end the night with a serve of coconut ice cream. 

Day 12: Leisure Day in Krabi

Enjoy another free day in Krabi to relax on the beach or do a bit of sightseeing on your own. A good place to start is the 19th-century Wat Kaew Korawaram, situated on a hill overlooking Krabi Town. As you ascend the steps to the temple, you can enjoy sweeping views of verdant gardens and the bustling town below. At the top, admire the white marble facade, ornate decorations, colorful murals, and a large seated Buddha statue. Then, trek back down the hill and head to the Krabi River for a leisurely walk or picnic along the water.

Day 13: Half-Day Tour of Krabi

Spend the morning exploring Krabi on a half-day guided tour, starting at a local market where you can observe locals going about their day-to-day lives. Then, transfer one hour to Khao Kanab Nam, twin limestone mountains separated by the Krabi River. Hop on a long-tail boat and glide along the tranquil waters surrounded by mangrove forests, hidden caves, and local fishing villages. Along the way, you're sure to see plenty of stalagmites, stalactites, and wildlife, like bats, monkeys, and water lizards.

After the boat ride, return to the pier and transfer to Krabi Town to peruse the shops for souvenirs. Continue to Wat Tham Suea, also known as the Tiger Cave Temple, as the nearby cave is said to have been inhabited by tigers in the past. To reach the temple, climb 1,200 steps up the mountain and enjoy wide-ranging views of the countryside and turquoise coastline as your reward. Explore the Buddhist temple complex, featuring a giant golden Buddha statue, before trekking down the mountain and transferring back to the hotel or enjoying some free time on the beach.

Day 14: Full-Day Four Islands Tour by Speed Boat

Change into your bathing suit and get ready for a full-day tour of four islands around Krabi. Transfer to the pier, hop on a speedboat, and head to the uninhabited Ko Tup, known for its crystal-clear waters and white sands. You'll arrive at low tide, so you can walk along the sandbar to reach Ko Kai, which translates to Chicken Island as its distinctive limestone rock formation resembles the head and neck of a chicken. Sunbathe on the soft sands or don your snorkeling gear to search for colorful fish, sea urchins, stingrays, and even reef sharks in the sea. 

Back on the boat, continue to Ko Poda for a picnic lunch on the beach. Afterward, go for a swim in the turquoise waters and search for more marine creatures among the coral reefs. Your last stop is Phra Nang Beach, famous for its Princess Cave, where local fishermen leave offerings to the spirit of a drowned princess for protection. Spend more time swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing before cruising back to the pier around 2:00 pm and transferring to your hotel for a free evening. 

Day 15: Free Beach Day in Krabi

Your penultimate day in Krabi is free to soak up more sun and relax. Return to one of the beaches you've already visited, or head to the less crowded Khlong Muang Beach, which features soft, golden sands and clear waters perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The line of palm trees and dramatic limestone cliffs also make for the ideal photo backdrop. When you get hungry, visit one of the beachfront restaurants to savor delicious local cuisine and refreshing drinks.

Stay until sunset to watch the sun dip below the horizon, transforming the sky and the Andaman Sea into hues of red and orange. Return to the mainland before it gets too dark and visit a local restaurant for your final dinner in Thailand. Choose from a range of dishes, such as laab (spicy minced meat salad) or massaman curry—a rich curry made with meat, potatoes, and peanuts. Wash everything down with a Thai iced tea (strong black tea sweetened with condensed milk) before returning to your hotel to pack.

Day 16: Depart Krabi

Wake up early for more time on the beach before your flight home today. If you have some last-minute shopping to do, head to Ao Nang Local Market overlooking the beach and peruse the array of fresh produce, street food, and handcrafted goods. The enticing aromas of grilled seafood and spicy curries may entice you to sample one last Thai dish before returning to the hotel to meet your driver and transfer to the airport in time for your flight. Safe travels!