Temples & Markets of Northern Thailand & Cambodia - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Chiang Mai (Thailand), Free Time to Explore

Welcome to Thailand! Your flight arrives in the mountain city of Chiang Mai, northern Thailand's largest city and the country's fourth-largest, with a distinct culture and history that thrives alongside a modern, urban vibe. Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be met by a driver and transported to your hotel. After you've had time to rest and regroup, step out on a self-guided tour of this amazing city.

Day 2: Doi Suthep Temple & Huay Tung Tao Reservoir, Evening Foodie Tour

This morning, meet up with your guide for a tour of one of Chiang Mai's most famous temples, Wat Prathat Doi Suthep. This Buddhist monastery was established in the 1300s and is said to enshrine a piece of bone from the shoulder of Buddha. Your guides will drive you to the temple entrance, located at a lofty 3,500 feet (1,066 m) above sea level, then you'll ascend the more than 300 steps to the gate, which is guarded by two large nagas (serpents). You'll have time to walk the grounds, passing the magnificent golden pagoda, giant gongs, and displays of golden parasols.

Your guide will explain the history of the temple and the legends surrounding it, and you'll enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside. Afterward, you'll drive back toward Chiang Mai, making a stop at Huay Tung Tao Reservoir, a large human-made lake that sits at the foot of the Doi Suthep mountain. The lake features a sandy coastline that's perfect for strolling, activities that include boat rentals, swimming, and paddle boats, as well as multiple small restaurants and vendors offering snacks and beverages. 

Tonight, learn all about Thai cuisine with an evening foodie tour. Head out in a tuk-tuk to Warorot Market, where, with your guide, you'll journey into the incredible gastronomy of this region. Try local fruits and freshly made sai oua (Thai sausage), washing it all down with Thai iced tea. Then, continue to the night market at Chang Puak Gate, a busy spot that offers a great range of authentic Thai cuisine. Try stewed pork leg from the vendor with the cowboy hat (once visited by Anthony Bourdain!) and bua loi, a coconut broth with tiny rice flour balls in it. Finish with an evening tuk-tuk ride through the Old City.

Day 3: Tour the Temples of Chiang Rai

Spend today at Chiang Rai, Thailand's northernmost province. This region is known for its ornate Lanna architecture and historic temples, all surrounded by the backdrop of lush greenery and imposing mountains. Your guide will collect you in the morning, and you'll set out on the four-hour scenic drive, with your first stop being the Baan Dam (Black House) Museum. Designed by national artist Achan Thawan Duchanee, it consists of more than 25 buildings, all showcasing northern Thai architecture and houses work created by local artisans. 

Next up is Wat Rong Khun, otherwise known as the White Temple, easily one of the most popular temples in Chiang Rai. It was designed by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, with the white color symbolizing Buddha's purity and each statue representing teachings of Buddhist philosophy. Walk around the peaceful grounds here, and learn about the construction of the temple and the role it plays in Thai culture. 

Make your final stop at Rong Suea Ten, the Blue Temple, whose name translates to the "Temple of the Dancing Tiger." Long ago, tigers in the area used a nearby waterway as a trail, and the villagers would see them jump across it, hence the name. Its modern design and striking blue color alone make it worth visiting, and the huge porcelain Buddha that dominates the interior is truly spectacular.

Day 4: Fly to Siem Reap (Cambodia), Guided Walking Tour 

Your next destination is Cambodia and the city of Siem Reap. After hotel checkout, your private transfer will take you to the airport, where you'll catch a flight to Bangkok and a connecting short flight to Siem Reap. Your driver will meet you upon arrival and take you to your hotel for check-in. 

Day 5: Explore the Realm of Angkor Wat

Today is sure to be a highlight of your trip, as you spend a full day among one of the most well-known and important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia—Angkor Wat. This temple complex, considered the largest religious structure in the world, encompasses more than 200 acres (81 ha), with scores of large and small temples, canals, hydraulic structures, and communication routes—a showcase of the architecture and engineering of its time. For several centuries Angkor was the epicenter of the Khmer Kingdom, and it's still inhabited by villagers, some of whom have ancestry that dates back to the complex's origins. 

Your guides will take you past the distinctive five towers, which symbolize Meru's five peaks, while the surrounding walls and moat symbolize the mountains at the edge of the world and the ocean beyond. Continue to the South Gate, with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk, and the ancient capital of Angkor Thom, a 12th-century Bayon temple known for its 54 towers decorated with more than 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara. See the Royal Enclosure, the Elephants Terrace, and the Terrace of the Leper King.

Your day ends at Ta Prohm, one of the area's most beautiful temples. Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. Spend some time here in quiet contemplation, then receive a blessing ceremony from a Buddhist monk to bring prosperity, happiness, and safe travels. Your tuk-tuk will then take you back to your hotel, offering a quick evening spin around the city before dropping you off. 

Day 6: See the Floating Villages of Tonlé Sap

Make the most of your last day in Cambodia with a visit to the floating villages of Tonlé Sap Lake, the country's own "Great Lake" and one of the largest in Asia. You'll start in the morning, departing from the hotel with your guides and making a stop at Banteay Srei, a 10th-century Hindu temple with incredible carved walls. Then stop at Preah Dak village, where you'll find souvenir shops with items created by local artisans, and visit the temple of Banteay Samre, which has impressive reliefs that depict the legends of Vishnu and Krishna.

At the shores of Tonlé Sap, you'll board a traditional wooden boat and visit the floating village of Chong Khneas. Located at the edge of the lake, this sprawling community consists of both Khmer and Vietnamese households, with water roadways that lead to markets, schools, and health clinics. The lake is home to more than three million people, with many living directly on the water. Travel around the village, see fishermen at work, and notice the other floating homes and villages in the distance. Return to your hotel in time for dinner and a last walk around the city. 

Day 7: Depart Siem Reap

Your immersive introduction to northern Thailand and Cambodia comes to a close today. At the appropriate time, a driver will collect you from your hotel and transport you to Siem Reap's airport for your flight home. Safe travels! 

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