Thailand Culture & History: Northern Chiang Mai to Central Bangkok - 9 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Chiang Mai

Welcome to Thailand! Upon arrival at the airport, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel in Chiang Mai, a city in the country's mountainous north. Its Old City area still retains vestiges of walls and moats from its history as a cultural and religious center. It's also home to hundreds of elaborate Buddhist temples, diverse hill tribes, tea plantations, and elephant sanctuaries.

Today is yours for exploring, and a great place to begin is Worarot Maret, the largest central market of Chiang Mai, locally known as Kad Luang. You'll see plenty of local delicacies, fresh fruits, and fragrant flowers. Temple and history enthusiasts can make a beeline for the 14th-century Wat Chedi Luang, with its steeply-pitched, multi-tier rooves. Or, visit Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple in Chiang Mai, which enshrines an ancient Buddha image named Phra Kaew Khao in its ordination hall. For the best sunset views, head for Wat Phra Singh.

Come nightfall, the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar springs to life. Starting at 5 pm and covering a whole neighborhood, this buzzing night market is famous for its handicrafts and portrait paintings. For dinner, you can tuck into steaming local dishes cooked before your eyes before heading back to your hotel for a good night's rest. 

Day 2: Explore Hilltop Temples & a Traditional Thai Hill Tribe Village

You'll need a hearty breakfast this morning, as today, you'll be driving 3,500 feet (1,067 m) above sea level to visit Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, the most sacred temple in the city. It's a steep climb to ascend the 306 steps to the temple, but the bird's eye views of the entire city you'll get from the temple grounds make it all worthwhile. Guarded by two magnificent nagas (serpents) and constructed in 1383, Wat Prathat Doi Suthep contains the holy relic of the Lord Buddha, enshrined in its glowing golden pagoda. 

From there, you'll continue along a bumpy mountain road by truck to experience local culture and visit the White Hmong hill tribe village. It's a scenic route to get there. When you arrive at the village, you'll see how the locals live in simple, self-sufficient villages, preserving their culture and ancient customs and making beautiful hand-woven embroidered costumes. After visiting the village, you'll return to Chiang Mai for the evening. 

Day 3: Transfer to Sukhothai, Visit Quiet Temples & Sip Local Wine at Baan Umong

This morning, you'll travel to the ancient town of Sukhothai with a private driver and guide. On the way, you'll visit Lamphun and explore the ancient capital of the Haripunchai Kingdom. As you drive along the tree-lined old Chiang Mai-Lamphun Road, you'll stop at Baan Umong, where you'll taste the famous Umong Longan wine. 

Your next stop will be Wat Phra Yuen, a quiet temple hidden among exotic, towering palm trees. Then, it's back on the road to continue your journey to Lampang, where you'll have free time to find a local café or restaurant for lunch. After your refreshment stop, there's one final drive of the day to reach Sukhothai, a small town about 265 miles (427 km) north of Bangkok on the River Yom, a tributary of the Chao Phraya River. Upon arrival, you'll check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure. 

Day 4: See Sukhothai's Rice Paddies & Centuries-Old Craftsmanship by Bike

Enjoy a relaxed pace of life and meet welcoming locals as you discover Sukhothai's ancient ruins, traditional markets, and centuries-old craftsmanship by bike. Unlike the metropolis of Bangkok and the rapidly urbanizing Chiang Mai, Sukhothai retains many of Thailand's rural charms. 

Your guided cycling tour will start from a small village on Sukhothai's outskirts called Ban Khuai, and you'll set out on a dirt road passing through endless rice paddies with beautiful views of Kao Laung Mountain. After a short visit to a traditional wood furniture factory, you'll continue your journey along small irrigation canals (Klong Mae Lampan), passing by rural villages. 

Arriving at the Eastern Gate, you'll dip into Sukhothai's history as you explore the temples of Wat Chang Lom, Wat Si Chum, and Wat Mahathat. Marvel at beautiful Buddhist and Hindu architecture and see some of the country's most exquisite craftsmanship from a period known as Thailand's Golden Era. After a delicious local lunch, you'll continue the cycling tour before returning to your hotel for the evening. 

Day 5: Transfer to Ayutthaya, Discover Ancient Ruins & the Ayutthaya Historical Park

It's time for a final breakfast in Sukhothai before you travel south to see the temple ruins in Ayutthaya. Your driver will pick you up at your hotel, and you'll head to Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat Woramahawihan. This 600-year-old temple was once the heart of the ancient town of Suphannaphum. The main stupa or chedi also once housed relics of the Lord Buddha but was attacked by raiders and left in ruins. Archaeologists have deduced that the structure dates from the pre-Ayutthaya period.

You'll then hit the road again until you reach Uthai Thani to visit Wat Chantaram, commonly known as Wat Ta Soong. The temple is home to a small monastery filled with local paintings depicting Buddha's history. You'll have free time for coffee and lunch at a nearby café or restaurant. Then, it's time to drive to your final destination for the day, Ayutthaya. After checking in to your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore. 

An alternative way to spend your afternoon is on a half-day tour of Ayutthaya, where you'll explore the ancient UNESCO-designated archeological site. Formerly Thailand's capital city, Ayutthaya was one of East Asia's wealthiest cities in the 17th century. Your tour will include visiting the Ayutthaya Historical Park, surrounded by three rivers, the Chao Phraya River, Pa Sak River, and Lopburi River; the park comprises over 300 historical sites, including palaces, Buddhist temples, monasteries, and statues. 

Day 6: Transfer to Kanchanaburi, Visit the Waterfalls of Erawan National Park

This morning, you will leave Ayutthaya, and move on to your next destination, Kanchanaburi, stopping en route for an incredible visit to the Erawan National Park. You'll head along a marked 1-mile (2km) trail past seven waterfalls, which follow one another. Erawan Falls are best to visit when the water level is high between September and December, right after the rainy season and before the dry season. 

The trail takes around an hour and a half to hike up and about half an hour to get down. You can also rent bicycles at the visitor center. Each waterfall pours into natural pools of turquoise water, some of which you can take a refreshing swim in. If you want to sit and relax, the second waterfall, Wang Mat Cha, is an excellent spot with plenty of seating. You'll then head back to hotel in the evening and have free time to enjoy the exceptional natural setting of your accommodation.

Day 7: Learn About the History of the Death Railway, Transfer to Bangkok

Depart the mountainous region bordering Burma, harboring the large waterfalls of Kanchanaburi, and head to Bangkok. On your way, you'll visit the Kanchanaburi Museum to learn about the dramatic history of the railway and the famous bridge. During World War II, it was estimated that more than 100,000 people died during the construction of the Death Railway, which linked Thailand and Burma. 

You'll then drive to the famous Mae Klong Railway Market. This market stands on the edge of a railway line; unique in its kind, it folds and unfolds as the trains pass at an impressive speed. After the visit, you'll make the final leg of your journey to Bangkok, check in at your hotel, and relax for the rest of the day.

Day 8: Explore Bangkok & Visit a Colorful Floating Market

Tuck into an early breakfast this morning, as you'll set off first thing from your hotel to visit the famous floating market of Khlong Lat Mayom in downtown Bangkok. The authentic market is lesser known by the tourist crowds, so you can shop in peace for local delicacies. Most of these markets are only open at weekends and on public holidays. 

In the afternoon, you'll visit the iconic Wat Arun Temple. Built during the Ayutthaya period, Wat Arun is named after Aruna, the Indian god of the dawn, hence its common name, Temple of Dawn. You'll then take a local ferry to the opposite pier to visit Wat Pho Temple. Before you move on to Grand Palace, it's time to take a lunch break at a local restaurant. Post-lunch, you can take a 10-minute stroll to see the beautiful architecture of the Grand Palace. 

There's time to squeeze in a tuk-tuk visit to Bangkok's famous weekend market Chatuchak (it closes at 6 pm) for clothes, shoes, and hand-made wares, that will make perfect souvenirs.

Day 9: Depart Bangkok

It's time for one last breakfast in Thailand and to say goodbye to this beautiful country. Your driver will be waiting at the hotel lobby to transfer you to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport to begin your onward journey home. Safe travels!