Thailand's Temples: Bangkok & Chiang Rai - 6 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok

Your Thailand journey begins with an arrival in Bangkok. A driver will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel in the city's heart. After some rest, you can discover Bangkok at your leisure. The city combines the old with the new, and there's something for everyone. You could visit Chinatown and try delicious street food. If you like shopping, spend time at Siam Paragon, one of Bangkok's largest and most popular shopping malls.

If you are visiting during the weekend, don't miss Chatuchak Market, one of the world's largest outdoor markets, with over 15,000 stalls. For sports lovers, watch a kickboxing fight, Thailand's signature sport. For cultural immersion, you could watch a puppet show or visit Warehouse 30 for modern art exhibitions. And, of course, wrap up your day with a traditional Thai massage.

Day 2: Full-Day Temples Tour, Grand Palace & Klong Tour

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast and prepare to spend a full day exploring Bangkok's most remarkable sites. Meet your guide at the hotel lobby and start your exploration at Wat Traimit to see the famous Golden Buddha statue. Head to Wat Pho to admire the beauty of its architecture and see a giant, Reclining Buddha. Spend time visiting the Grand Palace, Coronation Hall, Funeral Hall, and the famous Emerald Buddha. The Grand Palace is the most famous landmark in Bangkok, which used to be the residence of the royal family since 1782 and still is used for official ceremonies. 

After a traditional Thai lunch at a local restaurant, hop aboard a long-tail boat and cruise along the canal to see Thai houses and typical rural life. Wrap up your sightseeing with a visit to Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), one of the city's most beautiful temples. You'll then return to your hotel. 

Day 3: Discover Ayutthaya

Today's guided day trip begins with a 1.5-hour drive from Bangkok to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Ayutthaya, passing through verdant countryside and lush paddy fields. Upon arrival in Ayutthaya, which dates back to the 14th century, spend the morning exploring Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, the majestic mansions of Thailand's royal family. Take a cable car across the river to visit Wat Niwet Thammaprawat, one of the area's most distinctive Buddhist temples, featuring remarkable Gothic-style architecture and stained glass windows.

Later, you'll step into a long-tail boat to discover temples and ruins around the city. After lunch, continue to other highlights of the city, such as Wat Yai Chaimongkol and Wat Mahathat (where the Buddha's face naturally emerged out of a tree). Stroll through a local market to get to Wat Phra Srisanphet, then take a trip to the town's Muslim Quarter which offers the opportunity to sample unusual local delicacies like candy floss roti. At the end of the day, you'll return to Bangkok by private transfer.

Day 5: The Golden Triangle & Opium Museum

It's an early start, as you'll be picked up from your hotel before traveling two hours north to the region known as the Golden Triangle. Upon arrival, you'll see where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet as you walk along the Mekong River. Then visit the Opium Museum, where you'll get an in-depth look at the history of the opium industry in northern Thailand. At one time, the hill tribes in this region relied on the cultivation of opium for survival, but times have changed, and tourism has become a preferable alternative to drug smuggling.

After lunch, you'll return to your hotel, where you have the rest of the afternoon free. You could visit the Baan Dam, or "Black House." This complex comprises 15 buildings designed by the artist Thawan Duchanee displaying an extensive taxidermy collection. Or, you may want to cool off by taking a dip in the water or just relaxing at the Chiang Rai River Beach.

Day 6: Visit The White Temple, Depart Chiang Rai

Today, you'll say goodbye to Thailand, but one more adventure awaits. Check out of your hotel and venture 15- minutes to Wat Rong Khun, commonly referred to as the "White Temple." This contemporary and controversial temple was constructed in 1997 by local artist Chalermchai Kositpipa. The striking all-white exterior is the least shocking aspect of this architectural treasure. You'll start your exploration of the temple by crossing a bridge built over a pit of reaching arms, which symbolizes souls reaching up from hell.

Afterward, you'll have time to enjoy a traditional Thai lunch before transferring to the airport, where you'll catch your return flight home. Safe travels!