Encounter Thai Culture

Thanks for booking our 8-day Thailand tour from USA! When your flight arrives at Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport or Suvarnabhumi Airport, our guide will be waiting for you in the arrival hall. After a warm welcome, you will be escorted to the hotel in a comfortable private car exclusively arranged for you. It takes 30 to 40 minutes depending on the traffic.

► SIM Card in Thailand:
The main telecom operators in Thailand are Turemove, DTAC and AIS. AIS is a more popular choice because of its reliable signal, which works well even in mountainous areas. The 8-day unlimited data package (15GB at max speed) for THB 299 (USD 9) is your ideal option, with a pre-loaded 50-baht call credit, often available at the 7-Eleven store.

► Free Time Suggestion: 
After check-in, if you’re not bothered by jet lag, you can proceed to the Asiatique the Riverfront. This large night market greets you with two enchanting landmarks: a giant Ferris wheel and a carousel spinning, offering a great chance to practice your photography skills. The food court and exhibition area in Zones 5-6 are especially worth exploring. Indulge in fresh juices, sumptuous fried treats and seafood dishes, or watch how nimble fighters showcase the artistry and intensity of Muay Thai during your exploration. As the sun sets, you can stroll to the riverside to sip a drink while soaking in Bangkok’s night view in a bar.

► Ride-hailing Tips:
Use the Bolt or Grab app to hail a taxi during your free exploration, which avoids unexpected fare hikes and detours by street taxi drivers. Although Grab may cost a little more, it responds fast during peak periods. Besides, you can try riding the tuk-tuk, a unique three-wheeled motorized rickshaw in Thailand. But remember to negotiate the price with the driver beforehand. Offering 50% lower than the initial price is reasonable. You can prepare cash in different denominations for easier payment.

Accommodation: Mövenpick Hotel Sukhumvit 15 Bangkok (5 stars) or similar

Let’s start our guided Thailand tour! Today’s first destination is Wat Pho, the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok. Here, you’ll witness the morning ritual of monks chanting prayers. Take a stroll through the tranquil temple and you’ll find the 46-meter (151-foot) long magnificent reclining Buddha statue. Next, we’ll walk a few minutes north to the highlight of the day, the Grand Palace. This elaborately designed palace is the symbol and the most important temple complex of Thailand, exhibiting the finest art of Siamese paintings, sculptures and decorations. The golden stupa and the Phra Mondop’s (Library) glazed tiles sparkle in the sunlight, showcasing the luxury of royal architecture. Our guide will also lead you to the Wat Phra Kaew within the palace, a gorgeous temple dedicated to the sacred Emerald Buddha. At the entrance, you will find a basin of holy water with lotus flower alongside. Try to use the flower to sprinkle the water on the head, which is believed to bring good fortune.
► Tips: Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees when visiting. If needed, suitable attire can be rented at the entrance for THB 200(USD 6) per piece, which is refundable upon return. Also, you need to remove your shoes before entering the main hall. Some floors are exposed to the sun, so prepare socks to protect your feet from getting burned.

At noon, our guide will lead you on a shuttle boat to Supatra River House, a riverside restaurant across the Chao Phraya River for a sumptuous Thai lunch. After a short break, we’ll drive about 20 minutes to Bangkok Chinatown, where we’ll explore the bustling blocks on foot. Our guide, who has spent years navigating Bangkok and is most familiar with its labyrinth of alleys, will take you for a walk along one of the city’s oldest streets. Passing through the Yaowarat Road full of interesting boutiques, you can stop at an old tea shop to sample a cup of Chinese tea if you like. Walking past Trok Leng Moi Eia to Talad Kao, we will find a distinctive local market. Finally, you will be accompanied to visit Wat Mangkon Kamalawat (Wat Leng Noei Yi), a small and tranquil Taoist temple hidden in downtown Bangkok.

★ Exclusive Chao Phraya River Cruise by Long-tail Boat
Next, we’ll walk a few minutes to the Ratchawong Pier to embark on a traditional Thai long-tail boat to float along the Chao Phraya River for 1 hour. Along the way, you can observe the captivating mix of modernity and tradition of Bangkok as you pass by skyscrapers and ancient temples. Especially, our boat will navigate through small channels to find some traditional Thai houses, providing you with a picture of the authentic daily lives of locals. Don’t forget to take some bread to feed the lively catfish that swim alongside your boat.

Our boat will dock at Wat Arun on the west side of the river, and the guide will lead you to visit this magnificent temple. Its striking pagoda rises majestically into the sky, earning it the nickname “Thailand’s Eiffel Tower”. At sunset, the intricate design of geometric shapes and colorful ceramic fragments is bathed in golden light, bringing you ultimate visual enjoyment. Then you’ll be escorted to the hotel.

► Dinner Suggestion: 
To truly savor the unique flavor of Bangkok, start your dinner with Crab Curry. This dish, originally made with celery, scallions and onions, experienced a magical twist when a chef accidentally added curry, leading to its unexpected popularity. Somsom Seafood at Chulalongkorn University Night Market is ideal for tasting this local favorite, which closes at 22:00, but it is recommended that you go there as early as possible to ensure a better experience. After that, you can try local specialties like Grilled Banana and Mango Sticky Rice at the night market.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Mövenpick Hotel Sukhumvit 15 Bangkok (5 stars) or similar

In the morning, we’ll leave the hectic Bangkok City and drive for 1 hour to Ayutthaya, the 400-year-old Siamese capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once a bustling hub of trade and culture in the 17th century, Ayutthaya was one of the largest cities globally until an unfortunate destruction during a war in 1767. Our first destination is Ayutthaya Historical Park, a living museum of majestic temples narrating the rich history of this once-thriving city. As you wander through the remains of Wat Mahattat, Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and Wat Lokaya Sutharam, imagine the glory of old Ayutthaya Kingdom (1351-1767). Don’t miss the mystical sight of the Buddha’s head entwined in the roots of a Bodhi tree at Wat Mahattat. The Buddha statue seems like a reminder of time passing, witnessing Ayutthaya’s rise and fall with an eternal smile. And Wat Lokaya Sutharam introduces you to the biggest reclining Buddha statue in Ayutthaya, a tranquil giant inviting believers to pause and reflect.
► Tips: 
1.Remember to wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the scorching sun since the Park is expansive and has few shelters. Parasols are available at the entrance for extra comfort.
2.When capturing photos with the Buddha statues, please remain lower than their heads to show respect.

★ Ayutthaya’s Specialty Tasting
Then our guide will lead you to the Muslim quarter, savoring one of the most popular local snacks, Roti Sai Mai. Marshmallows are wrapped in flatbreads and then the dessert top is sprinkled with sesame seeds. Observe the skillful process as Muslims prepare it, and choose your favorite flavors like pandan, banana, or strawberry.

After having a sumptuous lunch, the guide and the driver will escort you to Bangkok Airport for a 1-hour flight to Chiang Mai. Upon your arrival, our local guide will greet you warmly and escort you to the hotel in our exclusive car with a chauffeur.

► Free Time Suggestion: 
If you still feel energized upon arrival, have an adventure in Chiang Mai Night Safari on your own. This park is an ideal destination if traveling with children, offering an immersive experience from 11:00-22:00. You’ll have an up-close encounter with zebras, rhinos and wildebeests aboard a small train. Also, you can enjoy a stroll along the Swan Lake and Jaguar Trail. On weekends and holidays, there is a chance to watch traditional Thai dance performances at 20:30. The entrance fee is THB 1,200 (USD 36) per person and it can be paid on-site.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: The Rim Resort Chiang Mai (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, we’ll go on a walking tour to explore the highlights of the charming Chiang Mai City. Starting from the bank of the Mae Ping River, we’ll first visit the bustling Warorot Market, a favorite hangout for the locals, so you may encounter locals browsing the stalls in slippers and vests. The air is filled with delightful aromas created by the myriad of floral decorations, perfect for recording with your camera – even if you can’t take them home. Cotton and linen clothing, dried fruits, and hobo bags are best selling products. Most stalls accept cash payments, and the prices are more favorable than those of the night market. Remember to improve your negotiation skills to get the best deals!
► Tip: If you are tempted by dried fruits, be vigilant as the stall owner packs your purchase. Because they may sneak some desiccant in, and your cost will skyrocket with the weight!

★ Special Arrangement: Take a Rickshaw to Explore Chiang Mai’s Old Town
Next, you’ll travel to the Tha Pae Gate on a unique rickshaw ride. As we glide along the streets, you can take in the beautiful scenery and feel the marketplace atmosphere of Chiang Mai’s old town, and talk to your rickshaw driver to find out more about their daily lives.

Tha Pae Gate is the main portal of the ancient city of Chiang Mai, and the center of important public activities and festivals. The surrounding crimson city walls and pigeon flocks create a picturesque scene worthy of a photograph. Please ignore those who offer photo services, since they may demand an additional THB 100 (USD 3) while disturbing the pigeons for a “better” shot. From here, continue our visit to Three Kings Monument and Wat Chedi Luang, where the City Pillar stands, a meeting place for locals beneath the shade of a venerable tree. Our next stop is Wat Phra Singh, an exquisite temple that epitomizes the artistry of the Lanna Kingdom (1259-1317). It is said that the Buddhist relics of Sakyamuni were enshrined in the temple’s 20-meter (66-foot) high golden stupa.

The magnificent Wat Phra That Doi Suthep will be our last stop, where the first thing that catches your eye is two statues of Naga, serpents in Buddhist myth, stretching along the 306 steps. Besides, two statues of Yakshas, protector in Buddhism, stand at the top, welcoming you to this holy site. If you find the climb challenging, consider taking the one-way cable car, which is included in the price. Just let your guide know ahead of time! Finally, the guide will escort you back to the hotel.

► Free Time Suggestion: 
Hanging out at the night market is absolutely a must-do in Chiang Mai! The maze of alleys on Nimman Road is alive with the essence of nightlife until 22:00. You can explore intricate handicrafts like wooden plates and breathable cotton and linen clothing in Soi 1 (Lane 1). Soi 3 boasts the well-known Ristr8to Specialty Coffee, where you can worship the world-class latte art. Quaint stores in Soi 5 almost cover locals’ daily routines, offering a glimpse into their cozy lifestyle. Additionally, art exhibitions and live music performances are available at the Think Park, the most vibrant space in the night market.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: The Rim Resort Chiang Mai (4 stars) or similar

★ Ethical Encounter with Elephants in a Unique View 
Travel to Thailand for elephants? Today is your dream time to encounter these cute giants! After breakfast, take a 1.5-hour scenic mountain ride to the Elephant Nature Park, a true elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai, differing from those so-called ethical camps that offer interactions like bathing and mud spas. The philosophy here is simple: “Let elephants be elephants again”, so instead of workers, elephants are the owners here. It offers you a chance to observe elephants in their herds and walk at an esteemed distance with them while hearing heartwarming rescue stories from the guide. Our specially arranged SkyWalk project enables you to ascend to a raised boardwalk to overlook the elephant herd roaming in harmony and admire the surrounding mountain scenery. 

After enjoying a vegan buffet lunch offering traditional Thai cuisine and Western choices, continue our observation to explore how elephants socialize in their herds, sometimes playing in the mud pit or joyfully rolling in the sandy patches to cool off. Don’t miss capturing some intriguing moments! Then it’s time to say goodbye to your newfound friends and return to the hotel in Chiang Mai.

► Tips:
1. The road can be a little bumpy, so consider taking motion sickness pills if you’re sensitive.
2. Don’t forget the sunscreen, sunhat and mosquito repellent to cope with the tropical climate.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: The Rim Resort Chiang Mai (4 stars) or similar

After a leisurely breakfast today, we will drive for 1 hour to Mae Kampong Village, deep in the mountains. On the way, stop at a local market to pick up the ingredients for today’s lunch. Located at a high altitude of 1,300 meters (4,265 feet), the Mae Kampong Village enjoys a cool climate all year round, with no distinct seasons. It retains a relatively rustic charm, with the Thai bamboo houses showing you the unique architectural beauty. As the soothing sounds of murmuring streams surround you, our guide will lead you through the lush forest and unveil hidden waterfalls. Equip yourself with sun protection and insect repellent for a comfortable adventure. If you wish, pause to sip a cup of coffee beside the waterfall while capturing magical moments on the thrilling suspension bridge.

★ Unique Cooking Experience with the Locals
We will have lunch with a local family and create a special memory by preparing meals together. Learn how to make local specialties and get a detailed look at their real lives with the guide’s translation.

In the afternoon, continue driving through the wooded mountains for about 2.5 hours to Chiang Rai. On the way, stop to visit Wat Rong Khun (White Temple). Here, you can lose yourself in the dreamlike atmosphere created by exquisite carvings and shimmering mirror fragments. You will notice that numerous visitors write their names onto paid tin Bodhi leaves for blessings. If you are interested, add it to your to-do list. Check into the hotel upon arrival in Chiang Rai.

► Free Time Suggestion: 
Spend leisurely time at the fairy-tale Lalita Café, and leave at least an hour to wander through its stunning garden valued at 80 million baht (over 2 million dollars), where an artificial waterfall and orchids are perfect photo backdrops. Coffee, desserts, western cuisine and Northern Thai specialties are served, with prices ranging from THB 80-300 (USD 2-9). You can also experience traditional Thai massage on the second floor. The entry fee is THB 60 (USD 2), but it is redeemable against your meal upon billing.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort and Spa (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, embark on a 1-hour drive to explore the well-known Golden Triangle area where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. This region, situated above 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) in altitude, has a hot climate, abundant rainfall, and fertile soil, once perfect for poppy cultivation but now growing rice, fruits, and vegetables, moving away from the notorious history and constant conflicts.

★ A Quick Glimpse of the Three Countries’ Borders on a Boat
Next, our guide will accompany you to cruise along the Mekong River for 30 minutes. As the long-tail boat slowly sails toward the boundary of the three countries, the boatman will stop for you to take photos. On the way, it is impossible to overlook the striking golden Buddha statue on the Thai side, said to have been built to suppress the water monster in the river. The Laotian side is lined with skyscrapers, with construction trucks busy shuttling back and forth. 

Then we’ll visit the Hall of Opium Museum. With our guide’s excellent explanations and the museum’s extensive collections, you’ll delve into the opium-growing process, various opium-smoking tools, and legendary stories of drug kingpins. Cultural exploration continues with visits to the Akha and Yao Tribal Villages, primarily inhabited by immigrants from southwestern China. Marvel at intricate silver headdresses decorated with small balls and coins at the Akha village, and witness the superb art of cross-stitch embroidery at the Yao village. You may also encounter some elderly women in the villages selling traditional textiles made from colorful yarns and adorned with geometric patterns. After the tour, you will be escorted back to your hotel in Chiang Rai.

► Recommended Restaurant for Dinner (at your own expense): 
Moom Mai Restaurant is a good place to enjoy the true taste of Northern Thai dishes, where you can enjoy grilled meats, seafood and stir-fried dishes with warm lighting and elegant folk music. The Fried Fish Cakes are also worth trying because of the pizza-like appearance and crispy texture. Vegetarian options abound as well, with light dishes such as tofu and cabbage offering ideal alternatives. 
Average Cost per Person: THB 400-500 (USD 12-15)
Address: 64 Moo 16, Sankhongluang Road, Chiang Rai 57000 Thailand

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort and Spa (4 stars) or similar

This is the last day of your Thailand tour. After breakfast, our guide and the driver will see you off at the Chiang Rai Airport, where you will board a 1.5-hour flight back to Bangkok. Here’s the end of our service. Wish you enjoyed the trip!

Note: The flight from Chiang Rai to Bangkok will land at one of the city’s two airports – Don Mueang International Airport or Suvarnabhumi Airport. If you have a connecting flight to your home or next destination, please be mindful of your departure airport, as they are about a 50-minute drive apart. Free shuttle bus is available at both airports, operating from 5:00 to 24:00. You can take it with your passport and e-ticket for the connecting flight. A late afternoon or evening flight out of Bangkok is suggested to ensure a smooth journey.

If you want to continue exploring other Thailand destinations like Mae Hong Son, Pai, and Lopburi, or travel to other neighboring countries such as Cambodia, Laos, or Vietnam, please contact our travel consultants to tailor your itinerary.

Meals: Breakfast