North Thailand

Grab some breakfast and get ready for your first taste of Bangkok’s culture, as today you’ll be visiting three of the capital’s most iconic attractions.

You’ll spend the morning walking through the world-famous Grand Palace complex (the official place of residence of the Kings of Siam until 1925) and Wat Phra Kaew  (Temple of the Emerald Buddha).

Self explore Wat Pho (home of the incredible 46-metre long reclining buddha) followed by the mesmerising Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). 

This afternoon you’ll have some free time to explore, so chat to our destination expert to curate your ideal evening. 

Free time option: Visit the Golden Mount for some unbeatable views of the city, then take a canal boat to the Jim Thompson Museum. Here you can explore the home of the late architect and entrepreneur who transformed the Thai silk industry. End your night on a rooftop bar overlooking the city’s skyline. 

Stay: City Hotel (or Similar)

Damnoen Saduak Market, located in Ratchaburi province, is a floating market where vendors sell their goods from boats. Tourists can take a long-tail boat to explore the market and shop for souvenirs, fruits, and local snacks.

Maeklong Railway Market, also located in Ratchaburi, is known for its unique feature of a train track running through the middle of the market. Visitors can watch as vendors quickly pack up their goods when the train approaches. Both markets offer a unique shopping and cultural experience. Hotel pickup can be arranged for convenient transportation to and from these markets.

Stay: 

This morning we’re swapping the big city of Bangkok for the historic town of Kanchanaburi. You’ll take a 3-hour train journey up the infamous Death Railway; a 415km train line built by WWII Prisoners Of War, resulting in the loss of over 100,000 lives. 

Once you’ve arrived, grab some lunch and head over to the Death Railway Museum to learn more about the town’s darker times, finishing with a visit to the War Cemetery directly outside to pay respects to the 6,982 POW buried here. 

Free time option: Enjoy a stroll over the River Kwai Bridge and an evening meal on the riverside, where you can see a train pass over. 

Stay: Hut hotel (Or similar)

The Train Kanchanaburi – Nam Tok is a scenic train journey that takes passengers through the picturesque landscapes of western Thailand. The train departs from Kanchanaburi and travels to Nam Tok station, passing by lush jungles, rice paddies, and small villages.

Along the way, passengers can take in the beautiful views of the Kwai Noi River and the famous Bridge on the River Kwai. The journey is a unique way to explore the region and experience the local culture. The trip from Kanchanaburi to Nam Tok takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. The train service is operated by the State Railway of Thailand and tickets can be purchased at the station.

Stay: City Hotel (or similar)

 Hellfire pass memorial museum & Namtok Say Yok Noi falls

The Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum, located in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, is a museum dedicated to the memory of the prisoners of war who suffered and died during the construction of the Thailand-Burma Railway during WWII. Visitors can learn about the history and see exhibits such as tools and equipment used by the prisoners. Namtok Say Yok Noi falls, located near the museum, is a beautiful waterfall that offers a peaceful and refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Both the museum and the waterfall make for an interesting and educational day trip.

Erawan Falls, located in the Erawan National Park in northern Thailand, is a must-see destination for nature lovers. The falls are made up of seven tiers, each with its own unique beauty. The crystal clear water cascading down the limestone cliffs creates a picturesque setting that is perfect for swimming, picnicking, and taking in the natural beauty of the park.

The park also offers many activities such as jungle trekking, bird-watching, and elephant riding. Visitors should note that the park can be quite crowded during peak season, so it’s best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds. Overall, Erawan Falls is an ideal destination for those looking for a taste of natural beauty in Thailand.

The train from Nam Tok to Bangkok is a great way to experience the picturesque countryside of Thailand. The journey takes around 3 hours and offers stunning views of rice paddies, mountains, and small villages along the way.

Stay: Jadiee Bamboo Huts (or similar)

Prepare to be amazed at a visit to the ancient city of Ayutthaya – the former capital of Thailand before it was destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th Century. On this full-day guided tour, you’ll visit the 5 UNESCO-listed temples and the National Museum which contains key artifacts from the kingdom’s 417-year history. 

Tonight, you’ll be swapping out the hotel for an overnight sleeper train experience from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai.

After arriving through the rolling hills of Chiang Mai for sunrise, check into your hotel and enjoy a chilled morning exploring the town’s laid-back streets and minimalist coffee shops. Or if you fancy it, you’ll have enough time to discover the old city temples (Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh and Wat Phan Tao are our favourites).

At midday, you’ll be picked up from your hotel to take a 1.5-hour ride into the mountains to one of Chiang Mai’s first ethical elephant sanctuaries; Elephant Retirement Park. Founded by Adulwit Khamya (better known as Noi) who’s passion for elephant care and rescue will be sure to pull on your heartstrings – you may even be lucky enough to meet him! You’ll learn about elephant body language and how to play with them – swapping elephant rides for mud baths and feeding time. 

After a heartfelt goodbye, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel for your last evening in Chiang Mai. Whether you want to make the most of your time left with a Muay Thai Boxing game, Thai cooking class, or relaxing Thai massage – the choice is yours!

Stay: Jadiee Bamboo Huts (or similar)

Doi Inthanon National Park is a must-see destination for nature lovers visiting Thailand. The park is located in the Chiang Mai province and is home to Thailand’s highest peak, Doi Inthanon mountain, which stands at 2,565 meters. The park is known for its diverse range of flora and fauna and is a popular spot for hiking and bird-watching.

Visitors can also explore the two chedis (stupas) that were built on the summit of the mountain in honor of the King and Queen of Thailand. The park also offers several beautiful waterfalls, including the Mae Ya waterfall, which is one of the most spectacular in the country. Visitors should note that the park can be quite chilly, so it’s best to bring warm clothing. Overall, Doi Inthanon National Park is an ideal destination for those looking for a taste of natural beauty in Thailand.

After an epic week exploring Thailand’s highlights, it’s time to say goodbye to the land of smiles and head back home. 

It doesn’t have to end here though – why not add on an additional day from just £69 and discover those hidden gems on your bucket list? Check out our additional days or chat to our destination experts to find out more.