Immerse yourself in the stunning scenery, fascinating history and mouth-watering cuisine of the “land of smiles” on this Thailand tour. In doing so, a vibrant country of contrasts will unveil itself and offer you remarkable opportunities to discover Bangkok, the Karen Hill Tribe Village and a spellbinding elephant camp, where you’ll have the chance to ride these majestic emperors of the forest.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Overnight Flight

Your trip begins with a regularly scheduled overnight flight to Bangkok aboard an internationally recognized airline.

Day 2 - Bangkok

Welcome to Thailand! A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport after you clear customs and then accompanies you via private motorcoach to your Bangkok hotel and assists with hotel check-in.
Included meals: breakfast (in flight)

Day 3 - Bangkok

Situated in the heart of the Chao Phraya River Basin in Central Thailand, Bangkok has served as the nation’s capital since the late 18th century. This morning, your Tour Director leads a sightseeing tour, featuring the Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Po), and Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Timitr Temple). In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of Bangkok’s klongs, or canals, on a speedboat and converted rice barge. Meet you fellow travelers at an included Welcome Dinner this evening.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Included entrance fees: Grand Palace

Day 4 - Bangkok

Discover the unique and fascinating culture of Thailand today, as you experience the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Here, locals sell exquisite produce, like Malacca grapes, Chinese grapefruits, mangoes, bananas and coconuts—all from their small boats. Then journey west to Kanchanaburi, home to the River Kwai and its infamous bridge, and Nakorn Pathom, the largest pagoda in southeast Asia. Next, visit the World War II Cemetery, resting place of over 9,000 Allied soldiers.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrance fees: World War II Cemetery

Day 5 - Phitsanuloke

Journey to Ayuthaya, Thailand’s capital from 1350 to 1767. Here, you’ll tour the ruins, decorated with beautiful images of the Buddha draped in saffron robes, just like living monks. Continue on to Uthai Thani to visit the beautiful Wat Chantaram Temple. Enjoy an included lunch before transferring to Phitsanuloke, where you’ll enjoy an included group dinner. For a night you won’t forget, consider joining our exciting Rickshaw Ride and Phitsanuloke Night Market optional.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Included entrance fees: Ayuthaya Ruins, Wat Chantaram Temple

$29 CAD

Rickshaw Ride & Market Take a rickshaw to the Phitsanuloke Night Market, where you’ll find fresh food cooked and served to order. Try Pak Boong Loy Fah ("Flying Morning Glory" in English), a dish that takes its name from its preparation: vegetables are fried in a wok, then tossed high into the air to be caught. In addition to the food, you’ll discover an astounding variety of local handicrafts, souvenirs and clothing for sale.

Day 6 - Chiang Rai

On your way to Chiang Rai today, stop to tour the Sukhothai Historical Park. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park includes classical Buddha statues and temple ruins. Here you’ll enjoy an included lunch, before continuing on to your destination, known for its hill tribe villages. The rest of the day is free to explore Chiang Rai on your own.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch
Included entrance fees: Sukhothai Historical Park

Day 7 - Chiang Rai

This morning, venture along the Mae Kok River to a Karen Hill Tribe Village. Learn about the traditional life of the Karen people, as you marvel at their bamboo houses, which are raised on stilts. They, like all the tribes, are skilled at crop rotation and hunting with spears and crossbows. Next, you’ll visit the Golden Triangle, where the three countries of Burma, Thailand and Laos meet on the Mekong River. In the afternoon, drive across upper Northern Thailand to Mae Salong, an ethnic Chinese town set in the hills. Here, various Chinese agricultural products are produced—the most well-known being its tea. You’ll see the 1949 Kuomintang soldier settlement, founded by soldiers who fled China after Mao Tse Tung’s victory in the Chinese Civil War.
Included meals: breakfast

Day 8 - Chiang Mai

Today on your way to Chiang Mai, enjoy the stunning scenery before stopping to visit Wat Suan Dok. Built by King Keu Na of Lanna, the temple was constructed for a revered priest visiting from Sukhothai. Here, you will have the unique opportunity to learn about Buddhism from one of the resident monks. Later, discover the dominating presence on the horizon, Doi Suthep. This regal mountain overlooks the city from the northwest and is home to some of the most deeply loved symbols in the Kingdom. As the Thai saying goes, “If you haven’t tasted Khao Soi or seen the view from Doi Suthep, you haven’t been to Chiang Mai.” On this exciting excursion to Doi Suthep, walk the 290 steps skyward or take a cable car to the Temple of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. The temple is a major pilgrimage destinations during the important Buddhist holidays of Makha Buja and Visak. Later, arrive in Chiang Mai. Later this afternoon, let all your tension melt away with an optional Thai massage. Dinner is included this evening.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Included entrance fees: Temple of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep

$29 CAD

Thai Massage Let your tension melt away as a skilled Thai masseuse unknots weary muscles. Using traditional Thai massage techniques, your masseuse will help you relax and achieve a balance between mind and body. Believed to have been developed by the Buddha's physician more than 2,500 years ago in India, what we know as Thai massage gradually made its way to Thailand, where the Ayurvedic techniques and principles blended with elements of traditional Chinese medicine. Muscle compression, joint mobilization, and acupressure are may also used during Thai massage, leading to a relaxing experience some adherents compare to yoga.

Day 9 - Chiang Mai

Spend the morning at Chiang Dao Elephant Camp. Watch the elephants take their morning bath and demonstrate their amazing skills for you. Keep in mind the years of arduous training that give these regal animals and mahouts the skills to impress you. After your elephant ride, take a bamboo raft trip down the Ping River and admire the scenery and absorb the tranquility (weather permitting). This afternoon, come face-to-pistil with some of the world’s loveliest orchids at the Orchid Farm, center of cultivation and development of both precious and new orchid flowers. This evening, join an optional Khantoke Dinner.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrance fees: Chiang Dao Elephant Camp, Orchid Farm

$29 CAD

Khantoke Dinner Revel in a traditional experience like no other—a delectable, entertaining Khantoke Dinner. You’ll sit on floor mats at low-top tables, while food is served in large platters. Relax and enjoy your meal as you are entertained by a variety of cultural performances.

Day 10 - Bangkok

Return to Bangkok for your final day in Thailand. After reaching the capital city, spend time relaxing or exploring on your own. Later, join your group for an included Farewell Dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner

Day 11 - Bangkok

If you are not continuing on to the Cambodia extension, transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
Included meals: breakfast
(In the case of early morning departures, breakfast may not be provided.)