The Kingdom of Thailand: Bangkok, Ayutthaya and Sukhothai
A travel program to explore the three capitals of the country: the current one and two of the most ancient—Ayutthaya and Sukhothai—along with Chiang Mai, before ending the journey enjoying Thailand’s beaches.
Day 01
Arrival at Suvarnabhumi International Airport (Bangkok), customs procedures, baggage claim, and meeting with the guide who will accompany the traveler on a private transfer to the selected accommodation.
We will begin our visits with a private boat ride on a traditional Thai vessel, accompanied by our guide. We will cross the Chao Phraya River, the backbone of Bangkok, where numerous temples and pagodas line both sides of the city. Among them, the Grand Palace and the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) stand out, with its spire silhouette making it the most recognizable symbol of the capital.
We will stop at the Temple of Dawn, built in the 18th century. Continuing our journey through the canals, we will reach Kudi Chin, located in the Thon Buri district, founded by the Portuguese after the fall of Ayutthaya. This area features narrow alleys and winding houses where time seems to have stopped, forming an authentic Thai neighborhood with Portuguese influences. We will visit the Santa Cruz Church, a place that helped preserve European traditions in this small corner of Bangkok.
Day 02
A full day dedicated to exploring the city with our guide. We will start at Wat Traimit Temple, located at the edge of Chinatown. This temple houses the world’s largest solid gold Buddha, nearly five meters tall and weighing five and a half tons. We will then walk through the busiest part of the district, navigating its narrow, bustling streets filled with food stalls, flowers, vegetables, and seasonal fruits.
The next stop will be Wat Pho, Bangkok’s largest temple, home to the Reclining Buddha and the Chedis of the Kings. Nearby is the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, famous for its colossal golden Buddha, which measures 46 meters in length.
We will visit the city’s most popular and largest wholesale market for flowers, vegetables, and fruits: Paklong Talad. From there, we will take a tuk-tuk to the Grand Palace, the most iconic monument in the city, built in 1782. For 150 years, it served as the home of the King of Thailand, the royal court, and the administrative seat of the government. Within the complex, we will find Wat Phra Kaew, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which houses a Buddha carved from a single block of jade.
We will end the day with a culinary tour, venturing beyond tourist areas and riding through the streets of Bangkok in a tuk-tuk to sample the most typical dishes. Between bites, we will visit various locations in the old city and temple areas, enjoying a nighttime view of Bangkok.
Day 03
In the morning, we will take a private transfer to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital located 90 kilometers from Bangkok at the confluence of the Lopburi, Prasak, and Chao Phraya Rivers. We will visit some of the most remarkable sites of the former capital, including the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, also known as the Summer Palace. We will take a cable car ride to Wat Niwet, the only temple in Thailand with European architectural style, located on an island in the Chao Phraya River, opposite the Bang Pa-In Palace.
We will then continue to Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the largest temple in the area, known for its distinctive row of restored chedis. Located on the grounds of the old royal palace, this temple was used exclusively for royal religious ceremonies and offers insight into what the city may have looked like before its destruction.
We will end the day with a sunset cruise around the island.
Day 04
In the morning, we will visit Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. One of the oldest and most significant temples in Ayutthaya’s history, it was the site of important royal ceremonies and houses one of Thailand’s most revered Buddha images, Phra Phutta Chinnarat. This Buddha was initially crafted in bronze and later covered in gold.
We will continue to Phra Prang Sam Yod, located in Lopburi and one of the oldest temples, dating back to the Khmer period. After the visit, we will transfer to our accommodation in Sukhothai.
Day 05
We will visit the Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Thailand’s first capital. We will witness the glory of the ancient Sukhothai Kingdom and its carefully preserved ruins. Among the most notable sites within the old city walls is Wat Sri Chum.
Afterward, we will transfer to Chiang Mai for our stay.
Day 06
Today, we will take a full-day tour of Chiang Mai. We will first visit Wat Chedi Luang, with its massive pagoda that serves as a symbol of the city. The next stop will be Warorot Market, one of the most authentic markets in the country, filled with the distinctive scents and colors of Thai culture. We will explore the city’s streets by trishaw.
We will continue with a visit to Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan, one of the largest and most beautiful temples in Chiang Mai, which houses the sacred relic Phra Sing.
In the afternoon, we will visit Wat Doi Suthep, a magnificently situated temple perched atop a forested mountain at 1,000 meters above sea level, offering spectacular views of the city. Lastly, we will visit Wat Palad, where we will receive a blessing from Buddhist monks.
Day 07
We will visit an elephant sanctuary, where we will experience an incredible opportunity to understand the current living conditions of Thai elephants and how we can contribute to their conservation. We will learn about the caretakers’ work, how to approach the elephants, conduct health inspections and sanitary activities, walk with them, feed them, bathe them, brush them in the river, and even communicate with them. (Vist conducted in English).
Afterwards, we will enjoy an afternoon tea.
Day 08
Private transfer to Chiang Mai Airport for a flight to the chosen beach destination. Depending on the season, the ideal locations for relaxation include Koh Samui, Phuket, Phi Phi, Krabi, Yao Noi, Koh Phangan, Koh Lanta, or Koh Yao Yai. Alternatively, an extension to Chiang Rai or the Golden Triangle—three to four hours by road from Chiang Mai—can also be arranged.
