Overview
Trip Highlights
- Discover the city's highlights and immerse yourself in local life in Bangkok.
- Explore vibrant floating markets and the unique railway market in Bangkok.
- Witness the enchanting Yi Peng Festival at Mae Jo University in Chiang Mai.
- Connect with elephants at a sustainable conservation camp in Chiang Mai.
- Delve into the diverse cultural heritage of local ethnic groups in Chiang Mai.
Who is a good fit for this tour?
Itinerary
On arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok, our private guide and driver will pick you up from airport and take you to hotel. Rest of the day is free on your own.
Following breakfast, your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby and take you to Thailand's most sacred site, The Grand Palace. Once a royal residence, this iconic palace is best-known for Wat Phra Kaew, which houses the revered Emerald Buddha dating back to the 14th century. Although Thai kings ceased living there around the turn of the 20th century, the palace complex remains a venue for various ceremonies and special events.
A short distance from the Grand Palace is Wat Pho, considered the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. As the largest and oldest temple in Bangkok, it features the Reclining Buddha (Phra Buddhasaiyas), the city's largest single Buddha image.
After a break for lunch at a local restaurant, take a water taxi to the legendary Wat Arun, also known as The Temple of Dawn. This iconic landmark is one of the most well-known attractions in Bangkok and a frequent subject in photographs of the city.
Following your visit to Wat Arun, board a long-tail boat to explore the Chao Phraya River, passing by picturesque temples, bustling riverbank markets, and everyday neighborhoods.
Finally, return to your hotel for a restful night's sleep.
In the morning, embark on a visit to the bustling Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, renowned for its size and lively atmosphere, as well as the Maeklong Railway Market, where you'll witness locals shopping with ease even as trains pass through.
After enjoying lunch at a nearby local restaurant, you'll be transported to the airport for an approximately one-hour flight north to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, relax during your transfer from the airport to your downtown hotel. Then, spend some leisure time exploring the charming and elegant town of Chiang Mai.
Our first stop is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.As you drive through the mountainous landscape, enjoy the lush scenery on your way to the base of the temple complex. Upon arrival, ascend the mythological nagas (dragon-headed serpent) staircase, consisting of over 300 steps, to reach the temple. Admire the historic Buddhist and Hindu relics and take in the stunning 360-degree views of Chiang Mai city.
Next, journey to the Hmong hill-tribe village steeped in history. The Meo Hilltribe or Hmong people are former inhabitants of the Yellow River Valley in China who fled their home due to wars. Now approximately 120,000 Meo people live in northern Thailand. They are known for their intricate embroidery and colourful costumes. Gain insights into the daily lives of the friendly villagers through interaction, and visit a local household to learn about their unique customs and heritage. After an enlightening experience, return to your hotel in Chiang Mai.
You will be picked up from your lodging and driven for about 1.5 hours through picturesque agricultural regions, hills, and forests before arriving at the Sanctuary. There, you'll meet your English-speaking guide and gain an overview of the elephants, then change into traditional Karen attire.
With bananas and sugar cane provided for feeding the elephants, you'll stroll with your guide through the Sanctuary, where you'll encounter free-roaming elephants and learn their individual stories. Feel free to touch, feed, photograph, and interact with the elephants while discovering their behavior and lifestyle. Once you've met all the elephants, you'll accompany them to a nearby mud spa. Join the elephants as you apply a nourishing mud treatment to their skin.
Afterward, walk with the elephants to a nearby river and participate in a revitalizing bath with them. Dive in and help bathe and brush the elephants as they wade and frolic in the water. Then we’ll have a simple lunch then head back to your hotel. Around 4pm in the afternoon, our guide and driver will pick you up from hotel and take you join in the Yi Peng Festival celebration.
The 2023 Yi Peng Festival will be celebrated from 27th-28th November at Chiang Mai Arts and Design (CAD), which is the largest government-sponsored mess sky lantern release venue in Thailand. We include VIP tickets to the celebration. You can enjoy cultural shows and performances, taste delicious cuisines, and, of course, experience in the magical mass lantern release. The celebration normally ends at 9pm, we’ll drop you off at your hotel.
Today is free on your own, here is some ideas for exploring Chiang Mai on your own:
Explore the ancient temples, local shops, and bustling markets within the moat that surrounds Chiang Mai's Old City. Don't miss the chance to visit Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, and Wat Chiang Man, among other temples.
Sample the local cuisine, such as khao soi (a spicy coconut curry noodle soup), at the many food stalls across the city and the weekend markets.
Take a Thai Cooking Class: Learn to cook traditional Thai dishes with a local instructor, an experience that allows you to take a piece of Chiang Mai's culinary culture back home.
Our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and drop you off at the Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) for your flight to your next destination.
Trip Notes
What’s Included
- Professional English speaking tour guides
- Entrance fee to all spots listed in the itinerary
- Well-selected hotel accommodation
- Meals mentioned in the itinerary
- Experienced driver and comfortable vehicle with air-conditioning
- Economy flight from Bangkok to Chiangmai