Upgraded - Discover Northern Thailand

Arrive in Chiang Mai, a vibrant city in northern Thailand known for its ancient temples, rich culture and scenic mountain landscapes.

For those arriving on time, our Tour Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting and for those who wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Chiang Mai at any time. Should you miss the welcome meeting our Tour Leader will leave a note at the front desk and will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

A transfer from Chiang Mai International Airport (CEI), which is around 30 minutes from the hotel, is included on all trips in our Upgraded range regardless of your arrival day, provided we receive your flight details no later than 10 days before departure.

If you arrive early, our centrally located hotel offers convenient access to begin exploring the city's attractions right away. The hotel combines traditional charm with modern amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool, offering an ideal spot to unwind and recover from your journey.

This morning, we take a short drive to visit Doi Suthep Temple. A visit to Doi Suthep Temple, perched on a mountain just outside Chiang Mai, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and a glimpse into the region's spiritual heritage. The temple's golden stupa glistens in the sunlight, surrounded by intricate carvings and beautiful architecture.

We then drive back to Chiang Mai for a foot massage at the Women's Correctional Institution. The institution offers traditional Thai massages performed by inmates as part of their rehabilitation program. These massages are highly regarded for their quality, providing visitors with a unique experience while supporting the inmates' reintegration into society by helping them develop professional skills.

After our moment of relaxation, we have time for lunch in the city followed by a short walking tour of the town.

Mid-afternoon, we drive to our host family for a cooking class. This experience is not only about food but also a chance to learn and understand the local culture, and how they apply their knowledge of herbs into their daily dishes.

The home belongs to the Raunkaew-Yanon family - a Lanna family who preserve the traditions passed down since the beginning. They build their homes from teak wood and maintain the natural surroundings traditionally, which is now rarely seen in Chiang Mai. Experience the Lanna way of life and take a walk in the family-owned orchard with many types of fruit such as banana, mango and coconut, as well as many herbs for cooking. We then watch the cooking session with the local family, and you have the opportunity to join in if you fancy, before dining together.

This morning, we head out to the Elephant Nature Park, one of the largest elephant conservation centres in Thailand and it's located a one and half hour drive from Chiang Mai. The park comprises of huge swathes of land for the elephants to roam in, along with an elephant nursery and hospital caring for sick and abandoned elephants. Its main function is for the treatment and care of rescued elephants. We will need to be flexible around the needs of the elephants, spending some time on the viewing platform and walking down to the river accompanied but the centre's staff. The elephants are free to roam and do as they please and this is what sets this sanctuary apart and what makes it meet Explore's animal welfare policy. If we are lucky enough, we can witness these gentle giants as they happily splash around in the river, washing and cooling themselves down from the midday sun. There are no elephant shows or elephant riding here, the experience is all about spending a couple of quality hours with these beautiful creatures and observing their natural behaviours when they are with their herd.

After our buffet lunch at the Elephant Nature Park, we drive to Maekampong - a picturesque hilltop village nestled in Thailand's highlands. We first visit the Maekampong waterfall - a natural gem set amidst lush greenery and tranquil surroundings. The walk to the top of the waterfall takes approximatively half an hour with slippery terrain up the stairs, there is the alternative to also walk around the base of the waterfall. Before returning to Chiang Mai, we take a wander through the village's verdant landscape, where you'll find traditional wooden houses, tea plantations and stunning mountain views. Engage in immersive activities such as exploring scenic hiking trails, visiting local tea farms and enjoying the fresh mountain air.

The evening is free to explore Chiang Mai's night market and try the local delicacies.

We drive for around four and a half hours today in total.

This morning, we bid farewell to Chiang Mai and embark on a journey to the lesser-known province of Lampang. En route, we visit one of Thailand's hidden treasures: Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat, often hailed as the "Little Bhutan" of Thailand. This remarkable temple is celebrated for its stunning views and distinctive architecture. Perched on a hilltop, Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat boasts a series of elegant pagodas and chedis that appear to float above the surrounding landscape, providing panoramic vistas of lush valleys and distant mountain ranges. The hike to Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat is a rewarding experience that blends natural beauty with spiritual discovery. It can take up to one hour depending on your fitness level, the route includes stairs and multiple rest platforms, allowing you to appreciate the scenery at your own pace. Our route is about 3.5 km in each direction, with a 300-metre climb, mostly on well-built stairs.

After descending and some time for lunch, we continue our drive to Lampang where we stop to visit a ceramic factory. See skilled artisans at work and learn about the process and cultural significance. After that, it is only a short drive to our accommodation for the night,

Lampang River Lodge - a serene eco-resort, featuring traditional Lanna-style cottages set amidst tropical gardens and situated along the peaceful Wang River.

We drive for around four and a half hours today in total.

After a tranquil breakfast by the river, we take a short drive to visit Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang. Renowned for its impressive Lanna architectural style, this sacred site stands as a significant cultural and religious landmark.

We then continue our route south for around three hours to Nathon Chan village - a village set amongst lush rice paddies where we enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals. After being greeted by our hosts, we head out to explore the village on foot. The villagers here still practice many cottage industries, and as we walk from house to house, we will see how clothes are stitched on a bamboo sewing rig, cups and chopsticks are made from surrounding bamboo and ornaments are skilfully carved by local artisans. There will be plenty of opportunity to engage with the villagers whilst each of them demonstrates their craft. After the visit, we have time to indulge in the local dish of the village made with thick rice noodles.

The drive to Sukhothai is just an hour further, and upon arrival, we set out to explore the ancient city by bicycle. As the first capital of Siam, Sukhothai was the heart of Thai civilization for over 200 years. We cycle through the historical park, visiting some of the most significant temples. The flat, traffic-free terrain makes for a leisurely ride, with each temple just minutes apart.

Designed to reflect the grandeur of Thailand's ancient Sukhothai Kingdom, our hotel features elegant, Thai-inspired decor with intricate wooden carvings, a swimming pool, massage services and lush gardens.

The evening is at leisure with the hotel offering traditional entertainment.

Wake up early this morning for a very special experience by offering almsgiving - a Buddhist tradition where laypeople offer food and essentials to monks early in the morning. This practice, performed with reverence, allows individuals to accumulate merit and support the monastic community, making it an integral part of Thai culture and daily life.

Have breakfast and get ready to continue our journey down south to Uthai Thani, a tranquil province in central Thailand known for its traditional rural charm. It offers visitors a glimpse into authentic Thai culture with its historic temples, serene riverside settings and local markets. To see some of this, we take a boat ride on Sakae Krang River past lush riverbanks, local wildlife and traditional riverfront communities.

Before checking into our hotel, we explore the city centre and visit Wat Chantaram, renowned for its crystal sanctuary - a mesmerizing hall of mirrors where walls and columns are adorned with reflective surfaces.

This area of Thailand is less frequented by tourists, offering a more authentic local experience. While the hotels here may have fewer amenities compared to those in larger cities, our hotel will provide you with a warm welcome.

Our total driving time today is around four hours.

After breakfast, we board the bus for a two-hour journey to Ayutthaya, one of Siam's most magnificent ancient capitals. Situated on an island at the confluence of the Chao Phraya, Pa Sak, and Lopburi Rivers, Ayutthaya boasted a strong defensive position and flourished for over 400 years, becoming a wealthy and powerful city. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the city is a remarkable complex of palaces, shrines, stupas, and monasteries.

We embark on a walking tour of the city's historical landmarks, after which you have the afternoon free to further explore the temples or relax at our riverside hotel. In the late afternoon, we gather in the hotel's lobby for a special evening dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River, where we enjoy a delicious array of Thai dishes while taking in the beautifully illuminated ancient ruins of Ayutthaya.

An early morning two to three hour drive brings us to Kanchanaburi, where we begin by visiting the war cemetery and the iconic Bridge over the River Kwai. This infamous bridge, part of the Death Railway built during World War II by Prisoners of War under Japanese occupation, stands as a somber reminder of one of the war's most tragic episodes, linking Siam and Burma (Myanmar).

Next, we take a train ride along a section of the original railway before heading to Hellfire Pass by bus. Visiting the Hellfire Pass Museum offers a moving and insightful look into the grueling conditions endured by the workers. We then walk through the cuttings, immersing ourselves in the powerful history of this site.

To conclude the day, we travel by longtail boat up the River Kwai to our hotel, a premium floating resort located in a peaceful riverside setting. The resort features spacious villas with breathtaking river views and direct water access, offering a serene retreat for the next two nights.

Today is a free day to unwind by the River Kwai in our luxurious floating accommodation. You can relax and take in the tranquil riverside atmosphere, or for those looking to explore further, optional activities include bamboo rafting, a peaceful way to experience the river, or a visit to the renowned Erawan Waterfall, known for its stunning multi-tiered cascades and crystal-clear pools. Whether you choose to relax or adventure, the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace.

We bid farewell to the tranquil surroundings of the Kwai Noi River this morning and begin our four-hour drive back to the capital. On the way, we stop at the charming town of Maeklong, where the local market is uniquely built on top of an active railway. As the provincial train approaches, vendors skillfully fold back their stalls, and produce is swiftly moved aside, allowing the train to pass just centimeters from the bustling market - a fascinating spectacle to witness.

We then continue our journey to Bangkok, where we check into our luxurious hotel. In the afternoon, we embark on a boat ride from the hotel's dock to explore the iconic Chao Phraya River, gliding past historic temples, lively markets, and Bangkok's impressive skyline of modern skyscrapers. The cruise offers a scenic and immersive way to experience the heart of the city.

We end the day with a drink at one of Bangkok's famous sky bars, enjoying breathtaking views of the cityscape. Our hotel offers premium accommodations with stunning views, fine dining options, a swimming pool, spa, and top-notch amenities, providing a sophisticated retreat on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.

In the morning, we set off to explore Bangkok's Grand Palace, renowned for its magnificent opulent architecture and home to the revered Emerald Buddha. The palace's intricate details and grandeur are awe-inspiring. We then continue to Wat Po, where the impressive Reclining Buddha statue resides. As we explore these iconic landmarks, you'll immerse yourself in Bangkok's rich cultural and historical heritage, admiring the serene beauty of Wat Po and the majesty of the Grand Palace.

The rest of the day is free for you to explore Bangkok at your leisure or indulge in some shopping, one of the capital's favorite activities.

For our final evening, we embark on a food tour through Bangkok's vibrant Chinatown. Led by your Tour Leader, we navigate through renowned street food stalls, sampling an array of authentic flavors, before concluding with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. It's the perfect way to end our journey, savoring Bangkok's famous cuisine.

Your trip concludes after breakfast at our hotel in Bangkok. With no planned activities for the day, you\ re free to depart at your convenience. If your flight is later in the day, the hotel offers luggage storage facilities for your convenience.

A transfer to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is included for all trips in our Upgraded range, regardless of your departure day, as long as we receive your flight details at least 10 days prior to your tour start. The airport is just a short 45-minute drive from the hotel.

Bangkok is filled with attractions and is well worth additional exploration. We recommend considering an extended stay in the city, or alternatively, you might unwind on the beautiful beaches of Thailand with our premium beach extension to Koh Samet.