A two-week journey from south to north, this perfect first-timer tour of Thailand encompasses all the top sights as well as venturing into less-explored areas to explore pristine nature and local culture with a stay at a beautiful eco-lodge.
Chiang Mai's Elephant Care Centre - Spend the day with Asian elephants at Chiang Mai's Thai Elephant Care Centre, a home for elderly pachyderms, where you’ll meet, feed and bathe the gorgeous residents.
Visit Maeklong Railway Market - Visit Maeklong Railway market, famous for being along a railway line – witness the fascinating bustle of activity by the stallholders to move their wares out of the way as a train comes through!
Hmong Hilltribe Lodge - Venture deep into the northern highlands and spend the night with nature at the Hmong Hilltribe Lodge, where you'll enjoy a barbecue dinner and Hmong cultural show.
Bangkok (2N) - Kanchanaburi (2N) - Chiang Rai (3N) - Hmong Hilltribe Lodge (1N) - Chiang Mai (3N)
Day 1: Fly To Bangkok
Fly to the vibrant city of Bangkok. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Includes: Dinner
Day 2: Discover Bangkok
Bangkok is a whirlwind of exotic energy, a sensory extravaganza like few other cities. Neoclassical houses rub shoulders with high-rise skyscrapers and majestic golden temples, while river taxis and ferries throng its busy canals. Today's sightseeing includes Wat Pho, the dazzling Grand Palace and a stroll through Chinatown. Later, take to the Chao Phraya River on a longboat to get an alternative view of the city as you travel to the Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Bridge Over The River Kwai
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and the bizarre Maeklong Railway Market before heading out of Bangkok to Kanchanaburi. It was here that many Allied POWs and indentured Asian labourers were forced to build the Thai-Burma Railway during the WWII Japanese occupation of Thailand. Stop at the famous bridge on the River Kwai and visit the Thai-Burmese Railway Museum to learn their stories, then pay your respects at the War Cemetery before checking into your hotel. Spend the night in Kanchanaburi.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Explore Kanchanaburi
Drive to Hellfire Pass and visit the fascinating museum before a short walk through the pass. Step on board an old locomotive to travel along a section of the Death Railway, passing through the Kwai Gorge.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Ayutthaya
A sacred city and former royal capital, Ayutthaya today is a crumbled kingdom that has retained its bygone splendour. Explore this impressive archaeological site, touring the principal sights including Bang Pa-In, the former royal summer residence. Return to Bangkok and fly to Chiang Rai, a city in Thailand's northern highlands.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Golden Triangle
Transfer to the area known as the Golden Triangle – the point where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet and notorious for the cultivation of opium that used to take place here. Take a boat ride on the Mekong over the border into Laos and visit Don Sao Island where you can take a leisurely stroll through the local market. Return to Chiang Rai. Explore the night market this evening.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Mae Salong Mountain
Travel to Mae Salong Mountain, an area well known for its tea plantations – you can sample some of the local brew whilst you are here. Enjoy a 'Yunnanese' lunch before visiting Doi Tung Palace and Mae Fah Luang Garden. Drive back to Chiang Rai this afternoon.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Hmong Hilltribe Lodge
Explore the striking Buddhist White Temple before departing Chiang Rai. Heading in the direction of Chiang Mai, you'll travel along a beautiful mountain road with breathtaking views. Entering Chiang Mai province, spend tonight at Hmong Hilltribe Lodge, an eco-lodge operated by Hmong villagers. Rooms are built in the traditional tribal style and overlook lush fields and hills. Dinner is followed by a Hmong folklore performance.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Elephant Care Centre & Bamboo Rafting
Visit the Thai Elephant Care Centre in Mae Rim this morning. The centre is located in the beautiful Mesa Valley and offers a peaceful retirement home for elephants rescued from illegal logging camps and elephant shows. After stopping for lunch, make your way to Mae Daeng where you will enjoy a leisurely bamboo rafting trip on the Mae Daeng River. Sit back and take in the passing scenery as your boatman steers you along the river.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Lost City Of Wiang Kum Kam
Visit the fascinating archaeological site of Wiang Kum Kam, a 'lost city' outside Chiang Mai. The local king, Mangrai, chose this as his capital (Chiang Rai) before river floods forced him to instead build Chiang Mai in 1296. Next, visit two of Chiang Mai's temples (Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh) before time at leisure in Chiang Mai.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Chiang Mai Cooking Class
Discover the secrets of traditional Thai cooking with a morning cookery class. Ascend to Wat Doi Suthep, a temple perched on top of Doi Suthep Mountain. This evening, sit down to a Thai Kantoke dinner, and be entertained by a selection of cultural performances.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 12-13: Fly Chiang Mai To Australia
This morning is at your leisure before you are transferred to Chiang Mai airport to board your flight to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
Includes: Breakfast
* The above itinerary is subject to change.
Advertised pricing subject to departure date and availability. Please call 1300 414 198 to confirm up-to-the-moment availability and pricing.
Furama Silom Bangkok - Bangkok
Furama Silom Bangkok is centrally located, close to the Patpong Night Market, and stylishly modern. The hotel's numerous facilities include a fully equipped gym, steam room, rooftop pool and rooftop restaurant which have fantastic views over the city. The accommodation is spacious with contemporary décor with Thai touches. Floor to ceiling windows keep it light and the en suite bathroom has a shower, bathrobe and slippers.
Mida Resort Kanchanaburi - Kanchanaburi
This boutique resort set in beautiful natural surroundings outside of Kanchanaburi’s downtown, the Mida exudes a contemporary Thai-style. The stylish rooms are elegantly furnished with views of the tropical gardens – the en suite bathroom complete with bath and shower as well as a private outdoor shower. The restaurant has beautiful views over the river and there is a swimming pool plus pool bar.
Duangtawan Hotel - Chiang Mai
Excellently located right next to the famous night bazaar, the Duangtawan Hotel has a full range of facilities, from seven bars and restaurants, a swimming pool, fitness centre and spa. The spacious, light and airy rooms have city views and a bathroom with both a bath and shower.
Laluna Hotel & Resort - Chiang Rai
Just minutes from the famous night bazaar, the Laluna offers cosy Thai-style bungalows tucked amongst lush, tropical gardens. The lagoon-style pool, Jacuzzi, massage service and deck makes the friendly, relaxed atmosphere even more pronounced. The bungalows are spacious and simple with large beds and an en suite bathroom and views over the gardens.
Hmong Hill Tribe Lodge - Chiang Mai
An hour outside of Chiang Mai, nestled amongst the hills that Hmong communities also call home, the Hmong Hill Tribe Lodge has a beautiful natural setting of lush vegetation and rice fields. This is the perfect place to experience tribal culture and the beauty of north Thailand’s highlands. Rooms are spread through 10 buildings with a communal area at their heart. Each has a balcony and ensuite bathroom but are made extra cosy with the addition of a colourful Hmong quilt. The pool overlooks the surrounding rice fields and a spa and massage treatments are available.
Wendy Wu Tour - Thailand Highlights
How to book - Call Wendy Wu Tours on 1300 727 998 or book via the online portal (15% commission)
Deposit due within 3 days of booking
Deposit - $100pp for Travel at 60 + Wendy Wu deposit
Updated: BJ19JUL24
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.