Bangkok to Chiang Mai Express
7 days, Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Itinerary Notes
Effective May 1, 2025, all travelers entering Thailand through air, land, or sea must complete the Thailand E-Arrival form. You must register at least 3 days before arrival. Please see Trip Details for more information.
Itinerary
Day 1Bangkok
Arrive at any time.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Hotel Royal Bangkok @ Chinatown (or similar)
The hotel is in a city centre neighbourhood and benefits from a rooftop pool with great views over the city. Facilities also include a restaurant, bar, sun terrace and fitness centre.
Day 2Bangkok/Kanchanaburi
Enjoy a klong boat tour of Bangkok including a visit to Wat Pho. Travel to Kanchanaburi and head to your floating rafthouse accommodation.
Klong Riverboat Tour
Travel by longtail boat on the busy Chao Phraya River and through the small canals of western Bangkok's Thonburi district. Observe colourful scenes of everyday life along the river banks.
Wat Po Visit
This temple is known for its reclining Buddha, its feet covered with mother-of-pearl engravings of Buddhist symbols. Explore the large grounds and other compounds to see other Buddha figures, murals and the chedis that contain the ashes of Buddha. This is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Local Living Moment: Overnight Rafthouse Excursion
Enjoy a unique homestay experience aboard a floating rafthouse on the famous River Kwai. Relax, swim, and mingle with locals in the community.
Accommodation
Pung-Waan Resort (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 3Kanchanaburi
Enjoy a day of sightseeing at Erawan Falls and the Bridge on the River Kwai.
Private Vehicle
Enjoy a short drive to view the beautiful Erawan Waterfalls. (1-2 hours per direction)
Erawan Waterfalls
Visit one of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls. Its seven tiers offer a unique experience at every climb, reaching up to 1,500m (4921 ft). Swim in the turquoise pools, snap photos from the top tier, and opt to hike in the jungle to spot monkeys.
Bridge on the River Kwai Visit
Take in a piece of World War II history on this visit. We're sure you've seen or at least heard of the famous movie "Bridge on the River Kwai." Well, now you can tour the real thing. It's massive, majestic, and imposing, offering fabulous views of the river below.
Accommodation
Good Times Resort (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Kanchanaburi to Ayutthaya
Explore the Allied War Cemetery and the Thai-Burmese Railway Centre to learn more about the area's history. Travel to Ayutthaya and visit the historical sites of the old capital city. Opt to visit Chan Kasem National Museum and Chao Sam Phraya Museum.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Temple Ruins Tour
Visit the ruins of Ayutthaya, which served as Thailand’s capital from the 14th to 18th centuries, when it ranked as one of the most magnificent cities in the world. Located 86km (53 mi) north of Bangkok, the ruins of this UNESCO World Heritage Site include stunning pagodas and Buddha images.
Thai/Burma Railway Centre and Allied War Cemetery Visit
Visit the Thai-Burmese Railway Museum to learn about the Death Railway's dark history, and the Allied War Cemetery where more than 6,000 prisoners are buried.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Chan Kasem National Museum Visit
Take a step back in time at this historically important museum that was once Chan Palace and home to many kings. Tour its pavilions and towers, and admire the extensive collection of antiques and artifacts, including ancient weapons, sculptures, Buddha images, and King Rama IV’s personal belongings.
Chao Sam Phraya Museum Visit
Enjoy looking at objects excavated at Wat Racha Burana and Wat Maha That in the 1950s, including images of the Buddha. The second building displays artifacts from the 6th to the 19th centuries and is a great chance to learn about Thai history.
Accommodation
Ayothaya Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai
Spend a full day exploring Ayutthaya before boarding an overnight train to Chiang Mai.
Free Time
Enjoy free time exploring all Ayutthaya has to offer.
Basic Overnight Train (beds)
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Day 6Chiang Mai
Arrive in Chiang Mai and explore the city. Visit Doi Suthep in the afternoon.
Chiang Mai is a vibrant city with heaps to see and do. Famous for its night market, cooking classes, and Muay Thai, it's a feat to fit it all in. Experience the flavours and scents of traditional northern Thai cuisine by pre-booking the Northern Thai Cooking Class. Or pre-book the tuk tuk adventure and cruise around to see the most of Chiang Mai.
Free Time
Use free time here to make the most of your time in Chiang Mai.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Doi Suthep Temple Visit
Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a golden Buddhist temple outside of Chiang Mai on the Mt Doi Suthep. Climb 300 steps to reach the temple and be rewarded with an unforgettable view. Admire the many Buddhist relics at this sacred temple and visit the white elephant shrine. Legend has it that the location of the temple was chosen after a white elephant carried a relic to the mountain and trumpeted three times before dying on the spot. Also, with a little luck, you may witness the chanting of the monks.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Full Day Tuk-Tuk Adventure
Learn how to drive a classic Thai mode of transport - the tuk-tuk - then set off for a full-day Northern Thailand adventure like no other. With your very own guide, explore the rural lanes of Chiang Mai, drive past rice fields and temples as you weave through the countryside, and experience Thai hospitality at its finest over lunch and chatting with the locals. Drinking water throughout the day, as well as pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Chiang Mai, is included. Please note that if you wish to drive the tuk-tuk, you must have a valid license (not required for backseat passengers).
Northern Thai Cooking Class
Channel your inner chef with a home-style Thai cooking class. Take a trip to the market with your teacher and learn about regional flavours as you pick out fresh ingredients. Head back to the cozy kitchen for a hands-on lesson in whipping up delicious local favourites like hot and sour soup, green curry, and sticky rice.
Street Food Walk at Chiang Mai Night Market
Pick up a a souvenir at this shopper's paradise. Wander through the market to find music, food, and local artists selling handmade crafts.
Accommodation
Chiang Mai Gate Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Chiang Mai
Depart at any time.
With a little extra time in the area, hilltribe treks are easily accessible, as is the Golden Triangle.