Bangkok and Ancient Capitals, Private Tour

Enjoy a full day at leisure to discover Bangkok on your own or to take one of the many optional excursions available on the spot. The Royal Grand Palace, a great architectural masterpiece of several buildings from the outside was used as a royal residence from the 18th century to the mid-20th century. It is without any doubt a national reference and possibly the most visited royal monument in Thailand. The building houses the "Wat Phra Kaew", Bangkok's most sacred temple, where the famous Emerald Buddha is located.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Enjoy a tasty breakfast and then head to the former capital of Ayutthaya to contemplate the impressive ruins of this once-vast island city, which was mostly destroyed by an invading army 250 years ago. Today, the haunting ruins hint at its former glories as can be seen in the beautiful temples like Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, Wat Phanan Choeng and Wat Mahathat, the place where the roots of trees have devoured the head of a Buddha. Hop on a traditional long-tail boat and enjoy a scenic cruise around the island to see the city’s ruins from a different perspective. After delighting in lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Kamphaeng Phet and check into your selected hotel.

Overnight in Kamphaeng Phet.

Begin your journey after breakfast at the hotel, heading towards Lampang. On arrival, visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang. This large Lanna-style temple is prominently located on a hill, surrounded by walls. Climb the Naga staircase and explore the mesmerising complex that boasts seven buildings and a sacred tree. Admire the bronze Buddha statue in the ordination hall and the relic of Buddha in the golden chedi. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before continuing to Chiang Mai, popularly known as the ‘Rose of the North’. Check-in on arrival and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Maybe explore the city at your own pace or spoil yourself with a relaxing Thai massage. In the evening, head to the bustling night bazaar for a stroll or indulge in a khantoke dinner, a traditional northern Thai feast combined with a selection of traditional cultural performances. The Thai massage and the khantoke dinner are not included.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

After a delightful breakfast at the hotel, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the most revered temples in the country. This sacred location is at the top of a mountain from where you can appreciate stunning panoramic views of the city. To reach the temple, you must climb up a 309-step naga staircase, or use the cable car. This spiritual experience is followed by a visit to the famous San Kamphaeng Road, a 10km-long stretch of road flanked by shops selling locally produced goods such as pottery, silverware, lacquerware, and handmade saa paper, sculptures, jewellery, wood carvings and silk products. In some shops, you can even watch the artisans at work. Keep an eye out for the celadon pottery and the silver goods, known for their excellent quality. After a typical lunch in a local restaurant, return to the hotel and spend the afternoon free at leisure.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Bid farewell to Chiang Mai after breakfast at the hotel, heading to Lamphun, which is home to one of the north’s most important temples, the one-thousand-year-old Wat Phra That Hariphunchai. Visit the temple and admire the Buddha statues and impressive stupas, including the 46-metre-tall Lanna-style golden chedi and 21-metre-tall Haripunchai-style chedi. Afterwards, head south to Sukhothai Historical Park, to see the ruins of the first capital of Siam. Founded in the 13th century, Sukhothai means ‘Dawn of Happiness, and it proved to herald the beginning of a golden age for Thai culture under the rule of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great, who is credited with creating the Thai alphabet. The historical park hosts the ruins of almost 200 buildings, including dozens of temples.

Overnight in Sukhothai.

Depart Sukhothai after breakfast at the hotel, heading towards Lopburi. This historic city is famed for the troops of macaques that roam the streets as if they were in the jungle. Visit the ruins of the ancient Khmer temple of Phra Prang Sam Yot and the adjacent Brahman shrine of San Phra Kan, known as the ‘Monkey Temple’. Enjoy a typical lunch in a local restaurant en route and continue to Bangkok.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Begin your last day in Thailand with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Then transfer to Bangkok airport and continue with your travelling arrangements.