After breakfast, your adventure begins with a visit to two of Thailand’s most unique markets. At the Maeklong Railway Market, watch as vendors swiftly retract their awnings and move their produce just moments before a train passes through the centre of the market — an unforgettable sight that captures the rhythm of local life. Continue to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, gliding by long-tail speedboat past riverside villages and fruit orchards before arriving at the bustling network of canals, alive with colour and fragrance. You’ll also step inside a local villager’s home to see the traditional craft of producing organic palm sugar, a process handed down through generations.
In the afternoon, travel west to Kanchanaburi. A scenic long-tail boat ride along the River Kwai delivers you to your unique accommodation for the next two nights: a private floating villa at The FloatHouse River Kwai Resort. This evening, enjoy an included dinner at the resort’s riverside Sanctuary Restaurant, surrounded by jungle-clad banks and the gentle flow of the river.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market visit
The FloatHouse River Kwai Resort floating villa stay
This morning begins with a visit to Hellfire Pass and its memorial museum, a moving tribute to the prisoners of war and labourers who lost their lives during the construction of the Thai–Burma railway. Continue to the Bridge on the River Kwai, where you’ll board a short historic train journey along one of the line’s most scenic stretches, with sweeping views over the Khwae Noi River.
After lunch at a local restaurant, spend the afternoon in Erawan National Park, home to one of Thailand’s most beautiful waterfalls. Wander the jungle trails and cool off in the emerald pools of the seven-tiered Erawan Falls before returning to your floating villa to relax by the river at dusk. Dinner is included this evening at the resort.
The FloatHouse River Kwai Resort floating villa stay
This morning begins with a visit to the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, a solemn place to pay respects to those who lost their lives during wartime. Continue to the Bridge on the River Kwai, pausing for a photo at this historic landmark before travelling onwards to Ayutthaya.
Arrive in time for lunch at a local favourite restaurant before exploring some of the city’s most captivating temples. Admire the gold-embellished statues of Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, then visit Wat Phanan Choeng with its spectacular seated Buddha. Conclude the afternoon at the evocative ruins of Wat Phra Mahathat, where the famous stone Buddha head entwined in banyan roots stands as a symbol of the city’s past. Later, check into your hotel for the evening.
Travel north this morning, beginning with a visit to Wat Tha Sung, a dazzling temple famed for its mirrored walls and glittering glass pillars. Continue to a local pier in Uthai Thani, where you’ll board a traditional rice barge for a leisurely cruise along the Sakae Krang River. As you drift past stilted houses and lush scenery, enjoy a traditional lunch on board.
In the afternoon, journey onwards to Sukhothai, the first capital of Thailand and a UNESCO World Heritage–listed city. On arrival, settle into your hotel and unwind with a rejuvenating traditional Thai massage or foot massage, included as part of your stay.
This morning begins with a guided exploration of Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital of Thailand. Cycle or stroll through the park’s tranquil gardens and lotus-fringed lakes, admiring the ancient temples and statues that reveal the city’s rich history.
Pause for a home-style picnic lunch before returning to your hotel. The afternoon is yours to relax, or you may choose to join an optional amulet-making workshop, learning the traditional techniques behind these unique Buddhist votive tablets.
This morning begins with a drive north to Chiang Mai, a city of temples, mountains, and vibrant street life. En route, stop at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of Thailand’s most sacred temples, perched on a hill overlooking the city. Admire the intricate golden chedi and enjoy sweeping views before continuing to your hotel.
Settle in this afternoon and take some time to relax. In the evening, rejoin your group for a local dining experience, sampling some of Chiang Mai’s best flavours in a lively setting.
Today is a day of hands-on cultural immersion. After breakfast, travel to a sustainable village in the San Kamphaeng district, where local artisans share their crafts. Discover the basics of bamboo and cotton weaving, pottery, and natural tie-dye, and even try your hand at creating your own design under their guidance.
Before lunch, continue to Wat Phan Tao, a 600-year-old teakwood temple built in the Chiang Saen style. After an included lunch at a local restaurant, the focus shifts to cuisine with an interactive cooking class at Baan Hongnual. Begin with a stroll through the herb and vegetable gardens before learning the secrets of Thai cooking from experienced local chefs. Round off the evening by enjoying the fragrant dishes you’ve prepared for dinner.
Local Thai cooking class
Today is dedicated to a truly memorable experience: a visit to an ethical elephant sanctuary that cares for rescued and orphaned animals. Spend the morning learning about the sanctuary’s conservation efforts and walking alongside these gentle giants in their natural habitat. With a strict no-riding policy in place, you’ll observe the elephants as they play, forage, and interact freely. Lunch is included at the sanctuary.
Return to your hotel this afternoon for some time at leisure. In the evening, you may choose to join an optional Vespa tour after dark. This guided experience takes you through Chiang Mai’s lively streets, from food markets and tucked-away eateries to local bars with live music — a unique way to discover the city’s night-time energy.
After breakfast, journey north to Chiang Rai, a region known for its striking temples and mountain landscapes. On arrival, visit two of the city’s most celebrated landmarks: the gleaming White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), rebuilt in dazzling contemporary style, and the vibrant Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), with its cobalt hues and intricate carvings.
Following your visits, continue to your hotel and settle in for a relaxing evening.
This morning, make your way to the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge along the Mekong River. Board a boat for a scenic cruise through this historic region, once at the heart of the opium trade.
Afterwards, deepen your understanding with a visit to the Hall of Opium Museum, which explores the history and impact of the trade on local communities. Return to your hotel in the afternoon to relax at leisure.
This evening, gather for a farewell dinner at Sala Rim Nam Restaurant, overlooking the river. Toast the end of your journey with two hours of free-flow drinks as you share memories of your adventure.
Today marks the end of your shared tour and the start of a relaxing three nights in Bangkok. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before meeting your included transfer in the lobby for a short drive to Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI).
Upon landing at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), meet your transfer for another short drive to the Grand Hyatt Erawan. This award-winning accommodation earns its five stars with stunning views of downtown Bangkok and spellbinding dining experiences.
A gastronomic destination in its own right, Grand Hyatt Erawan offers nine restaurants and bars – choosing where to begin is the hardest part. Around your included breakfast, free-flow cocktail hour and one-off dinner at The Dining Room – an understated buffet of gourmet seafood, Italian and east Asian cuisine – head to the tree-lined city-view pool for a moment of peace in this bustling urban jungle.
Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok inclusions:
- Daily buffet breakfast at The Dining Room
- One hour of nightly free-flow cocktails and canapes at the Grand Club Lounge
- Daily Grand Club Lounge access with all-day tea and coffee
- One buffet dinner at The Dining Room
- Daily THB1,000 credit per adult to use at i.sawan Residential Spa
Five-star stay at Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok
Your first full day at leisure in Bangkok awaits. Explore this five-sense city in all its glory or take advantage of your spa credit at the hotel’s i.sawan Residential Spa.
However you choose to spend your days in Bangkok, you’ll always have the comfort of your room’s plush king bed and stunning city views to return to at the end of the day.
Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok inclusions:
- Daily buffet breakfast at The Dining Room
- One hour of nightly free-flow cocktails and canapes at the Grand Club Lounge
- Daily Grand Club Lounge access with all-day tea and coffee
- One buffet dinner at The Dining Room
- Daily THB1,000 credit per adult to use at i.sawan Residential Spa
Another day in Bangkok awaits. Make best use of the hotel’s location by visiting some of Bangkok’s premier shopping destinations. Directly beside the revered Erawan Shrine and linked by an elevated walkway to CentralWorld, Siam Paragon and Gaysorn, this is as central as Bangkok gets.
Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok inclusions:
- Daily buffet breakfast at The Dining Room
- One hour of nightly free-flow cocktails and canapes at the Grand Club Lounge
- Daily Grand Club Lounge access with all-day tea and coffee
- One buffet dinner at The Dining Room
- Daily THB1,000 credit per adult to use at i.sawan Residential Spa
Fuel up with a delicious breakfast before bidding farewell to the city and meeting your transfer ahead of the trip back to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) for your onward journey.