Cambodia & Thailand Cultural Heritage Sites 2 weeks

Upon arrival at Bangkok Airport, your driver will meet you and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free, giving you time to relax after your journey or explore Bangkok at your own pace.

Evening

Enjoy a relaxed evening exploring Bangkok independently. You might wander through a night market, sample local Thai specialities, or choose one of the optional experiences below.

Morning

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading out to explore some of Bangkok’s most significant temples and historic landmarks.

Visit the Grand Palace, a former royal residence and an important symbol of Thailand’s royal heritage. Within the complex, explore Wat Phra Kaew, home to the highly revered Emerald Buddha.

Continue to Wat Pho, known for its large reclining Buddha statue, then visit Wat Traimit, home to the famous Golden Buddha. Take some time to appreciate the temples’ intricate architecture, decorative details, and religious significance.

Afternoon

Board a traditional long-tail boat for a journey along the Chao Phraya River and Bangkok’s smaller canals. The waterways offer a different perspective of the city, with views of riverside neighbourhoods, local homes and everyday life.

Stop at Wat Arun, one of Bangkok’s best-known riverside temples, and take some time to explore the grounds and enjoy the views. Return to your hotel afterwards for a relaxed afternoon.

The rest of the evening is free to explore Bangkok at your own pace or simply relax at the hotel.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before spending the day exploring Bangkok at your own pace. With no scheduled activities, there’s plenty of time to revisit a favourite temple, browse the markets, or simply relax. 

Morning

Wake up early, start your day with a delightful breakfast, and drive to the southwest of Bangkok in order to visit the Maeklong railway market. Grab this opportunity to dive into the exotic culture, explore local people’s lives, and take some photos to capture unique moments. Don’t forget to taste the special local snack that makes your journey complete before moving to other spots. 

Afterward, take a drive to Damnoen Saduak and get on a boat trip to explore this famous floating market where the locals trade and sell their goods. It is a good chance for you to buy some local fruits, chat with the indigenous people, and take some photographs of vibrant markets. 

Afternoon

Embarking on a historical journey, you'll venture to Kanchanaburi, a destination marked by its significance during World War II. 

Upon arrival, your first stop is the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, also known as the Thailand-Burma Railway Museum. This museum serves as a gateway to gaining a deep understanding of a tragic chapter in Thailand's history and the remarkable human stories that unfolded during the construction of the railway. 

In order to explore Kwai Bridge, we then board a train and continue traveling for around 30 minutes along the lovely river. 

Evening

After a day filled with exploration and leisure, settle in for a relaxing night in your lodge. 

Morning

After having a delicious breakfast, pay a visit to Hellfire Pass, which was built and funded by the Australian Government in collaboration with the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand. 

Continue to visit one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand, Saiyoke Noi. Nestled amidst the verdant surroundings, this waterfall is a true testament to the natural beauty that Thailand holds. Please take your time to soak in the beauty of this natural wonder, capturing its magnificence through your senses and your cameras. 

NOTE: 

• Wear decent walking shoes for Hellfire Pass for a better experience. 
• Saiyoke Noi Waterfalls is a scenic stop, not for swimming so swimwear is not needed. 

Afternoon

After having a tasty lunch, it’s time to transfer to Ayutthaya. For the rest of the day please enjoy a peaceful night at your lodge. 

Morning

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before exploring Ayutthaya, the former second capital of the Kingdom of Siam. Travel around the historic city by Kermit tuk-tuk, a distinctive local vehicle found in Ayutthaya and Trang.

Visit Wat Yai Chai Mongkol and Wat Mahathat, known for the Buddha image set among the roots of a tree. Continue to a local market, where you can see fresh produce, everyday goods and local life.

Explore Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, once the main chapel of the royal palace. The temple’s distinctive chedis and historic remains offer a glimpse into Ayutthaya’s former royal and religious centre.

Afternoon

Return to Bangkok before continuing by road to Sukhothai.

Arrive in Sukhothai and check in to your hotel. The rest of the evening is free to relax and settle in before tomorrow’s exploration of the historic park.

Morning

Enjoy breakfast before cycling into Sukhothai Historical Park, where ancient temples and Buddha images are spread across the historic landscape. Take your time exploring the park by bicycle, with stops at several of its notable sites:

• Wat Srichum: See the impressive seated Buddha image known as Phra Achana and learn about its place in Sukhothai’s religious heritage.
• Wat Prapailuang: Explore the remains of this important religious complex, which predates the establishment of the Sukhothai Kingdom.
• Wat Sra Sawai & Wat Sra Sri: Admire the distinctive architecture and peaceful surroundings of these historic temple complexes.
• Wat Trangpang Ngoen: Visit this atmospheric temple beside the pond and take some time for photos.
  Wear comfortable clothing suitable for cycling and remember to dress appropriately when entering temple grounds.

Afternoon

Continue by road to Chiang Mai, a city known for its historic temples, traditional markets, and northern Thai culture. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy some free time to explore independently or sample local specialities.

Morning

Start with a walking tour through Chiang Mai’s Old Town, exploring sections of the old city wall, moat and historic gates that once protected the city.

Visit Wat Phra Singh, known for its elegant Lanna-style architecture, followed by Wat Phan Tao, where intricate teak woodwork adds to the character of the temple.

Continue to Wat Chedi Luang, home to an impressive historic chedi and one of Chiang Mai’s best-known landmarks. Wander through the smaller streets nearby, lined with traditional houses, before enjoying a rickshaw ride through the Old Town.

Finish the morning at Warorot Market, a lively local market selling fresh produce, northern Thai specialities, snacks and everyday goods. Take some time to browse the stalls and sample local flavours.

Afternoon

Travel to Doi Suthep, driving through the forested hills surrounding Chiang Mai. Arriving at the base of the temple complex, climb up more than 300 staircases to reach the top. This climb can be a bit of a workout, but it's definitely worth it for the experience and the views.

Spend some time exploring the temple and taking in the views across Chiang Mai. Later in the afternoon, enjoy the changing light over the city and surrounding countryside before returning to town.

Evening

The evening is free to explore Chiang Mai independently. You might visit the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, browse local handicrafts, sample street food or simply relax at your hotel.

Morning

At 8:00, our staff picks you up at your hotel and then takes a 1.5-hour drive to Elephant Jungle Sanctuary in the South of Chiang Mai.

Upon reaching the sanctuary, please change into traditional Karen clothing, which adds to the cultural authenticity of the experience. Following this, you'll receive an introductory lesson about elephant anatomy, history, and behavior. This knowledge will help you better understand and appreciate these magnificent creatures.

At around 11:00, you'll have the opportunity to meet the elephants up close. Spend time feeding, interacting, and playing with them in their natural environment, all the while learning about their behavior and history. This interactive session allows you to create meaningful connections with these gentle giants and capture some memorable photos. 

Around noon, you'll enjoy a delicious lunch of traditional Thai food and fresh fruit. This meal is a chance to refuel and rest before the afternoon activities.

Afternoon

At 13:00, learn how to prepare herbal medicine balls used as dietary supplements for the elephants. Continue feeding them before heading to the river, where you can help bathe and brush the elephants.

Furthermore, you'll also join the elephants for a therapeutic mud spa, a fun and unique activity that benefits their skin. At around 15:00, change back into your regular clothes and say goodbye to the elephants before returning to Chiang Mai.

Return to your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening in Chiang Mai after a full day of activities.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before being picked up to your cooking class.

First, you will learn about essential Thai ingredients, from aromatic herbs to vibrant spices. Under the guidance of a professional chef, you’ll learn to prepare several traditional Thai dishes, such as pad thai, green curry, papaya salad, or mango sticky rice.

Use authentic cooking techniques and savor your creations in a relaxed setting. Return to your hotel with a deeper appreciation for Thai cuisine.

Evening

Enjoy your evening at leisure - relax at your hotel, visit the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, or stroll through the peaceful Old City.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out and heading to the airport for your flight from Chiang Mai to Siem Reap.

Upon arrival at Siem Reap Airport, your guide and driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free to relax after your journey or explore the area at your own pace. 

Morning

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before setting out to explore the remarkable Angkor archaeological sites, which reflect the history and architecture of the Khmer Empire.

Visit Angkor Thom, the former royal capital enclosed by impressive walls. Enter through the South Gate, lined with stone figures representing gods and demons, before continuing to Bayon Temple, known for its large carved faces.

Explore the Terrace of the Elephants, once used by Khmer kings as a ceremonial viewing platform. Continue to Ta Prohm, where trees and roots have grown around the ancient stone structures, creating one of the area’s most distinctive temple landscapes.

Afternoon

Continue to Angkor Wat, one of Cambodia’s most important historic monuments and a prominent example of Khmer architecture. Explore its galleries, bas-reliefs and distinctive five-tower central structure, which represents the five peaks of Mount Meru in Hindu cosmology.

Return to Siem Reap with the evening free to relax or explore independently. You might browse the local markets, enjoy dinner in town or simply rest at your hotel.

Morning

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading out to explore more of the Angkor temple complex.

Visit Banteay Srei, known for its detailed carvings and distinctive pink sandstone. Take time to admire the fine craftsmanship across the temple walls, lintels and pediments.

Continue to Banteay Samre, a well-preserved temple complex featuring detailed carvings and a distinctive architectural style influenced by Angkor Wat.

Afternoon

Explore Preah Khan, a large temple complex with long corridors, courtyards and intricate stone carvings. Wander through its atmospheric passageways and learn about the site’s role in the history of the Khmer Empire.

Continue to Neak Pean, a small temple built on an artificial island within a reservoir. The surrounding pools and stone sculptures add a different character to the day’s temple visits.

Next, visit Ta Som, known for the large tree growing around one of its entrances. Finish at Eastern Mebon, a temple mountain dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, before returning to your hotel.

Enjoy a relaxed evening in Siem Reap. The rest of the night is free to unwind at your hotel or head into town for dinner. 

Morning

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel before checking out. At the appropriate time, your driver will transfer you to Siem Reap Airport for your onward flight.