Bangkok & Overland to Chiang Mai

Experience the vibrant tapestry of Thailand on a journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Begin with the opulent majesty of the Grand Palace in Bangkok before venturing overland. Traverse through the ancient wonders of Phitsanoluk and Sukhothai, soaking in the rich history. Explore the cultural treasures of Lampang, Chiang Rai, and Chiang Mai, each offering unique glimpses into Thailand's heritage. This journey promises a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and flavors, etching memories for a lifetime.

Itinerary

Day 1: London - Bangkok

Check in at London Heathrow for you flight to Bangkok 

Day 2: Bangkok

Arrive Bangkok, after clearing immigration you will be met by our representative and transfer to your hotel
Rest of afternoon/evening at leisure

Approximate total distances: Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok city 40 km (50 mins)

Accommodation: Mode Sathorn Bangkok – Deluxe Mode Room

Day 3: Bangkok

Morning at leisure
At 1pm you will be picked up by our representative for a visit to the Grand Palace, once a Royal Residence. It is an architectural wonder of golden stupas, walls and pillars encrusted in shining and colourful mosaics. Previously the residence of past Kings of Thailand, you will see palaces once used for different occasions; the Reception Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Throne Hall, the Royal Guest House. See and marvel the mysterious Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand.
Return back to your hotel at 4.30pm (approx)
Evening at leisure

Accommodation: Mode Sathorn Bangkok – Deluxe Mode Room

Day 4: Bangkok

Day at leisure

Accommodation: Mode Sathorn Bangkok – Deluxe Mode Room

Day 5: Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Phitsanulok

Pick you up at Bangkok hotel and head by road to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam and another UNESCO World Heritage site, to start one of the most classical journeys of Thailand. Throughout the centuries, its ideal location between China, India and the Malay Archipelago made Ayutthaya the trading capital of Asia. You begin the experience with a visit to the Ayutthaya Historical Park where you find many enigmatic temples, a lot of them still remarkably intact, which whisper of its heyday as one of the world’s wealthiest and most cosmopolitan cities. There’s a chance to explore three immense temples and other ancient structures, built during the early Ayutthaya period (1350 – 1529). From here it’s another drive to Phitsanulok with a stop at a local restaurant for an excellent lunch. Finally, after a long day there’s an overnight stay in Phitsanulok.

Approximate pick up & drop off times: 08:00 – 18:00 hrs.
Approximate total distances: Bangkok city center to Phitsanulok 390 km (5 hours)
Meals included: Lunch

Accommodation: Pattara Resort – Superior Room

Day 6: Phitsanulok - Sukhothai - Lampang

After breakfast at the hotel, you begin the day driving to town to visit Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, one of the most revered temple in Thailand housing impressive Buddha statue, Phra Buddha Chinnarat. The temple is said to be founded in 1357 during Sukhothai Kingdom.
From here it’s another drive to Sukhothai with a stop at a local restaurant for an excellent lunch. Once you’ve arrived in Sukhothai, you look in at Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with beautiful standing Buddha statues, ruins of royal palaces, Buddhist temples, the city gates and walls. The park receives thousands of visitors a year who marvel at the ancient figures of Buddha, the palace buildings and the temples. The park can easily be explored either by bicycle or tram at a leisurely pace. Visit within the walls of Sukhothai Monument to King Ramkhamhaeng, right in the middle of the park. We will visit the royal palace and Wat Mahathat temple in the center of the architectural interior complex of the ancient city to get an idea of the dimension and all the monuments it encompasses. Then it’s off to the hotel in Lampang to relax and stay overnight.

Approximate pick up & drop off times: 08.00 – 16.30 hrs.
Approximate total distances: Phitsanulok to Lampang 270 km (4 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Wienglakor Hotel – Classic Room

Day 7: Lampang - Chiang Rai

Pick you up at Lampang downtown hotel and pay a short visit to Wat Phra That Lampang Luang. Built on a mound and surrounded by high walls, this is thought is to be the most beautiful and probably the oldest surviving wooden structure in Thailand. It’s now time to hit the road for Chiang Rai via Kwan Payao. During our visit, we will have lunch at a local restaurant. Once arriving at the province of Chiang Rai, we will visit the hill of Doi Mae Salong and climb to the top of the mountain. There we will visit the Akha tribes, little frequented and influenced by tourists to know their town, lifestyle, organization, etc. At the village, you can find natural products such as mushrooms, green tea, spices. Also visit a green tea plantation with the option of tasting such prized tea. Back to town and overnight in Chiang Rai Hotel.

Approximate pick up & drop off times: 08.00 – 19.00 hrs.
Approximate total distances: Lampang to Chiang Rai center 380 km (6.5 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: The Legend Chiang Rai – Superior Studio

Day 8: Chiang Rai

Meet our local guide at the hotel lobby after breakfast. Then it’s time for a trip to meet ethnic groups in their villages, which have barely changed for centuries. You can say hello to the Akha tribespeople who come from Tibet and are known for their colourful costumes, or the Yao, whose roots are in China. That Chinese influence is still very much alive in their traditions.
This is followed by an exploration of the Golden Triangle, where the Ruak and Mekong rivers meet to form the border between Thailand, Myanmar and Laos, hence the name. From the Tibetan Plateau the mighty Mekong runs through China and all the way through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam and eventually into the South China Sea. It's a memorably majestic sight! There is the possibility to make an optional boat tour on the river to enjoy the spectacular views and optionally visit Baan Sao Don-a small town in rural Laos. After that we will make a quick visit to the ancient capital of Chiang Saen and drive back to the hotel. We stop en route for lunch at local restaurant. Rest of the day is free time at your leisure.

Approximate pick up & drop off times: 08.00 – 15.00 hrs.
Approximate total distances: Chiang Rai center to Golden Triangle 80 km (1.5 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: The Legend Chiang Rai – Superior Studio

Day 9: Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai

After breakfast at the hotel, you begin the day visit the newly built Wat Rong Suea Ten or Blue Temple, whose intense blue colour makes it unique, as no other Buddhist temple in Thailand has been designed this way.
It’s now time to hit the road for Chiang Mai, with a stop at Wat Rong Khun, known as the White Temple. In our opinion, this is one of the most amazing places in Thailand, which is quite a statement, but it truly is a breathtaking site, with simply stunning architecture and lots of unusual, quirky aspects. You’ll see images from modern days alongside the more traditional Buddhist icons you’d expect. It’s quite an experience to see those carved depictions of the likes of Michael Jackson and Neo from The Matrix! The temple was built this century and was hit by an earthquake in 2008, but almost miraculously survived intact.
Breaking for lunch at a carefully chosen restaurant, there’s a stop at the much more traditional 600-year-old Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, near the summit of Doi Suthep. After a drive up the mountain’s winding road, the final climb to the site is via a magnificent Naga - dragon-headed serpent - staircase of 306 steps. Inside is an intriguing copper-plated chedi which is said to contain partial relics of Lord Buddha, topped by a five-tier gold umbrella. On a clear day, there are incomparable views over the city of Chiang Mai. Then you’re transferred to your hotel in the city.

Approximate pick up & drop off times: 08.00 – 17.30 hrs.
Approximate total distances: Chiang Rai center to Chiang Mai center 200 km (4 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Melia Chiang Mai – Melia Room

Day 10: Chiang Mai

After breakfast at your hotel, you have a full day of leisure to discover the historic walled city of Chiang Mai on your own, or take one of the many optional excursions available through your travel agents or locally through your guide.

After your relaxing day, freshen up and get ready for the evening street food tour. The first Thai culinary recipes, as identified by many ingredients that are still in use today such as lemongrass and galangal, have their roots in culinary use in the north and were perfected in the Chiang Mai royal courts. This evening tour provides an insight into the culinary heritage of the “Rose of the North”. You will embark on a guided tour, where you will sample the delights of Chiang Mai cuisine, including various mouthwatering local snacks, and the delicious Khao Soi – a delicious coconut curry noodle dish that is unique to Chiang Mai. After the tour, you may wish to go to the night market, where your guide will assist you should you want some help with bartering, or searching for particular items.

Approximate pick up & drop off times: 18.00 – 22.00 hrs.
Approximate total distances: Within Chiang Mai downtown 5-10 km (1.5 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast and light dinner
Accommodation: Melia Chiang Mai – Melia Room

Day 11: Chiang Mai – Departure

Your last day starts with breakfast at the hotel. At the arranged time, your private driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight to your next destination.

Approximate pick up & drop off times: To be advised (depend on your flight departure time)
Approximate total distances: Chiang Mai center to Chiang Mai Airport 5-10 km (15 minutes)
Meals included: Breakfast

This offer includes:

- 3 nights at Mode Sathorn Hotel, Bangkok
- 1 nights at Pattara Resort, Phitsanulok 
- 1 night at Wienglakor Hotel, Lampang
- 2 nights at Legend Chiang Rai
- 2 nights at Melia Chiang Mai
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- Excursions as mentioned in the itinerary above
- Flights from London Heathrow with Thai Airways 
- All transfers

Flight Information:

Outbound:
Depart Heathrow 21.35 hrs arrive Bangkok 16.00 hrs (next day)
Inbound:
Depart Chiang Mai 21.05 hrs arrive Bangkok 22.25 hrs, depart Bangkok 00.15 hrs arrive Heathrow 06.20 hrs (next day)

Alternative flight options available from London Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle or Glasgow - please contact us for quote & availability