8 Days • 7 Nights
Northern Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll explore Bangkok's Grand Palace, learn to cook Thai food and spend a morning with rescued elephants in Chiang Mai, then journey to Chiang Rai for the dazzling White Temple, the Blue Temple and the Golden Triangle where three countries meet. Night bazaars, hill villages and mountain temples fill the days.
With comfortable hotels, private guides and the transport arranged, it is a rich, cultural side of Thailand beyond the beaches.
Trip Highlights
- Bangkok's Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun
- A Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai
- A gentle morning with rescued elephants
- The temples of Chiang Mai's Old City and Doi Suthep
- The dazzling White Temple of Chiang Rai
- The Blue Temple and the Golden Triangle
- Hill-tribe villages and the night bazaar
- A cultural journey through the north
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 8-day journey.
Arrive in the capital and settle in, with a welcome dinner of Thai flavours.
The Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun, with a long-tail boat ride through the canals.
Fly north to Chiang Mai, exploring the Old City's ancient temples and the lively night bazaar.
A gentle morning with rescued elephants at an ethical sanctuary, then a hands-on Thai cooking class for lunch.
Ride up to the golden Doi Suthep temple, then visit a hill-tribe village and handicraft workshops.
Travel north to Chiang Rai through mountain scenery, visiting the hot springs en route, and the dazzling all-white Wat Rong Khun (White Temple).
Explore the sapphire-blue Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple) and the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet along the Mekong.
A final breakfast before your flight from Chiang Rai for your onward connection.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private airport transfers and private guides
- 2 nights Bangkok, 3 nights Chiang Mai, 2 nights Chiang Rai
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a Thai cooking-class lunch
- A Bangkok tour with the Grand Palace and Wat Pho
- A Chiang Mai tour with the Old City temples, Doi Suthep and an elephant sanctuary
- A Chiang Rai tour with the White Temple, Blue Temple and Golden Triangle
- A hill-tribe village visit
- Domestic flight and the scenic Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai drive
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from Thailand
- Any visa fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and water sports
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Many nationalities receive a visa exemption of 30-60 days on arrival in Thailand; check your passport's eligibility. Your passport should be valid at least six months
- Currency: The currency is the Thai Baht. Cards are accepted in cities and resorts, but carry cash for markets, tuk-tuks, temples and the islands
- Best season: The cool, dry season from November to February is ideal; March to May is very hot (with the Songkran water festival in mid-April), and June to October brings monsoon rain
- Temple etiquette: Cover your shoulders and knees and remove your shoes at temples. Never point your feet at a Buddha image, and women should never touch or hand items directly to a monk
- Respect the monarchy: Thais deeply revere their royal family. Always be respectful of images of the King and the monarchy, as disrespect is a serious offence under Thai law
- Islands & boats: Some Andaman islands and boat trips run only in the dry season and depend on sea conditions; we schedule beach stays for the best weather
- Health: Drink bottled water, use mosquito repellent, and enjoy street food from busy, popular stalls. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended
- Getting around: Domestic flights link Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the islands quickly and cheaply, all arranged for you, with private cars and boats for touring
- Scams & safety: Thailand is very safe, but ignore unsolicited tuk-tuk 'gem shop' or temple-closed offers; we use arranged private transport so you avoid the common traps
- Connectivity & power: A local SIM or eSIM is cheap and reliable. Power is 220V with type A/B/C plugs, so a universal adapter is handy
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific meals named in the itinerary, such as a Thai cooking-class lunch. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy Thailand's world-famous street food and restaurants.
Are transfers and touring arranged?
Yes — your airport transfers, domestic flights, island boats and guided tours are all arranged with private guides and drivers, so there is nothing to organise on the ground.
Do I need a visa for Thailand?
Many nationalities receive a visa exemption on arrival for 30-60 days. We confirm the requirements for your passport before you travel.
When is the best time to visit?
November to February is the cool, dry and most comfortable season. March to May is hot, and June to October is the green, quieter rainy season; we schedule island stays for the best weather.
Are the beaches good year-round?
The Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi) is best November to April, while the Gulf (Koh Samui) is driest February to September. We pick the right coast for your dates.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, cities, islands, resorts and experiences can all be tailored, and we can add elephants, cooking classes, the River Kwai or a rainforest. Just tell us what you have in mind.
How do we travel between regions?
By short, inexpensive domestic flights between Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the islands, plus private cars and boats — all included and arranged.
What is the White Temple?
Wat Rong Khun, the 'White Temple', is a dazzling, dream-like contemporary temple near Chiang Rai, entirely white and encrusted with mirrors — one of Thailand's most photographed and unusual sights.
Is northern Thailand cooler?
Yes — the northern mountains are noticeably cooler, especially in the evenings from November to February, a refreshing change from the tropical lowlands. Bring a light layer.
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