History of Thailand in 20 Days: From Golden Temples to Turquoise Waters

Upon arrival at Bangkok airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, has a rich history closely tied to the Chakri dynasty. After checking in at the hotel, you’ll have free time to relax.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Included: Accommodation and airport pickup.

After breakfast, we will explore the Grand Palace, Bangkok’s most sacred and majestic site with centuries-old temples and official buildings. Next, we will also visit the iconic Wat Phra Kaew, home to the Emerald Buddha, and Wat Pho, south of the palace, with its giant reclining Buddha.

The charming Wat Arun

Have lunch at a local restaurant, then stroll through bustling Chinatown, famous for its diverse local specialties made with the freshest ingredients. We will also visit Wat Traimit, famous for its Golden Buddha.

In the afternoon, we will embark on a long-tail boat cruise along the Chao Phraya River, offering fascinating views of local life. You will stop to visit Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn and admire the impressive scene of the city and the temple when the sun set.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel lobby and begin your journey to Samut Songkhram Province, starting with a visit to the famous Maeklong Railway Market. Witness the remarkable moment when vendors swiftly fold away their stalls just as a train approaches and passes directly through the bustling market — a truly unforgettable sight.

Maeklong Railway Market, Bangkok

Continue to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where you’ll enjoy a picturesque boat ride through narrow canals lined with vibrant wooden boats offering tropical fruits, snacks, and local handicrafts. Soak in the traditional atmosphere and browse for unique souvenirs. Before departing, savor some authentic Thai street food for lunch.

In the afternoon, head to Kanchanaburi, where you’ll visit the iconic Bridge over the River Kwai, a poignant World War II landmark. Pay tribute at the War Cemetery, which honors Allied soldiers who lost their lives during the construction of the Death Railway.

Conclude the day with a scenic train ride along the Death Railway, offering spectacular views of the Kwai River and lush countryside – one of Thailand’s most scenic and historically significant rail routes.

Overnight in Kanchanaburi.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

In the morning, you will travel for over 2 hours to Bang Pa-In. There, we will visit the Summer Palace, a historical relic from the Ayutthaya period, built with a combination of European, Khmer, Thai and Chinese architecture, often used as the summer residence of the King.

Ayutthaya Historical Park

We will then transfer to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the temple highlights by taking a Kermit tuk-tuk, which is only available in Ayutthaya and Trang provinces. Our temple tour will include Wat Yai Chaimongkol, Wat Mahathat, famous for its Buddha face protruding from a tree, and a visit to a local market before heading to Wat Phra Sri Sanphet.

Overnight in Ayutthaya.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

After breakfast, we will depart for Uthai Thani via Lopburi, also known as the Monkey City. Our first stop is King Narai’s Palace, which houses a collection of precious statues and treasures dating back centuries. Prang Sam Yot is definitely a must-see when you are here. You can admire the old Buddhist relics, feed the monkeys.

Monkey at Prang Sam Yot Temple

After lunch, our journey will take us to Uthai Thani, stopping at Ban Khok Mo village, famous for its traditional weaving. We will also visit the remarkable Thasung Temple, famous for its crystal hall. We will then take a boat trip on the picturesque Sakae Krang River, lined with floating houses. When we arrive in town, we will explore the vibrant night market.

Overnight in Uthai Thani.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Today’s journey begins with a 45-minute drive to Hub Patthard, where you will explore a cave that leads to a hidden valley. Next, visit Kamphaeng Phet, a town with a long history, unique architecture and diverse culture. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Phra That and the Aranyik Archaeological Site, which are important in Thai history.

Wat Phra That Lampang Luang

Traveling along picturesque country roads, your next stop is Phitsanulok, where you can visit the Cha Thawee Folk Museum and Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, (aka the Big Temple), which houses one of Thailand’s most sacred golden Buddha images.

Overnight in Sukhothai.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

After breakfast, you will embark on a cycling adventure through Sukhothai Historical Park, once the first capital of Thailand, with ancient ruins, majestic temples and stunning Buddha statues. Start at Wat Mahathat, Sukhothai’s most important temple and also its most beautiful. Especially if you come early in the morning at sunrise or sunset, when you can take some stunning photos! Another highlight is Wat Si Chum, with its giant Buddha statue peering through a seemingly narrow opening, which is particularly impressive.

Sukhothai Historical Park- Thailand

Stop at temples such as Wat Sri Sawai, Wat Sra Sri and Wat Trapang Ngoen before continuing on to Lampang in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Lampang.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

A visit to Lampang temples is definitely not complete without mentioning the 9 Lanna-Burmese style temples. In the morning, start your exploration at Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, the largest and most visited temple in Lampang. This temple still retains its original 13th century charm with its open viharn, in contrast to many other modern temples. Combine it with other prominent temples around such as Wat Pong Sanuk Nua, Wat Srihum, Wat Chedi Sao Lang, …

Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang, Chiang Mai

After the tour, we will enjoy a 30-minute horse-drawn carriage ride through the city and nearby villages. You can stop at a ceramic market in the city center, buy and learn about the famous ceramics of Lampang. In the afternoon, we will head to Chiang Rai, with a pleasant coffee break at Phayao Lake, which offers a great view. We will arrive in Chiang Rai at the end of the day.

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

After breakfast, we head to the picturesque mountains of northern Thailand. We start the day with a scenic drive to Mae Salong, where you can learn about the tea-making process and taste tea at one of the local plantations set against a backdrop of breathtaking tea-covered slopes.

Doi Mae Salong – Chiang Rai

Then, explore the authentic Akha village of Ban Lorcha, which is well preserved and well worth the trek. Here you will learn about the ‘giant swing’ ritual and witness the intricate weaving techniques used to create the vibrant hand-woven textiles. Get a glimpse into the daily lives of the villagers by exploring their homes and kitchens, making for a rich and engaging experience. Our day ends with a visit to the Mae Fah Luang Botanical Garden.

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

In the morning, our first stop will be the Opium Museum, a unique museum that displays collections about the poppy, its harmful effects and the past of the famous Golden Triangle. We will then travel to Thaton, a peaceful town with lush green mountains and rolling rice fields. The most notable is Wat Thaton, a majestic temple that stands on a hilltop overlooking the town. Visitors can explore its intricately designed pagodas and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. The temple is particularly stunning at sunset when the golden light bathes the landscape, creating a magical experience.

The Golden Triangle

Next, we will travel to the mountainous Fang district and climb Doi Angkhang Mountain. At the Doi Angkhang Royal Station project, you can see the cultivation of flowers and fruits suitable for the cool climate. To end the day, we will visit the Ban Khum hill tribe village.

Overnight in Doi Angkhang.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

We will travel to Chiang Mai via Chiang Dao, where we will explore the Chiang Dao Caves, four interconnected caves with impressive stalactites. A little further afield is a temple built into a mountain cave, a humble place surrounded by stunning green landscapes.

Chiang Dao Caves

In the afternoon, upon arrival in Chiang Mai, you will have a fun cooking class to learn how to prepare Thai food.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

In the morning, we will start our walking tour of Chiang Mai Old Town, stopping at the old wall, the moat and one of the old city gates. You will also see some of Chiang Mai’s most beautiful temples, including Wat Chedi Luang (an important cultural icon), Wat Chiang Man (the oldest temple here) and Wat Doi Suthep (the famous gilded temple on the top of a hill).

Wat Chedi Luang

After lunch, you will stroll around the old streets with traditional houses, enjoy a rickshaw tour. In the evening, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant walking streets or night markets with cafes, bars, pubs and snack stalls.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

In the morning, after breakfast, we will visit the Lanna Museum Chiang Mai, a must-see destination for those who want to learn about the culture and history of the Lanna region – Northern Thailand. You will learn about the history and culture of the Lanna region through a diverse collection of artifacts including paintings, bronze statues, costumes, etc.

Mae Ping River Cruise

In the afternoon, we will enjoy a two-hour boat trip along the Mae Ping River. Along the way, you will admire the ancient temples and unique architectural buildings of Chiang Mai, along with the beautiful natural scenery of the Ping River. If you have time, visit some of the indigenous villages on the riverbank to learn about the life and culture of the local people.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Today, explore Doi Inthanon National Park, one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Chiang Mai. It is also known for its waterfalls and hiking trails, along with diverse wildlife and rich ecosystems. You can participate in activities such as hiking trails, climbing mountains, visiting temples and shrines, as well as visiting Karen villages, exploring and experiencing the life of the indigenous people.

Doi Inthanon National Park

Stop by Ratchaphruek Royal Park on the way back, famous for its large flower garden with many rare plants and flowers

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Enjoy your free time, relax at the hotel or take a stroll to a local market to buy souvenirs. You will then be picked up at the airport for your flight to Phuket. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish.

Overnight in Phuket.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, Meals: breakfast.

The first place you set foot on is Wat Chalong Temple, the most beautiful temple on Phuket Island, Thailand, and also one of the most sacred temples here. The main tower of Chalong Temple is 60m high and it is said that this is the place to worship a relic of the Buddha himself. From here, you can take souvenir photos and admire the panoramic view of the Andaman coast from above.

Sunset at Promthep Cap

In the afternoon, you will depart to watch the sunset from Laem Phromthep View Point, one of the most beautiful sunset viewing spots in Thailand. This place attracts hundreds of tourists every afternoon to watch the mysterious and magnificent sunset.

In the evening, walk on the cobblestone streets of Phuket’s old town, admire the ancient houses and enjoy the fresh air.

Overnight in Phuket.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Start the new day, you have breakfast at the hotel. The tour guide takes the group to explore the paradise of Phuket island, Phang Nga Bay. This is the film set of the blockbuster series “007”, in addition, the island was also the setting for the movie “The Beach” associated with the name of Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio. This is considered a famous beach in the world of Thailand for island tourism activities and is known as one of the “cleanest beaches in the world”.

Kayaking in Phang Nga Bay

Return to the hotel in the late afternoon, in the evening you are free to enjoy local specialties in the old town or night market.

Overnight in Phuket.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

After breakfast, you will move to the pier, board a cruise to Koh Phi Phi island. On the way, you will enjoy the scenery (take pictures on the boat) and visit some locations of Maya Bay, the setting of the famous Hollywood movie “The Beach”. Viking Cave – where you can admire the ancient cave painting with thousands of swallows living on the cliff. Phi Phi Leh Island, Loh Samah Bay, Pileh Cove.

Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi Island

You can experience snorkeling at Phi Phi Don, playing with colorful fish. Swim and relax on the beach with white sand and crystal clear blue water.

Overnight in Koh Phi Phi.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

Take a rest in the morning, then have lunch on the island and depart for Phuket. In the afternoon, visit the Elephant Sanctuary, offering an interesting experience that you will cherish and remember forever. Spend a day with the elephants to better understand how they have evolved over time in terms of behavior, habitat and nature. All of these experiences are guaranteed to be safe by experts.

Visit Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, Phuket

After dinner, go see the Simon Cabaret Show, a special concert show by world-famous ‘ladyboys’. The lavish, colorful performances and melodious music will leave you in awe.

Overnight in Phuket.

Included: Accommodation, transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees to scenic spots (if any), Meals: breakfast, lunch.

In the morning, post-breakfast, you’ll catch a ferry from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket. From Phuket, you’ll then be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.

Included: Airport drop-off and breakfast at the hotel.