Essential Thailand: Tradition & Relax

Arrive at your departure airport* ready to check-in for an overnight flight to Bangkok. Night on board.

*If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Touch down in the buzzing capital of Thailand and transfer to the hotel. Bangkok is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, located in the heart of the country. It offers a variety of unique experiences, from impressive temples and lively street life to exciting night markets and world-renowned cuisine. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to begin discovering this fascinating city. If your flight arrives before 2pm, you have the possibility to take the optional dinner and cruise excursion on the Chao Phraya River.* Overnight stay in Bangkok.

*Optional evening dinner & cruise excursion along the Chao Phraya River: Transfer to the Chao Phraya River, known as the king of Thai rivers, to embark on a cruise with open-air terrace from which you will enjoy panoramic views of the illuminated city while enjoying an international buffet dinner (drinks not included). The temples on the river banks, the skyscrapers and the live music accompanying the dinner will make your night unforgettable. After dinner, return to the pier and transfer to the hotel or head to Patpong night market to enjoy the nightlife and hawker stalls.

Please note: this activity is only available if your flight arrives in Bangkok before 2pm.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, get ready to discover the city and its temples on an exciting tour! Begin along the main avenues of Bangkok to reach the vibrant Chinatown neighborhood. Our first stop will be at Wat Traimit Temple, better known as the Temple of the Golden Buddha. It houses a 5-ton solid gold Buddha loaded with history as it remained hidden for centuries after being covered in plaster to prevent its destruction during war. Our next stop will be the Wat Pho Temple or Temple of the Reclining Buddha, one of the largest reclining Buddhas in the world at over 150 feet long, where you’ll find a spectacular engraving of 108 images representing positive actions of Buddhism. To finish the tour, head to a local precious stone factory where you will see a demonstration of how local craftspeople make their products. We then recommend an optional excursion to the Grand Palace* to learn more about Thai culture. Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Bangkok.

*Optional excursion to the Grand Palace: Discover the impressive Grand Palace complex, symbol of the city and former official residence of the King of Thailand between the 18th and mid-20th centuries. Considered one of the most beautiful in the world for its exquisite decoration, it mixes traditional Thai style with Renaissance influences. During the visit to the Grand Palace we will also visit Wat Phra Kaew or Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the most important in Thailand.

Note: For both the temples and the Grand Palace visit you should wear long pants that cover the ankles and a long-sleeved shirt.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy a free day to continue exploring the capital. Why not discover some of its many markets, where you can sample famous street food dishes. We recommend an exciting optional excursion to visit the train market and floating market.* Overnight stay in Bangkok.

*Optional Excursion to the Train Market and Floating Market: Travel by road to the town of Mae Klong where you’ll see a curious market installed on the train tracks. If time and luck permits, we will be able to see how the train crosses through the market and, in record time, the merchants collect all the products they have on display on the train tracks. From there, head to the Klong Damnersaduak floating market in Ratchaburi province, considered the most important in the country. Arrive at a pier in the vicinity of the floating market. Take a motor boat ride through the canal area to reach the market itself, disembark, and enjoy free time to walk around, explore their products and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Afterwards, return to Bangkok and transfer to the hotel. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Our first visit of the day will be the city of Ayutthaya, ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam and archaeological centre of the country. Upon arrival, visit its temples and remains of the ancient fortifications. Next, head to the town of Ang Thong to visit the Wat Muang Temple, famous for housing the largest seated Buddha figure in Thailand and the ninth-largest in the world at nearly 330-ft high. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to the city of Nakhon Sawan to visit the Pa San bridge, constructed at the point where the Ping and Nan tributaries converge giving birth to the famous Chao Phraya River, which flows down into the Gulf of Thailand. To wrap up this exciting day, visit the exterior of Wat Kiriwong atop a hill and reach a beautiful pagoda, where you’ll enjoy privileged views of the entire region. Overnight stay in Nakhon Sawan.

Breakfast at the hotel and departure to the city of Sukhothai. Today's highlight is the city's Archaeological Park, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its incredible beauty. A true example of prosperous Thai civilisation, raising monumental cities and sophisticated temples. After this visit, pass through Lampang, a small town surrounded by forests and abundant nature where you can enjoy the wonderful views along the way as well as the splendorous Phayao Lake. Enjoy lunch en route. Arrival in the mountainous province of Chiang Rai in the afternoon, transfer to the hotel and rest of the day at leisure to start exploring this incredible city. Overnight stay in Chiang Rai.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, visit the "Golden Triangle" of the Mekong River, which includes areas of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar formerly dedicated to the opium trade. Upon arrival, take the opportunity to visit the Opium Museum located in the town of Chiang Rai. From there, and before stopping at the White Temple, one of the most renowned temples in Thailand, head to the new and striking Wat Rong Suea Ten or Blue Temple. Find paintings with a similar style to those at White Temple as it was there where the same architect trained for many years. Stop at the spectacular and contemporary Wat Rong Khun, where white signifies purity and glass signifies the wisdom of Buddha. Lunch en route. Finally, we make our way to the fascinating city of Chiang Mai. Upon your arrival, visit the beautiful mountainside temple of Doi Suthep, a sacred site to many Thai people, and contemplate its beauty and intricate architecture.  Overnight stay in Chiang Mai.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure in charming Chiang Mai. Check out the city's vibrant cafe scene in the trendy Nimmana Haeminda neighborhood, explore the surrounding rainforest, or even take a Thai cooking class. We recommend an optional full-day excursion to the amazing Doi Inthanon National Park.* Overnight stay in Chiang Mai.

*Full-day Doi Inthanon National Park excursion: Head to Doi Inthanon, the highest peak in Thailand. Explore this fertile natural treasure trove, popular among bird watchers for its diversity. Visit the Vachirathan waterfall, climb to the top of the mountain, and see the royal pagodas and gardens. Stop at the market of the Hmong tribe, one of the largest ethnic groups in the country. Lunch at a local restaurant. Next, trek for approximately 2 hours by the hand of a local guide through jungle, terraced rice fields, and waterfalls in an epic natural environment. Meet another ethnic group, the Karen, and finally stop in the Mae Klang area to visit our guide's village, learn about their way of life, and taste fresh local coffee.

Important note: We recommend bringing a raincoat during the rainy season and appropriate walking shoes, mosquito repellent and sunscreen.

After breakfast at the hotel*, say goodbye to beautiful Thailand as you transfer to the airport for a flight back to Canada. Night on board.

*If your return flight departs early in the morning, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast.

Arrival in Canada and end your trip.