Snapshot of Thailand - Small Group - From £945

Asia Thailand
OVERVIEW
In Bangkok, you move from the cool tiled spaces of Wat Pho to the gilded detail of the Grand Palace, before an overnight train carries you north to Chiang Mai. Temple bells, sizzling street food and the chatter of the Night Bazaar accompany you as you explore, with free time to follow your appetite through markets and neighbourhood streets. Optional Experiences give you more ways to spend your time, whether that means trying more Thai flavours, seeking out another temple or following Chiang Mai beyond the places already on your route.
EXPERIENCES
Bangkok: Begin your city tour by visiting Bangkok's Grand Palace, home to the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand, Wat Phra Kaew. Continue your exploration of the city and its renowned landmarks. 

Colour takes centre stage at two of Chiang Rai’s most distinctive temples. At Wat Rong Khun, mirrored fragments shimmer across its intricate white exterior, while Wat Rong Suea Ten surrounds you with deep blue walls, elaborate Buddhist artwork and gleaming gold details.

Settle into your overnight sleeper train as Bangkok slips away and you travel north towards Chiang Mai. Your berth becomes your base for the night, with the steady hum of the rails accompanying the journey before you wake to a new corner of Thailand.

Three sacred temples introduce you to Chiang Mai, from hilltop Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, where golden details catch the light and views stretch across the city, to Wat Suan Dok and Wat Phra Singh. Notice gilded stupas, carved details and distinctive Lanna architecture along the way.
DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES
Tour
Departs		 Tour
Returns		 Starting From
(price per person)		 Definite Departure
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14/03/2027 21/03/2027 £945   Book
04/04/2027 11/04/2027 £945   Book
02/05/2027 09/05/2027 £945   Book
30/05/2027 06/06/2027 £945   Book
27/06/2027 04/07/2027 £945   Book
25/07/2027 01/08/2027 £945   Book
29/08/2027 05/09/2027 £945   Book
12/09/2027 19/09/2027 £945   Book
26/09/2027 03/10/2027 £945   Book
17/10/2027 24/10/2027 £945   Book
31/10/2027 07/11/2027 £945   Book
05/12/2027 12/12/2027 £945   Book
10/12/2027 17/12/2027 £945   Book
20/12/2027 27/12/2027 £1,012   Book
30/01/2028 06/02/2028 £1,095   Book
27/02/2028 05/03/2028 £1,050   Book
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ITINERARY

You’ll arrive in Bangkok among flashes of gold, spirit houses tucked beside modern buildings and flower garlands threaded with yellow marigolds. As you settle in, you might catch the scent of incense outside shrines, with gold leaf gleaming against towers of concrete and glass. Later, you’ll meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers, ready to begin eight days together through Thailand.

At Wat Pho, tiled roofs and rows of painted columns lead towards the Reclining Buddha, which stretches almost the length of the hall, its gold surface catching the temple light. At the Grand Palace, mirrored mosaics, coloured glass and intricate rooflines fill the royal complex as you move between its courtyards and halls. The afternoon is yours, whether that means following the scent of garlic and chilli towards a plate of pad Thai or finding a rooftop table above the city. You can also choose an Optional Experience through Thonburi’s klongs, travelling by long-tail boat past wooden houses and waterside temples before arriving at Wat Arun, its porcelain-covered spire rising beside the Chao Phraya.

With Bangkok yours for the day, you can move between Siam’s polished shopping halls and Talat Noi, where old shophouses sit beside murals painted in bold reds, yellows and greens. Follow the paths around Lumphini Park’s lake beneath palms and broad-canopied trees, or board a river ferry and watch Bangkok pass from the water. For more, choose an Optional Experience to Ayutthaya, walking among the prangs, temple ruins and remains of the former Siamese capital before cruising back to Bangkok. Or head into Chinatown by tuk-tuk as evening settles over Yaowarat, sampling street food from pavement stalls before raising a rooftop cocktail above Wat Arun and Wat Pho.

You’ll spend your last Bangkok morning choosing how to see the city before heading north. Join an Optional Experience at Jim Thompson House, teak walls glow deep honey-brown, silk catches the light in jewel tones and tropical greenery grows around the old Thai houses beside the canal. Or choose an Optional Experience beyond Bangkok, where Maeklong Market sits along the railway tracks until awnings are pulled back for the passing train, before boats loaded with pineapples, coconuts and green bananas crowd the water at Damnoen Saduak. Later, choose another Optional Experience and unwind with a traditional Thai massage. Then Bangkok slips behind you aboard the overnight train to Chiang Mai, with dinner before departure or in the dining carriage as the rails carry you north.

After the overnight train, you'll climb to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, following its naga-lined staircase towards the hilltop temple and wide views across Chiang Mai. At Wat Suan Dok, rows of white chedis stand against the mountain backdrop, then at Wat Phra Singh, you'll wander among carved woodwork and layered Lanna roofs. Later, you can choose an Optional Experience at a 160-year-old Lanna family home, cooking Northern Thai dishes from recipes handed down through generations and sharing what you’ve made around the table. This evening, join your Travel Director at Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, moving between stalls of handmade crafts and sizzling grills.

With a free day in Chiang Mai, you can follow the old city’s moat and weathered brick walls, slip into a shaded courtyard for coffee or sit down to khao soi, its coconut curry crowned with crisp noodles and sharpened with fresh lime. Or choose the Elephant Nature Park Optional Experience, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience where you'll watch rescued elephants play and forage while expert staff share their individual histories. Back in Chiang Mai, there’s still time for a cold drink in a leafy courtyard or a final wander through the old city as lanterns begin to glow.

A final full day in Thailand is open for exploring Chiang Mai or choosing an Optional Experience to Doi Inthanon National Park. On the mountain, forest paths wind between moss-covered trees and thick ferns, with the rush of waterfalls breaking through the green and mist sometimes hanging between the branches. Tonight, choose a Khantoke dinner, sharing Northern Thai dishes and sticky rice as traditional music and dance unfold around you.

Your Thailand journey ends in Chiang Mai as you check out of your hotel and say goodbye to your Travel Director and fellow small group travellers. You leave with camera rolls full, bags a little heavier and eight days of temples, markets, mountain forests and shared meals behind you.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Audio Headsets provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • City orientation tours
  • Extensive variety of Choice Experiences
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach
  • Many meals and daily breakfasts included
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised
ACCOMMODATION
DAY 1: Cross Vibe Sukhumvit - Meals:
DAY 2: Cross Vibe Sukhumvit - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: Cross Vibe Sukhumvit - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4: Overnight train Bangkok - Chiang Mai - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5: The Empress - Meals:
DAY 6: The Empress - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: The Empress - Meals: Breakfast
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