Thailand Heritage, Phu Quoc & Saigon 15 Days

Upon arrival at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport, you are welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel in a private air-conditioned vehicle.

The rest of the day is free to rest after your journey or take a first walk in the neighbourhood. Bangkok is a city of contrasts, where gilded temples and street-food stalls sit beside modern shopping centres and the busy Chao Phraya River.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Meals: None

Accommodation: At the hotel in Bangkok

After breakfast, visit the Grand Palace, the ceremonial residence of the Thai royal family. Within the palace grounds, discover Wat Phra Kaew, home to the revered Emerald Buddha.

Continue to Wat Pho, famous for its magnificent Reclining Buddha, followed by Wat Traimit, which houses the remarkable solid-gold Buddha.

In the afternoon, board a traditional long-tail boat for a journey along the Chao Phraya River and through the canals of Thonburi. Pass waterside homes and neighbourhood temples, offering a glimpse into local life along Bangkok’s waterways. Afterwards, visit Wat Arun, the iconic Temple of Dawn.

Return to the hotel for some time to relax.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Bangkok

After breakfast, drive west to Kanchanaburi (about 2 hours 30 minutes). Visit the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, which tell the story of the Death Railway built during the Second World War.

Continue to the famous Bridge over the River Kwai and walk across it, then enjoy a short ride on the historic railway along the cliffs of Wang Pho, where the line clings to the rock above the river (subject to the train schedule).

Check in at your riverside hotel in Kanchanaburi in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Kanchanaburi.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Kanchanaburi

Early morning departure to Erawan National Park (NO CAVE VISIT) considered as the most beautiful waterfall of Thailand. This is such an impressive series of seven tiers, each with a shape and character on its own.

Originating from the Monglai Stream, water flows down from the hill at height of 2000m and flows into the Khwae Yai River. The waterfall is named after the legendary three-headed white elephant living in the Himavarna forest. You’ll get to enjoy a relaxing swim in the natural pools.

In the afternoon, transfer by road to Ayutthaya. The ancient city of Ayuthay is known as the “Venice of the East” because it is located along the Chao Phraya River, tributaries surrounding the Ayuthaya province.

Overnight in Ayutthaya.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Ayutthaya

After an early breakfast, check out and depart for Lopburi, one of Thailand’s historic cities. Visit Phra Prang Sam Yot, a Khmer-style monument distinguished by its three interconnected towers, and discover another architectural chapter in the country’s heritage.

Continue north towards Phitsanulok, with a stop for lunch at your own expense along the way.

Upon arrival, visit Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, also known as Wat Yai, home to the revered Phra Buddha Chinnarat image. Take time to admire the temple’s architecture and observe the atmosphere of this important place of worship.

After the visit, continue to Sukhothai and check in at your hotel. The evening is free to relax after a full day of travel and sightseeing.

Today involves a long overland journey. An early departure is recommended, and the duration of visits will be adjusted according to traffic and arrival times.

Overnight in Sukhothai.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Sukhothai

After breakfast, visit Sukhothai Historical Park, the first capital of the Kingdom of Siam in the 13th century and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the central zone by bicycle or by vehicle, with Wat Mahathat, its lotus-bud chedi and rows of Buddha images, and Wat Si Chum with its monumental seated Buddha.

Then leave Sukhothai and drive north towards Chiang Rai (about 5 hours) through Phrae and Phayao, stopping along the way at Phayao Lake, a large freshwater lake surrounded by mountains. Arrive in Chiang Rai in the late afternoon and check in at your hotel.

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Chiang Rai

After breakfast, you'll leave the hotel to explore the surroundings, starting with the road to Doi Mae Salong. You'll ascend and descend lush green hills covered with tea plantations. You'll also taste the delicious tea produced by one of the many plantations in the region. From Doi Mae Salong, you'll visit the ethnic minority villages.

Afterward, you'll continue the journey to the Golden Triangle, a strategic point where you'll witness a unique landscape shared by Thailand, Burma, and Laos – the meeting point of the three borders.

Upon arrival, visit the Opium Museum, which tells the stories of opium and the Golden Triangle. Explore the town of Chiang Saen, founded around 1328, and visit various sites, including ancient temple ruins, stupas, old city walls, and moats.

Then, board a long-tail boat for a cruise along the Mekong River, enjoying views of the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet and the Ruak River flows into the Mekong.

Transfer back to Chiang Rai.

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Chiang Rai

Morning after breakfast drive to Black House. Baan Dam (Black House) is the unique creation of national artist, Thawan Duchanee. Part art studio, part museum, part home, Baan Dam is an eclectic mix of traditional northern Thai buildings interspersed with some outlandish modern designs.

Move to Wat Rong Seur Ten (Blue Temple): The Blue Temple or Wat Rong Seua Ten literally translates to ‘temple of the dancing tiger.’ It was built on a site where tigers were said to have jumped over the river.

Lastly we visit the White temple, Wat Rong Khun. It nevertheless very recent temple is the most visited monument in the region, the work of Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, started in 1997. Its creator himself announces that he will only be completed 60 to 90 years after his death. Its uniqueness, its whiteness, making it a unique temple of its kind. In wihaan a fresco mixing Buddhist codes with Matrix, Star Wars, the bombing of the Twin Towers in New York and even Kung Fu Panda stands out from the usual decorations such monuments.

In the afternoon transfer to Chiang Mai for your overnight.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Chiang Mai

The morning will be mainly devoted to visit the old city with a stop at the ancient wall, the moat and a door of the old city. You will see more beautiful temples in Chiang Mai: Wat Prah Singh Temple, Wat Phan Tao temple and the temple Wat Chedi Luang.

Then you will stroll along streets lined with traditional houses, visit Central Market Warorot.

Afternoon, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the most famous pagoda Chiang Mai. It is reached after climbing a staircase of 290 steps with ramps represent two giant naga. From the square, you can admire the panorama of the whole Chiang Mai Valley.

Then visit craft villages: lacquer factories, silk weaving, manufacture of umbrellas, wood carvings and goldsmith work.

Then transfer back to the hotel.

You are free exploring night market in evening.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Chiang Mai

After breakfast, enjoy a last morning in Chiang Mai: visit Wat Chedi Luang in the old city or the Warorot market before your transfer to the airport for your flight to Bangkok.

Upon arrival, meet our driver and transfer to your hotel. The evening is free to enjoy Bangkok, perhaps with a riverside dinner or a visit to one of the city's night markets.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Bangkok

After breakfast, enjoy some free time until your transfer to Bangkok Airport for your direct flight to Phu Quoc, Vietnam.

Upon arrival, meet our local representative and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the island at your own pace.

Overnight in Phu Quoc.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Phu Quoc

After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure. Unwind on the beach, take a refreshing swim or make the most of your hotel’s facilities.

Meals other than breakfast are at your own expense. No guide or transportation services are included today.

Overnight in Phu Quoc.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Phu Quoc

After breakfast, enjoy another day at leisure.

An optional boat excursion can be arranged to explore the islands off southern Phu Quoc, with opportunities for swimming and snorkelling where conditions permit. Alternatively, unwind at your hotel or treat yourself to a spa treatment.

Boat excursions are subject to weather and sea conditions.

Optional activities and meals other than breakfast are at your own expense. No guide or transportation services are included today.

Overnight in Phu Quoc.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Phu Quoc

After breakfast, transfer to Phu Quoc Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Upon arrival, meet your guide.

In the afternoon we take a half day to visit all famous sites of this bustling city. The first destination is the now-demolished wartime American Embassy. After that, we head to the Reunification Palace, which was the former residence of the President of Southern Vietnam until end of April 1975, followed by some French colonial structures including the Old Saigon Post Office, the Notre Dame Cathedral. Apart from the religious meaning, the even more special captivating point of this Cathedral is its special neo-Romanesque style of architecture. After visiting the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum. If time permit, we continue our trip to the bustling Ben Thanh Market, which is firstly well-known as the place for real Vietnamese food. There are a number of vendors and food stalls in the market food section that offers guests many freshly delicious dishes. You also can find any goods for daily use as well as variety of eye-catching local handicrafts, souvenirs here

Overnight in Saigon.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Saigon

Morning free until time to transfer to airport for flight back home.

Your guide and driver will transfer you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport in time for your flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: None