Customized 15 Days Thailand Exploration with Koh Samui

Bangkok to Ayutthaya & Bang Pa-in Palace, Drive to Uthai Thani

After breakfast, we will drive for about 1 hour to Ayutthaya, the second kingdom of Siam. The guide will lead you to visit Ayutthaya Historical Park, where you can witness 95 splendid sites from the illustrious Ayutthaya era (1351-1767), including palaces, temples, and museums. Among the treasures, the magnificent pagodas and intricate murals at Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit will enchant you. Don’t miss taking photos with Ayutthaya’s emblem, a breathtaking sight of Buddha’s head entwined in tree roots. To show respect, remember to keep your posture lower than Buddha’s head. Then the guide will accompany you to the nearby Muslim Quarter, strolling through ancient houses and savoring Ayutthaya’s beloved snack, Roti Sai Mai. Watch skilled artisans wrap sweet and fluffy marshmallows in pancakes, take a bite, and indulge in the tempting aroma. Then we’ll visit a local market where you can see the real life of ordinary Thais and buy fresh and cheap fruit.

After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, a long-tail boat ride is specially arranged for you to transfer to the elegant Bang Pa-In Palace on the bank of the Chao Phraya River. Dating back to the 17th century, the palace was the summer residence of Thai Kings and was also used for state occasions.

Then, we will drive 2 hours to Uthai Thani and check in at a local hotel.

Uthai Thani Highlight Temples, Transfer to Sukhothai

Today will begin at Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri, perched on top of Sakae Krang Mountain. We will first explore its lower level, where you will be greeted by an impressive bronze Buddha statue dating back to the Sukhothai era (1238-1438). Ascend the 449 steps and you will reach the temple’s upper section. A stunning replica of the Buddha’s footprint and a bell from the time of Rama V await your discovery. Also, you can admire a spectacular panorama of the city at the viewing platform.

Next, we will head to Wat Chantaram (Wat Tha Sung). The golden façade of this temple radiates a gorgeous allure you won’t soon forget, while the inside three-story space seamlessly blends the styles of ancient Siam and lavish Western influences. The highlight of this temple is the main hall, characterized by intricate diamond-shaped mirror mosaics that adorn the pillars and walls, creating a breathtaking play of light. And many luxurious crystal chandeliers sparkle above, bringing you into a surreal world. Besides, you will find the revered Chinnarat Buddha statue inside. Local devotees often come here to pray for good luck.

At noon, hop on a traditional rice barge with our guide to cruise along the Sakae Krang River. Onboard, you can have lunch while watching bamboo houses on both sides and fishermen going about their daily routines.

In the afternoon, we will drive about 2.5 hours to Phitsanulok to visit the magnificent Buddhist temple, Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat. Finally, you’ll be escorted to Sukhothai and check in at a local hotel.

Sukhothai: Ramkhamhaeng National Museum & Historical Park

After breakfast, we will proceed to Ramkhamhaeng National Museum, where you will dive deep into the history of the Sukhothai Kingdom and the artistic Buddha statues with our guide’s detailed explanation. One of the museum’s most valuable treasures is the stone stele bearing King Ramkhamhaeng’s manuscript, regarded as the oldest example of Thai writing. You can learn more about the development of Thai script from the adjacent information wall.

Next, we will visit Sukhothai Historical Park across from the museum, embarking on a journey through Thailand’s First Kingdom. Please wear your comfiest shoes and pack your sun protection gear since there are few shelters. Our exploration will focus on Wat Mahathat, Wat Si Sawai, and Wat Sa Si, where you will unveil the different uses of these temples. Wat Mahathat, the largest building in the park, was a hub for significant festivals and gatherings in Sukhothai Kingdom. Influenced by the Khmer style, the long walkways and reliefs of its main pagoda echo the grandeur of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

Sukhothai: Si Satchanalai Historical Park, Weaving Village; Drive to Chiang Mai

Start the day with a hearty breakfast before venturing out by private car for a 1-hour ride to the Si Satchanalai Historical Park on the bank of the Yom River. As a little sibling of the Sukhothai Historical Park, Si Sarchanalai showcases a great blending of northern Thai, Bangkok, and Sukhothai styles.

After lunch at a local restaurant, you will be led to a weaving village in Ban Hat Siao. The local Thai Puan community, who emigrated from Laos over a century ago, showcases their exceptional weaving skills that have been inherited for generations. You can marvel at the magical weaving craftsmanship of creating exquisite silk fabrics.

Then we will continue on the country road for 3.5 hours to Chiang Mai, where we will stay for three nights. After hotel check-in, the rest time is on your own.

Chiang Mai: Mae Ping River Cruise, Warorot Market, and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

In the morning, our guide and the driver will escort you to Wat Chai Mongkol to enjoy a 30-minute cruise along the Mae Ping River. You’ll find some unique river-view restaurants and Lanna-style buildings seamlessly blending with the surrounding natural beauty. Once the boat docks, we will stroll to a nearby local farmhouse, where fluffy rabbits hop around and playful pigs waddle in pens. The laid-back atmosphere created by coffee trees and jackfruit trees will make you enjoy rural life on Chiang Mai’s outskirts!

Our next stop is Warorot Market, a bustling hub of local life. Lively stalls are full of vegetables, spices, household goods, and sacrificial supplies. When you are busy observing the common patterns on Thai fabrics or picking souvenirs like dried fruits and ointments, don’t forget to pause and appreciate the pictures depicting the market’s history hanging in the middle. Haggling is also part of the fun, and most vendors prefer cash payments. ★ Exclusive Experience: Take a Trishaw Ride through Chiang Mai Ancient City Want to have a unique sightseeing experience? Our specially arranged trishaw ride can make it! Go along Thapae Road, you will pass by Chiang Mai’s ancient City Wall, experiencing the cozy atmosphere when glimpsing majestic temples and local markets.

Then our guide will accompany you to visit Wat Phra Singh, the largest temple in Chiang Mai. At noon, a special lunch with the local specialty Khao Soy will be prepared for you at a popular local restaurant.

After that, we will visit Wat Suan Dok and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the most significant temple in Chiang Mai. Get ready to climb 306 steps to reach the temple’s entrance, or take a cable car ride (included in the price) if you want to save energy. You may watch local worshippers’ sacred praying rituals: walking around the stupa in three circles while holding lotus flowers. If you feel tired, rejuvenate yourself with a panoramic view of Chiang Mai and fresh air at the temple’s observation deck. After that, our guide and the driver will escort you back to the hotel.

Chiang Mai: Visit Ob Khan National Park

Today we will explore Ob Khan National Park. After visit, you’ll be escorted to the hotel.

Chiang Mai – Mae Kampong Village with Cooking Experience – Chiang Rai

In the morning, we will drive east for about 1 hour toward Mae Kampong Village. En route, we will stop at a local market to pick ingredients for lunch. With a cool climate all year around, Mae Kampong Village is like a natural oxygen bar. As we meander through the winding tracks, you will find a glistening natural waterfall. Moreover, you can overlook the village at the observation deck in the mountaintop café. The handicraft market and snack stalls within the village allow you to experience its traditional charms. With our guide’s assistance, you can communicate with villagers about their lives. At noon, go to the homestay we arranged for lunch. Roll up your sleeves and join the host to prepare lunch, using the fresh ingredients you’ve handpicked from the market.

Take a rest, and then we will continue the 2.5-hour drive through the mountain road to Chiang Rai, and check in at a local hotel. Along the way, a traditional massage will be arranged for you to refresh from the exhaustion.

Chiang Rai: Golden Triangle, Mekong River Cruise, Hall of Opium Museum, Akha and Yao Tribal Villages

Driving northward for 1 hour, today’s trip will satisfy your curiosity about the Golden Triangle, so named because it is the meeting point of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos, where gold was traded to exchange opium. Nowadays, it is dedicated to developing coffee planting and tourism. Then a specially arranged boat is ready to take you on a 30-minute cruise along the Mekong River.

Our exploration continues with a visit to the Hall of Opium Museum, uncovering how poppies were introduced to this region and became a major cash crop. Afterward, you will be led to the Akha and Yao Tribal Villages. After a day of fulfilling sightseeing, you will be escorted back to the hotel.

Drive to Chiang Mai Airport, and Fly to Koh Samui

After breakfast, our driver will escort you on a 3.5-hour drive to Chiang Mai Airport for a 2-hour flight to Koh Samui. Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted by our Koh Samui local driver, who will transfer you to the hotel in a 5-minute smooth and comfortable drive. The rest of the day is free for you.

Free Day in Koh Samui

Today marks your first full free day in Koh Samui.

Free Day in Koh Samui

It is another free day for you to explore Koh Samui.

Free Day in Koh Samui

This is your last day in Koh Samui, and you can still schedule activities according to your interests.

Fly to Bangkok, Airport See-off

After breakfast, our driver will escort you to the airport for a 1-hour flight to Bangkok. Wish you a happy return trip!