Trails and Gems of Siam, Small Group Tour

After an early pick from the designated meeting point in Bangkok, transfer to the former capital of Ayutthaya and contemplate ruins of this once-vast island city, which was mostly destroyed by an invading army 250 years ago. Today, the haunting ruins hint at its former glories as can be seen in temples such as Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, Wat Phanan Choeng and Wat Mahathat – where the roots of trees have devoured the head of a Buddha. Hop aboard a traditional longtail boat and enjoy a scenic cruise around the island, observing the city’s ruins from a different perspective. After lunch in a local restaurant, continue to Kamphaeng Phet for check-in at the hotel.  Rest of the afternoon free at leisure

Overnight in Kamphaeng Phet. 

Take to the road after breakfast at the hotel, heading towards Lampang. On arrival, visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang. This large Lanna-style temple is prominently located on a hill surrounded by walls. Climb the naga staircase and explore the complex, which boasts seven buildings and a sacred tree. Admire the bronze Buddha statue in the ordination hall and the relic of Buddha in the golden chedi. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before continuing to Chiang Mai, popularly known as the ‘Rose of the North’. Check-in on arrival with the rest of the day at leisure. Maybe explore the city at your own pace or enjoy a relaxing Thai massage (not included). In the evening, head to the bustling night bazaar for a stroll or enjoy an evening out by trying a khantoke dinner, a traditional northern Thai feast combined with a selection of traditional cultural performances (optional, not included). 

Overnight in Chiang Mai. 

After breakfast in the hotel, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the most revered temples in the country. This sacred location is at the top of a mountain from where you can appreciate stunning panoramic views over the city. To reach the temple requires a climb up a 309-step naga staircase. Alternatively, you can use the cable car (included) to reach the temple. This spiritual sojourn is followed by a visit to the shopping heaven that is the famous San Kamphaeng Road, a 10km-long stretch of road flanked by shops selling locally produced goods such as pottery, silverware, lacquerware, handmade saa paper, sculptures, jewellery, wood carvings and silk products. In some shops, you can even watch the artisans at work. Keep an eye out for the celadon pottery and the silver goods, which are both usually of excellent quality. After local lunch in a local restaurant, return to the hotel with the afternoon free at leisure. Overnight in hotel in Chiang Mai.

Overnight in Chiang Mai. 

Bid farewell to Chiang Mai after breakfast at the hotel, heading to Lamphun, which is home to one of the north’s most important temples, the one-thousand-year-old Wat Phra That Hariphunchai. Visit the temple and admire the Buddha statues and impressive stupas, which include a 46-metre-tall Lanna-style golden chedi and 21-metre-tall Haripunchai-style chedi. Take to the road again and head south to Sukhothai Historical Park, which covers the ruins of the first capital of Siam. Founded in the 13th century, Sukhothai means ‘Dawn of Happiness’ and it proved to herald the beginning of a golden age for Thai culture under the rule of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great, who is credited with creating the Thai alphabet. The historical park has the ruins of almost 200 buildings, including dozens of temples. The complex, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is divided between the ruins within the walls and moat and those outside them. 

Overnight  in Sukhothai. 

After breakfast at the hotel, depart Sukhothai, heading for Lopburi. This historic city is famed for the troops of macaques that roam the streets as if it were the jungle. Visit the ruins of the ancient Khmer temple of Phra Prang Sam Yot and the adjacent Brahman shrine of San Phra Kan, which is known as the ‘Monkey Temple’. Savour a delicious lunch is in a local restaurant en route and continue to Bangkok for drop off at the city centre.