Day 1-2: Bangkok
Fly into Don Mueang International Airport or Bangkok International Suvarnabhumi Airport. For the first two days of your trip, explore this capital city known for its splendour. Visit Khao San Road, the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and numerous smaller temples spread across the city. For a more relaxing itinerary, consider getting a Thai massage at one of the numerous parlours. Before enjoying Bangkok’s notorious nightlife, climb to the top of the Golden Mount and watch the sunset over the city.
Day 3: Kanchanaburi
Using Bangkok as your home base, take a day trip to the western province of Kanchanaburi. See the infamous Bridge on the River Kwai—the subject of the movie by the same name—as well as the War Cemetery and the Jeath War Museum. For a more lighthearted day, you can instead visit Erawan National Park to see the waterfalls or stop by the nearby elephant camp. At the end of the day, return to Bangkok.
Day 4: Ayutthaya
On Day 4, take a trip to Ayutthaya province, which is home to the ancient capital of Siam. You can either spend the entire day admiring the temple ruins and learning about the history of Buddhism in Thailand, or you can spend half the day exploring the ruins and the other half touring the nearby Bang Pa-In Palace, summer home of the famous King Mongkut (from the famous musical The King and I) and King Chulalongkorn. In the evening, take an overnight train from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai in the north of the country for the next part of the journey.
Day 5: Chiang Mai
A much smaller city than Bangkok, Chiang Mai still offers a plethora of activities for all types of travellers. Haggle in the night markets, visit the Buddhist temples, or take a day trip to the nearby elephant and tiger sanctuaries. Adventurers can also summit Doi Inthanon, the tallest mountain in Thailand. Consider going to the night safari at the local zoo before spending the night in Chiang Mai.
Day 5: Chiang Rai
Wake up early for your day trip to Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle. Chiang Rai is one of the northernmost cities in Thailand, and the Golden Triangle is the place where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet, separated only by the Mekong River. While at the Golden Triangle, take a boat ride down the river and pass by the marshland which once served as the centre of Southeast Asia’s opium trade. If time permits, stop by a local village to visit a hilltribe on your way back to Chiang Mai. Spend your final night in Chiang Mai.
Day 5: Chiang Rai
Wake up early for your day trip to Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle. Chiang Rai is one of the northernmost cities in Thailand, and the Golden Triangle is the place where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet, separated only by the Mekong River. While at the Golden Triangle, take a boat ride down the river and pass by the marshland which once served as the centre of Southeast Asia’s opium trade. If time permits, stop by a local village to visit a hilltribe on your way back to Chiang Mai. Spend your final night in Chiang Mai.
Day 6: Chiang Rai
Wake up early for your day trip to Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle. Chiang Rai is one of the northernmost cities in Thailand, and the Golden Triangle is the place where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet, separated only by the Mekong River. While at the Golden Triangle, take a boat ride down the river and pass by the marshland which once served as the centre of Southeast Asia’s opium trade. If time permits, stop by a local village to visit a hilltribe on your way back to Chiang Mai. Spend your final night in Chiang Mai.
Day 7: Chiang Rai
Pick up any final souvenirs from Chiang Mai and prepare for your flight home.
