7-Day Cultural Tour of Thailand from Bangkok: Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai

Day 1: Bangkok-Ayutthaya-Phitsanulok (L,D)
Depart from Bangkok at 6:30am for Ayutthaya to tour the remains of the ancient city aboard a classic three-wheel tuk tuk. Next, head to Lopburi to see the famous Monkey Temple and Prang Sam Yot before checking in to your hotel in the city of Phitsanulok. After dinner, clamber aboard a pedal-powered trishaw for an evening ride around the night market.
Overnight in Phitsanulok
Day 2: Phitsanulok-Sukhothai (B,L,D)
In Phitsanulok, visit the Wat Mahathat, a royal temple that’s home to one of the most beautiful Buddha images in the country, before setting out by road for Sukhothai. On arrival, explore the highlights of ancient Sukhothai and visit the Sangkhalok pottery village. End the day by visiting Si Satchanalai, the striking remains of the northern outpost of the historic Sukhothai Kingdom.
Overnight in Sukhothai
Day 3: Sukhothai-Lampang-Chiang Mai (B,L,D)
The day begins with a live presentation on rice cultivation, where you'll get to try your hand at growing rice. Next, set out for Lampang to admire Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, housing the country's only Emerald Buddha other than the one in Bangkok. Finally, drive to Chiang Mai, Thailand's cultural capital, where you'll check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner at a riverside restaurant that doubles as an art gallery.
Overnight in Chiang Mai
Day 4: Chiang Mai (B,L,D)
Start the day with an early-morning visit to a nearby temple to give alms to the monks — a common practice in Thailand's Buddhist culture. After breakfast, drive the steep road to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a sacred temple with superb views over the city.
Continue to the Talat Warorot, Chiang Mai’s largest market, then ride a rickshaw to Wat Chedi Luang, one of the city's most celebrated temples. In the San Kamphaeng handicraft district, watch artisans practicing ancient Thai arts and crafts, and learn more about the generations-old traditions.
For dinner, eat khan toke style, dining off low tables while seated on the floor, as you watch a performance of live music and traditional dance.
Overnight in Chiang Mai
Day 5: Chiang Mai-Chiang Dao-Thaton (B,L,D)
The day begins with a drive to a sustainable elephant camp outside Chiang Mai, where you'll learn how elephants are used in the timber industry and their role in Thai heritage. A side-trip to a nearby orchid farm will give you a stunning impression of just a fraction of Thailand's rich variety of orchids.
En-route to your hotel in Thaton, stop to explore the dramatic Chiang Dao cave complex.
Overnight in Thaton

Day 6: Thaton-Kok River-Chiang Rai (B,L,D)
Your first stop on the journey to Chiang Rai is the hill-tribe village and community center of Ban Lorcha, where have chance to witness traditional Akha lifestyles and buy handicrafts. From here, drive to Ban Pha Tai and board a motorized long-tail boat for the 3-hour journey down the Kok River. It's back on the road again to complete the journey to Chiang Rai, where you'll visit the famous Wat Rong Khun or White Temple and see the statue of King Mengrai who built Chiang Rai.

Overnight in Chiang Rai

Day 7: Chiang Rai-Bangkok (B,L)
From Chiang Rai, you'll visit the famous Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet, then enjoy a short boat ride before heading to Chiang Rai Airport for your Bangkok flight after lunch. The cost of the flight is not included, though transfer to your Bangkok hotel is. You are also free to end the tour in Chiang Rai.