This tour is crafted for travelers seeking a flexible road journey through the rich history and culture of northern Thailand.
From vibrant Bangkok to the far-northern Golden Triangle and hill-tribe villages in Chiang Rai, and from the medieval ruins of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai to a Thai cooking experience in Chiang Mai, you'll delve into the history of medieval kingdoms in northern Thailand, engage in real encounters with local communities and immerse yourself in the diverse heritage of this region during this private tour.
*The price is based on a private tour for 2 people. The cost for a customized private SE Asia tour from US$200/person/day
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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Sirin is the BEST!
My recent trip to Chiang Mai was nothing short of magical, and our tour guide played a huge part in making it so memorable. From the moment we met, Sirin welcomed us with warm hospitality and an infectious passion for sharing the beauty, history, and culture of northern Thailand. More
Jenny Tse, Oct 2024
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Excellent Trip Planning by Alisa Liu at Asia Highlights
Alisa did a wonderful job! She was very detail oriented, extremely responsive and answered my questions very promptly. She incorporated all of the places we wanted to visit and was able to book hotels, airline tickets and special event tickets (to the Chiang Mai CAD Khomloy Sky Lantern Festival which was sold out when I tried booking on my own.) Alisa was great to work with and I recommend that others use her for their trip planning. More
Effie, Sep 2024
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Excellent experience in Bangkok
Ying was our guide in Bangkok. She was very knowledgeable and extremely helpful. She knew exactly how to move us through crowds quickly so that we could see all we wanted to say and made good recommendations for other things we were interested in. I would not hesitate to recommend Ying or anyone that helped us at Asia highlights More
Dr. Meshagae Hunte-Brown, Aug 2024
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Northern-Thailand-Discovery Road Trip Map(Suggested Route)
Tour Highlights
Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local fine-dining restaurant with a fantastic river view in Bangkok.
Wander through the historical ruins of the Siamese Kingdom (c. 1350–1767) at Ayutthaya Historical Park.
Take a unique city tour by horse-drawn carriage through Lampang.
Cycle through the ruins of first independent Thai kingdom (1238–1438) at Sukhothai Historical Park.
Discover the Golden Triangle and hill tribe villages of the far north.
Learn how to cook authentic Thai dishes in Chiang Mai.
Suggested Itinerary for Inspiration
Your preferences design the real journey. We're ready to create a wonderful Thailand holiday for you and your family.
- Your private guide will be waiting for you in the airport arrivals area. A comfortable vehicle with an experienced driver will transfer you directly to your hotel.
- In the early evening, we'll take you to a local fine-dining restaurant with a fantastic river view, where you can taste delicious and top-of-the-range Thai cuisine.
- More-comfortably explore Bangkok's famous highlights in the morning when it is cooler. The landmarks of Bangkok include Wat Pho, the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the Temple of Dawn.
- At the same time, try out Bangkok's different forms of public transport — long-tail boat, and the famous Thai tuk-tuk. This is a fun excursion that gives you a fantastic insight into the capital as well as the local people.
- In the afternoon, discover the sophisticated flavors of Bangkok's 200-year-old Chinatown district, which brims with rich ethnic traditions and scrumptious cuisine.
- Journey north from Bangkok, immersing yourself in the diverse cultures and landscapes of each passing province.
- Start your medieval-kingdom exploration in Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Thailand's former Siamese capital from 1350 until 1767.
- Witness the grandeur of Wat Mahathat, a serene temple adorned with Buddha heads, and marvel at the architectural splendor of Wat Phra Sri Sanpetch, once the King's Temple.
- Conclude your day with a visit to Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, a picturesque retreat used by Thai royalty.
- Depart Ayutthaya and delve deeper into Thailand's rich history in Lopburi.
- Entertain yourselves with the playful monkeys roaming the ruins of Phra Prang Sam Yot, a 13th-century Khmer temple.
- Continue to the city ruins of Kamphaeng Phet, another UNESCO site boasting the impressive Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park.
- Explore the archaeological remains of ancient cities, including Mueang Chakangrao, with its laterite (reddish clay) structures, and Mueang Nakhon Chum, famed for its smaller brick temples.
- End your day in charming Sukhothai, capital and name of Thailand's first kingdom.
- Cycle through Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO treasure trove of temples and ruins. You will visit the four representative sights in the park: Wat Si Chum, Wat Si Sawai, Wat Mahathat, and Wat Sa Si.
- After the morning tour, savor a delicious local Sukothai-style lunch.
- Proceed to Lampang, the province in the center of upper northern Thailand. See worshipers bow in reverence at Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, a magnificent wooden temple and one of the country's most complete.
- Take a unique city tour by horse-drawn carriage before settling into your Lampang accommodation.
- Prepare to be awestruck by the architectural marvel of Wat Phra Phutthabat Sutthawat, perched atop a mountain. This "Unseen Thailand" gem on Doi Pu Yak mountain features a golden pagoda and breathtaking views. You will reach the peak by car and foot, where you'll find its sacred Buddha footprint.
- Continue your journey to Chiang Rai, a vibrant city known for its laid-back atmosphere.
- Savor the bustling atmosphere of the Chiang Rai night market and indulge in a steaming hot pot, a quintessential Thai experience.
- Our adventure begins with a scenic 1-hour drive along the mountains to mount Doi Tung, where you could immerse yourself in the beauty of the Mae Fah Luang Garden. Then, step back in time and visit the Royal Villa there.
- Continue your journey north to the Golden Triangle, the legendary conjunction of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar, marked by the majestic Mekong River.
- Gain insights into the region's history at the Hall of Opium. Then take a boat ride on the mighty Mekong River.
- Delve into slightly older history at the Lanna Kingdom city of Chiang Saen, admire the grand double city walls and uncover fascinating antiquities that whisper tales of the Lanna era past (1558–1804).
- Journey to Mae Chan and visit a traditional village inhabited by the Yao and Akha Hill Tribes.
- As the day draws to a close, relax and enjoy a comfortable return transfer to your hotel in Chiang Rai.
- Immerse yourself in the artistic wonders of Chiang Rai.
- Explore the dazzling White Temple (also called Wat Rong Khun), the surreal Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), and the intriguing Black House (Baan Dam Museum).
- In the afternoon, transfer to Chiang Mai, the cultural heart of northern Thailand.
- In the morning, you will have the opportunity to learn how to cook some of Thailand's most famous dishes at Asia Scenic, a top cooking school in Chiang Mai.
- After selecting the menu you want to create, you'll embark on a local market tour. There, the chef will help you choose the freshest and highest-quality ingredients for your dishes. Then, the chef will guide you throughout the process as you prepare your own culinary masterpiece. Finally, you'll get to savor the dinner you've prepared.
- In late afternoon, head to Chiang Mai's most iconic sight — Doi Suthep.
- Most tourists visit Doi Suthep at normal times during the bustling day. However, we usually arrange our tours in the late afternoon after the crowds have departed and when dusk falls so that you can listen to the magical evening chanting of the monks as you gaze over the glittering lights of the city below.
- As your northern Thailand exploration ends, your guide and driver will see you off at the airport.
- Thank you for traveling with Asia Highlights Travel, and we hope to serve you again soon.
Ideas for Making This Trip Uniquely Yours
Special experiences can be added to brighten a honeymoon trip, a family vacation, a birthday, or satisfy personal interests.
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Have close encounter with elephants
For firt-timers |
Explore Chiang Mai handicraft village
For culture fans |
Discover Doi Inthanon National Park
For adventures |
Hand-Picked Hotels
We select hotels with style and local features. Let us know your preferences and we'll find your ideal hotel.
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Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn Bangkok
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Lanna Smile Hotel Chiang Mai(4-star)
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Sala Ayutthaya Hotel
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River Lodge Lampang
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Legendha Sukhothai Hotel
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Mora Boutique Hotel Chiang Rai
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Tour Price:
US$3,099 p/p(with 5-star hotel options)
- The price is based on a private tour for 2 people during the low season.
- The price varies based on program, travel date, number of people.
- We could also price a tour including both 4-star and 5-star hotels for you.
- The price for a child younger than 8 is approximately 80% of the adult's price.
- We accept payments in multiple currencies (GBP, AUD, CAD, EUR...).
Price Includes:
- Privately-driven air-conditioned vehicle with ample space (except where stated)
- English-speaking local guide for the sightseeing
- Attraction tickets and itinerary activities
- Accommodation for all nights
- Flights/trains between itinerary cities
- Hotel breakfasts and itinerary lunches/dinners
- 24/7 helpline while touring
- Governmental taxes
Price Excludes:
- International flights not mentioned in the itinerary
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Overweight luggage more than 20 kg per person
- Visa fee, if applicable
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Personal expenses
Tour code: ah-52
Inquire now! Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.
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At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.
