Thailand: Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Discover Bangkok on a guided sightseeing tour of its most iconic landmarks. Explore the Grand Palace, home to the revered Emerald Buddha, dressed in seasonal royal attire. Visit Wat Pho, where the famous Reclining Buddha stretches 150 feet, and admire the stunning spires and colorful mosaics of the riverside Temple of Dawn.

Thailand’s kings once glided down the Chao Phraya River in golden royal barges. Today, enjoy your own scenic river cruise with a traditional Thai buffet dinner. Savor fresh vegetables, spicy chilies, coconut milk, and citrus flavors as you take in Bangkok’s illuminated skyline from the water.

Buddhism first entered Thailand at Nakhon Pathom, the country’s oldest town. Here stands the Phra Pathom Chedi, one of Thailand’s most sacred temples. Shaped like an inverted bowl, its golden spire soars nearly 400 feet, commemorating the Buddha’s time in the region and drawing pilgrims from across the nation.

Discover Kanchanaburi’s WWII history on a guided tour. Walk across the River Kwai Bridge, built by Allied POWs under harsh conditions. Visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, a museum documenting the railway’s construction and human cost, then honor the 7,000 fallen at the serene War Cemetery.

At this historic battlefield, King Naresuan secured Siam’s freedom from Burmese invaders in a legendary elephant-back duel. The Don Chedi Monument now honors his victory with a towering pagoda and a striking statue of the young king astride his elephant, symbolizing courage and independence.

Travel through Uthai Thani, where river plains, jungles, and mountains are protected sanctuaries and heritage sites. Continue to Nakhon Sawan, the nation’s heartland, with rice fields stretching along the rivers.

Once the capital of a united Thailand, Sukhothai thrived under King Ramkhamhaeng (1278-1317), who spread Theravada Buddhism and created the first Thai alphabet. Explore with a licensed guide, walking the ancient city walls, royal palace ruins, and 26 temple complexes that reflect its spiritual legacy.

Thai ceramics from the 1300s, found across Southeast Asia, show the region’s importance as a pottery exporter. At Si Satchanalai National Park, the Thuriang Kilns reveal this legacy, with about 50 excavated kilns offering some of the earliest and most extensive evidence of large-scale production.

Explore the ancient Thuriang Kilns to witness the craftsmanship of Sukhothai-era celadon pottery. Visit more than 500 historic kiln sites and interactive exhibits that showcase centuries-old ceramic techniques.

The northernmost point in Thailand, Mae Sai is a lively border crossing into Burma. Tourists can obtain day visas to cross, while many locals live on one side and work on the other.

At the junction of Burma, Laos, and Thailand, the Golden Triangle was once the heart of the opium trade. Today it’s a lively tourist spot with vendors, riverside views, and bright markers of the three nations. Climb to Wat Phrathat Phu Khao for sweeping views of the Mekong and Ruak Rivers.

On Doi Tung hill near Chiang Rai, a massive stone structure reflects the Buddhist view of the universe, often called an Asian Stonehenge. Enjoy sweeping vistas of the Kok River and visit Mae Fah Luang Garden, created by the Princess Mother to showcase Thailand’s flowers and promote sustainable agriculture.

Drift along the water on a traditional Thai bamboo raft, a centuries-old way of traveling between riverside villages. This peaceful ride offers a glimpse into local life, though weight restrictions apply for safety.

Like breakfast in bed—without the bed—a Khantoke dinner is served on a small tray as diners sit on the floor to share northern Thai specialties like curries, soups, and fried bananas. The evening includes traditional Thai dance, once performed in royal courts, with graceful hand movements accented by candles and scarves.

Is a sigh really just a sigh? Chiang Mai’s Wat Phra Singh is home to the Sighing Buddha, the city’s symbol, bathed each year in jasmine-scented water. The temple also houses a carved repository that protects sacred texts. Visit 14th-century Wat Suan Dok, resting place of Chiang Mai’s rulers, then explore the Tribal Museum to learn about the traditions of Thailand’s northern mountain peoples.

Admire the intricate Lanna architecture and sacred relics at Wat Phra Singh, Chiang Mai’s most revered temple. Stroll through peaceful courtyards and gilded halls that highlight centuries of Northern Thai craftsmanship.

Explore the rich cultural heritage of Northern Thailand’s hill tribes at the Chiang Mai Tribal Museum. Discover traditional artifacts, costumes, and exhibits that celebrate the diversity and traditions of the region’s ethnic communities.