Bangkok Basics & Chiang Mai City Package, Small Group Tour

After landing at Bangkok International Airport, a tour representative will meet and greet you before guiding you to the transfer to your hotel. Then spend the rest of this first day at leisure, becoming acquainted with the vibrant city of Bangkok. Perhaps you could indulge yourself with a traditional Thai Massage, surprise your taste buds with the local flavours and cap off the day by enjoying the sunset from any of the stylish rooftop bars which have blossomed in the city’s skyscrapers in recent years… the options are limitless. 

Overnight in Bangkok 

After breakfast, prepare to spend half a day exploring three of the most important Buddhist temples in Bangkok. Begin at Wat Traimit, also known as the temple of the Golden Buddha, which houses a 3-metre-tall statue made from solid gold and that weighs 5.5 tonnes. Then pass through Chinatown on your way to Wat Pho, the temple of the Reclining Buddha and home to the Chedis of the Kings. This 46-metre-long and 15-metre-high Buddha is the largest in Bangkok, and it illustrates the passing of the Buddha into nirvana. The Grand Palace, former residence of the Kings of Bangkok, is one of the most beautiful examples of an ancient Siamese court. Here you will see a variety of palaces used for different occasions: the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House, and the beautiful Emerald Buddha Temple. To round off the tour, call in at a local lapidary factory and showroom where you will be able to get locally made jewellery, handicrafts and silk at competitive prices. 

Note: The Grand Palace is closed during special royal ceremonies and during visiting heads of state.

Overnight in Bangkok

Depart from Bangkok and head to Maeklong Railway Market, also known as Talad Rom Hoop. Upon arrival, the guide will introduce you to the history of this area. See the action in several minutes before the train passing through the market. The process happens so quick it will amaze you for the unique moment. Then go to the world-famous floating market of “Damnoen Saduak”, there are countless floating markets throughout the country, the colourfully clad merchants at these lively markets paddle along congested canals in sturdy canoes laden with fresh fruits and vegetables to sell to shoppers on the banks. This is an exciting and fun way to see the local like and to go bargain hunting. Transfer back to Bangkok. Breakfast included.

Overnight in Bangkok

Wake up to one last breakfast in Bangkok before enjoying some free time for you to spend at leisure before the unescorted transfer back to Bangkok Airport, where you’ll catch your flight to Chiang Mai (flight not included). Upon landing at Chiang Mai Airport, head to the Arrivals hall where you will find a driver holding a sign with your name on it. You will then be transferred to your hotel, where you can settle in before spending the rest of this first day at your leisure. The transfer is unescorted.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Indulge in a tasty breakfast before a full day to discover Chiang Mai on your own pace. Alternatively, you can choose to go on one of the following Optional Tours (not included): 

Half-Day Doi Suthep Temple and City Temples – English (Daily): Shared activity. Pick-up from Hotel Empress. Start 08:30 am to 01:30 pm. Transfers: included. Meals: not included. Dress code: Casual. Comfortable and light clothing is recommended. Description: This is a good tour to start off your stay in Chiang Mai by giving you an overview of our beautiful city with over 700 years of history. We take the winding road up the side of the hill overlooking the city to visit the most significant temple in Chiang Mai, the 600-year-old Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which lies 3,500 feet above sea level. Inside you will find the symbol of the city, the copper-plated Chedi that is topped by a five-tier gold parasol, which contains relics of the Lord Buddha. From the terrace on a clear day, you will have a fine panoramic view of the entire city. Once you get there, that final climb (funicular also available) up the 306 steps of the Naga staircase (a Thai mythological Dragon-headed serpent) will seem worth it! In the city, we will see the Kings glorious flower garden temple at Wat Saun Dok with a large central Stupa and Wat Chedi Louang which consists of an impressive Chedi, originally built in 1411.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Begin your last day in the city with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Then transfer to Chiang Mai Airport to continue with your travelling arrangements. The transfer is unescorted.