ThaiMazing Cultural Odyssey

Arrive in Bangkok, meet with our local representatives, and transfer to the hotel.

In the morning, begin the tour through the bustling streets of Bangkok. The first stop is Wat Trimit, which houses the impressive three-meter high, five-ton solid gold Buddha, a symbol of the city’s rich heritage. Next, visit Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, one of Thailand’s oldest and largest temples, known for its golden reclining Buddha statue that spans 46 meters. Continue the journey to Pakklong Talad, the flower market presenting a colorful sea of flowers, an iconic site for both locals and visitors. Finally, drive up Rajdamnern Avenue, a historic avenue in the heart of Bangkok, lined with mid-century hotels and shops, offering a glimpse into the city’s colonial and modern history.

After breakfast, experience a half-day trip along the bustling Chao Phraya River and the quiet Klong (canals) in a long-tail boat, allowing you to witness traditional life along the waterway. Continue to the Temple of Dawn (officially named Wat Arun), a stunning riverside temple famous for its towering spires and intricate porcelain decoration. Next, visit the Royal Grand Palace, the nation’s landmark and former royal residence. Built in 1782, the palace showcases the grandeur of Thai architecture and the cultural importance of the monarchy. After the tour, the afternoon is free at leisure.

Depart from Bangkok to the world-famous River Kwai. On the way, stop at the Damnern Saduak Floating Market, one of Thailand’s most famous floating markets allowing one to shop from boats along the canals. Arrive in Kanchanaburi and board a train on the Death Railway, which was built during WWII, passing by the Hell Fire Pass, a site where prisoners of war were forced to work under brutal conditions. Visit the JEATH War Museum, dedicated to the history of the railway and its impact on the POWs. Later, check in at the Jungle Raft accommodation, a Thai-style floating resort on bamboo rafts. Dinner will be served at the resort.

After breakfast, travel to Ayutthaya, an ancient city and the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam. On the way, visit Don Rak War Cemetery, the final resting place for Allied POWs who perished during the construction of the railway. Then, visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre Museum, home to the history of the railway. In Ayutthaya, explore the historical parks and ancient temples like Wat Mahathat, known for the Buddha head entangled in tree roots, and Wat Chai Watanaram, an impressive riverside temple. Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Depart from Ayutthaya to Sukhothai, the first capital of the Kingdom of Siam in the 13th and 14th centuries. The city is home to many fine monuments and temples illustrating the beginnings of Thai architecture. On the way, stop at Lopburi to see Phra Prang Sam Yot, a historical Khmer temple. In Phitsanulok, visit Wat Pra Sri Rattana Maha Dhat, home to one of Thailand’s most revered Buddha statues, Phra Buddha Chinnarat. Arrive in Sukhothai and check in at the hotel for dinner.

After breakfast, explore the ancient city of Sukhothai, beginning with the Sukhothai Historical Park. Visit the Ramkamhaeng National Museum, home to a remarkable collection of Sukhothai sculptures, and Wat Mahathat, one of the most magnificent temples of the city. Then, travel to Chiang Rai, a city known for its unique art and architecture. Visit the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Sua Ten), renowned for its striking, blue-colored exterior and intricate artwork. Check in at the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

After breakfast, visit Mae Chan district, home to hill tribes such as the Akha and Yao, who migrated from China and Tibet. Learn about their traditional lifestyles and customs. After lunch, continue to Chiang Mai, Thailand’s cultural capital, and check in at the hotel. In the evening, enjoy a Kantoke dinner with traditional Northern Thai dance performances.

Experience a day of adventure at Elephant Day Care Pattaya Farm, where one can become an elephant caregiver for the day. Participate in the care of pregnant elephants and young calves, feed them, and even give them a bath in the river. Lunch will be served in the forest. Afterwards, visit Phra That Doi Suthep Temple, a sacred site with panoramic views of Chiang Mai. In the evening, enjoy a Thai Set Dinner at The Gallery Restaurant.

After breakfast, visit a local handicraft center to see the traditional process of making paper umbrellas. In the afternoon, transfer to Chiang Mai airport for the flight back to Bangkok and check in at the hotel. The rest of the day is free for last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

In the morning, transfer from the hotel to the airport for the return flight to Canada.

B – Breakfast          L – Lunch          D – Dinner          SD – Special Dinner