6-Day Experience Thailand Small Group Tour from Bangkok: Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, Golden Triangle, Chiang Rai & Chiang Mai | Sukhothai Historical Park & Bang Pa-In Summer Palace

Palaces, ancient ruins, temples and monkeys are on the menu as this epic six-day tour from the capital to northern Thailand kicks off in style. Make your way to the meeting point at 06:45 am, where you will be picked up to start the tour. Head to Bang Pa-In to visit the sumptuous Summer Palace of Rama V. Continue then to the former capital of Ayutthaya and contemplate the ancient temples of Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, Wat Mahathat and Wat Phanan Choeng in the Ayutthaya Historical Park. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in Chai Nat before moving on to Phitsanulok for a brief orientation tour of the city. Check in to your hotel. Overnight in Phitsanulok.

After breakfast at the hotel, head to Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat to join the locals in their morning prayers and offerings in this historical temple, which houses one of Thailand’s most revered Buddha statues. Depart then for Sukhothai to explore this ancient city packed with historical landmarks, the most impressive being the Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. Admire the ruined temples and palaces as well as the Buddha statues of all sizes. Lunch en route at a local restaurant. A short drive away is Si Satchanalai, which boasts the evocative ruins of half a dozen temples, including Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat – which is reached by crossing a wooden suspension bridge – as well as countless statues of Buddha and elephants. This usually quiet location offers a special spiritual interlude to the tour before arriving in Lampang for the evening. Overnight in Lampang.

After breakfast, explore the wonderful Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, just a brief drive from Lampang, and marvel at the elaborate decorations and beautiful Buddha statues. Continue north, stopping briefly at Phayao Lake for a coffee break. Then it's on to the southern outskirts of Chiang Rai to visit Wat Rong Khun, a dazzling temple built in the 1990s. Its ornate all-white exterior, with embedded pieces of mirror, gives it a resplendent appearance, making it one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand. Continue to Chiang Rai for lunch. Afterwards, head to the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. This natural wilderness gained an unwanted notoriety in the 1960s because of the abundant opium cultivation in the area. Then enjoy a boat trip around the Golden Triangle with a stop at Don Sao Island, which forms part of Laos (boat trip lasts approx. 45 minutes). After, visit the 212 House of Opium and stroll around its rare collection of opium paraphernalia such as weights, scales and pipes. Learn the history of this drug and about the devastating effect its trade had on local communities. 
Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Enjoy a lively start to the day's activities at the fragrant and vibrant Chiang Rai morning market and then make a brief stop at the Wat Phra Kaew temple. After, delve deeper into local culture at the Hill Tribe Museum and Education Centre, where the lifestyles of the area's mountain peoples are explained along with the challenges to their survival. Continue by road to Tha Ton and enjoy lunch before heading to the ancient city of Chiang Mai. On arrival, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the most revered temples in the country. This sacred location is at the top of a mountain from where you can appreciate stunning panoramic views over the city. To reach the temple you can either climb a 309-step naga staircase or take the cable car.  Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing for Elephant Jungle Sanctuary (Grand Canyon). After a safety and orientation briefing, take part in an ethical and respectful experience focused on elephant care, conservation, and observation. Learn about the sanctuary's mission while observing the elephants in a natural environment, where their welfare and freedom of movement are prioritized. Capture memorable photos and meaningful moments with these gentle giants that you can cherish for life. 
Continue the day with a visit to Royal Park Rajapruek, a stunning botanical and cultural park in Chiang Mai. Spread across approximately 200 acres, the park was established to commemorate King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 60th anniversary on the throne in 2006. Stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens featuring an impressive collection of indigenous and international plant species. The visit is followed by lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit Baan Tipmanee, a traditional woodworking shop. Here, you will learn how highly skilled local artisans create Chiang Mai's renowned hand-carved wooden products, preserving techniques passed down through generations. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Relax over breakfast at the hotel and then enjoy the freedom of Chiang Mai. Explore the city at your own pace and leisure, visiting the sites and attractions most interesting to you in this city teeming with green spaces, popularly known as the 'Rose of the North'. The day is yours to do as you wish. Departure transfer to Chiang Mai Airport included.  Breakfast included.