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10-Day Northern-Thailand-Discovery Road Trip

From Modern to Medieval and Ethnic Thailand

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.

  • Days:10±
  • Best for: first-timers.
  • Departure date: up to you
  • Sample price:US$2,569 each (2 per room)*
  • Flights:Thailand domestic's is included (international on request)

*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

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Northern-Thailand-Discovery Road Trip Map(Suggested Route)

Classic Thailand Tour Map

Tour Highlights

Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local fine-dining restaurant with a fantastic river view in Bangkok.

a welcome dinner at a local fine-dining restaurant

Wander through the historical ruins of the Siamese Kingdom (c. 1350–1767) at Ayutthaya Historical Park.

the Ayutthaya Historical Park

Take a unique city tour by horse-drawn carriage through Lampang.

lampang city tour by horse-dram carriage

Cycle through the ruins of first independent Thai kingdom (1238–1438) at Sukhothai Historical Park.

Sukhothai Historical Park

Discover the Golden Triangle and hill tribe villages of the far north.

the colorful lanterns at CAD new year countdown festival

Learn how to cook authentic Thai dishes in Chiang Mai.

Asia Scenic cooking class 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.

Day 1
Bangkok Arrival and Welcome Dinner
  • 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.
Day 2
Bangkok City Highlights Tour
  • 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.
the Old Quarter
The Grand Palace
Day 3
Bangkok to Ayutthaya — Visit Ayutthaya Historical Park and Bang Pa-In Summer Palace
  • 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.
Wat Mahathat
The Wat Mahathat at Ayutthaya Historical Park
Day 4
Ayutthaya to Sukhothai via Lopburi and Kamphaeng Phet
  • 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.
Wat Mahathat
The Phra Prang Sam Yot (Monkey Temple) in Lopburi
Day 5
Discover Sukhothai Historical Park by Bike; Sukhothai to Lampang
  • 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.
Sukhothai Historical Park
The Sukhothai Historical Park
Day 6
Lampang Province to Chiang Rai; Chiang Rai Night Market
  • 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.
the magnificent King and Queen Pagodas at Doi Inthanon Mountain
The Wat Phra Phutthabat Sutthawat in Lampang
Day 7
Thailand's Golden Triangle, Mae Fah Luang Royal Retreats, and Hill Tribe Villages
  • 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.
Mae Fah Luang Garden
The Mae Fah Luang Garden
Day 8
Explore the Amazing Temples of Chiang Rai; Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai
  • 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.
the Amazing Temples of Chiang Rai
The  Representative Temples of Chiang Rai
Day 9
A Thai Cooking Experience and Mount Doi Suthep
  • 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.
Mount Doi Suthep
Pilgrimage to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Day 10
Chiang Mai Departure
  • 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.

Have close encounter with elephants
Have close encounter with elephants

For firt-timers

chiang mai handicraft village
Explore Chiang Mai handicraft village

For culture fans

chiang mai cooking class
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.

hotel in Bangkok
Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn Bangkok
Lanna Smile Hotel Chiang Mai
Lanna Smile Hotel Chiang Mai(4-star)
Sala Ayutthaya Hotel
Sala Ayutthaya Hotel
River Lodge Lampang
River Lodge Lampang
Legendha Sukhothai Hotel
Legendha Sukhothai Hotel
Mora Boutique Hotel
Mora Boutique Hotel Chiang Rai

Tour Price:

10 days from
US$2,569 p/p(with 4-star hotel options)
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

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Why Asia Highlights

Customize Your Tour

Customize Your Tour

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Maximize Your Flexibility

Maximize Your Flexibility

  • Your own personal guide and ride.
  • Explore at your own pace.
  • Unparalleled flexibility, impossible on a group tour.
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Ensure Your Satisfactory

  • The Top 20% nationwide guides at your service.
  • 20% more space on your group's transportation.
  • 24/7 emergency support.
Celebrate Your Journey

Celebrate Your Journey

  • Family adventures
  • Celebrate milestones with style!
  • Photographer service for special moments

Where Can We Take You Today?

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