Overview
Itinerary
Fly to the vibrant city of Bangkok. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. (D)
Bangkok is a whirlwind of exotic energy, a sensory extravaganza like few other cities. Neoclassical houses rub shoulders with high-rise skyscrapers and majestic golden temples, while river taxis and ferries throng its busy canals. Today's sightseeing includes Wat Pho, the dazzling Grand Palace and a stroll through Chinatown.
Later, take to the Chao Phraya River on a longboat to get an alternative view of the city as you travel to the Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market. (B/L/D)
Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and the bizarre Maeklong Railway Market before heading out of Bangkok to Kanchanaburi. It was here that many Allied POWs and indentured Asian labourers were forced to build the Thai-Burma Railway during the WWII Japanese occupation of Thailand. Stop at the famous bridge on the River Kwai and visit the Thai-Burmese Railway Museum to learn their stories, then pay your respects at the War Cemetery before checking into your hotel. Spend the night in Kanchanaburi. (B/L/D)
Drive to Hellfire Pass and visit the fascinating museum before a short walk through the pass. Step on board an old locomotive to travel along a section of the Death Railway, passing through the Kwai Gorge. (B/L/D)
A sacred city and former royal capital, Ayutthaya today is a crumbled kingdom that has retained its bygone splendour. Explore this impressive archaeological site, touring the principal sights including Bang Pa-In, the former royal summer residence. Return to Bangkok and fly to Chiang Rai, a city in Thailand's northern highlands. (B/L/D)
Transfer to the area known as the Golden Triangle – the point where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet and notorious for the cultivation of opium that used to take place here. Take a boat ride on the Mekong over the border into Laos and visit Don Sao Island where you can take a leisurely stroll through the local market. Return to Chiang Rai. Explore the night market this evening. (B/L/D)
Travel to Mae Salong Mountain, an area well known for its tea plantations – you can sample some of the local brew whilst you are here. Enjoy a 'Yunnanese' lunch before visiting Doi Tung Palace and Mae Fah Luang Garden. Drive back to Chiang Rai this afternoon. (B/L/D)
Explore the striking Buddhist White Temple before departing Chiang Rai. Heading in the direction of Chiang Mai, you'll travel along a beautiful mountain road with breathtaking views. Entering Chiang Mai province, spend tonight at Hmong Hilltribe Lodge, an eco-lodge operated by Hmong villagers. Rooms are built in the traditional tribal style and overlook lush fields and hills. Dinner is followed by a Hmong folklore performance. (B/L/D)
Visit the Thai Elephant Care Centre in Mae Rim this morning. The centre is located in the beautiful Mesa Valley and offers a peaceful retirement home for elephants rescued from illegal logging camps and elephant shows. After stopping for lunch, make your way to Mae Daeng where you will enjoy a leisurely bamboo rafting trip on the Mae Daeng River. Sit back and take in the passing scenery as your boatman steers you along the river. (B/L/D)
2026 departures: Enjoy a hands-on farming experience in the countryside surrounding Chiang Mai. Take part in traditional rice farming activities, learn about sustainable living, and connect with local farmers.
2025 departures: Visit the fascinating archaeological site of Wiang Kum Kam, a 'lost city' outside Chiang Mai. Next, visit two of Chiang Mai's temples (Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh) before time at leisure in Chiang Mai. (B/L/D)
Discover the secrets of traditional Thai cooking with a morning cookery class. Ascend to Wat Doi Suthep, a temple perched on top of Doi Suthep Mountain. This evening, sit down to a Thai Kantoke dinner, and be entertained by a selection of cultural performances. (B/L/D)
This morning is at your leisure before you are transferred to Chiang Mai airport to board your flight to Australia, arriving home the same or following day. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Marvel at Bangkok's Grand Palace
- Cross the infamous River Kwai
- Explore historic Ayutthaya
- Meet Lisu and Yao hill tribes
- Stroll through Chiang Rai
- Enjoy a Chiang Mai cooking class
- International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected)
- Domestic transportation
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
- 3 - 4 star accommodation and eco-lodge
- 11 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 11 Dinners
- Golden Tulip Mandison Suites, Bangkok, Thailand (4 star): Centrally located in Bangkok's vibrant Sukhumvit area, Golden Tulip Mandison Suites features modern and spacious rooms. Enjoy use of an outdoor pool and bar, as well as a free shuttle to and from Asoke BTS Skytrain station should you wish to explore the city independently.
- Mida Resort Kanchanaburi, Kanchanaburi (4 star): This boutique resort set in beautiful natural surroundings outside of Kanchanaburi's downtown, the Mida exudes a contemporary Thai-style. The stylish rooms are elegantly furnished with views of the tropical gardens – the en suite bathroom complete with bath and shower as well as a private outdoor shower. The restaurant has beautiful views over the river and there is a swimming pool plus pool bar.
- Laluna Hotel & Resort, Chiang Rai (4 star): Just minutes from the famous night bazaar, the Laluna offers cosy Thai-style bungalows tucked amongst lush, tropical gardens. The lagoon-style pool, Jacuzzi, massage service and deck makes the friendly, relaxed atmosphere even more pronounced. The bungalows are spacious and simple with large beds and an en suite bathroom and views over the gardens.
- Hmong Hill Tribe Lodge, Chiang Mai (3 star): An hour outside of Chiang Mai, nestled amongst the hills that Hmong communities also call home, the Hmong Hill Tribe Lodge has a beautiful natural setting of lush vegetation and rice fields. This is the perfect place to experience tribal culture and the beauty of north Thailand's highlands. Rooms are spread through 10 buildings with a communal area at their heart. Each has a balcony and ensuite bathroom but are made extra cosy with the addition of a colourful Hmong quilt. The pool overlooks the surrounding rice fields and a spa and massage treatments are available.
- The Empress Hotel Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai (4 star): Situated in the heart of Chiang Mai, The Empress Hotel is centrally located close to the city's iconic night market, the airport, and train station. Rooms are decorated in a traditional northern Thai style and features a flat screen TV, fully stocked mini-bar, and complimentary high-speed WiFi.
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2025. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
- Customary tipping amount of approximately US$75pp (AU$115pp) is paid locally in Thailand.
- Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.
Everything is taken care of including your flights, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees listed on your itinerary and all your meals. Read more
Wendy Wu include return international economy-class flights from Australia as part of their fully inclusive tours. Upgrades are available too! Read more
On all of our tours you will be escorted by a dedicated National Escort, tasked with the responsibility to keep you safe, happy, entertained and inspired. Read more
Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'Thailand Highlights' Reviews
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Wendy Wu. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
