Wat Phra Kaew

After breakfast, we transfer to the city centre for an unforgettable day visiting Bangkok’s most important attractions.

We begin at Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of the Dawn, a Buddhist complex built in the 17th century and one of the nation’s most important historical landmarks, celebrated for its impressive central Prang encrusted with coloured porcelain.

We then cross the Chao Phraya River by boat and make our way to Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, a religious complex housing Thailand’s largest collection of Buddha images, including the 46-metre-long Reclining Buddha statue. It is considered the oldest public centre of learning in the country and includes the Thai Medicine School and the Traditional Massage School.

We continue to the Grand Palace, the complex of buildings at the heart of the capital that has served as the official residence of the Kingdom of Siam’s rulers since 1782, and to Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Built in 1783 within the Grand Palace grounds, it is considered the most sacred Buddhist temple in the nation.

Nearby, we visit the Tha Phrachan’s Amulet Market, one of the largest and most important amulet markets in Thailand.

We then head to Chinatown, one of the most vibrant and colourful areas of the capital, for a visit to Wat Traimit, the Temple of the Golden Buddha, which houses the world’s largest solid gold Buddha statue, weighing 5.5 tonnes and standing 3 metres tall.

The day concludes with a return to the hotel.

Included: Tour guide, entrance tickets and private transfers

Maeklong Railway Market

After breakfast, we transfer to the Maeklong Railway Market, also known as the Umbrella Pull-down Market — the most picturesque and authentic market in Thailand, established in 1905 literally on the railway tracksbuilt by local authorities at the time for the rapid transport of goods. Today, eight times a day, as vendors hear the approaching train, they swiftly remove their goods and umbrellas from the tracks to let it pass, then immediately reposition everything and calmly resume selling until the next train.

We then transfer to Damnoen Saduak, 90 km from Bangkok in Ratchaburi province. On arrival, we board a boat to explore the artificial canal built over 150 years ago, now famous for its celebrated floating market, where vendors aboard small wooden boats sell a variety of local produce, vegetables, fruit, desserts and handicrafts every day. Over the years the floating market has become a popular tourist attraction, yet it remains such a distinctive glimpse into everyday life that it is absolutely worth a visit.

We conclude with a stop at a coconut sugar farm, a working agricultural business specialising in the processing of coconut and its derivatives, where we observe the production process and sample some delicious products. We then return to our hotel in Bangkok.

Included: Hotel, breakfast, tour guide and private transfers

Wat Mahathat

Today we look forward to an unforgettable visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the most populated and remarkable city in the world from the 14th century until the Burmese invasion of 1767, considered the forerunner of modern Thailand: the Ancient Kingdom of Ayutthaya.

We visit the most important monuments of Ayutthaya, including Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, or the Summer Palace, the complex once inhabited by Thai rulers; the Wat Yai Chai Mongkol Monastery, built in 1357; Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, the Temple of the Holy; and Wat Mahathat, renowned for the iconic stone Buddha head entwined within the roots of a tree.

At lunchtime, we board a river cruise back to Bangkok, enjoying a delicious buffet lunch as we glide slowly along the enchanting Chao Phraya River.

At the end of the day, transfer to the airport in good time for the domestic flight to Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand.

Included: Hotel, breakfast, buffet lunch on cruise, tourist guide, tickets, private transfers, domestic flight

Golden Triangle

After breakfast, we visit a tea plantation, a large-scale cultivation widespread in northern Thailand, set in an enchanting landscape.

We then transfer to Doi Tung, a steep mountain approximately 50 km from Chiang Rai. We visit the Doi Tung Royal Villa and the beautiful Mae Fah Luang Garden, home to various species of plants and colourful flowers. The area once housed the Akha tribe, who were later relocated to a new adjacent village. We continue to the summit of Doi Tung for a visit to Wat Phra That Doi Tung, a millenary temple situated in an extraordinary position.

At the end, we proceed northeast to the famous Golden Triangle, located at the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong rivers, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet, which we visit with a panoramic boat excursion.

We conclude the day with a visit to the Opium Museum, built to educate people on the dangers arising from the use of narcotics.

At the end of the day, return to the hotel in Chiang Rai.

Included: Private transfers, guide, tickets, and hotel

White Temple

After breakfast, we visit Wat Rong Khun, better known as the White Temple, for the colour of its exterior. Created by the visionary painter Chalermchai Kositpipat, this contemporary temple is a very interesting visit for its impressive artistic contrast.

We continue to the surreal and artistic Baan Dam, widely known as “The Black House,”an undoubtedly unique construction created by the artist Thawan Duchanee. Contrary to its name, The Black House is not a single structure but a collection of approximately 40 buildings of various shapes and sizes scattered across a tranquil garden. An eclectic mix with references to traditional Thai artistic style and elegant exterior teak woodwork.

We continue to a village of Ethnic Minorities, known as “Hill Tribes” as they traditionally inhabit mountainous areas. Nowadays, in many villages in the area, one can still encounter inhabitants wearing traditional clothing., known as “Hill Tribes” as they traditionally inhabit mountainous areas. Nowadays, in many villages in the area, one can still encounter inhabitants wearing traditional clothing.

At the end, transfer to Chiang Mai, the centre of Lanna culture since the late 13th century, today a perfect blend of ancient charm and contemporary society, and we visit Wat Chedi Luang, known for having housed the Emerald Buddha image for approximately 70 years, and Wat Phra Singh, known for the Phra Buddha Sihing, an important Buddha statue, among the finest examples of classical Lanna architecture.

Included: Tourist guide, private transfers, tickets, hotel

Mount Suthep, Chiang Mai

After breakfast, we head to Mount Suthep, a steep mountain not far from the city. We drive up to near the summit and then continue by elevator to the sacred temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the most renowned monastery in Chiang Mai, visible from any point in the city.

We then transfer to the ethical elephant sanctuary. Although elephant-back excursions are prohibited (a practice now suppressed for some time out of respect for this incredible animal species), the excursion represents an unmissable experience to come into close contact with these pachyderms, caress them, feed them, play and interact with them in their natural habitat, and without doubt take many souvenir photographs.

At the end of the day, return to the hotel in Chiang Mai

Included: Tour guide, entrance tickets, private transfers and hotel.

Doi Inthanon National Park

After breakfast, transfer to Doi Inthanon National Park, 60 km from Chiang Mai. Located across four districts of Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon National Park covers an area of 482 square kilometres, with altitude varying from 800 to 2,565 metres. It is divided into different climatic and ecological sections and is home to 362 species of avifauna and 4,500 inhabitants of the Karen and Hmong minorities.

We begin the excursion with a visit to the summit of Doi Inthanon, at 2,565 metres above sea level, the highest mountain peak in the country, also known for the lowest temperatures throughout the year.

We then continue to the Twin Stupas, built to honour the current King and Queen of Thailand.

We proceed to the starting point of the trek. Accompanied by a tribal guide, we begin our walking excursion following a descending trail that crosses the jungle, a river, and a waterfall, then continuing through the rice paddies and to an indigenous hill village inhabited by the Karen and Hmong minorities.

At the end of the day, return to the hotel in Chiang Mai.

Included: Tour guide, entrance tickets, private transfers and hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to Chiang Mai airport in good time for the regional flight Chiang Mai — Yangon.

Included: Private transfers, regional flight, hotel

Shwedagon Pagoda

After breakfast, we begin the day with an introductory walk among the fascinating buildings bearing witness to British colonial architecture and the new skyscrapers symbolising recent economic progress.

Visit to Yangon City Hall, situated in the central part of the city, considered a distinguished example of Burmese architecture.

We continue to Sule Pagoda, built in the 3rd century, the public Maha Bandula Park, the High Court, and the General Post Office.

In the afternoon, we visit Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda, renowned for its 72-metre reclining Buddha statue, among the largest in Burma.

We conclude the day at the celebrated Shwedagon Pagoda. The massive bell of the stupa is plated in gold, and its spire is adorned with diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and topazes.

Included: Tourist guide, tickets, private transfers, and hotel

One leg rower – Inle Lake

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the domestic flight to Heho.

Upon arrival, we continue by car to the Nyaung Shwe jetty and embark on a small private boat to explore Inle Lake and discover the ethnic and artisanal villages: an exhilarating experience to observe up close the iconic style of the fishermen who “row with one leg“, the farms, the floating gardens, and the small islands on the lake.

Visit to Inthar Heritage House, an artistically decorated complex in Inthar style.

In the afternoon, we continue to Nampan village, renowned for cigar production. At the end, we visit Daw Oo-Phaya Pagoda, the most sacred in Shan State, the Inpawkhon weaving workshop, and one of the markets on Inle Lake (varies according to the day of the week).

Included: Tourist guide, domestic flight, tickets, boat, private transfers, and hotel

Indein Pagoda Complex

In the morning, we continue our boat visits in the southern part of the lake and venture into the narrow canals surrounded by a beautiful natural environment as far as the small village inhabited by the Pa-O tribe.

From the village, we proceed along an old path to the 13th-century monastery and the impressive ruins of the Indein Pagoda Complex, the incredible archaeological site home to hundreds of Buddhist pagodas dating from the 14th–18th centuries, semi-hidden by lush vegetation. The main stupa at the top of the hill offers a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains.

Included: Tour guide, entrance tickets, boat, private transfers and hotel

Transfer to the airport in good time for the domestic flight Heho — Bagan. Upon arrival, transfer and hotel check-in.

Included: Private transfers, domestic flight, and hotel

Htilo-Minlo Temple

After breakfast, we begin our visits to Bagan, the ancient capital Arimaddanapura of the Kingdom of Pagan between the 9th and 13th centuries.

Bagan was for many decades the centre of religious studies since the time of the Khmer Kingdom. Of the approximately 10,000 temples, roughly 2,200 have survived over more than 700 years of history.

We visit the colourful and bustling local market: a unique opportunity to observe local folklore and to gain insight into the daily Burmese way of life. We continue with a visit to Shwezigon Pagoda, the prototype of the stupas subsequently built throughout Myanmar, for an introduction to the rich historical heritage of the Bagan archaeological complex.

We then visit the Wetkyi-In Gu-Byauk-Gyi temple, renowned for its murals depicting the Jataka (the previous lives of the Buddha), and the Htilo-Minlo temple, built on two levels, renowned for its plaster sculptures.

After lunch, we continue to the Ananda temple, one of the greatest architectural masterpieces of Bagan, built in the early Mon-Myanmar style.

We proceed to the That-Byin-Nyu temple, built in the 12th century, the tallest in Bagan; the Dhamma Yangyi temple, renowned for its distinctive brick construction; and the Gawdawpalin temple.

We conclude the day with a romantic sunset from Nyaung The het Hill.

Included: Tour guide, entrance tickets, private transfers and hotel

Lady at Minnanthu village

After breakfast, we continue our visits to the rural village of Minnanthu, one of the few places where one can observe the harvesting and processing of cotton.

We then continue to the Laymyathnar monastic complex, the Phaya Thone Tzu temple, and the Nandamannya temple, the latter particularly renowned for the mural depicting “The Temptation of Mara” dating from the 13th century.

In the afternoon, we visit the Manuha temple, the Nan-Paya temple, and the Gu-Byauk-Kyi (Myinkaba) temple, renowned for its Jataka murals narrating the previous lives of the Buddha.

We conclude the day with a leisurely cruise on the Irrawaddy River to enjoy the romantic sunset, observing the unique perspective of the Bagan temples and the villages along the bank.

Included: Tourist guide, tickets, cruise, private transfers, and hotel

U-Bein-bridge

After breakfast, overland transfer to Mandalay.

Upon arrival, we visit the Mahar Gandar Yon Monastery to deepen our understanding of the Buddhist religion and observe the daily lifestyle of the monks.

We proceed to Ava (Inwa) and board a horse-drawn cart to visit the Nan Myint watchtower, the “Inwa Watch Tower” 27 metres high, and the Bagaya Monastery, built with 276 wooden columns.

In the afternoon, we visit Sagaing Hill, the hill home to over 700 monasteries, and continue to Amarapura, the “City of Immortality,” twice capital of Myanmar in the 18th and 19th centuries, renowned today for its exquisite silk and cotton production.

We conclude the day at the celebrated U-Bein Bridge on Taungtaman Lake. Built in 1850, with a remarkable length of 1,200 metres, it is considered the longest wooden bridge in the world.

Included: Tour guide, entrance tickets, private transfers and hotel

Boat trip to Mingun

After breakfast, we embark for the transfer to Mingun, 12 km from Mandalay.

We visit Pon Daw Paya; Set Taw Ya Paya, the vaulted sanctuary containing a sacred footprint of the Buddha; the unfinished Mingun Pa Hto Taw Phaya Pagoda, built in brick; the famous Mingun Bell, which, at a considerable weight of 90 tonnes, is the second-largest bell in the world; and Hsin Byu Me Phaya Pagoda. We then return to Mandalay.

In the afternoon, we continue our visits to Mahamuni Pagoda, among the most important pilgrimage sites, renowned for its venerated images depicting the life of the Buddha; to Ku-Tho-Daw Pagoda — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — considered the “largest book” in the world for the 729 marble slabs on which Buddhist doctrine is inscribed; to Shwe Nandaw Monastery, or “Golden Monastery” renowned for its exquisite wood carvings; and to Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda, renowned for the large Buddha statue carved from a single massive block of marble.

We conclude the day with the beautiful sunset from Mandalay Hill.

Included: Tour guide, entrance tickets, boat, private transfers and hotel

After breakfast, transfer to the airport in good time for the departure flight.

Included: Private airport transfer