Thailand : The remains of Ancient Capitals
- A Secret Retreats journey -
This journey has been personally designed by Nattinee Kulsin, Born in Sukhothai and Head Concierge at Secret Retreats
All our itineraries have generally been constructed on the basis of the rooms that have the most charm or best view, and not necessarily the first prices, nor the most expensive suites.
We can of course adjust according to your request.
What separates us apart from others? Secret Retreats creates tailor-made journeys. Passionate about travel, Secret Retreats will design and create the perfect journey to match both your time and budget.
We have designed this Thailand old capital tour itinerary so that curious travellers can better absorb true Thai culture in the Kingdom of Siam. Discover the remains of the ancient capital tour Thailand itinerary with your guide. A drive up to Chiang Mai allows you to take the time to fully experience this part of Thailand.
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Your Journey Day by Day
from 2,200 USD / pax for 8 days / 7 nights
(based on 2 pax sharing)
Day 1 : Bangkok (-)
Arrive in Bangkok in the morning where you will be met by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel. Free time. In the early afternoon, you will be transferred to the edge of the Chao Phraya River, where you will board a boat to discover the fascinating Thonburi canals (klongs) on the other side of the river, followed by a visit to majestic, coloured ceramic Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) on the edge of the river. Return to hotel. Lunch and dinner at leisure.
HOTEL: CHAKRABONGSE VILLAS (GARDEN SUITE) 4* BOUTIQUE
Day 2 : Bangkok (B/-)
In the morning you will visit the Pak Klong Talat market. Just nearby, you will continue with a visit to Wat Pho, a temple known for its reclining Buddha and Thai massage school. The next stop will be at the must-see Grand Palace with its golden arrows, chedis, colourful hallways, richly adorned reception halls, and, of course, the Royal Palladium and Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Keo). Stroll along the piers near the Grand Palace to observe the lively activity of people navigating the river in their boats. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of street vendors and the fascinating amulet market. If you wish, enjoy lunch at one of the charming riverside restaurants, such as the Supanniga Eating Room.
In the afternoon, you will meet up at the canal near Wat Saket and embark on a bus-boat like all the locals do to discover the canal and a lesser-known area in Bangkok, which will bring you to the Jim Thompson house that is also a museum. There you will get to see typical Thai architecture, Thai pavilions, and a magnificent collection of objects d’art in its tropical garden. Return to the hotel. Lunch and dinner at leisure.
HOTEL: CHAKRABONGSE VILLAS (GARDEN SUITE) 4* BOUTIQUE
Day 3 : Bangkok – Ayutthaya – Suphanburi (B/-/D)
In the morning, you will head north to Ayutthaya city tour to visit the ancient royal capital as part of your Thailand old capital tour itinerary. You will first take a one-hour excursion onboard a “Tuk Tuk kermit” (a large Tuk Tuk that seats six people) along the river to witness the remains of the ancient capital. You will visit Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, the symbol of ancient city Ayutthaya Thailand, and Wat Mahathat with its Buddha head buried in the roots of a banyan tree. Next, you will proceed to the outer part of the island with its majestic Wat Chaiwatthanaram that lies on the edge of the river. You will also see the picturesque Wat Yai Chai Mongkol and its reclining Buddha among other statues.
Continue onwards to Suphanburi. Stop along the river where fish await feeding before taking a boat up the river to a quaint village and checking into your villa. Enjoy some free time to swim in the pool and explore the peaceful surroundings. Lunch at leisure. Dinner is included at the villa.
HOTEL: Bohemian’s Residence (Villa) 4* charme
Day 4 : Suphanburi – Uthai Thani – Sukhothai (B/L/-)
After breakfast, head north to Uthai Thani and cross the river by boat to visit the incredible Thasung Temple (open until noon), known for its crystal hall covered in small mirrors. A boat cruise along the picturesque Sakaekrang River will take you past small houses and floating gardens, with lunch served onboard.
As you travel further north, stop to explore a mini valley hidden amid ferns and lush vegetation interspersed with caves near Uthai Thani. This stop is a unique highlight of your ancient capital tour Thailand itinerary. Continue by road to arrive in Sukhothai in the late afternoon. Check-in and dinner at leisure.
HOTEL: Sriwilai Sukhothai (Deluxe) 4* boutique
Day 5 : Sukhothai (B/-)
Today is dedicated to visiting Siam’s first capital. Start on a bicycle (or take a tram if preferred) at Sukhothai’s historic park, home to Wat Mahathat, the pretty Wat Sa Si on an island, and Wat Si Sawai. Outside the park, visit Wat Si Chum and its 15-metre-high “talking Buddha,” as well as the rarely visited Wat Phra Pai Luang. Explore the lawns, water features, and mature trees at your leisure. At Wat Saphan Hin, see the 12-metre-high Buddha and enjoy panoramic views of the plains. This stop is another fascinating part of your Thailand old capital tour itinerary. Return to your hotel for leisure time, a swim, or relaxation. Lunch and dinner at leisure.
HOTEL: Sriwilai Sukhothai (Deluxe) 4* boutique
Day 6 : Sukhothai - Lampang - Chiang Mai (B)
In the morning, you will leave for Lampang. There, you will take a horse-drawn carriage to discover this historic town, its small roads near the river, its inviting atmosphere, and pretty old teak wood homes. Visit one of these houses, Baan Sao Nak. In the afternoon you will continue onwards to Chiang Mai. Check-in at the hotel. Lunch and dinner at leisure.
HOTEL: Rachamankha (Superior) 4* boutique
Day 7 : Chiang Mai (B)
Depart for Mae Taeng, about an hour north of Chiang Mai. Enjoy a bamboo raft ride down the river and, optionally, an elephant ride at a camp. Continue to Sri Lanna Park to see a scenic waterfall. Take a refreshing swim or hike to the top of the waterfall to enjoy breathtaking views.
In the afternoon, you will go to the mountain that that dominates Chiang Mai and visit the highly regarded 1056-metre high Doi Suthep Temple. Access to this temple is via a large staircase with ramps in the shape of naga, the mystical serpent. You can also access the temple on a little funicular to embrace the views of Chiang Mai and the valley below.
This segment perfectly complements your ancient capital tour Thailand itinerary, showcasing the beauty of northern Thailand. Return to your hotel. Lunch and dinner at leisure.
HOTEL: Rachamankha (Superior) 4* boutique
Day 8 : Chiang Mai - Departure (B)
Early in the morning you will be driven to Wat Srisoda to participate in an alms bowl offering, a ritual that locals participate in every day. Return to hotel for breakfast. Next, you will visit Ton Lam Ya, a local market where people shop for food, take a leisurely stroll around the little nearby roads, then take a rickshaw ride to the old town with a stop at Wat Phra Singh to see its inspiring murals. Return to your hotel or transfer to the airport to take you to your next destination.
Extension :
End your journey with a relaxing stay at a seaside hotel on Koh Chang, Phuket, Krabi, or Samui, such as (
Spa Koh Chang,
Le Passe-Temps,
Koh Jum Beach Villas,
Paresa Resort,
Aava Resort,
The Andamani,
Baba Eco Lodge).
Ask Secret Retreats concierge for advice.
Your Accommodation on this Asia Travel Itinerary
Sriwilai Sukhothai
Thailand : The remains of Ancient Capitals
8 days / 7 nights
from 2,200 USD / pax
(based on 2 pax sharing)
The total price includes :
Accommodations for 7 nights
All meals as mentioned in the program
All transfers from airport, to airport and all destinations visited, as mentioned in the program (private A/C car)
Guided visit, activities and excursions mentioned in the program
English speaking guide for local sightseeing.
Government tax and service tax
The total price does not include :
Domestic and International flight to and from Bangkok
Early check in or late check out
Extra activities and meals not mentioned in the program
Personal expenses, drinks, tips, etc
Travel Insurance
This Secret Journey was designed in cooperation with Nattinee and Green Trails (License 24/00060).
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