Bangkok and Chiang Mai Temples and Elephants Group Trip
Duration
6 Days 5 Nights
Pickup
Bangkok Airport
Drop
Bangkok Airport
Type
International (long-haul)
Overview & Highlights
This group trip pairs Thailand's capital with its northern cultural centre over five nights. In Bangkok you see the Grand Palace and Wat Pho and take a boat ride on the Chao Phraya river. You then fly to Chiang Mai to explore its walled Old City, visit Doi Suthep temple and spend a morning at an elephant sanctuary. The flights between Bangkok and Chiang Mai are included in the price, so there are no long road journeys. A trip captain accompanies the group, and Indian meal options are available on request. Chiang Mai is cooler and calmer than Bangkok, which makes this a good choice for travellers who want culture as well as city energy.
- Grand Palace and Wat Pho in Bangkok
- Boat ride on the Chao Phraya river
- Walled Old City of Chiang Mai, with Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh
- Doi Suthep temple, above Chiang Mai
- Visit to an ethical elephant sanctuary, with no elephant riding
- Flights between Bangkok and Chiang Mai included
- Trip captain with the group and Indian meal options on request
Itinerary
1Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok
- Arrive in Bangkok and meet your trip captain.
- Transfer to your hotel and check in.
- Relax after your journey and enjoy the evening at leisure.
- Overnight stay in Bangkok.
2Day 2: Grand Palace | Wat Pho | Chao Phraya Boat Ride
- After breakfast, visit the Grand Palace, the former royal residence.
- Continue to Wat Pho, home of the huge reclining Buddha.
- Take a boat ride on the Chao Phraya river.
- Enjoy free time for shopping or street food in the evening.
- Overnight stay in Bangkok.
3Day 3: Fly to Chiang Mai | Old City Temples
- After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai.
- Transfer to your hotel and check in.
- Visit Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh in the walled Old City.
- Spend the evening at the Night Bazaar or at leisure.
- Overnight stay in Chiang Mai.
4Day 4: Elephant Sanctuary | Doi Suthep Temple
- After breakfast, visit an ethical elephant sanctuary where elephants are not ridden.
- Take part in feeding and observe the herd in a natural setting.
- In the afternoon, drive up to Doi Suthep temple for views over Chiang Mai.
- Return to the hotel and enjoy a free evening.
- Overnight stay in Chiang Mai.
5Day 5: Return to Bangkok | Free Evening
- After breakfast, check out and transfer to Chiang Mai Airport.
- Fly back to Bangkok and transfer to your hotel.
- Spend the rest of the day shopping or at leisure.
- Overnight stay in Bangkok.
6Day 6: Departure from Bangkok
- After breakfast, check out of the hotel.
- Transfer to Bangkok Airport for your flight home.
Weather, road conditions and safety may require changes to the itinerary.
Inclusions
- 3 nights hotel accommodation in Bangkok on twin sharing
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Chiang Mai on twin sharing
- Daily breakfast at the hotel
- Economy flights between Bangkok and Chiang Mai and back
- Airport arrival and departure transfers
- Grand Palace and Wat Pho visit as per itinerary
- Chao Phraya river boat ride
- Chiang Mai Old City temples and Doi Suthep visit
- Ethical elephant sanctuary visit
- Services of a trip captain throughout the tour
- Indian meal options on request, subject to availability
- Assistance from our travel experts
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa fees and processing, where applicable
- Travel insurance
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses, laundry, tips and porterage
- Optional activities and entry fees not listed
- Local city or tourism taxes payable at the hotel, where applicable
- Anything not listed under inclusions
- GST and TCS as applicable
Other Info
Must carry
- Passport and visa copies, where applicable
- Return flight tickets
- Copy of travel insurance
- Forex or an international card
- Universal power adapter (Thailand uses 220V)
- Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
- Light jacket for Chiang Mai evenings
Notes
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
- Standard hotel check-in is around 2 pm and check-out around 12 noon.
- The order of the itinerary may change due to weather, road, flight or operational conditions, without reducing the sights covered.
- Rates and availability are confirmed at the time of booking.
- Cancellation and refund are as per our Terms & Conditions.
- This is a group departure and runs on minimum numbers; we will inform you in advance if a departure needs to change.
- A trip captain accompanies the group throughout.
- Domestic flights carry baggage limits that are usually lower than international flights; details are shared at booking.
- The Grand Palace and temples require covered shoulders and knees; guests who are not dressed appropriately may be refused entry.
- Chiang Mai can be cool in the early morning and evening from November to February.
See our Terms & Conditions for payment and cancellation rules.