Hello everyone! I'm Zane, and I completed a wonderful 7-day tour in Thailand with Autour Asia. This journey allowed me to explore Bangkok and northern Thailand, including Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, Chiang Rai, and Chiang Mai, combining cultural discoveries, natural landscapes, and authentic local experiences. For those considering a visit to Thailand, here's a detailed day-by-day guide of my experience, complete with practical tips and personal impressions to help you plan your trip!
1. Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok
Our Bangkok and Northern Thailand adventure begins in vibrant Bangkok, a city where modernity and tradition coexist perfectly. Upon arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport, we were warmly greeted by an Autour Asia representative who took us to our hotel for check-in.
Bangkok is a bustling metropolis known for glittering skyscrapers, golden temples, and lively street life. It’s also one of the best places in the world for street food, with endless stands offering an incredible variety of local dishes.
The afternoon was free, allowing us to soak up the city's unique atmosphere. We chose to explore Thai street food, tasting essentials like pad Thai, mango sticky rice, and grilled chicken skewers. To add some adventure, we took a tuk-tuk ride through the bustling streets of Chinatown and Khao San Road.
At the end of the day, we paused by the Chao Phraya River, enjoying a breathtaking sunset over Wat Arun - a truly unforgettable sight.
Tips for Bangkok:
Floating markets and street food are must-tries for an authentic culinary experience.
Always carry cash, as many small businesses don't accept cards.
2. Day 2: Excursion to Bang Pa-In and rural landscapes
On second day, we left the bustle of Bangkok behind, heading to Nakhon Pathom, a province often overlooked by tourists but offering a fascinating glimpse of rural Thailand. At Wat Suwannaram pier, we boarded a long-tail boat for a peaceful cruise along Maha Sawat canal.
Off the usual tourist track, this area reveals an authentic Thailand of lotus fields, farms, and lush orchards. The boat ride offered insights into the traditional lifestyles of the local residents living by the water.
We then traveled onward to Ayutthaya, enjoying a local lunch before visiting Bang Pa-In Summer Palace. Surrounded by lush gardens and shimmering ponds, the palace reflects Thai, Chinese, and European influences, highlighting the elegance of King Rama V's royal era.
Tips:
Bring a hat and sunscreen as the day can get very hot, especially on the water.
For photographers, Bang Pa-In Palace is ideal for capturing beautiful reflections of the royal pavilions in the ponds.
3. Day 3: Exploring Ayutthaya and Lopburi, the city of monkeys
Our day started early with a trip to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located along the Chao Phraya River, about 76 kilometers from Bangkok, this city was once a thriving cultural and trade center before its destruction in 1767.
Upon arrival, we explored the historical ruins of several iconic temples:
Wat Chai Mongkol, still active with a community of Buddhist nuns maintaining spiritual teachings.
Wat Mahathat, famous for its Buddha head entwined in tree roots, one of Thailand's most photographed icons.
Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, once a royal chapel, renowned for its majestic stupas.
We then headed to Lopburi, famous for Phra Prang Sam Yod, a Khmer-style Hindu sanctuary with three impressive towers. The temple is inhabited by hundreds of playful, curious macaques, making it uniquely popular among visitors.
After a well-deserved lunch in a local restaurant, we traveled to Phitsanulok, an important northern city situated along the Nan River and known for housing one of Thailand's most revered Buddhas, Phra Buddha Chinnarat.
After an enriching day, we arrived in Phitsanulok in the evening, ready for our exploration of Sukhothai the next day.
Tips:
Wear light, breathable clothing; Ayutthaya and Lopburi can be very hot.
Avoid open plastic bags or visible food in Lopburi, as monkeys might try to grab them.
Bring mosquito repellent, especially during morning or evening temple visits.
4. Day 4: Sukhothai, Thailand’s historical gem
Our fourth day began exploring Sukhothai, a key historical site whose name means "Dawn of Happiness." This ancient capital, founded in the 13th century, flourished under the Phra Ruang dynasty and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991.
We toured Sukhothai Historical Park by bicycle, a delightful way to see the extensive ruins, temples, stupas, and Buddha statues amidst ponds and lush greenery. A highlight was Wat Sri Chum, home to a monumental 15-meter Buddha statue covered partly in gold leaf. After this immersion in history, we stopped for lunch at a local restaurant, where we enjoyed typical northern Thai dishes such as khao soi (curry noodles) and nam ngiao (spicy tomato soup).
In the afternoon, we continued our journey toward Chiang Rai, making a stop at Phayao Lake, a peaceful natural site nestled in the valley of the Ing River. The lake is surrounded by small stalls selling local snacks and handicrafts, allowing us to sample regional specialties while enjoying a gentle breeze.
For good luck, we participated in a local tradition of feeding the lake's fish, a practice believed to bring fortune and prosperity. This relaxing lakeside break at sunset was a calming moment before reaching Chiang Rai in the evening.
Tips:
Rent bicycles to explore Sukhothai, as the park is expansive.
Take time to appreciate the serene Lake Phayao, a relaxing stop before arriving in Chiang Rai.
5. Day 5: Colorful temples and the Golden Triangle
On the fifth day of our "Bangkok and Northern Thailand in 7 days" tour, our morning began with visits to two must-see temples in Chiang Rai. Our first stop was Wat Rong Khun, more famously known as the White Temple. This contemporary masterpiece, designed by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, blends Buddhist art with spiritual symbolism, featuring dazzling white facades that shimmer brilliantly under the sun. Next, we explored Wat Rong Suea Ten, or the Blue Temple, distinguished by its vibrant blue hues and striking golden decorations. Inside, a large white Buddha statue sits majestically, surrounded by detailed murals depicting the story of Buddha.
Later, we visited the Golden Triangle, the famous meeting point of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. From a viewpoint, we admired the confluence of the Mekong and Ruak rivers, which naturally form the boundaries between the three countries. After enjoying the panoramic view, we visited the Hall of Opium, a fascinating museum showcasing the history of the opium trade in the region and its impact on local communities.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we began our journey to Chiang Mai, a drive of about three hours through the mountains and lush green landscapes of northern Thailand. Upon our evening arrival, we visited Wat Doi Suthep, perched on a hill overlooking the city. Climbing the 306 naga steps brought us to a dazzling golden temple, where the spiritual atmosphere was enhanced by the monks' chanting resonating throughout the sacred grounds. This peaceful moment marked a wonderful conclusion to a day filled with discoveries.
6. Day 6: Chiang Mai & Araksa Tea Garden
We began with an excursion into the lush green hills of Mae Tang district, home to the Araksa Tea Garden. Nestled in a picturesque, hilly landscape, this estate specializes in the production of organic Assam tea, one of Thailand's most renowned black teas.
The tour begins with an introduction to the tea-growing process, from selecting the leaves to their transformation. We had the opportunity to harvest tea leaves ourselves before observing the traditional roasting process, done entirely by hand. The experience was enriching, giving us deeper insight into the art of tea-making, which plays an essential role in local culture. We concluded with a tasting at Araksa Tea House, savoring a cup of hot tea with rich, subtle aromas, accompanied by local delicacies.
After immersing ourselves in the world of tea, we had the chance to visit an ethical elephant sanctuary, where we could feed and observe these majestic animals in a respectful environment. Accompanied by experienced caretakers, this experience provided insight into conservation efforts aimed at protecting elephants in Thailand.
In the afternoon, we returned to Chiang Mai and enjoyed a relaxing break at the hotel before setting off again for an evening exploration of the city in an electric tuk-tuk. This eco-friendly transportation took us through Chiang Mai's historic streets, visiting iconic sites, including Wat Sri Suphan, also known as the Silver Temple. Here, we received a blessing from monks - a deeply spiritual and calming experience.
To conclude this beautiful day, we had dinner by the Ping River, savoring khao soi, a traditional northern Thai curry noodle soup. The peaceful ambiance of the restaurant contrasted wonderfully with the city's vibrant energy, offering a serene ending to the evening. Those wishing to extend their experience could enjoy Chiang Mai's lively bars and pubs, where live music and conversations among travelers created a welcoming atmosphere.
7. Day 7: End of the journey and departure
After breakfast, we enjoyed our last moments in Chiang Mai before transferring to the airport. This trip offered an immersive experience into Thai culture, vibrant cities, historic sites, and stunning natural scenery.
Thanks to seamless organization and passionate guides, we were able to fully enjoy this adventure without any logistical worries. This 7-day trip in Thailand with Autour Asia allowed us to explore the diverse aspects of the country, meet its warm-hearted people, and experience truly authentic moments. We leave with deep admiration for Thailand and a definite desire to return one day. If you're considering a trip to Thailand and prefer not to worry about planning every detail, this tour is an ideal option. Perfectly designed for a 7-day visit to Bangkok and northern Thailand, it beautifully blends modern experiences, historical exploration, and Thailand's stunning natural scenery.
Feel free to contact Autour Asia, your reliable your trusted
Thailand travel agency. Our experienced travel specialists are here to provide personalized recommendations and valuable insights to make your adventure unforgettable.
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