Explore culture of Thailand & Cambodia 10 Days

Explore the rich cultural heritage of Thailand and Cambodia on a 14-day tour, packed with exciting activities and sightseeing experiences. Starting in Bangkok, you’ll visit the city’s iconic landmarks and vibrant markets before heading out to nearby destinations like the floating market, Kanchanaburi, and Ayutthaya.

One of the highlights of the tour is an overnight train journey from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai, where you’ll spend a full day exploring the ancient city and experiencing an elephant jungle sanctuary. You’ll also visit the remote hill tribe village and observe the fascinating ways of life there.

Moving on to Northern Thailand, you’ll witness the stunning landscapes of Doi Mae Salong and Chiang Rai before reaching the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Burma, and Laos meet at the confluence of the Mekong River. You’ll take a boat trip to explore this unique region before returning to Bangkok for a flight to Siem Reap.

In Siem Reap, you’ll visit the magnificent temples of Angkor, including both the highlighted and outlying temples, and learn about the rich history and culture of Cambodia. You’ll also spend time walking in a traditional village and exploring a floating community before flying to Phnom Penh for the last leg of the tour.

In Phnom Penh, you’ll visit the city’s top attractions and learn about its tragic past before departing for home. This 14-day tour of Thailand and Cambodia promises to be an unforgettable adventure filled with cultural immersion, scenic beauty, and exciting experiences.

Highlights

• Visit Bangkok city and nearby area such as floating market, Kanchanaburi and Ayutthaya
• Take an overnight train trip from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai to visit the city along with elephant experience
• Visit ethnic hill tribe village to see how they live on about daily life
• Observe Thailand, Burma & Laos, confluence at the Golden Triangle on Mekong river by a boat
• Visit the complex of Angkor with both highlighted and outlying temples
• Spend 1 night in Phnom Penh, visiting around there before back to your hometown

Itinerary in Brief

Day 1: Bangkok Arrival (-)

Day 2: Bangkok Full Day City Tour (B)

Day 3: Bangkok – Damnoen Saduak Floating Market – Kanchanaburi (B)

Day 4: Kanchanaburi – Erawan Waterfalls – Ayutthaya (B)

Day 5: Ayutthaya Historical Park – Night train to Chiang Mai (B) no guide on train

Day 6: Chiang Mai Full Day City Tour (B)

Day 7: Chiang Mai – Elephant Jungle Sanctuary (B, L) join in with shared transfer

Day 8: Chiang Mai – Doi Mae Salong – Chiang Rai (B)

Day 9: Chiang Rai City Tour – Chiang Khong (B)

Day 10: Chiang Khong – Golden Triangle – Chiang Rai – Flight to Bangkok – Flight to Siem Reap (B)

Full Itinerary

  • Day 1: Bangkok Arrival

    Warmly welcome you on arrival at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport. We will pick you up with a comfortable vehicle to the center of Bangkok to check-in your hotel, then take your time to have a rest after a long flight.

  • Day 2: Bangkok Full Day City Tour (B)

    Today, we will take the whole day to explore Bangkok – the city of golden temples.

    The first destination is the Grand Palace. This huge architecture complex is over 2 sq. kilometers, including 3 main sites: Royal Palace, Royal Office and pagodas (Wat) built in 1770s. Nowadays, the Grand Palace is no longer home of Thailand Royal, most of national significant events takes place there.

    Wat Phra Kaew is the most out-standing architecture in complex, built in 1785 when King Rama I moved the capital to Bangkok. Wat Pra Kwae is famous not only for its beauty of unique Thailand Buddhism architecture but also for the sacred jade Buddha statue. Thai people believe that the statue will bring back fortune and prosperity for the nation.

    Nearby Grand Palace is Wat Pho – the oldest and biggest pagoda in Bangkok with more than 1000 Buddha statues and the huge one sit-back Buddha in gold. This pagoda is also famous for being a birthplace of traditional Thai massage, since there is a traditional medicine school established in 1982, educating the arts of Thai massage.

    The Wat Pho wall-surrounded complex was divided into 2 by Soi Chetuphon running along East – West. The Northern complex is the one including the in gold Buddha statue and massage school mentioned above. The Southern complex, Tukgawee, is a monastery and a school.

    After having lunch by your own account, we visit the last destination of the day: Wat Traimit. This pagoda is famous for its unique and historic beauty, and also for the huge golden Buddha statue. Thai people believe that the statue represents for prosperity and purity, as well as strength and power. The Golden Statue was defined to be built in Sukhothai period, the 13-15th century – one of the most famous periods of Thai Buddhism architecture.

     

    We will board on a boat to pay a visit along the Chao Phraya River, watching the life of local people close by.

    On route, we stop at Wat Arun, known as the most beautiful pagoda in Bangkok not only for its location on the Chao Phraya’s riverbank but also for the different architecture from other pagodas. “Arun” means sunrise, but it is most beautiful in the sunset. The pagoda was decorated with glass pieces and Chinese ceramic, in a complicated style. You can climb up to the top of Wat Arun to see Chao Phraya, Grand Palace and Wat Pho at the opposite side.

    Return to the hotel and you are free to explore Bangkok by night.

  • Day 3: Bangkok – Damnoen Saduak Floating Market – Kanchanaburi (B)

    Early in the morning, after having breakfast, we pay a visit to Meaklong Railway Market – a local market has grown up along the rail tracks. When a train pulls in or out of the station, the sellers quickly clear their stalls, and set them up again when the train has passed.

    We continue our way to Damnoen Saduak Floating market, which is specialized in trading fruits, vegetables, etc… by small boat. In the old days, floating markets were formed because roads and means of road traffic have not developed.

    Due to the demand for buying and selling goods, people gather in the river by means such as boats. Nowadays, despite the fact that the road network has developed everywhere, floating market still exists and develops more and more.

    We transfer to Kanchanaburi, check-in the hotel there and then you are free to relax.

  • Day 4: Kanchanaburi – Erawan Waterfalls – Ayutthaya (B)

    Today morning, we pick up from hotel to visit the JEATH War Museum, which has the name standing for countries taking part in the World War II death railway construction from 1942 to 1945: Japan, England, America, Australia, Thailand and Holland.

    As the name suggests, JEATH War Museum exhibits photographs and illustrations reflecting the living condition of prisoners of war during that cruel time, some of which were donated by former prisoners who survived after war.

    We continue to Erawan Waterfall, considered as the most beautiful waterfall of Thailand. This is such an impressive series of seven tiers, each with a shape and character on its own.

    Originating from the Monglai Stream, water flows down from the hill at height of 2000m and flows into the Khwae Yai River. The waterfall is named after the legendary three-headed white elephant living in the Himavarna forest.

    Back to the city, we go to Kanchanaburi the famous Bridge over the River Kwai, the most important landmark of this city. We continue boarding a train ride along the railway death, Railway enthusiasts can travel on one of the historic routes to Southeast Asia, the remaining part of the “Death railway”.

     

    We transfer to Ayutthaya, check-in the hotel and you are free to relax.

  • Day 5: Ayutthaya Historical Park – Night train to Chiang Mai (B) no guide on train

    Having a breakfast and today we will pay a visit to some sites of Ayutthaya Historical Park, situated in the old city of Ayutthaya. The city was constructed by Ramathibodi I in 1350 and was the capital of Thailand until it was destroyed by Burmese – Myanmar army in 1767. 

    Being a ruin with many temples which characterize this type of architecture built with red bricks, the park was recognized as World’s Heritage Site by UNESCO.

    – Wat Phu Khao Thong is a massive pagoda towering in the middle of paddy fields and can be seen from afar. Built by King Ramesuan in 1395, the pagoda is unique with the combination of 2 architectural styles: Thai – style and Mon – style. There is a high golden plated chedi on the top, which makes the pagoda outstanding.

    – Wat Phra Sri Sanphet was the most important temple of Ayutthaya and situated within the Ayutthaya Grand Palace grounds. It served as a model for the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok. The highlight of Wat Phra Sri Sanphet is 3 towers standing high together in Ceylonese style, has the same architecture with Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok.

    – Vihara Phra Mongkhon Bophit is the pagoda in which the bronze Buddha statue in the attitude of subduing Mara is situated. This is one of the biggest Buddha statue in Thailand. It was considered to be built during the Ayuttaya period of King Srongta, who transferred the location from the east side to the west and has been the location since then. After that he ordered to build a dome on top.

    – Wat Lokaya Sutha is considered as the sacred place for pilgrims since it’s famous for the reclining Buddha statue, which is the statue of the Blessed Buddha intact compared to other monuments in the entire Ayutthaya ruins. It is also the most important relics in most of those in Wat Lokaya Sutha. Thai people believe that if they paste the golden leaf onto Buddha statues, they will be protected by Buddha. 

    In the evening, we board on an overnight train to Chiang Mai.

  • Day 6: Chiang Mai Full Day City Tour (B)

    Today morning, we have a walking tour to the old town with a stop at the old wall, the moat and a door of the old town. You will see the most beautiful temples of Chiang Mai: Wat Phra Singh temple

    The temple, which is also known as “The Monastery of the Lion Buddha” or “The temple of the Lion Buddha” is an active temple, with hundreds of monks and novices living there. The Wat Phra Singh houses a number of highly revered and very old Buddha images. Moreover, it is one of the finest examples of classic Lanna style temple architecture in Northern Thailand.

    The next is Wat Phan Tao, an ancient temple sitting right next to the sacred Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai town. It is known for its exquisite Lanna-style ordination hall (Wihan) entirely made of teakwood, which served as a throne hall during the reign of King Mahotara Prateth.

    Next to Wat Phan Tao is Wat Chedi LuangThis is a Buddhist temple in the historic centre of Chiang Mai, Thailand. The current temple grounds were originally made up of three temples — Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Ho Tham and Wat Sukmin.

    Wat Chedi Luang’s massive chedi (pagoda) was built sometime between 1385 and 1402, during the reign of King Saen Muang Ma, 7th ruler of the Mengrai dynasty and is a distinctive feature of the Chiang Mai skyline.

    Then you will stroll along small streets lined with traditional houses, where you will take a rickshaw tour. After that, you will take a walking through the central market of Warorot

    Among the numerous markets in Chiang Mai, this is one of the most well-known, located right in the center of town. Warorot Market is a great spot for travelers wanting to experience the true Thai culture and daily life. You can buy almost anything at Warorot Market, a real mixed bag of everything.

    In the afternoon we visit the Doi Suthep hill

    The mountain’s temple is one of the most historically and spiritually significant places in Thailand and, as such, large numbers of Thais and foreigners alike come to experience the special magic of this holy place. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is an impressive embodiment of the Lanna (northern Thai) culture and is a symbol deeply cherished by the people of Chiang Mai.

    Return to the hotel and you can relax or enjoy going to the night market.

  • Day 7: Chiang Mai – Elephant Jungle Sanctuary (B, L) join in with shared transfer
    08:00 – 08:30 : Pick up from your hotel or accommodation
    08:30 : Drive approximately 1.5 hours South of Chiang Mai through rolling hills, forest, and local farming areas.
    10:30 : Arrive at the Sanctuary. Meet your guide and walk for 10-15 minutes through the Jungle to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. Change into traditional Karen clothing. Enjoy an introductory lesson about elephant anatomy, history, and behavior.
    11:00 : Meet the elephants. Feed, interact, and play with the elephants in a natural environment as you learn about their behavior and history. Take photos with the elephants.
    12:00 : Enjoy a lunch of traditional Thai food and fresh fruit.
    13:00 : Learn how to make herbal medicine balls, feed the Elephants and then walk with the elephants to the river. Bathe and brush the elephants.
    14:00 : Join the elephants for a therapeutic mud spa. Swim in the river and take photos with the elephants.
    15:00 : Change clothes and say good bye to the elephants
    15:30 : Leave the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and drive approximately 1.5 hours to Chiang Mai.
    17:00-17:30 : Drop off at your hotel or accommodation.
  • Day 8: Chiang Mai – Doi Mae Salong – Chiang Rai (B)

    After a leisurely breakfast, we head to Doi Mae Salong Mountain, one of Chiang Rai’s main attractions.

    We will first visit to the remote Akha ethnic village where you can explore the delicious Chinese Cuisine, tea & coffee plantation as well as their traditions & life style.

    We will then visit a Yao Hill village populated by an ethnic minority from southern China. It is the only local tribune to have their own written language and their houses are built of wood.

    Lastly we will continue to the village of Santi Kiri known for tea and coffee plantations, local wines and medical herbs. The locals come from Yunnan Province and are descendants of Chinese refugees from 50 years ago.

    The region is famous for its Chinese tea traders – so enjoy a cup of tea in a traditional Chinese tea house overlooking the mountains and tea fields.

  • Day 9: Chiang Rai City Tour – Chiang Khong (B)

    Morning after breakfast, we will visit the local market to discover the local products.

    After that we visit the world famous Wat Phra Kaew, one of the oldest and most revered temple in Chiang Rai city. The Wat Phra Kaew is an important temple in Thai history, as it was here where the Emerald Buddha was discovered in the year 1434 after lightning struck the chedi where it was kept. The Emerald Buddha or Phra Kaew Morakot is the most highly.

    We also visit the famous Wat Rong Khun. Only a transparent white color from the towers to the Buddha statues, Wat Rong Khun is equally noteworthy as the gold-plated temples typical of Thailand’s smiley country. This is a combination of unique Thai architecture and realistic depiction style Completed in the late 20th century, the temple is one of the attractive destinations to both a large number of Thai and foreign tourists.

    We can’t miss Wat Rong Seur TenIt stands out among other magnificent temples in Thailand thanks to the enchanting green. This unique green building is one of the pride of Chiang Rai city.  Not only by the rare and magical blue, the temple is covered by meticulous, sophisticated and gilded decorative details.

    We have lunch then take a boat to cruise on Mae Kok river from Chiang Rai to Karen village where you can watch elephants or feed them.

    Transfer to Chiang Khong for overnight.

  • Day 10: Chiang Khong – Golden Triangle – Chiang Rai – Flight to Bangkok – Flight to Siem Reap (B)

    Today morning, we take a boat trip along Mekong River to see Thailand, Burma & Laos, confluence at the Golden Triangle. The Golden Triangle is known for its beautiful scenery. Some of the sights in the area include a large golden Buddha image seated in a boat, an ancient temple on a hill.

    Back to Chiang Rai Airport for a flight to Bangkok connecting with a flight to Siem Reap.

    Arrival in Siem Reap, go to check-in hotel for overnight.

  • Day 11: Siem Reap – Angkor Highlighted Temples (B)

    Beat the crowd early morning by 7 am; visit the picturesque Ta Prohm that had nearly disappeared into the jungle and remains overgrown, an oddly haunting and exotic scene. The magnificent roots of a tree, pushing between the huge stone blocks of the temple in a sort of embrace, evoke feelings that you may remember forever.

    And continue to visit the intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat – one of the world’s most impressive ruins.  The temple still owns fine Apsara carvings in Angkorian era art.

    Afternoon, explore the mysterious Royal city Angkor Thom & Bayon. Its 54-tower temple is an awesome sight. At first glance it seems a shapeless mass of stone, but further scrutiny reveals a face, and then another and another one, until suddenly you are engulfed by the silent, heavy, enigmatic and silent gaze through half-closed eyes, staring out from a primitive and remote time.

    Further, visit the surroundings of the complex including the Baphuon, Elephant Terrace, Lepper King Terrace and Royal Place area.

  • Day 12: Siem Reap – Angkor Outlying Temples (B)

    7am, drive to the rural outskirt 35km from Angkor area to visit the smallest, but magnificent, Banteay Srei built in the 10th Century and dedicated to Shiva.

    The temple was the birthplace of Khmer classical style architecture and the bas-relief work is the best example of Khmer classical art remaining. The pink sandstone structure bears a series of striking and beautiful sculptures, lintels, pediments and friezes. Khmers say the temple must have been carved by women for the details are too fine for the hands of a man.

    Drive on to Chau Srei Vibol which is a small charming temple on top of a hill which hardly sees any visitors – very few non-locals have heard of it, and it is set just far enough away from the main tourist routes.

    Continue to the ancient Khmer civilization site of Hariharalaya which flourished in the late 9th and earlier 10th centuries. These are the earliest temples in the Angkor area and are referred to the Rolous group we visit the main one called Bakhong temple.

  • Day 13: Siem Reap – Village Walking & Floating Community – Flight to Phnom Penh (B)

    Morning transfer out of the Siem Reap town to a beautiful village in the countryside, you will start to walk through the village houses, witnessing very nice and different activities from the locals for their daily life. Just as some examples: how the locals wash vehicles, selling gasoline in whiskey bottles or the small shops where the locals sell food on the side of small streets.

    Enjoy a view of this wonderful area and interact with very kindly people in the village. Leisurely walk through the rice paddies and see how this family doing daily work such as making rice wine, handicraft works meanwhile a member of the family will offer you a fresh coconut and some homemade rice wine to taste.

    Hop in your van for driving onward to the next destination, a floating community, arrive at the quay for embarking on a motorized boat to visit floating houses village offering an incredible natural phenomenon of making their lives from the lake in a respectful and meaningful way. This is a great chance to witness one of Cambodia and the world’s most amazing natural wonders.

    Drive back to Siem Reap. (Note***floating community is recommended from September to February).

  • Day 14: Phnom Penh Full Day City Tour – Departure (B)

    Set out on a city tour to visit the Royal Place built in 1866 by King Norodom; Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5,000 silver tiles and located within the Royal Palace compound, and visit Tuol Sleng Museum, a reminder of the Khmer Rouge regime.

    The peaceful stretch of green fields of Cheung Ek may not indicate what kinds of horrors have taken place there. Situated 17km from Phnom Penh town, Cheung Ek was made famous by the movie “The Killing Fields”.

    Nowadays, a large memorial has been built to commemorate the 17,000 victims who died here under the reign of Khmer Rouge leader, Pol Pot. The remnants inside the memorial and the mass graves that dot the area remind you of the suffering of the victims.

    This journey into Cambodia’s past will provide you with a background on the cruelty of the Khmer Rouge regime. It will also give you an appreciation of the struggle that Cambodian people have faced and their tremendous courage to move on and rebuild their nation.

    Continue to visit the Russian market and end the trip with a visit of the Wat Phnom Temple, Phnom Penh’s namesake, from where you can enjoy views over the tree-lined avenues of Phnom Penh during sunset.

    In the later afternoon we enjoy the boat cruise 1 hour along the Mekong River to view the sunset. Then transferred to Phnom Penh airport for your departure to the next destination.

    Then transfer to Phnom Penh airport for you’re an international flight back to your hometown.

Price

Accommodation

Superior
Location Accommodation name Star Room Type
Bangkok Silom Serene a, Boutique Hotel, Bangkok 3* Deluxe room
Kanchanaburi Royal River Kwai Resort Superior
Ayutthaya Classic Kameo Hotel Deluxe
Chiang Mai White Boutique hotel Deluxe
Chiang Rai Laluna Hotel & Resort Garden Bungalow
Chiang Khong Chiangkhong Teak Garden Riverfront Hotel 3* Resort Garden View
1st class
Location Accommodation name Star Room Type
Bangkok Centre Point Hotel Silom 4* Deluxe Canal
Kanchanaburi U Inchantree Kanchanaburi Superior
Ayutthaya Kantary Hotel Studio suite
Chiang Mai Bohdi Serene Superior
Chiang Rai Le Patta Chiang Rai Superior
Chiang Khong Fortune Riverview Chiangkhong 4* Superior Pool View
Deluxe
Location Accommodation name Star Room Type
Bangkok Pullman Bangkok Hotel G Premium Deluxe room
Kanchanaburi U Inchantree Kanchanaburi Deluxe
Ayutthaya Kantary Hotel One Bedroom suite
Chiang Mai The Riverie Chiang Rai Deluxe Garden
Chiang Khong Fortune Riverview Chiangkhong 4* Deluxe Pool View

Trip Note

Our rates include :

  • English-speaking guide during visit time.
  • Transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle.
  • All the excursions and visits mentioned.
  • Entrance tickets/boat. 
  • 2nd class night train ticket Ayutthaya – Chiang Mai.
  • Meals mentioned. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
  • Double/Twin Room in mentioned or similar hotels.
  • Water and cool towels in car.
  • Taxes and service charges.

Our rates do not include:

  • International/domestic flights.
  • Early check-in/ late check-out.
  • Alcoholic beverages, bottled water, beverages other than those included with meals.
  • Telephone call charges.
  • Laundry.
  • Travel insurance (compulsory).
  • Personal purchases such as souvenirs, cigarettes, etc.
  • Tips for guides, drivers, porters.
  • Visa.
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