Trip details

As the bygone capital of the kingdom of Siam, Ayutthaya acts as a great, open-air museum. On walks, bicycle rides and rice barge cruises, your head will be left spinning by the ancient architecture. Look out for ruined stupas, temples, monasteries and palaces including some of Thailand's oldest and most impressive temples, and striking statues of Buddha including Wat Phra Mahthat where a stone head is suspended in the roots of a giant banyan tree and the golden figure at Wat Panan Choeng, which stands at 19 metres high and was said to have shed tears when the city crumbled.

There is history at every turn in Kanchanaburi, most recognisable as the site of the very real bridge over the River Kwai. You will have the chance to remember this tragic era whilst walking the very same paths (including the notorious Hellfire Pass) that thousands of Thai people did as they were forced to build what became known as the 'Death Railway'. Scenic trails surround this poignant landmark, which you can explore on hikes into Erawan National Park, ending with a cooling dip in the nearby falls.

Bangkok is everything all at once with a wealth of history, architecture and cuisine to absorb. One of the most famous sights is the Grand Palace, which remains a pilgrimage destination for devout Buddhists cuts a striking figure, and on its grounds you'll find the serene Temple of the Emerald Buddha. On a tour of the city, you can also visit world-renowned Jim Thomson's teak house, the gleaming Temple of Dawn and around 400 others, fascinating museums and markets that sell everything from fresh blooms to fabulous street food. Why not take a longtail boat ride down the Chao Phraya River for the best view of Bangkok and end off with a riverside cocktail?

In the northernmost reaches of Thailand, Chiang Rai is tranquillity personified. Surrounded by nothing but lush, rolling hills, towering mountains and dense jungle, trekking is number one on the 'to do' list. Along the way, learn about the lives and customs of a hill tribe village, take a dip in hot springs or waterfall-replenished pools, go white-water rafting, or spend time with the elephants at a nearby sanctuary. Chiang Rai is home to incredible temples including the gilded Wat Rong Suea Ten, Wat Rong Khun (which looks like it was carved out of ice), Wat Huay Pla Lang's towering goddess statue and the golden clock tower. You can also cycle into the countryside or take in the Cultural Triangle's ancient history.

Embedded high in the hills of Thailand's cultural heartlands, Chiang Mai was once the capital of the Lanna kingdom. Discover its history, which is evident in every building including the many beautiful temples. Visit the supremely sacred Wat Phra That Doi Suthep for a peaceful moment spent overlooking the city below. Astounding natural surroundings are on your doorstep, which means scenic cycles, trekking and river rafting in the jungle, visiting an elephant sanctuary and meeting members of northern Thailand's ancient hill tribes. After all that, you're bound to be peckish so head to the Night Bazaar for a taste of local Lanna cuisine like Khao Soi curry, Chiang Mai sausages and Miang Kham wraps.