Royal Splendours of Thailand

Our Carbon Neutral flights depart from Sydney International Airport with our Fun Over 50 Tour Host on a direct flight to Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok. Meet and greet with a local guide at the airport for private transfer to the hotel. We gather later for a welcome dinner where you will get to meet your fellow travellers and Fun Over 50 Holidays tour host.

We begin at Wat Phra Kaew, home to the world’s largest solid emerald Buddha, before crossing the old city streets to admire the even larger Buddha statue at Wat Pho. In the afternoon, we glide through charming canals aboard a traditional longtail boat. This evening, immerse yourself in Thailand’s vibrant history through performance dance at Thara Thong, an authentic Thai dining venue set in a beautifully crafted teakwood pavilion.

We start early with a drive to Ratchaburi to visit the Damnoen Saduak floating market. A long-tail boat ride takes us through canals to the bustling market, where hundreds of boats gather. We then head to Kanchanaburi to see the famous “Bridge over the River Kwai”, built in 1942 as part of the Thailand-Burma railway during WWII. Here, we also visit the war museum and cemetery before boarding the infamous Death Railway.

Spend the morning exploring Erawan Waterfalls, where seven cascading tiers drop 1,500 metres down rugged cliffs, surrounded by lush forest filled with diverse trees and orchids. In the afternoon, we visit the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum, a section of the Death Railway built by POWs during World War II.

We venture to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand to explore temple ruins and crumbling pagodas. Here, explore Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon temple, which is home to a fortune teller. Continue to Wat Phanan Choeng, Ayutthaya’s version of the Taj Mahal and one of its oldest temples. Following lunch, we visit Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, a temple that forbids monks to enter (due to its ‘royal’ status), and then on to Wat Mahathat, a highly sacred temple famous for its Lord Buddha relics and traditional style.

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We continue to Suphanburi province to visit Sam Chuk Market, a century-old wooden marketplace on the west bank of the Tha Chin River, showcasing traditional architecture and intricate wood carvings. Next, we head to Uthai Thani for a relaxing cruise and lunch aboard a traditional rice barge, drifting past picturesque countryside. After the cruise, we journey to Sukhothai, the first ancient capital of Siam, founded in the 13th century.

This morning, we explore Sukhothai Historical Park, home to the ruins of royal palaces, Buddhist temples, city gates, moats, and an ancient water control system that once formed the spiritual and political heart of the kingdom. We visit the Royal Palace and Wat Mahathat, a moated complex with two main sections the royal compound and the sanctuary. Wat Mahathat, Sukhothai’s largest temple, features a distinctive lotus-bud-shaped chedi. Later, we continue to Si Satchanalai to explore its historic temples, including Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, Chang Lom, Nang Phaya, and Chedi Chet Thaeo. We then visit other key landmarks before returning to our hotel.

Upon arriving in Chiang Mai, we explore the city’s most renowned landmarks, including Doi Suthep, one of Thailand’s most stunning temples. A traditional rickshaw ride takes us through bustling markets, historic temples, and cultural sites. After checking in at our hotel, we unwind before heading out for a special evening. Tonight, we experience a traditional Khantoke dinner, savouring authentic Thai cuisine while enjoying live dance and music performances by local hill tribe communities.

** Lunch is at your own expense today.

This morning, we visit ChangChill Elephant Reserve to learn about its efforts in protecting and conserving free-roaming elephants. From a safe distance, we observe these gentle giants as they graze and interact in their natural habitat. Expert local guides provide insights into elephant behaviour, sustainable tourism, and conservation initiatives. Enjoy refreshments near the elephants’ mud pit before a scenic riverside lunch in a Sala (pavilion) alongside them. Later, we explore Chiang Mai’s vibrant handicraft markets, discovering regional crafts such as silk umbrella painting, cotton weaving, and lacquerware—an ancient art of layering black lacquer on wooden objects.

Today, we journey to Chiang Rai to explore its unique cultural landmarks. We visit Wat Rong Khun, the stunning White Temple, followed by the Hill Tribe Museum. Next, we head to Baan Dam (Black House), a striking park filled with impressive black-wood structures adorned with intricate carvings, animal skins, and horn installations. We then visit the Blue Temple, designed by a local Chiang Rai artist and former collaborator on the White Temple. Its vivid blue architecture reflects a modern interpretation of Buddhist art. Finally, we continue to the Mae Chan area and check in at our hotel.

Begin the day with the meaningful experience of giving alms to a monk on horseback, a traditional Buddhist practice of offering food. Later, we take part in a Thai cooking class, where you’ll prepare two authentic dishes and a dessert. In the afternoon, we fly from Chiang Rai back to Bangkok for our final night. This evening, we celebrate with a stylish dinner cruise, gliding along the river past Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks, beautifully illuminated under the night sky.

A late check-out is arranged for today (18:00). Enjoy a free day at your leisure, whether relaxing or exploring the city’s shopping options. This evening, we transfer to Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok for our respective Carbon Neutral overnight flights home, scheduled to arrive back in Sydney at 7.30am on 8 November 2025.

**Lunch and dinner are at own expense.