Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai

At last, the wait is over, as today you will fly to Thailand with connecting flights along the way.

You’ll arrive in Thailand’s vibrant capital, Bangkok. After passing through immigration and collecting your luggage, you’ll meet your guide in the arrivals hall at Door B, Gate 6. Your guide will be wearing the TourCompass uniform and carrying a TourCompass sign, making it easy for you to spot them. From here, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the heart of Bangkok – and even on the way, you’ll get your first glimpse of the city’s grandeur and its bustling, energetic atmosphere.

Once you’ve checked in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish. Depending on when you land – and how much energy you have – you might simply want to relax at the hotel or perhaps take a short stroll in the local area. If you’re feeling adventurous, step out into the streets of Bangkok for a first taste of the city. You’ll discover an intoxicating maze of sights and sounds, with food options ranging from tiny street stalls to trendy fusion restaurants. If you fancy, you could visit neon-lit Chinatown, sample the delights of Soi 38 in Sukhumvit, experience the roadside kitchens at Victory Monument, or soak up the lively riverside vibe at Asiatique The Riverfront, where restaurants, shops, and a vibrant evening scene unfold along the water’s edge.

If you still have some energy left, why not round off your day with a drink at one of the city’s sky bars, taking in the stunning views over the illuminated metropolis before retreating for a well-deserved night’s rest.

You’ll wake up in Thailand’s bustling capital — a city of striking contrasts where futuristic skyscrapers rise beside ancient temples, and modern skytrains glide several metres above the streets while traditional river taxis ferry locals and visitors alike between Bangkok’s many attractions.

You’ll have the day at your leisure until late afternoon, when you’ll set off on a tuk-tuk street food tour. Until then, you could, for example, relax by the pool and soak up the sun, explore the city, or join one of our optional tours.

In the afternoon, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven to MRT Hua Lamphong Station, where your local guide will meet you. From here, you’ll head off on foot into Bangkok’s oldest neighbourhoods, where narrow alleyways, traditional trading streets, and small roadside kitchens set the scene for an evening brimming with aromas, flavours, and vibrant local life.

Your first tasting is a bowl of “tom yum wonton”, where the classic Thai soup is served with stuffed dumplings — a delightful blend of spicy, tangy, and aromatic flavours. You’ll then follow the irresistible scent of the grill to the next stop, where satay skewers of grilled pork are cooked over charcoal and served with a creamy peanut sauce.

You’ll continue on foot through one of Bangkok’s most atmospheric old trading streets, where historic shophouses, street art, and a new wave of creative energy blend together. Along the way, you’ll taste traditional steamed buns – a classic snack rooted in the area’s Chinese culture and considered a symbol of luck and prosperity.

Next, you’ll hop back into a tuk-tuk and whizz through Chinatown, where neon lights and bustling streets create a truly unique atmosphere. A short stop is made at the 27-metre-high Giant Swing, a historic and cultural landmark by the Wat Suthat Thepwararam temple, beautifully illuminated at night and perfect for photos.

Dinner is served at a local restaurant that has been making Pad See Ew for more than 40 years. This popular noodle dish is a wonderful example of how Chinese culinary traditions have shaped Thailand’s vibrant street food culture.

The evening concludes with a scenic drive past the Grand Palace and the City Pillar before you arrive by the riverside opposite Wat Arun. The temple stands beautifully lit on the far side of the Chao Phraya River, providing a stunning backdrop for the final stop of the tour.

Here, you can unwind at a rooftop bar by the river with a drink in hand, soaking up the view and the vibrant atmosphere. Bangkok rarely feels more alive than it does right here.

Afterwards, you’ll be driven back to the hotel unless you choose to stay a little longer and explore on your own.

Today, no excursions are planned, allowing you to take the day at your own pace.

Bangkok offers a variety of transportation options, so there’s no need to worry about the infamous traffic when navigating the city. Many opt for tuk-tuks or book rides using the Grab app, but river taxis are also popular and form an integral part of the public transport system, stopping at many of the city's major attractions. Additionally, the Sky Train weaves between high-rises and provides a quick, convenient, and economical way to get around.

Bangkok is divided into east and west by the 372 km long Chao Phraya River. The eastern part of the city is considered central Bangkok. Here, you'll find popular areas such as Sukhumvit, Silom, and Chinatown, offering a high concentration of shopping centres, local markets, and excellent dining options. It's also on this eastern side where you'll discover the historical part of Bangkok, home to the city's royal residence, the Grand Palace, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Kaew.

After wandering around Bangkok in the tropical heat and noisy traffic, there will no doubt be moments when you long for greener and more tranquil places. This is the perfect opportunity to visit Lumpini or Benjakiti parks. Alternatively, you can venture across to the western side of the river, where you'll experience a completely different world, without skyscrapers and honking tuk-tuks. Here, you'll encounter traditional Bangkok with its maze of canals, where houses stand on stilts and postmen deliver by boat.

There's also the chance to partake in one of our exciting optional tours, which you can read more about below.

Whatever you decide to do, we guarantee you'll never be bored.

Today, you depart from the Thai capital. You'll be collected from your hotel and driven to the airport, to catch your flight to Chiang Mai in the mountainous northern Thailand. The flight takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

In the arrivals hall, your guide will be waiting with a TourCompass sign, and from there, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Chiang Mai is Thailand's second-largest city, beautifully located in a valley surrounded by mountains, including Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand. Chiang Mai was also the former capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, which existed from 1292 to 1775. Therefore, you'll notice many influences from this era around the city.

Look forward to the coming days, because in Chiang Mai, you'll experience a whole new and unique side of Thailand.

Today, an exciting bike tour awaits in the historic Chiang Mai, a fantastic way to explore the city.

You will be taken to our partner's office, where you'll receive a bike and helmet. After a short briefing, it's time to pedal off and absorb the city's charm. The route is easy and flat, suitable for most people. You'll cycle through Chiang Mai's small and quiet streets to the charming Wat Inthakhin Sadue Mueang, known for its 700-year-old white Buddha statue. The bike ride continues past the Three Kings Monument to the city gate, Tha Phae Gate, where in days past, traders brought goods into the city. Here, the guide will enlighten you about Chiang Mai's historical role as a trading centre. You will then head to the nearby Somphet market, where you'll have time to wander around and soak up the local atmosphere. You'll also get the chance to sample the colourful fruits and sweet treats. Afterwards, you will visit Wat Chiang Man, Chiang Mai's oldest temple. It houses the 1,800-year-old crystal Buddha and the 2,500-year-old marble Buddha. Finally, you'll visit the city's largest and most iconic monument, Wat Chedi Luang, which once housed the Emerald Buddha, now safely kept in Wat Phra Kaew temple in Bangkok.

After 3–4 hours of biking, you'll be back at the starting point, and a well-deserved lunch awaits you. The lunch consists of 'khao soi', a spicy noodle soup and a speciality in northern Thailand. It's served at Naree De Klang Vieng restaurant, which is managed daily by inmates from Klang Vieng women's prison. Thanks to the prison's excellent rehabilitation project, the women, typically sentenced for drug-related offences, get the opportunity to train in various service professions, preparing them for a new life beyond the prison walls. The food and service are top-notch!

Read more about the rehabilitation project here.

You're then driven back to your hotel, and you can enjoy the rest of the day by the pool or in the charming streets of Chiang Mai.

The city is known for its relaxed atmosphere, beautiful temples, and stunning surroundings. There's plenty to do, and Chiang Mai is also the perfect base for excursions. For example, you could venture to the iconic Doi Suthep Temple, where you're rewarded with a fantastic view over the city, or visit the ChangChill elephant sanctuary, which naturally complies with our animal welfare policy and is approved by World Animal Protection.

If you prefer to explore the city at your own pace, stroll through the charming streets of the old town, where small cafés, colourful markets, and historic temples await. In the evening, visit one of the popular night markets to enjoy the atmosphere, shop for local crafts, or taste the many delicious dishes at the street food markets.

You can read more about our exciting optional tours below.

Today, you leave Chiang Mai and head towards Chiang Rai, a city bordering Laos and Myanmar. It was the first capital of the Lanna Kingdom, which originally included parts of present-day Thailand and Laos before the power shifted to Chiang Mai. Nowadays, Chiang Rai is a small and serene city known for its lush nature and beautiful temples. The scenic landscapes and mountains surrounding the city are also home to several ethnic minorities.

On your way to Chiang Rai, you will visit the impressive Rong Khun Temple, better known as the White Temple. This modern masterpiece from 1997 was created by local artist Chalermchai Kositpipat and stands out remarkably from Thailand's traditional temples. Its unique white and silver facade symbolises purity and enlightenment, while the many details offer both religious and surprisingly modern references.

The tour then continues to the centre of Chiang Rai, where you will have lunch before visiting Wat Phra Kaew, one of the city's oldest and most significant temples. Its origins are unknown, but it is believed to date from the late 14th century. The temple gained fame in 1434 when a lightning strike revealed a hidden treasure in the temple's chedi: the legendary Emerald Buddha. Today, the temple houses a replica, while the original can be seen in Bangkok.

The last visit of the day is to the Rai Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park, which houses an impressive collection of Lanna artefacts and art. Here, you can immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Lanna Kingdom, admire the traditional teak buildings, and enjoy the beautifully landscaped gardens.

You are then taken to your hotel, where the rest of the afternoon and evening is at your leisure. You can relax and enjoy the hotel's facilities or explore the charming streets of Chiang Rai. You might wish to visit the atmospheric Chiang Rai Night Bazaar, which features colourful stalls, live entertainment, and a variety of street food specialities – hot pot is a must-try here. The market is about a 30-minute walk from the hotel, but you can also take a taxi.

An exciting day awaits in the scenic outskirts of Chiang Rai. The day begins with a pick-up from your hotel and a drive to the Mae Sai border – a point where you are just metres away from Myanmar. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore a bustling border market, where you can buy everything under the sun at very affordable prices.

The tour then continues slightly further north to the Golden Triangle, an area that extends into Laos and Myanmar. Previously infamous for its extensive opium trade, this area has transformed, and local minority groups now cultivate rice, coffee, and other crops in the fertile and mountainous landscape. A particular highlight is the viewpoint where you can see all three countries – Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos – simultaneously.

Lunch is enjoyed at a local restaurant with a stunning view over the Mekong River, which originates in Tibet and winds its way nearly 5,000 km through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

After lunch, enjoy a relaxing boat trip down the Mekong River, where you can experience Laos on one side and Myanmar on the other.

Before the tour returns to Chiang Rai, you will visit the ancient city of Chiang Saen. Here, you can trace civilisations back to the 7th century. The town is quiet and charming, with majestic trees, beautiful temple ruins, and old city walls that tell tales of its significance as a former trading city.

You are then driven back to the hotel, where you can enjoy your last evening in the captivating Northern Thailand.

The time has come to bid farewell to Thailand. You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to Chiang Rai airport, from where you will fly to Europe with connecting flights along the way.

You land at your chosen airport after a tour filled with a multitude of new experiences and impressions.