Temples, Jungles & Towers: Thailand to Singapore

DAY 1: USA—Bangkok

Board an international overnight flight in the US for your journey to Thailand’s capital of Bangkok.

DAY 2: Arrival Bangkok

Take a comfortable transfer to your hotel in this vast metropolis and enjoy the remainder of the day to relax and recharge at your hotel as you please; perhaps dipping into the city’s shopping malls and restaurant scene later on.

DAY 3: Bangkok

Today, enjoy a guided morning tour of Bangkok’s top sights. Explore the Grand Palace—a walled residence beside the Chao Phraya River that was home to Siam’s and Thailand’s kings between 1782 and 1925. Explore this stunning complex of gold-coated palaces and halls as your guide charts their history, and visit its Temple of the Emerald Buddha, where pilgrims pray to a miniature 15th-century jade Buddha statue. Continue to the beautiful Marble Hall and after lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy the afternoon free before sitting down to a delicious Thai set dinner at your hotel tonight.

DAY 4: Bangkok—Damnoen Saduak—Bangkok

After an early start, journey west to Thailand’s famous Damnoen Saduak floating market. Enjoy views of Bangkok waking up to the day along the way, and at the market, settle into a boat to roam the canals crowded with floating and waterside stalls. View the wealth of fresh fruits, vegetables, and souvenirs on offer, take photos of the bustling scenes, and purchase any goods that take your fancy. As you explore, learn how the market developed and gain insight into the daily lives of the vendors.

DAY 5: Bangkok—Bang Pa In - Ayutthaya - Bangkok

Today brings a day trip to Thailand’s UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya, an archaeological park featuring the remnants of what was once the medieval capital of Siam. On the way, visit Bang Pa-in, a cluster of 18th-century pavilions, residences, and gardens used by Siam’s kings as a summer dwelling. Wander the manicured lawns and bridges of this gorgeous retreat to see highlights such as its Thai-style lake pavilion, a glittering mix of gold eaves and multicolored tiles. Then, continue to Ayutthaya to explore its crumbled temples, pagodas, stupas, and statues of Buddhas—all of which were once part of a vast royal city. Cover highlights such as the Yaichaimongkol Temple and Mahathat Temple—the latter home to a much-photographed stone image of the Buddha’s face entwined in tree roots. Finally, board a modern riverboat to cruise back to Bangkok along the Chao Phraya, soaking in views of the riverside villages from the comfortable interior or decks, and enjoying a buffet lunch as you sail.

DAY 6: Bangkok—Chiang Mai

Transfer to Bangkok airport and fly to Chiang Mai, Thailand’s northern capital. Nestled in mist-veiled mountains, this culturally rich ‘Rose of the North’ offers Buddhist temples, open-air markets, and many mountain attractions. Meet your local tour representative at the airport and transfer to your hotel to relax and get your bearings as you wish.

DAY 7: Chiang Mai

This morning, journey through Chiang Mai’s rainforest to the Mae Rim Elephant Sanctuary, a camp dedicated to caring for rescued elephants. Observe the elephants and walk with them in the forest as you discover how they’re looked after. Next, savor lunch at a local restaurant before visiting a community of the Big Earring and Long Neck Karen tribal peoples. Meet the women of these ancient hill communities and browse their wares of hand-worked souvenirs, including silks and other fabrics woven on wooden looms. After your cultural discoveries here, return to Chiang Mai to enjoy the remainder of the day as you wish.

DAY 8: Chiang Mai

Today, visit the Temple of Wat Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s most iconic symbol and a major pilgrimage location. Standing on a hilltop 1,050 meters above sea level, this 14th-century temple boasts a gleaming gold chedi said to hold a piece of the Buddha’s shoulder bone. Climb stairs flanked by ornate serpent carvings, see the statue of a white elephant—depicting the animal said to have carried the bone to its resting place— and admire the chedi and temple grounds, rimmed with terraces affording spectacular views over Chiang Mai. After a restaurant lunch, browse a Thai handicrafts village for mementoes such as hand-painted umbrellas, silks, and wood carvings.

DAY 9: Chiang Mai—Singapore

Today, fly to the island city state of Singapore, on the Malay Peninsula’s southern tip. A mix of different Asian influences, this unique city blends modern skyscrapers with Chinese shophouses, British colonial architecture, Hindu shrines, and the incredible three-towered Marina Bay Sands—a hotel topped by a 57-story-high infinity pool. After landing at Singapore airport, meet your local tour guide and transfer to your hotel.

DAY 10: Singapore

Today, experience a full-day sightseeing tour of this extraordinary city. Call at waterfront Merlion Park, home to the half-lion, half-fish ‘Merlion’ statue that is Singapore’s mythical symbol; visit the Esplanade—Theatres on the Bay, and behold the bird’s-eye views from the Marina Bay Sands Skypark observatory. Other stops include the Helix Bridge, 19th-century Chijmes shopping complex, the art déco Parkview Square, Little India, and Singapore’s futuristic Gardens by the Bay—a trio of waterfront gardens boasting plant life from around the world and sci-fi-like cooled Conservatories and Supertree structures. Marvel at the vertical-garden Supertrees from the aerial walkway and delve into the Cloud Forest, a glass-framed world of mountain mists, lush vegetation, and a waterfall.

DAY 11: Singapore

To use the whole day sightseeing or relax independently—perhaps hitting Singapore’s malls, dining at Chinatown or Little India, or relaxing by the hotel pool.

DAY 12: Singapore—USA

Today, wave goodbye to Singapore as you transfer to the airport and board your return flight to the USA.