About the trip
Highlighting Thailand and Cambodia’s rich histories, fascinating cultures, and religious monuments, this Thailand and Cambodia tour includes overnights in Siem Reap, Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Phitsanulok, Lampang, Chiang Rai, and Chiang Mai. Your budget-minded tour of Cambodia starts in Siem Reap to visit the magnificently preserved temples of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Bayon Temple—with some 200 faces carved into 54 towers. You’ll also visit the exquisite 10th-century Banteay Srei and Ta Prohm, where ancient jungle tree roots wind through the temple ruins. Your tour through Thailand includes visits to some of the cities that have served as the country’s capital: Bangkok, Ayutthaya, and Sukhothai. In Bangkok—Thailand’s current capital—visit the Temple of the Golden Buddha; the Temple of the Reclining Buddha built in 1832; and the Grand Palace, the royal residence begun in 1782 where you’ll see the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most sacred Buddhist sculpture. In Ayutthaya, Thailand’s ancient capital, your sightseeing includes a visit to Bang Pa-In Palace, which was built as a summer residence for the Kings of Ayutthaya. In Sukhothai, Thailand’s 13th-century capital, visit Sukhothai Historic Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ruins of palaces, temples, and homes. But that’s not all…take a train ride over the famous River Kwai Bridge, part of the infamous Death Railway built by prisoners during World War II. Visit Hellfire Pass Memorial, which houses a museum detailing the life of the Allied prisoners and Asian laborers who helped build the railway. Explore a night market by rickshaw. Travel to the “Golden Triangle,” where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet and visit a local tea plantation. You’ll also visit an elephant hospital, and learn about their conservation efforts for this wonderful animal. Your budget-travel to Thailand and Cambodia is rich in experiences, sights, and welcoming people you’ll long remember!
Meals
Accommodation
Saem Siemreap Hotel
3 nights in Siem Reap
Hilton Garden Inn Bangkok Silom
3 nights in Bangkok
Felix River Kwai Resort
2 nights in Kanchanaburi
The Grand Riverside Hotel Phitsanulok
1 nights in Phitsanulok
Lampang River Lodge
1 nights in Lampang
Wiang Inn Hotel Chiang Rai
2 nights in Chiang Rai
The Empress Hotel Chiang Mai
2 nights in Chiang Mai
Included in the price
Siem Reap
- Private, deluxe, air-conditioned motorcoach while touring in Thailand. Sightseeing vehicle in Siem Reap.
- Headsets throughout your tour
Siem Reap
- Private, deluxe, air-conditioned motorcoach while touring in Thailand. Sightseeing vehicle in Siem Reap.
- Headsets throughout your tour
Day-wise Itinerary
ExpandDay 1: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Welcome to Cambodia! Your hotel room is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2: Siem Reap
Your sightseeing tour starts at the best preserved of all the temples—Angkor Wat, honoring the Hindu god Vishnu. Next stop is Angkor Thom to see Bayon Temple. One of the few Buddhist temples in Angkor, it features some 200 striking faces carved in 54 towers. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. (B,L)
Day 3: Siem Reap
Today, visit the exquisite 10th-century Banteay Srei, a unique temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva that was built on a small scale from red sandstone, which can be carved like wood. Then, on to Ta Prohm, which has been left relatively untouched; surrounded by jungle, tree roots grow over and through the ruin walls. (B)
Day 4: Siem Reap–bangkok, Thailand
Today, fly to Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. (B)
Day 5: Bangkok
Bangkok is an exhilarating blend of historic and religious monuments, chic modernity, exciting shopping, and friendly culture. An exciting day of sightseeing is ahead. Take in the city’s principal landmarks such as the splendid Temple of the Golden Buddha and the spectacular Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. You will also visit the gleaming Grand Palace, Thailand’s most sacred monument, and the spectacular Temple of the Emerald Buddha. (B)
Day 6: Bangkok
Today is yours to explore Bangkok at leisure, perhaps enjoying the great-value shopping, lively markets, and delicious Thai cuisine. You may opt to join an optional excursion to the legendary Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where traders sell all manner of items from their boats, including exotic fruits, vegetables, silks, and toys. (B)
Day 7: Bangkok–ayutthaya–kanchanaburi
Today, head to Ayutthaya, ancient capital of Siam. Here, you will visit Bang Pa-In Palace, which was built in the 18th century as a summer residence for the Kings of Ayutthaya. Then, travel to Kanchanaburi on the banks of the Kwai River, famed for the River Kwai Bridge, built during WWII. (B)
Day 8: Kanchanaburi
Today’s highlight is a train ride across the famous bridge to Wang Po Station. Also visit the Allied Forces Cemetery and spend time in the fascinating Thailand-Burma Railway Center. This afternoon, visit Hellfire Pass Memorial, part of the Death Railway that cuts through the mountains. Today, it houses a museum detailing life of the Allied prisoners and Asian laborers who helped build the railway, and subsequently suffered or died at Hellfire Pass. (B,L)
Day 9: Kanchanaburi–phitsanulok
Today’s full-day drive takes you to Phitsanulok, one of Thailand’s oldest cities, founded over 600 years ago. This evening, enjoy a rickshaw ride to experience Phitsanulok’s colorful night market. (B,L)
Day 10: Phitsanulok–sukhothai–lampang
Journey to Sukhothai, Thailand’s 13th-century former capital, and admire the atmospheric, moated Old Town. Here, you will visit Sukhothai Historic Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore ruined temples and monasteries, including Wat Si Chum with its stunning seated Buddha. Then, travel to Lampang. (B)
Day 11: Lampang–chiang Rai
This morning, spend time at a local elephant hospital, which works to conserve and protect the welfare of the magnificent Asian elephant. Then, visit Phayao Lake and Wat Phra That Lampang Luang. Built in 1476, this ancient Buddhist temple is often thought to be the oldest-standing wooden structure in the country. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue through rural countryside to Chiang Rai. Upon arrival, visit Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple. (B,L)
Day 12: Chiang Rai. Golden Triangle Excursion
Enjoy breathtaking vistas as you journey to Doi Mae Salong and visit a tea plantation. Continue to Mae Sai, Thailand’s northernmost town, and on to the renowned Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Burma, and Laos meet. You may consider an optional boat tour on the Mekong River. (B,L)
Day 13: Chiang Rai–chiang Mai
Travel through lush jungle to Chiang Mai, a fragrant mountain retreat known as the “Rose of the North” for its refreshing climate. Upon arrival, visit San Kampaeng to see local craftsmen make Thailand’s traditional lacquerware and teakwood furniture. (B,L)
Day 14: Chiang Mai
This morning, visit Wat Phra Singh with its famous Buddha image, and Wat Doi Suthep, a temple tucked away in the mountains. For the final ascent to the temple, you can take a tram car or walk up the Naga (dragon-headed serpent) staircase, with more than 300 steps. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy this dynamic city. (B)
Day 15: Chiang Mai
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
