Compare Temples, Jungles & Towers: Thailand to Singapore by Ritz Tours vs Thailand In-Depth Exploration by Odynovo

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.

Day 1 Arrival - Bangkok

Welcome to the Land of Smiles! Touch down in Thailand's massive capital - Bangkok, and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Have the rest of the day to relax and recover from the long flight.
Overnight: Bangkok

Day 2 Bangkok (B, L)

Start by visiting a colorful flower and vegetable market, where tons of fresh flowers on sale fill the air with an intoxicating scent. Continue on to the highlight of today's tour - the glittering Grand Palace, the most spectacular of all Thai monuments. Wander through the sprawling complex containing 100-plus royal heritage buildings, including the sacred Wat Phra Kaew. Appropriate dress is required. After lunch, take a long-tail boat ride through the canals, known locally as khlongs, to see Thai houses on stilts and the typical rural life of the local people. Before ending the boat ride, admire the photogenic Wat Arun from the boat on the river. Disembark and transfer back to your hotel, with the rest of the day to relax.
Overnight: Bangkok

Day 3 Bangkok - Kanchanaburi (B, L)

Depart from energetic Bangkok in the morning and set off on a 3-hour drive to Kanchanaburi, a land awash in WWII history and natural beauty. You will spot significant sites related to the infamous "Death Railway" built by Allied prisoners of war during World War II, including the museum sitting above Hellfire Pass, Krasae cave with its adjoining wooden railway bridge, Hollywood-famous Bridge on the River Kwai, before ending your trip at Don Rak War Cemetery. During the journey, soak up the natural beauty and take a relaxing boat ride on the Kwai River to dispel the gloomy moods. Finally, settle into your comfortable hotel for the night.

Overnight: Kanchanaburi

Day 4 Kanchanaburi - Ayutthaya (B, L)

After breakfast, leave the sombre yet scenic Kanchanaburi behind and travel onward to Ayutthaya, the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom from the 14th to the 18th centuries. Pause on route to visit Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, which was used by the Thai Kings as a summer retreat and continue driving to the UNESCO-designated Ayutthaya Historical Park. Within, you will then be guided through the journey back in time to explore some important ruined temples, like Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, Wat Mongkhon Bophit, and Wat Maha That.
Overnight: Ayutthaya

Day 5 Ayutthaya - Lopburi - Sukhothai (B, L) 

Start off with a morning visit to  active Wat Phutthaisawan, with many sacred things for people to worship. If you like, head over to meet and even feed the friendly monkeys living in Wat Kai. Afterwards, continue the 6-hour road transfer departing Ayutthaya for Sukhothai via Lopburi. Lunch at a local restaurant on the way. You will reach Sukhothai in the late afternoon. Check in to your hotel and enjoy some leisure time to go around by yourself.
Overnight: Sukhothai

Day 6 Sukhothai - Lampang (B, L)

Today, the UNESCO-recognized Sukhothai invites you to explore two historical parks for a fascinating insight into its royal past. Once the first Siamese capital before Ayutthaya, Sukhothai Historical Park comprises the remains of royal palaces, twenty-six temples, city gates, walls, and moats. Proceed with a one-hour drive northwards across some 50 kilometers to the serene Si Satchanalai Historical Park, an open green space dotted with ancient temples and ruins. After your visit, drive for about 2.5 hours in a northerly direction and you'll come to Lampang, meaning "horse carriage city", which boasts numerous temples in various architectural styles. The rest of the day is on your own to settle into your hotel and relax in your surroundings.

Overnight: Lampang

Day 7 Lampang - Chiang Rai (B, L)

After breakfast, head out to the highly revered Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, a great example of early Lanna architecture, before hopping on a traditional horse-drawn carriage for sightseeing around the old city. You will then visit the Shan-style Wat Si Rong Mueang with impressive teak wood design and Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao - Lampang's most important temple with a mix of Mon, Shan, Burmese and Lanna styles. Continue for your onward destination to Chiang Rai, overland past the scenic Kwan Phayao.
Overnight: Chiang Rai

Day 8 Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai (B, L)

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and hit the road for a 1-hour drive to the northernmost point of Thailand - Mae Sai, where you will embark on a brief border exploration into Myanmar. You can even do a one-day crossing with a migration fee on your own. A 30-minute drive afterward will take you to spot the Golden Triangle, the intersection of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. After that, continue on to the sought-after Chiang Mai, with en-route visits to Long Neck Karen Village and White Temple. Upon arriving in the evening, check into your hotel and get rested up after one day's adventure.

Overnight: Chiang Mai

Day 9 Chiang Mai (B, L)

Historically, Chiang Mai was built to be the capital city of the Lanna Kingdom (1292-1775). This morning is reserved for a cooking class at a Lanna family for an immersive dose of local traditional flavor. Characterized by a salty and sour taste, Lanna food - commonly known as northern Thai food - is different from other Thai dishes. You will be shown around the host family's graceful teak wood houses, pick up fresh ingredients from the orchard, and try your hands at making authentic dishes under the host's guidance. After cooking, enjoy your own creations for lunch. Finish off the day trip to the sacred mountain of Doi Suthep, where you will climb up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep on the top for fantastic views overlooking the whole city and its surroundings.
Overnight: Chiang Mai

Day 10 Chiang Mai (B, L) 

Asian elephants have been a symbol of Thailand since ancient times. Today, drive out of the city into the lush countryside to Baan Chang Elephant Park for a close-up experience with these magnificent creatures. You'll dress in traditional mahout attire, help care for the elephants, roam with them in the jungle, and aid in their feeding and bathing routine. Finally, transfer back to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Chiang Mai

Day 11 Chiang Mai - Phuket (B)

After several days' exploration in central and northern Thailand, the beach part of your vacation in the southern island paradise starts today. Enjoy some leisure time before taking a late morning flight to the world-renowned Phuket. Upon arrival, a private transfer will whisk you to your resort for the next three days' vacation. For the rest of today, relax thoroughly in your room, cool down in the swimming pool or enjoy the sunshine on the beach.
Overnight: Phuket

Day 12 Phuket (B)

The day is truly yours to enjoy as you wish. Optionally, hop from Phuket to other islands like Phi Phi Island, Similan Islands and James Bond Island on daily excursions to fully enjoy the great seascape with great water activities around Phuket.
Overnight: Phuket

Day 13 Phuket (B)

Indulge in another day of leisure in Phuket. You may like to take a walking tour around Phuket's old town to see Sino-Portuguese-style shophouses and sample fresh seafood while exploring its open markets and bustling streets.
Overnight: Phuket

Day 14 Phuket - Bangkok, Departure (B)

Enjoy the final morning in Phuket at leisure, before flying back to Bangkok to connect your international flight back home.