Temples and Tranquility: A Journey through Bangkok and Chiang Mai

lau weicheng

12 Jan 2024

Embark on a 20-day adventure through the vibrant cities of Bangkok and Chiang Mai, where ancient temples and serene landscapes await. Immerse yourself in the rich culture, marvel at stunning architecture, and discover hidden gems along the way. Get ready for an unforgettable journey filled with spirituality and tranquility.

Trip to Bangkok

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Unveiling the Sacred at Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen and Wat Kalayanamit Woramahawihan

$30

$ 6

Vast Buddhist temple complex featuring a towering stupa & numerous stone & glass sculptures.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$15

13 - 16 min

Directions

Calm Buddhist temple, built in 1825, with a massive seated Buddha statue & an oversize bronze bell.

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

$15

Day 2Discovering the Golden Treasures of Wat Traimit Withayaram Worawihan and Wat Yannawa

$30

$ 6

This historic temple features a gilded exterior, exhibitions & a massive golden statue of Buddha.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$15

10 - 12 min

Directions

Founded during the Ayutthaya era, this Buddhist temple's viharn was modeled after a Chinese junk.

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

$15

Day 3Ascending to New Heights at Wat Saket (The Golden Mount) and Loha Prasat

$30

Ayutthaya-era (1350-1767) Buddhist temple & pilgrimage site commanding extensive city views.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$15

9 - 14 min

Directions

Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan (Loha Prasat)

Buddhist temple complex, home to a Loha Prasat, known as the "metal castle" for its 37 iron spires.

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

$15

Day 4Experiencing the Majesty of Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram Ratchaworawihan and Wat Mangkon Kamalawat

$30

$ 6

Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram Ratchaworawihan

Ornate 19th-century Buddhist temple with a colorful tiled exterior & a cemetery for Thai royalty.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$15

5 - 6 min

Directions

Wat Mangkon Kamalawat (Wat Leng Noei Yi)

Chinese Buddhist temple with numerous courtyards & passageways, known for its New Year's festival.

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

$15

Day 5Immersing in History at Wat Suthat Thepwararam Ratchaworamahawihan and Wat Ratchanatdaram School

$30

Ornate 19th-century Buddhist temple, famed for its 20-m. red teak Giant Swing & 8 m. bronze Buddha.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$15

8 - 12 min

Directions

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

$15

Day 6Exploring the Iconic Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan and Wat Rakhang Kositaram Woramahawihan

$27

$ 6

Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan

Large landmark temple offering serene grounds with a giant reclining Buddha, historic art & statues.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$12

9 - 11 min

Directions

Buddhist complex on the bank of the Chao Phraya River, with large gilded bells & ornate temples.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$15

Day 7Unveiling the Grandeur of The Grand Palace

$56

Built in 1782, this ornate royal palace complex now houses a museum & is open to visitors.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$56

Day 8Delving into Spiritual Serenity at Wat Bowonniwetwiharn Ratchaworawiharn and Wat Indharaviharn

$30

Buddhist temple & monastery that has educated princes & holds statues dating to the 13th century.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$15

13 - 20 min

Directions

Temple dating to the 14th or 15th century, notable for its 32-meter-high gold Buddha statue.

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

$15

Day 9Admiring Architectural Marvels at Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit and Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan

$27

$ 6

This ancient royal Buddhist temple with a reliquary is home to a university & meditation center.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$15

11 - 14 min

Directions

Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan

Monumental Buddhist temple right on the river, with an iconic, ornately tiled central prang (spire).

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

$12

Day 10Discovering the Tranquil Beauty of Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaram, Wat Pathum Wanaram Rachaworawihan, and Wat Hua Lamphong

$45

$ 11

Ornate temple constructed of white Italian marble & featuring a mix of European & Thai design.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$15

12 - 15 min

Directions

Temple compound with gardens, an open pavilion, a reconstructed crematorium & monks' quarters.

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

$15

7 - 9 min

Directions

Monks reside at this royal Buddhist temple with ornate details & a colorful, chandelier-lit hall.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$15

Budget breakdown: $506 In total

Activities & Food:$455

Transport:$51

Trip to Chiang Mai

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Unveiling the Sacred at Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen and Wat Kalayanamit Woramahawihan

$20

$ 4

Buddhist temple in tranquil surrounds with a golden dome, ornate interior & historic mausoleum.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$10

8 - 10 min

Directions

Historic temple complex featuring an elaborate Buddha statue & colorful murals of Buddhist scenes.

9:30 AM - 10:15 AM

•

$10

Day 2Discovering the Golden Treasures of Wat Traimit Withayaram Worawihan and Wat Yannawa

$20

$ 4

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$10

8 - 10 min

Directions

13th-century temple with a gold chedi offering ancient Buddha & elephant statues on scenic grounds.

9:30 AM - 10:15 AM

•

$10

Day 3Ascending to New Heights at Wat Saket (The Golden Mount) and Loha Prasat

$ 4

1200s Burmese-style temple featuring a 5-tier tower, decorated with Buddha statues & large lions.

8:00 AM - 8:45 AM

•

Free

11 - 14 min

Directions

Large Buddhist temple complex that has won awards for its architectural preservation.

9:15 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

10 - 15 min

Directions

Known as a site for many community events, this preserved city gate dates back to ancient times.

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

Day 4Experiencing the Majesty of Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram Ratchaworawihan and Wat Mangkon Kamalawat

$10

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$10

6 - 9 min

Directions

Intricate teak Buddhist temple with gilded accents & colorful mosaics, founded in the 14th century.

9:30 AM - 10:15 AM

•

Free

Day 5Immersing in History at Wat Suthat Thepwararam Ratchaworamahawihan and Wat Ratchanatdaram School

$20

14th-century Buddhist temple boasting gold & copper Buddhas, murals & ancient manuscripts.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$10

9 - 14 min

Directions

Temple complex with a partially crumbled 15th-century chedi & a pillar believed to protect the city.

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

$10

Day 6Exploring the Iconic Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan and Wat Rakhang Kositaram Woramahawihan

$10

Small Buddhist temple with traditional Lanna architecture, once the site of the sacred city pillar.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$10

11 - 16 min

Directions

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

Free

Day 7Unveiling the Grandeur of The Grand Palace

$20

In addition to its gold stupa, pagodas & museum, this mountainside temple offers broad city views.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$20

Day 8Delving into Spiritual Serenity at Wat Bowonniwetwiharn Ratchaworawiharn and Wat Indharaviharn

Small, statue-rich Buddhist temple & monastery hidden in a woodland & reached via a hiking trail.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

Day 9Admiring Architectural Marvels at Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit and Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan

$10

$ 4

Those born in the year of the snake journey to this unique, historical Buddhist temple with artwork.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$10

10 - 12 min

Directions

Buddhist temple dating to at least the 1300s & featuring a prominent chedi (stratified tower).

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

•

Free

Day 10Discovering the Tranquil Beauty of Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaram, Wat Pathum Wanaram Rachaworawihan, and Wat Hua Lamphong

$10

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$10

Budget breakdown: $506 In total

Activities & Food:$455

Transport:$51