Essential Thailand
Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 10-day, 7-night journey through Thailand’s most captivating destinations, where ancient traditions, vibrant cityscapes and breathtaking landscapes come together in perfect harmony. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the cultural heart of Chiang Mai and the scenic beauty of Chiang Rai, this adventure promises a perfect blend of history, spirituality and stunning natural wonders.
This itinerary features More Moments activities included with your package.
If your itinerary includes domestic and/or regional flight tickets, as well as entry tickets to landmarks that require passport details, you must call Air Canada Vacations immediately upon receiving your booking confirmation. Failure to provide Air Canada Vacations with your passport details may result in the unavailability of domestic and/or regional flight tickets and entry passes for certain landmarks included in your tour package. It is mandatory to call Air Canada Vacations at the number provided in your electronic confirmation as soon as your booking is confirmed to submit your passport details.
Format
Locations
- Bangkok
- Chiang Rai
- Chiang Mai
- Thailand
Inclusions
- Roundtrip flight to Bangkok (if Flight & Hotel option is chosen)
- Airfare in economy class as follows: Bangkok to Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai to Bangkok
- Private transfers to and from airports and for all excursions and sightseeing tours as per the itinerary unless noted otherwise
- 7 nights’ accommodation (3 nights in Bangkok, 2 nights in Chiang Rai & 2 nights in Chiang Mai)
- Daily breakfast
- Lunch as per itinerary
- Entrance fees to landmarks and monuments, as mentioned in the itinerary
- More moments inclusions:
- White, Black and Blue Temples tour in Chiang Rai
- Culinary Heritage foodie tour in Chiang Mai
- Hotel taxes, fees and service charges
- VAT Government tax
- Service of English-speaking local guide as per program.
- Earn 4,000 extra Aeroplan® points per member on this tour for travel completed by December 31, 2025.
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Canada
Fly from Canada bound for Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Day 2
Inflight
Inflight
Day 3
Welcome to Bangkok
Upon arrival, you will need to clear customs and immigration. Once the formalities are complete, collect your luggage and proceed to the exit where a local representative holding an Air Canada Vacations sign with your name will greet you and escort you to your private transfer, which will take you to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Day 4
Bangkok
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Bangkok, a city where ancient traditions and modern energy blend seamlessly. Let the rhythm of Thailand’s vibrant capital guide your experience, whether you choose to soak in its cultural heritage, indulge in its world-famous cuisine or simply embrace the city’s dynamic atmosphere. With its dazzling skyline, winding canals and hidden gems waiting to be discovered, Bangkok invites you to explore at your own pace. Take this time to create your own adventure, immerse yourself in its unique charm, savour its rich flavours or simply unwind and watch the world go by in one of Asia’s most captivating cities.
If you’re looking to enhance your experience, you can choose to add an optional activity or two, available for purchase directly with your local representative. Whether it’s a cultural excursion, a culinary adventure or an off-the-beaten-path discovery, there’s always something new to explore in this dynamic city.
breakfast
Meal(s):Day 5
Bangkok – Chiang Rai
After breakfast, meet the local guide in the lobby of the hotel, who will take you to Suvarnabhumi Airport to catch your flight to Chiang Rai, “The Gateway to the Golden Triangle.”
Upon arrival, collect your luggage and proceed to the exit, where a local representative will welcome you with a sign bearing your name. You will then be escorted to your transfer, which will take you to your hotel for check-in. You’ll have some time to freshen up before embarking on this afternoon’s exciting adventure.
This afternoon, you’ll visit the city’s most colourful and unique landmarks, the White, Black (often referred to as the Black House) and Blue temples! Afterwards, you will be transferred back to your hotel, where the rest of the evening can be spent at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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White, Black and Blue Temples tour
Step into a world of mesmerizing artistry and spiritual wonder as you explore these three most iconic temples. Begin your journey at the breathtaking White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), a dazzling masterpiece of contemporary Thai art and spirituality, where intricate carvings and mirrored details symbolize the path to enlightenment. Next, visit the enchanting Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), known for its vivid sapphire hues and serene golden Buddha, an architectural gem blending tradition with modern creativity. Finally, immerse yourself in the mysterious world of Baan Dam Museum (Black House), a striking collection of dark teakwood structures filled with dramatic sculptures and eclectic artwork. Each site offers a unique glimpse into Thailand’s artistic and cultural depth, making this an unforgettable exploration of Chiang Rai’s most extraordinary landmarks.
breakfast
Meal(s):Day 6
Chiang Rai
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Chiang Rai, where time seems to slow down, inviting you to embrace the city’s tranquil charm at your own pace. Whether you choose to unwind and soak in a peaceful atmosphere or set off on your own adventure, the day is yours to shape as you wish. Take in the gentle rhythms of local life, savour the region’s unique flavours, and let the beauty of this northern gem leave a lasting impression. If you're looking to add more to your experience, optional activities can be arranged directly with your local representative.
breakfast
Meal(s):Day 7
Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai
After breakfast and checking out, meet your private driver in the lobby of the hotel and embark on a 4-hour, scenic drive through the beautiful ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai!
Upon arrival at your hotel in Chiang Mai, proceed to check in and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
breakfast
Meal(s):Day 8
Chiang Mai
After breakfast, meet your local guide in the hotel lobby and embark on a delightful culinary journey through the heart of this magnificent city. Afterwards, you will be transferred back to your hotel, where you can spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Culinary Heritage foodie tour
This tour provides an insight into the culinary heritage of the “Rose of the North.” Sample the delights of Chiang Mai’s cuisine, including various mouthwatering local snacks and the delicious Khao Soi – a coconut curry noodle dish that is unique to Chiang Mai! Take a local Samlor ride, a Thai-style rickshaw, and drive through Chiang Mai’s old town to a traditional street food market, wandering through the old city to the traditional street food market while being captivated by the charm of the unique Lanna-style architecture and the old Buddhist temples. Continue with a stroll through the various food stalls and simple carts and be tempted by the heady aromas. Your guide will be on hand to introduce the many local dishes on offer, so be sure to try whichever ones take your fancy—from deep-fried pancakes, Kanom Jin (rice noodles with curry soup), Kanom Krok (Thai coconut pudding), noodle soup, deep fried taro, pad Thai and sweet mango with sticky rice. If you're feeling brave, you can even sample the local rice whisky.
Breakfast and lunch
Meal(s):Day 9
Chiang Mai – Bangkok
After breakfast, your private driver will take you to the Chiang Mai International Airport for your flight back to Bangkok! Upon arrival, a local representative will greet you with an Air Canada Vacations sign displaying your name and escort you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day at leisure.
breakfast
Meal(s):Day 10
Bangkok - Canada
After breakfast, your private driver will take you to Suvarnabhumi Airport for your flight back to Canada.
breakfast
Meal(s):
Accommodations
Where you'll stay
Superior Accommodation
Location
Hotel
Room details
Type of bed(s): 1 double bed or 2 twin beds
Room occupancy: Maximum 3 people (3 adults or 2 adults + 1 child)
Unless otherwise specified, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Important Information
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Departure Dates: Oct 28 – May 02 (seasonal)
Frequency:
- From Oct 28 – Oct 31: (2 times per week, Tue & Fri)
- Nov 01 – Dec 02: (3 times per week, Tue, Fri & Sun)
- Dec 03 – Dec 10: (5 times per week, Mon, Tu, Wed, Fri & Sun)
- Dec 11 – Mar 29: (7 times per week, daily)
- Mar 30 – Apr 30: (3 times per week, Mon, Wed & Fri)
- May 01 – May 02: (1 time per week, Fri)
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Not included
- Gratuities of any kind
- Festive dinner/meal and festive surcharge at each hotel
- Airport taxes (where applicable)
- Meals outside of the ones mentioned within the itinerary above.
- Transfers for any optional activities and any other transfer services required outside of the itinerary above.
- Entrance to other landmarks not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Additional activities and excursions
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The More Moments activities/excursions mentioned in the itinerary are all included in the package but may be rescheduled to take place on an earlier or later day, depending on availability and operational day, or cancelled due to weather-related conditions.
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- Private transfer service from/to airports.
- Private transfer service for all sightseeing
- Plane from Bangkok to Chiang Rai
- Private transfer from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai
- Plane from Chiang Mai to Bangkok
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The itinerary above is subject to change without prior notice. The order in which destinations are visited or day excursions occur may change due to operational restrictions, such as weather and accommodation availability.