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If you are swooning over snapshots of Ram Charan's family vacation in Thailand that were posted by his wife Upasana Kamineni Konidela on Instagram, then you are certainly not alone. The Tollywood superstar, who is soon going to be starring in a political action thriller, "Game Changer," looks as stylish as ever against the country's beautiful scape as he poses with his family. Now, if you also wish to enjoy a much-needed break in Thailand while exploring its multi-faceted culture, our six-day itinerary has you sorted with the best experiences, ranging from a trip to its many temples and an island escape:
Begin your day by visiting the Grand Palace, one of Thailand's most iconic landmarks. Built in 1782, the Grand Palace served as the royal residence for generations and is still used for official ceremonies and events. You will be amazed by the intricate architecture and ornate details of the buildings within the complex, including the famous Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Remember to dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees, as it is a sacred site. The Grand Palace is open daily from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, and the entrance fee is INR 1,137 (500 Thai Baht) per person.
After exploring the Grand Palace, take a short walk to Wat Pho. It is home to the famous Reclining Buddha, a massive golden statue that measures 46 metres long and is covered in gold leaf. You can explore the temple grounds and admire the beautiful murals and intricate details of the architecture. You should not miss the chance to experience a traditional Thai massage at the Wat Pho Thai Traditional Massage School, located within the temple complex. Wat Pho functions from 8 am to 6:30 pm daily. The cost to enter the premises is INR 227 (100 Thai Baht) per person.
Towards the end of the day, try some local cuisines in restaurants and food joints nearby your hotel. Post dinner, enjoy a stroll as you reflect over the encounter with rich heritage and relics from the past day.
Start your second day by visiting Khao San Road, a vibrant and bustling street with a lively atmosphere. You can explore the numerous shops that sell souvenirs, clothing, and street food and indulge in local delicacies such as pad Thai, mango sticky rice, and grilled skewers. Have breakfast at one of the places after which you can also enjoy a refreshing drink at the energetic ambience of Khao San Road.
Shortly afterwards, head out for Ayutthaya, located north of Bangkok, approximately 80 kilometres away and can be reached by train, bus, or taxi.
Once in Ayutthaya, check in to a hotel and relax. Check the logistics including distances and means of transport for the sightseeing locations and eateries on your schedule for the next day.
Wrap up your day with a relaxing sunset cruise along the Chao Phraya River. Enjoy the picturesque views of Ayutthaya's temples illuminated by the golden light of the setting sun.
Start your day early at Ayutthaya. It has a stunning collection of ruins and temples dating back to the 14th century. Spend your morning exploring the archaeological park on a bicycle or in a tuk-tuk, and make sure to visit the highlights, such as Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and Wat Chaiwatthanaram. The entrance fees to Ayutthaya Historical Park vary depending on the site, but a combined ticket for the main attractions is available for INR 500 (220 Thai Baht) per person.
After exploring the temples, you can take a break for lunch at one of the local restaurants or street food stalls serving authentic Thai cuisine. You should try dishes like tom yum goong (spicy shrimp soup), pad kra pao (stir-fried basil chicken), or som tum (papaya salad).
In the afternoon, you can again retrace your steps and take a leisurely boat cruise along the Chao Phraya River, which winds through the heart of Ayutthaya. You can relax and enjoy the scenic views of the riverside temples and historical sites from the comfort of the boat. Later in the evening, return to Bangkok and relax after your day of exploration.
Start your forth day with a light breakfast and a visit to the souvenir shops at Ayutthaya. After the morning stroll and shopping, head to a delicious Thai lunch at one of the local restaurants near hotel. Sample authentic dishes like pad thai, green curry, or mango sticky rice.
Later depart for Chiang Mai, a city in northern Thailand famous for its rich history, culture, and breathtaking natural landscapes. It takes 10-11 hours by bus and 10-12 hours by train to get from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai. The train usually departs and arrives on time. Depending on the traffic, sometimes the bus arrives 30 minutes earlier or later than scheduled. Once you arrive, check into your hotel and freshen up before exploring the city.
As a preparation for the Chiang Mai exploration the next day, relax and unwind with a traditional Thai massage at a reputable spa or massage center. Let skilled therapists relieve any tension or soreness accumulated throughout the day, leaving you feeling rejuvenated.
Start your day with a visit to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a sacred temple on a mountain that overlooks Chiang Mai. The entrance fee to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is INR 113 (50 Thai Baht) per person for foreigners. To reach the temple complex, climb the 309 steps, and you will be rewarded with awe-inspiring panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas. Take your time to explore the intricate pagodas, statues, and shrines within the temple grounds.
After visiting Doi Suthep, it's recommended that you head back to the city and spend the afternoon exploring the old town area. You can wander through the narrow streets lined with traditional wooden houses, temples, and shops that sell handicrafts and local goods. It's highly recommended that you don't miss the chance to visit Wat Chedi Luang, an ancient temple dating back to the 14th century.
In the evening, you can experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is open every night from around 6:00 pm until midnight and is located in the heart of the city. Here, you can shop for souvenirs, clothing, and handmade crafts. You can also sample delicious street food from the various stalls and enjoy live music and cultural performances.
After a light breakfast near your hotel, depart from Chiang Mai to Bangkok. The best way to get from Chiang Mai to Bangkok is to fly which takes 3 hours 5 minutes.
Once in Bangkok, grab a quick lunch and head to the Asiatique The Riverfront. It is a large open-air mall that offers shopping, dining, sightseeing, and events.
Browse through boutique shops housed in restored warehouses, dine at one of its many restaurants offering riverside views, and catch a cultural performance or live music show. Don't forget to explore the night market section for unique souvenirs and handicrafts before bid adieu to Thailand.
