Thailand Red Lotus Sea Festival
A gentle journey through Thailand’s rivers, temples, hill communities to witness the Red Lotus Sea at its most magical.
Travel dates
20 Feb - 01 Mar 2026
Places covered
Bangkok | Ayutthaya | Udon Thani | Chiang Mai
Group Size
Min: 8 pax | Max: 12 Pax
Starting From
₹ 1,25,500 / per person
Tour Highlights
This journey through Thailand is designed as a slow, layered exploration of the country’s many rhythms. From the historic heart of Bangkok and the riverbound ruins of Ayutthaya to the quiet poetry of the Red Lotus (actually Pink Lillies) Sea in Udon Thani, and onward to the cultural depth of Chiang Mai, the route balances heritage, landscapes, and lived traditions. There is space to observe, to wander, and to connect — whether through craft, cuisine, community, or nature. Overnight trains, local markets, temples, and hill communities are woven together thoughtfully, allowing each place to reveal itself in its own time. It’s a journey that favours texture over speed, moments over checklists, and stories that stay with you long after the trip ends.
Tribal Encounters
Red Lotus Sea
Ayutthaya Unhurried
Khantoke Dinner
Who is this tour for....
Slow travellers who value immersion over checklists
Culturally curious explorers drawn to stories and craft
Comfort-first travellers open to authentic local journeys
Nature lovers seeking gentle adventure, not extremes
Why this journey is a must-do
This tour is a must for travellers because it shows Thailand as it is lived, not just as it is seen. It moves beyond postcard moments into quieter, more meaningful encounters, drifting through canals in old Bangkok, sharing space with hill communities in Chiang Dao, waking up to lotus-filled lakes, and crossing the country by overnight train.
The pacing allows you to settle into each place rather than rush through it, while the mix of comfort and local travel keeps the experience grounded and real. What this journey offers is perspective, texture, and connection, leaving travellers with a deeper understanding of Thailand long after they return home.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok
Sawasdee kha and welcome to Bangkok. On arrival, meet your local representative near Gates 3–4 and transfer to your hotel. After check-in, take time to unwind after your journey or enjoy a short walk around the neighbourhood to get your first feel of the city. In the evening, gather for a relaxed welcome dinner at the hotel, a gentle introduction to Thai flavours and hospitality.
Meals included: Dinner only
Day 2: Old Bangkok, Textiles & River Life
Begin the day at the Jim Thompson House Museum, exploring the story of Thai silk and its transformation into modern design. Continue to the historic heart of the city with visits to the Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha, followed by Wat Pho, home to the Reclining Buddha and Thailand’s traditional massage school.
After lunch at leisure, experience Bangkok from the water on a long-tail boat canal cruise in Thonburi, passing riverside homes, temples, and everyday life along the klongs. Return to the hotel by late afternoon, with the evening free to explore local dining or street food at your own pace.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3: Bangkok – Ayutthaya
After breakfast and check-out, drive to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Following lunch at leisure, explore the city’s most iconic ruins, starting with Wat Maha That, famed for the Buddha head entwined in tree roots. Continue to Wat Phra Si Sanphet, once the spiritual heart of the royal palace, and Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit, housing one of Thailand’s largest bronze Buddhas. End the day at Wat Lokaya Sutharam, where a serene reclining Buddha rests under open skies.
Check in to your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening at leisure.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4: Ayutthaya – Udon Thani (Overnight Train)
After breakfast, store your luggage and begin the day at the Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre, where traditional Thai craftsmanship is preserved through silk weaving, ceramics, woodwork, and folk arts. Continue to the elegant Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, a former summer retreat of Thai kings, showcasing a graceful blend of Thai and European architectural styles.
Later, explore a local market and enjoy lunch at leisure, sampling regional specialties including Ayutthaya’s famous roti sai mai. In the evening, transfer to the station to board the overnight sleeper train to Udon Thani (21:39 departure). Settle in for a classic rail journey through Thailand’s countryside.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5: Arrival in Udon Thani
Arrive early morning in Udon Thani and transfer privately to your hotel. The rest of the day is kept deliberately slow, allowing time to rest after the overnight journey. Enjoy the hotel facilities, catch up on sleep, or take a gentle stroll nearby to ease into the rhythm of northeastern Thailand.
Meals included: None
Day 6: Udon Thani & Red Lotus Sea
After breakfast, depart for Nong Han Kumphawapi Lake, home to the famed Red Lotus Sea. Glide across calm waters on a small boat, surrounded by thousands of pink lotuses glowing in the morning light—one of Thailand’s most tranquil natural sights.
Return to town for a visit to the Udon Thani Museum, offering insight into the region’s archaeology, Ban Chiang heritage, and local traditions. The afternoon is free to relax. In the evening, explore nearby night markets or restaurants, sampling Isaan favourites such as som tam and grilled meats.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7: Udon Thani – Chiang Mai
Enjoy a relaxed morning before transferring to the airport for your domestic flight to Chiang Mai. On arrival, meet your local representative and transfer to your hotel. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring Chiang Mai’s old town, ancient city walls, and nearby temples at your own pace.
In the evening, visit the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar or walking street, depending on the day, to browse handicrafts, textiles, and local street food.
Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8: Chiang Dao Trek & Hill Community Experience
Depart early for a full-day Chiang Dao hill community experience. Begin at a lively local market, learning about regional produce before driving into the countryside. Trek through forested trails and farmland to reach a Palong (Dara-ang) village, where you learn about hill community life, weaving traditions, and village customs.
Enjoy a simple home-cooked lunch prepared over a wood fire, followed by time to relax and interact with your hosts. End the day at the unique Sticky Waterfalls, where mineral-rich limestone allows you to walk safely up the cascading tiers. Return to Chiang Mai by evening.
Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 9: Chiang Mai Temples & Farewell Dinner
The morning is free to relax. In the afternoon, explore Chiang Mai’s spiritual landmarks, beginning with Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh, both central to Lanna heritage. Continue up the mountain road to Doi Suthep Temple, arriving in time for sunset views over the city below.
In the evening, celebrate your journey with a traditional Khantoke farewell dinner, featuring northern Thai cuisine and cultural performances—an atmospheric conclusion to your time in the north.
Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 10: Chiang Mai Departure
Enjoy breakfast and some free time before your private transfer to Chiang Mai Airport for onward travel. As your journey concludes, take with you memories of Thailand’s layered history, gentle landscapes, and warm local encounters.
Meals included: Breakfast
Traveller Notes
- The tour will operate only if the minimum required number of 8 participants is met; failing which the itinerary, pricing, or dates may be revised or the tour may be cancelled with prior intimation.
- The price quoted is valid till 5th Feb 2026.
- Tour pricing and inclusions are calculated based on the maximum group size and are subject to change in case of any variation in the final number of confirmed participants.
- Accommodation is primarily on double-sharing basis; in the event of an odd number of participants, triple sharing may be arranged where possible, failing which a single room supplement will be mandatory.
- Participants opting for single occupancy or those required to take a single room due to group configuration will be charged a single room supplement over and above the tour cost.
- The cut-off date for confirming participation in the tour is 5th February, post which availability and pricing of services cannot be guaranteed.
- We reserve the right to make minor changes to the itinerary, accommodation, or sequencing of activities due to operational or unavoidable circumstances without affecting the overall tour experience.
- Confirmation of participation and/or payment towards the tour will be deemed as acceptance of the above terms and conditions.
4 Reasons to Choose This Thailand Journey with AEJ
Diverse Thailand in One Trip
Canals, ancient capitals, hill communities, and northern landscapes come together to reveal a slower, deeper, and more human side of the country.
Tailored Touches Throughout
Smart routing, balanced days, and considered stays blend challenge with comfort for a journey that feels thoughtfully shaped.
Immersive Experiences
Market stops, hill-tribe encounters, and exposure to traditional arts and crafts create moments of genuine cultural exchange.
End-to-End Design
Steady logistics, warm hosting, and meaningful storytelling let you settle into the ride and the quiet shifts it brings.
Inclusions
- Accommodation on twin sharing in mentioned hotels. Single occupancy mandatory in case of odd numbered goup.
- Private transfers using Air conditioned coach for group
- All guided tours as mentioned in the itinerary with entrance fees as applicable
- Overnight Train / bus from Ayutthaya to Udon Thani
- Flight from Udon Thani to Chiang Mai with check in baggage 20 Kgs & carry on 7 kgs.
- 08 Breakfasts, 03 dinners, 01 lunch as per itinerary
- Tour leader for the entire duration of the tour
- Baggage Tags for the entire group
- Filling in of TDAC for entry to Thailand
- All the applicable services charges, government taxes, and TCS
Exclusions
- Any International flights
- Airport transfers in Bangkok and Chiang Mai as per flights chosen as per actuals
- Personal Travel insurance
- Lunches and dinners unless specifically mentioned in inclusions
- Personal incidental expenses
- Any other services not mentioned as included
- Tips and gratuities (Driver/Guide/Boatmen/naturalists)
- Blocking of seats and meals on board flights on actuals if requested
Combine this tour with..
North India
This classic Golden Triangle circuit, with the addition of Ranthambore, offers an ideal balance of history, culture, and wildlife. Explore the bustling streets of Delhi, marvel at the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal in Agra, soak in the royal grandeur of Jaipur, and venture into the wild at Ranthambore in search of the elusive tiger. This route beautifully weaves together India’s vibrant heritage, architectural wonders, and thrilling safaris, creating a seamless journey that captures the heart of North India.
Suggested Routing: Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Ranthambore – Delhi
Ideal Duration: 8-10 days
Bhutan
Bhutan’s compact yet diverse circuit promises a serene and immersive experience in the Himalayan kingdom. From the cultural richness of Paro to the modern capital of Thimphu and the lush valleys of Punakha, this route offers a peaceful flow through ancient monasteries, mountain vistas, and traditional Bhutanese life. The short driving distances allow for relaxed exploration, while the spiritual ambience and pristine natural beauty create a fulfilling journey that feels both intimate and profound.
Suggested Routing: Paro – Thimpu – Punakha – Paro
Ideal Duration: 8 days
Thailand
This Thai route effortlessly blends urban excitement, pristine jungle, and tropical beaches. Begin in dynamic Bangkok with its vibrant street life and royal landmarks, continue to the untouched rainforests and tranquil lakes of Khao Sok National Park for a nature escape, and unwind on the stunning beaches of Phuket. It’s a thoughtfully paced itinerary that transitions from cultural immersion to natural wonder to coastal relaxation, offering something for every kind of traveler in one beautifully connected journey.
Suggested Routing: Bangkok – Khao Sok – Phuket
Ideal Duration: 8 days
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage make this circuit a perfect introduction to the island. Start with the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura, move to the spiritual city of Kandy, and immerse yourself in the cool tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya. The journey flows south to the golden beaches of Mirissa for a coastal finale before returning to Colombo. This combination delivers ancient history, lush mountains, cultural treasures, and seaside serenity, capturing the island’s multifaceted charm in one comprehensive route.
Suggested Routing: Colombo – Anuradhapura – Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Mirissa – Colombo
Ideal Duration: 8 days