Planned by Liz,
local expert for Indonesia, Japan, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
5.0/5
Starting at USD 2750 per adult / 12 days
International flights not included. Price details
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Experience the best of Thailand as you discover glitzy Bangkok's temples, markets and waterways. Compare the bustling, lively capital with the glorious rolling hills and lush interior of mountainous Chiang Mai before heading south to beach bliss and unexpected cultural delights in hedonistic Phuket.

This itinerary is just a starting point as all services are 100% customizable to suit your travel wants and needs. Looking for different hotels, other experiences or an alternative route? Get in touch with Liz today to receive your personalized quote. Just enter your details and receive a quote based on your preferences.

Overview

Bangkok 4 nights
Chiang Mai 4 nights
Phuket 3 nights

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1-5

Bangkok

Bangkok Travel guide

DAY 1

Glittering Bangkok

Bangkok is a city that truly comes to life after dark. The sights, sounds and smells associated with the city’s bustling street life are amplified under the glow of street lights, while the golden spires of the city’s ancient temples and palaces are bathed in a rich glow that illuminates their stunning architecture and enhances their beauty.After a day of sightseeing, guests are taken to the Rattanakosin area of the old city, past the floodlit Grand Palace and Wat Pho.After an exquisite Thai dinner on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, against the majestic backdrop of Wat Arun, guests can stroll through the evening Flower Market, with its vibrant colors and sweet aromas. This bustling area is best visited at night, when the vendors dart through the streets on their mopeds, carrying bundles of freshly cut flowers.Emerging the Memorial Bridge, which spans the Chao Praya, guests can end the evening by bargaining for handicrafts and souvenirs at the local night market.

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Accommodation: Sofitel So Bangkok

DAY 2

Grand Palace & Chinatown Walk

The tour starts at the Grand Palace, where you will visit the main sites, including the magnificent throne halls and the Emerald Buddha. We then continue to visit Wat Pho. Bangkok’s oldest temple is home to the magnificent Reclining Buddha, as well as the first school of traditional medicine and Thai massage, which is also regarded as Thailand’s first University. Lunch will be enjoyed with a scenic beautiful view of the Chao Phraya River at Supatra River House.Your guide take you by an amazing tuk tuk ride to Chinatown Square, where you start an interesting walk from the Taoist temple Wat Leng Nei Yi to Ratchawong pier. Along the way, you walk through one of the oldest parts of Bangkok, passing Yaoworat Road where you stop for a cup of Chinese tea at a very old teashop, and then continue into Trok Leng Moi Eia (a small soi) and Talad Kao, an interesting local market with variety of fresh foods, fresh & dry fruits, Chinese herbs, and groceries. Catch the public ferryboat along the Chao Phraya River to Saphan Taksin and hop on the skytrain to Siam Station where you take time to explore one of the biggest and sophisticated shopping malls in Bangkok, The Siam Paragon.

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Accommodation: Sofitel So Bangkok

DAY 3

Tha Kha Market And Amphawa Tour

No country does markets quite like Thailand. This tour allows guests to experience two of the more unusual examples of these traditional trading hubs.This full-day tour starts with a visit to an amazing local market set up on the railway tracks. When a train pulls in or out of the station, the vendors quickly clear their stalls, only to set them up again moments later when the train has passed! From here, the journey continues to the rural province of Samut Songkhram, home of the Tha Kha floating market, where narrow wooden boats line the canals, filled with fresh fruit and other local produce.A relaxing boat ride through the labyrinth of canals offers the chance to stop and enjoy a cooling coconut drink with a friendly local family, before the tour continues to a local Buddhist temple and the King Rama II Memorial Park, with its ornate collection of Thai-style pavilions.

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Accommodation: Sofitel So Bangkok

DAY 4

Ayutthaya Insight

Explore Thailand's ancient capital and cultural heartlands by train, boat and tuk-tuk with this absorbing full-day tour. The day begins with a morning train ride from Bangkok to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ayutthaya, passing through verdant countryside and lush paddy fields. Having arrived in Ayutthaya, which dates back to the 14th century, the morning is spent exploring the breathtaking temple-studded landscape by tuk-tuk, before a trip to the town's Muslim Quarter gives the opportunity to sample an unusual local delicacy, the candy floss roti. If time permits, guests can also visit local houses where handicrafts are still handmade in the traditional style.Afterwards, have lunch at the local market, where guests get to sample a sumptuous selection of local dishes. The tour continues with a leisurely long-tail boat ride along the Chao Praya River. This offers the chance to visit the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, the majestic mansions of Thailand's Royal family, and Wat Niwet Thammaprawat, one of the area's most distinctive Buddhist temples, featuring remarkable Gothic-style architecture and stained glass windows.

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Accommodation: Sofitel So Bangkok

DAY 5-9

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai Travel guide

DAY 5

Chilled Chiang Mai, Afternoon

As the heart of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai offers a wonderful array of traditional attractions, and this half-day tour allows guests to experience many of the elements that epitomize this culturally rich province.Travelling just 30 minutes from Chiang Mai city, guests will be able to soak up the heady aromas of a Thai herb garden before taking a long-tail boat ride along the rural Mae Ping River. During this serene half-hour journey, guests will pass traditional wooden houses on the riverbanks before emerging at the charming Wararos fresh food market, which buzzes with local Northern Thai life. Finally, a traditional rickshaw, or 'samlor', will transport guests into the heart of the city, past the ancient city walls to the impressive Wat Phra Singh temple.

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DAY 6

Day at leisure

We’ve left today free of activities so you can do what you please, whether that’s taking a walking tour, seeking out the area’s local delicacies or simply relaxing at your hotel. Talk to our travel experts, if you’d like to add another experience instead.

DAY 7

A Morning With The Monks

Depart your hotel at 6 am and arrive at the foothills of Doi Suthep mountain, just in time to buy offerings and join the locals during the daily alms giving ceremony. This is a serene Buddhist procession where dozens of monks walk barefoot through the street collecting food and everyday items. Continue up the mountain to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and climb the 309 steps of the Golden Naga staircase to reach its golden pagodas. Proceed to Wat Umong, which was built in the 14th century, a heavily forested temple covered by moss and small plants offering a unique, yet charming sense of natural decay. After a walk through its mysterious tunnels, you reach the Viharn of the temple to experience your own private blessing ceremony.After, enjoy this lovely day with a delicious bowl of Khao Soy. This famous Northern Thai dish is a combination of coconut cream, crispy noodles and plenty of spice that is sure to delight!

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DAY 8

Mae Kampong Eco Tour

Depart for Mae Kampong village and drive through the picturesque countryside of Chiang Mai. En route, a short stop is made at a local market where you can select some extra ingredients for your lunch. Continue to Mae Kampong village where you are met by villagers who will accompany you and your guide on a stroll through the community forest, passing tea and coffee fields. Return to the village and enjoy a simple lunch prepared by your local host. After lunch, relax with a traditional Thai massage and take a walk around the village to see the processing of fermented tea leaves (depending on the season) and some locally handmade products. Return to Chiang Mai in the late afternoon.

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DAY 9-12

Phuket

Phuket Travel guide

DAY 9

Phuket Heritage

Uncover the rich and colourful cultural heritage of Phuket as you wander through the historic quarters of this provincial island. The wide array of exotic tropical fruits available in the downtown fruit market will tantalize and satisfy your palate. Explore the oldest Chinese shrine and uniqueness of the Sino-Portuguese architecture that stand testimony to the influence of the Chinese migrants during the tin mining days of the 19th century. After the walk, head to the summit of Rang Hill where you get to savour a refreshing cocktail and snack while revelling in the sweeping panoramic view of Phuket town. Cap off the day with a delightful Phuket cuisine at the Natural Restaurant, an eatery which serves excellent food and service in an innovative décor.

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DAY 10

Phuket Multi-Cultural

On this Phuket day trip, you will discover the diverse communities inhabiting the south of Thailand. Your multi-cultural Phuket tour will begin on Siray Island, home to the Moken people, also known as the sea gypsies, who are an animist community and live solely off fishing.  Around 25% of Phuket’s residents are Muslim and based around the east coast of the island. Before visiting one of its most representative villages and mosques of the island, you will stop to try the famous Roti and Copi (a local coffee and a sweet). In the Kathu district, home to the oldest Chinese shrine on Phuket Island, you will discover the remnants of the tin-mining industry that brought the Chinese migrants to Phuket in the 18th century. Finally, the day ends with some local cuisine, a favourite of the local people, Hokkien Noodle Soup.

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DAY 11

Day at leisure

We’ve left today free of activities so you can do what you please, whether that’s taking a walking tour, seeking out the area’s local delicacies or simply relaxing at your hotel. Talk to our travel experts, if you’d like to add another experience instead.

DAY 12

Departure day

All of the greatest adventures must come to an end. Accompanied by fond memories, you’ll travel back to the airport for your departure flight and return home.

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