Classic Thailand Trip 12 Days

Sawad-dee! (Hello)

When you get to Bangkok, your private guide and driver will be there to meet you. They will then take you to your hotel.

As soon as you step foot in this vibrant metropolis, you will feel the stifling heat and hectic pace of Thailand's bustling capital. After you have checked into our hotel, you are free to do some independent sightseeing, relax your muscles with a therapeutic massage, or just lie by the pool and take in the first rays of that delicious Thai sunlight.

Overnight in Bangkok

Your tour guide will come to the hotel to get you up. Visit one of Rattanakosin Island's most well-known and historically significant community markets—the amulet market—along the way.

Learn about the Emerald Buddha Temple, or Wat Phra Kaew, also known as Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram, the temple's official name. It's the holiest Buddhist temple in all of Thailand.

Go on a tour of the Grand Palace, the royal palace of Thailand. Certainly among Thailand's most impressive palaces. After King Rama, I relocated the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok in 1782, and construction on the Grand Palace began that same year. It was the royal palace of the Chakri dynasty in Thailand from the 18th century onward.

Our tour of Bangkok's temples continues as we make our way across the city to Wat Po, where we'll see the massive reclining Buddha and the Chedis (stupas containing the ashes of the Kings). Find out how King Rama I made this previous temple his main temple and how some of his remains are interred here. UNESCO has included it in its "Memory of the World" project. Moreover, it is the original site of Thai massage, which is now taught and practiced in the temple as it has been for centuries.

Visit Wat Arun (the Temple of Daw); it is one of Bangkok's most recognizable sights. The temple is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and is most famous for its 70-meter tower covered with tiny bits of colorful glass and surrounded by Chinese porcelain.

Our afternoon ends in Bangkok's Chinatown, which is one of the city's oldest areas. It is possible to buy almost anything you can think of in this chaotic labyrinth of narrow streets and busy sois (alleys), which are overrun with restaurants, stores, street markets, and food booths. You will also make a pit stop to try some of the most delicious food the city has to offer, such as odd snacks in a market, some of the best noodles in the city, or dessert. There is no need to bother eating in advance because you won't feel hungry at any point during the event. Throughout the course of the tour, vegetarian meal alternatives will be provided.

Note

• The chapel is a national shrine and you will be required to wear proper attire: no bare shoulders and knees, or strapless-heel shoes.
• Shoes must be removed before entering the temple buildings as a matter of respect.
• Photography is permitted in the Royal Palace Grounds and in the compounds of the Emerald Buddha Temple, but not inside the buildings.

Overnight in Bangkok

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam during its golden age, and its temple ruins are a sight to behold.

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up for the drive to Wat Lokayasutha, which is the first stop in Ayutthaya, after traveling there in a luxurious and air-conditioned vehicle from Bangkok. This temple is famous for its enormous picture of a Buddha that is reclining because it is one of the few constructions that has been preserved here.

Your next stop will be at Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, which is located within the complex of the royal palace and was used by the royal family for religious ceremonies. It is widely acknowledged as Ayutthaya's most significant religious structure.

After that, you should go to Wat Mahathat Ayutthaya. It is said that the sacred relic of the Buddha was formerly kept within this temple, making it one of the oldest and most important in Ayutthaya's history. Take a moment to appreciate the iconic Buddha head that has been sculpted into the roots of a Bodhi tree.

After that, you will have a delicious lunch at a local Thai restaurant, where your guide will be available to provide recommendations on the regional delicacies served there.

Your journey should come to a close at the magnificent Wat Chaiwattanaram, which is located along the river. As you make your way through the gigantic grounds, don't forget to keep your eyes peeled for the captivating architectural style that was inspired by the Angkor Wat complex in Cambodia.

Overnight in Bangkok

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

After you have breakfast at the hotel, you will take a short drive away from the hustle and bustle of the streets of Bangkok, where the high-rise urban scene will suddenly give way to a verdant green rural idyll. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy the rustic allure of the Thai countryside during this full-day excursion to Samut Songkhram Province, which is located only an hour outside of the city.

The first event of the day is a visit to a nearby train station, which has been transformed into a thriving country market that runs along the tracks. The Maeklong Railway runs right through the middle of Maeklong, which is home to one of the most extensive fresh seafood markets in all of Thailand. The stalls that the vendors are selling from are swiftly dismantled whenever a train arrives at or departs from the station, and then they are quickly reassembled once the train has gone by.

The trip then proceeds to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, which is a very well-known tourist destination. The market is still the best example to display what a floating market was like in its original form several decades ago, despite the fact that it is somewhat touristy today. An enjoyable and relaxing paddle boat journey through the complex network of canals provides the opportunity to view the historic section of the floating market as well as the way of life of the locals living along the canal bank. After disembarking, take some time to explore the vibrant floating market, which is filled with boats and sellers offering exotic fruits and other delectable items.

Lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant at the floating market.

After lunch, you get the flight to Chiang Mai. A private car will pick you up at Chiang Mai International Airport and transfer you to the hotel to check in. Enjoy your time at the hotel.

Note: If your trip falls on a Saturday or Sunday, you will have the opportunity to choose between visiting Damnoen Saduak or the smaller and less touristy floating market Tha Kha. At Tha Kha, you will take a short paddle boat tour in the backwaters, which will include a visit to an old Thai house that produces coconut palm sugar.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

This morning, rise at dawn with a quick breakfast (Note: A takeaway breakfast box from the hotel will be provided) and drive towards Doi Suthep Temple to witness dozens of monks streaming down the mountain to the city of Chiang Mai to receive alms from the locals – a visually striking daily ritual.

Keep going up the mountain until you reach the picturesque Wat Doi Suthep set amidst the beautiful forested mountains. With old stone buildings, intricate carvings and statues, and plenty of breathtaking places to meditate, it’s clear why people claim Wat Pha Lat is a hidden gem in Chiang Mai.

After a visit to Doi Suthep, continue to discover one of the best-kept secret temples of Chiang Mai, Wat Pha Lat, known as the Temple below the Temple. This temple is a significant element of the Chiang Mai area’s history with its temple grounds aged beyond 650 years old.

Move forward to Wat Umong, a moss, and tiny plant-covered temple from the 14th century. Arrive at the temple's Viharn (sermon hall) after exploring its intriguing tunnel system to take part in a personal blessing ceremony. Go on to the temple of Wat Suan Dok, renowned for its white Lanna stupas.

Put an end to this delightful morning with lunch. A bowl of khao soi, it will do you good. This well-known cuisine from Northern Thailand is a blend of coconut cream, crispy noodles, and a generous amount of spicy seasoning that is guaranteed to please the tastes.

Continue your exploration of the Three Kings Monument in the afternoon, and then head to the Chiang Mai City Arts and Culture Center, which is housed in an old structure with a sophisticated architectural style and was constructed in 1927. The structure, which is situated on the site of a historic royal hall, was initially utilized as the chief administrative officer of the Phayap administrative unit of Siam. Subsequently, it was repurposed as the Provincial Hall of Chiang Mai. (Please be aware that the Chiang Mai City Arts and Culture Center is not open on Mondays or during the Songkran celebration. (Hours of operation are from 8:30 am to 17:00 pm, Tuesdays through Sundays.)

After a full day of sightseeing, let's come back to the hotel for your time.

Evening, you can walk around a nocturnal market that offers a wide variety of refreshments as well as great deals. In the event that it is the weekend, the renowned Weekend Walking Street is an experience not to be missed.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

Start a new day with fresh air and breakfast at your hotel.

Visit an elephant rescue center in the jungle just outside of Chiang Mai for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that is truly one of a kind. Take a dip in a waterfall, taste a lunch prepared in the traditional style of Thailand, and spend the day acting as a caretaker for the elephants as you interact with them, feed them, and watch them in their natural habitat.

Begin from your hotel after breakfast. Take a trip to the southwest of Chiang Mai and enjoy the beautiful scenery as you pass by local farms, communities inhabited by hill tribes, and rice fields.

You should take a trip to the Mae Wang Waterfalls so that you may unwind and cool off in the water there. Elephant Sanctuary, which is located deep in the jungle, is where you will arrive. A host will greet you as you enter the sanctuary, and then a guide will take you through the entire experience.

Put on some traditional garb from the Karen hill tribe, such as the clothes that the elephant keepers wear. The following step is to receive an orientation on Asian elephants as well as the history of the sanctuary. You are invited to visit the tame elephants who have been rescued and give them bananas. Join the elephants as they make their way up the hill through the forest in search of food. See how different elephant families interact in their natural habitat. Get in the river with the elephants and take a refreshing dip. Join the elephants on their walk back to the sanatorium, where you can reflect on your time with them and say your goodbyes.

Before being dropped off at your accommodation in Chiang Mai, you will finish off the day with a bamboo rafting ride along the Mae Wang River, which is known for its breathtaking scenery.

After a journey of one hour back to Chiang Mai, you will be dropped off at your hotel. The rest of the day is at your disposal to do as you like.

Note: You should bring extra clothes, comfortable shoes, sandals you don't mind getting wet and dirty, shampoo and soap, a camera, and mosquito spray or bug repellent.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

Morning

The tour guide will pick you up at the hotel at about 7:00 a.m. We'll take a break from the three-hour trip to the Mae Khachan Hot Spring. When you get to Mae Kachan Hot Spring, put your feet in the hot stream or boil some eggs in the spring water to relax.

Then we'll move on to the main attractions. Visit Wat Rong Khun, also known as the "White Temple," which is an art show in the shape of a Buddhist temple. Mr. Chalermchai Kositpipat, a renowned Thai artist, was responsible for designing the temple. Beautiful sculptures illustrating Buddhist ideals are available for photo ops.

You will go to a restaurant near the temple for lunch.

Afternoon

The next stop is the modernist Wat Rong Seur Ten, or Blue Temple, which was created by Phutha Kabkaew. Wat Rong Seur Ten, with its striking blue and gold color scheme, vibrant wall paintings, and exquisite sculptures, is a must-see when in Chiang Rai.

The Black House Museum is a must-see. Travel to Thailand and check out the Black House Museum, created by renowned artist Thawan Duchanee. The building is embellished with unusually stunning wood carvings and was designed in the distinctive Northern Thai style.

Visit the Karen Village and see the Long-Necked Karen people. You'll meet several lovely women whose stunning appearance is accentuated by the multitude of brass rings they wear around their necks. (Visitors who choose not to engage with the Long Neck Tribe can explore the rest of the hamlet, stopping for coffee, shopping, etc.

Finally, make a trip to the Golden Triangle, the intersection of Thai, Lao, and Myanmar territory. There will be a boat cruise along the famous Mekong River that you can join.  Others can explore the region on foot, go shopping, or see the impressive bronze Buddha statue "Pra Chiang Saen Si Phaendin" if they choose not to go on the boat tour.

We'll drop you off at your hotel at about 9:30 pm.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

Morning

Participating in a Thai cooking lesson at Chiang Mai Cookery Class is something that may be done today. Learn the ins and outs of Thai food, including its nuanced flavors and distinctive presentation styles. Learn another facet of this intricate cuisine with a private cooking class that focuses on the cuisine of the Lanna region of Thailand. Go beyond the standard red, green, and yellow curries as well as pad thai, which are typically associated with Thai food. The cuisine of this region is characterized by a predilection for salty and fiery flavors, and it is built around the use of jungle vegetables and herbs, pork, and sticky rice. Cook your lunch on a traditional charcoal stove using food purchased at the market or grown on the farm, and enjoy your lunch.

Afternoon

Enjoy your free time in Chiang Mai.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

Time to relax at the beach after exploring busy cities and dense jungles.

Take a flight to Phuket, the most well-known beach resort in the country, located in the south. This picture-perfect island getaway, complete with glistening white beaches, swaying palm trees, and azure waters that are warm to the touch, is the real deal. Choose from a wide variety of luxurious lodging options, ranging from all-inclusive resorts to barefoot boutiques, private-pool villas on the cliffside with breathtaking views, or accommodations that are located immediately on the beach. You have complete control over how you spend the day.

Upon arrival in Phuket, meet our driver and transfer to the hotel in Phuket.

Overnight in Phuket. 

Meals included: Breakfast

This multi-stop adventure tour from Phuket gives you the chance to paddle a canoe and ride a longtail boat. Try the local food, tour Talu Cave, and go to James Bond Island to see the beautiful limestone karsts made famous by the 1974 James Bond movie "The Man with the Golden Gun."

After being picked up from your hotel in Phuket, go straight to your first stop of the day, Wat Suwan Khuha also called the Monkey Cave because of the mischievous monkeys that live in the temple complex. Before going to the pier, go down into the cave temple and look at the statues and paintings.

Next, get on a longtail boat and sail to Panyee Island, also called the "Floating Village." Since the 1800s, people have lived on the island, which was built by local fishers on stilts. Before having lunch in a village restaurant, you can walk around the village and see how people live there.

After you've eaten some delicious local food, get back on the boat and head to Talu Cave. Canoe in the beautiful blue water when you have some free time. Check out the cave area, where you can see amazing stalactites, stalagmites, and rock forms with strange shapes.

Then, keep going to James Bond Island, the day's big attraction. Stop at the best place to see the 20-meter-tall rock formation, which is a single cliff ringed by turquoise water and other cliffs. Before heading back to Phuket, you can look at the beautiful scenery that you will never forget.

Overnight in Phuket. 

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

Today is completely free and at your discretion; you can choose to unwind at your resort or on the picturesque beach. Delectable dishes, including seafood and others, are yours to enjoy.

Overnight in Phuket. 

Meals included: Breakfast

Before your private transfer to the airport for your departure to your next destination or home, take some time to relax and enjoy breakfast, perhaps one last swim in the water, and a coconut.