Essential Thailand – Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket

Welcome to Bangkok, Thailand!

Welcome to Bangkok - the quintessential eastern metropolis and Southeast Asia’s most vibrant capital city. Known in Thai as the city of angels, Bangkok is a city of mind-boggling history and spirituality, where you can expect ancient Thai temples that rise magnificently from the riverbanks, colorful palaces that glisten spectacularly in the sunlight, and a snaking river that audaciously wind its way through the heart of the city. Fabulous shopping awaits you, whether you’re after high-quality artisanal handicrafts or excellent bargains in Asia’s most stylish shopping centers. If you’re a food lover, you will delight in the exceptionally delicious meals that can be enjoyed at every corner of the city.

You will be warmly welcomed at the airport by our guide who will take care of the transfer to your hotel.

Visit Bangkok Like a Local

Meet your guide at the lobby of your hotel. Take the Skytrain, also known as the BTS, and glide through the city to reach the river, from where you can take a short boat trip to Tha Tien Pier starting with a visit to Wat Pho. Wat Pho is home to more than one thousand Buddha images, as well as one of the largest single Buddha statues: the Reclining Buddha. You will likely hear the monk's morning chanting ritual emanating from the main hall during your visit. You will continue your walk to Wat Phra Kaew, known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and one of the most respected temples in Thailand. Your next unmissable stop will be the Grand Palace, home of the Kings of Siam of the Chakri Dynasty, originally built by King Rama I. Afterward, you will continue to walk to the fascinating Amulet market. For a bit of adventure, jump on a Thai tuk-tuk to visit Wat Saket and climb the heavenly Golden Mountain, which offers an incredible view over Bangkok. After that, you will travel aboard a Saen Saeb taxi boat to discover the Jim Thompson house, home of the famous founder of Jim Thompson Thai Silk. One last ride by BTS or taxi will bring you back to your hotel after a day full of striking emotions.

Bizarre Traditional Markets Near Bangkok

Free day at leisure.

Recommended Tour: Bizarre Traditional Markets near Bangkok – Tha Kha and Talad Rom Hoob - From 07:00 to 13:00

You will travel to Tha Kha's small floating and colorful market is located by road from Bangkok in the heart of a calm and authentic part of Thailand. It is during a traditional boat trip that one observes life on the water where the locals work onboard their small boats filled with fruits and vegetables. Continue to Talaad Rom Hoob, better known as the train market. This market is located along the railway tracks and if you are lucky you will get to see the train pass within inches of the goods and produce on sale. The train announces its arrival with great blows of the horn, leaving just seconds for the merchants to repack the goods then reinstall them just as quickly once the train has passed.

Flight to Chiang Mai

After checking out you will meet your driver and guide and travel to Bangkok airport for your flight to Chiang Mai.

An ancient walled city of leafy green trees, winding alleyways, gentle inhabitants, and spectacular cuisine, Chiang Mai can make a good case for being the most charming city in Thailand. Northern Thailand’s most important cultural hub offers a huge variety of antique temples from colorful structures that sparkle in the sunlight to more understated beauties that exhibit the earthy tones of brick and wood. The surrounding countryside is nothing short of spectacular- Chiang Mai is also the gateway into the northern mountains for invigorating treks, enigmatic elephants, and culturally intriguing minority villages.

Upon arrival at Chiang Mai airport, you will meet your driver and local guide and travel by car to your hotel.
In the late afternoon set out by tuk-tuk to explore Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand's largest city and a historical crossroads of cultures. You will pass the three main neighborhoods of the city (the riverside, the old city, and the Nimman area) while tasting some delicious local treats along the way.
Begin the evening at a small, hidden riverside location to sample some authentic Northern delicacies and enjoy a refreshing drink as the sun starts to set. Then, passing bustling markets and some famous landmarks, your tuk-tuk will take you into the old city center. Enjoy a short stop at a public park where locals and ex-pats go to exercise after their working day - a great place to do some people watching. Then hop back in your vehicle and go to a nearby market, famous for its wide selection of street food. You will stop at a small cart where you can try Khanom Jeen Nam Ngiaow, or the famous khao soi. Next, your driver will take you to the Nimmanhaemin area, famous for its trendy bars and restaurants and everything hip. At a small restaurant, you will try some real Burmese dishes, before continuing to a food court for some dessert.

Chiang Mai’s Exquisite Temples and Warorot Market by Tuk-Tuk

Today Chiang Mai will delight you during a characteristic trip by trishaw, a non-motorized three-wheeler that relies on the strong legs of the driver. Do not worry: you won’t have to drive it on your own unless you really want to! Explore the gleaming temple compound of Wat Prah Singh with its towering chedi and golden rooftops, the exquisite Wat Phan Tao, and the elegant Wat Prasat, before ending up at the crumbling Chedi Luang. After that, you will travel by mini-van to visit the bustling and vibrant Warorot Market, one of the largest in town.

Afternoon free at leisure.

A Unique Adventure with Elephants at Elephant Rescue Park

Day free at leisure.

Optional Tour: A unique adventure with elephants at Elephant Rescue Park - From 06:30 to 12:30
An excursion that will give a new meaning to your trip. At daybreak, you will arrive in the lush countryside surrounding Chiang Mai. Head for the Elephant Rescue Park, whose goal is to recover elephants that have been exploited, injured, or in distress, and give them the sanctuary along with the care, attention, and respect they deserve. Although this is not the place for riding the elephants – as a matter of policy, elephant back riding is prohibited by the camp – you will have the opportunity to get close to the pachyderms. You will start with a tour of a recycled paper mill that uses elephant manure as part of a genuine eco-friendly process. Your hosts will invite you to take part in a trial.
After a stopover at the market to buy something for your new companions for the day, the mahouts will reveal the secrets of the elephants: you will learn how to feed them, observe them, interact with them and go on a tour of the green hills walking beside them. You will come back down to contemplate their favorite pastime: a bathe in the river, before enjoying your own real shower and a well-deserved meal. Lunch is included.

Note: private roundtrip transfer without a guide – join in an activity with English speaking guide

Tea plantation experience at Araksa

After checking out you will meet your driver and guide and travel to Araksa tea plantation.
Upon arrival at the tea plantation, you will be greeted by a local tea expert who will explain to you the different processes and methods used to cultivate young tea plants. After that, the resident picker will lead you to the tea bushes where you will be instructed how to pick tea leaves. At the roasting station, you will be offered a demonstration of the art of processing tea by hand from kneading to roasting. When the roasting is done, enjoy a cup of tea (from the tea plantation!) with a delicious Thai snack.
Transfer to Chiang Rai. Check-in at the hotel.

Chiang Rai - Colors of Art

You will start the day with a visit to Wat Rong Khun, the famous White Temple created by the now internationally renowned artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. It is a must-see attraction when in Chiang Rai and besides the impressive temple itself, featuring captivating murals, there is also a gallery with Chalermchai’s paintings on display. The next stop is the small temple Wat Rong Suea Ten, also known as the Blue Temple. The design was created by one of Chalermchai’s students and you will definitely see the influence in the design. Lunch break will be at the restaurant of ArtBridge Chiang Rai, a local art gallery where the works of some local artists are on display. In the afternoon you will visit the Black House, another religious-inspired building complex, created by one of Chiang Rai’s famous artists. Before heading back to the hotel, you will visit Doi Din Daeng pottery, a quiet workshop set in green surroundings where you can see artists at work and enjoy a drink in the relaxed surroundings.

Chiang Rai Flight to Phuket

After checking out you will meet your driver and guide and travel to Chiang Rai airport for your domestic flight to Phuket.
Exquisite white-sandy beaches, clear emerald seawater, and bright sunlight are all synonymous with Phuket, an international magnet for beach lovers all over the world. Phuket is the country's largest island. Present-day Phuket has been shaped by its diverse ethnic groups, culture, architectural influences, and traditional fine cuisines. The island also has more to offer visitors than its natural heritage of sea, sand, sky, beach, forests, and world-renowned diving sites. The old town of Phuket is definitely another charming place well worthy of a visit.

Upon arrival at Phuket airport, you will meet your driver and local guide and travel by car to your hotel.

Day free at leisure.

Day free at leisure.

Bike, Boat and Beach - Koh Yao Noi Explorer

Day free at leisure.

Optional Tour: Bike, boat and beach - Koh Yao Noi explorer - From 07:15 to 18:30
You will be picked up from your Phuket hotel and brought to the pier ready to board a boat to Koh Yao Noi. As soon as you set foot on this island you will feel the stark contrast between bustling Phuket and this quiet island. After choosing your bicycle, you will begin cycling along the rural side of the island (on and off-road) past rice paddies, local villages, and rubber plantations. Just before lunch, you will board a local long-tail boat which will take you to a remote beach, from here a short walk will bring you to the island’s biggest tree. You continue your journey by boat to Koh Kudu, a small and uninhabited island where you will have a picnic lunch on a deserted beach. After spending some time swimming and relaxing in these beautiful surroundings it is time to return to Koh Yao Noi for some more cycling, this time with some beautiful views of Phang Nga Bay in the distance. At the end of the afternoon, you will return to Phuket where you will be dropped off at your hotel. Lunch is included.
The tour is 4 hours cycling - cycling distance 18-20 kilometers. Suitable for children of 10 years or more (or 140 cm)

Sunrise Phi Phi Tour

Day free at leisure.

Optional Tour: Sunrise Phi Phi tour - From 04:45 to 16:30
Wake up early in order to beat the crowd and bathe in the first light of sunrise. Phi Phi Island is one of the most popular destinations and absolutely not one to be missed. Due to its breathtaking landscape, the island has become known as the ‘Jewel of the Andaman Sea’. After approximately 60 minutes of the cruise by speedboat, it will be time to explore the beauty of Phi Phi Island and around - Pi Leh Cove, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, and Bamboo Island. Lunch is included.
Note: Join tour

The End of The Tour

After checking out you will meet your driver and guide and travel to Phuket airport for your outbound flight