Journey Through Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket

Upon arrival at Bangkok Airport, meet and greet our English-speaking guide for transfer to the hotel via private air-conditioned coach. The evening is at your leisure.

Overnight Bangkok

Meals Included: N/A

After breakfast, depart on tour.

Today we will travel by longtail boat on the picturesque Chao Phraya River and canals, or Klongs, to observe the serene family homes and temples along the waterways. You will pass the famous Royal Barges which are excellent examples of Thai craftsmanship before stopping at Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. Break for lunch at a local Thai Restaurant. After Lunch, we proceed to visit the Grand Palace, the former residence of the Thai kings. Visit the Reception Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Funeral Hall, and the beautiful Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Kaew, and then visit Wat Po, one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok. A quick ride on Thailand’s famous Tuk-Tuk (a three-wheeled taxi) takes us to Bangkok’s Chinatown for a short walk along the 1 km stretch of food stalls and Thai-Chinese-infused buildings and businesses. 

Return to the hotel where the remainder of the evening is at your leisure.

Overnight in Bangkok

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After an early breakfast, we depart Bangkok and head to the Samut Songkhram province. Here we visit the rural Maeklong Railway Market. The nickname of the market, Talaad Rom Hoop, roughly translates to the closing of umbrellas. As the name Maeklong Railway Market suggests, part of the market is situated on the Railway. Every morning till late in the evening, this market springs to life selling a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, snacks, and clothes and accessories. However, what makes the market unique and exciting is the fact that a train will run through the market 8 times a day, every day of the week. As soon as the siren signals the arrival of the train, everything stops. Shoppers will hop off the tracks, and vendors will quickly pack their goods and prepare to close/retract their awnings from the train track as the train passes by. From the Railway Market, we move on to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. A very attractive place to see the old-style and traditional way of selling and buying fruits, vegetables, etc., from vendors floating in small boats. You will also see traditional Thai houses and the way they live and travel by boat. Enjoy lunch near the local market before returning to the hotel for the afternoon at leisure.

Overnight in Bangkok

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, transfer to the airport for the flight to Chiang Mai. 

**FLIGHT IS NOT INCLUDED**

Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Meals Included: Breakfast

mbark on a temple tour starting with a climb to one of Chiang Mai's most sacred temples Wat Doi Suthep. This is perched on a forested mountain and it offers a sublime perspective of the rolling landscape. Named after the mountain that it sits on, this magnificent temple is reached with a drive up the serpentine road some 1,000 meters above sea level. After we have explored Wat Doi Suthep with its wealth of images and frescos, we then visit Chiang Mai’s biggest market, Talat Warorod with its myriad of traders selling souvenirs, as well as everyday necessities, such as cookware, fishing nets and food. We continue to the popular pilgrimage destination of Wat Phra Singh which is situated within the city walls and is known for its famous Buddha image. We also explore Chedi Luang which has a Lanna-style chedi that offers an insight into the ancient Lanna Kingdom. Return to hotel for afternoon and evening at leisure, overnight at hotel.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast we head towards the vibrant village of San Khampaeng Here we admire skilled craftsmen at work as we explore various galleries and factories where household and decorative items are crafted, painted, and displayed. Chiang Mai is the birthplace of these skills and we watch the production of popular items in workshops such as Thai silk, and colorful paper parasols, and observe teak wood being transformed into elegant furniture with the use of simple tools. These skills have been passed down generations and we also learn the art of marking Celadon ceramics with methods that date back to the Sukhothai period. We also learn the intricacies behind the marking of lacquerware and silverware and have plenty of time to shop during our tour. Enjoy lunch at a local Thai restaurant and then return to the hotel for the afternoon at leisure. In the evening, enjoy the splendor of the culturally rich Khantok, a succulent Northern Thai-inspired dinner alongside a dance and musical performance. Khantok became a social gathering in 1953 when a local politician invited highly honored guests to sit with him to enjoy dinner. In line with local traditions, you eat crossed-legged on cushions at a low table known as a toke eating our meal from a small bowl known as a khan. The food is influenced by neighboring countries, such as sticky rice and the distinctive use of chilies from Laos, curries from Myanmar, and noodles from China. Entertainers will perform the intricate forn leb finger dance; the forn thien candle dance; the ramwong circle dance, and the ram dab sword dance. Return for overnight at the hotel.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning after breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Phuket. 

**FLIGHT IS NOT INCLUDED**

There is a wide variety of magnificent beaches, hidden coves and secluded bays, Phuket is a spectacular kaleidoscope of brilliant colors.

Upon arrival in Phuket, you are met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Overnight in Phuket

Meals Included: Breakfast

Rise bright and early before sunrise to eat breakfast and beat the crowds as we embark on a cruise that takes us to Koh Phi Phi, the famous island that shot to fame thanks to Leonardo DiCaprio’s film The Beach. Consisting of Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Ley, these dual spectacular limestone rocky islands are best enjoyed first thing in the morning before the day-tripper crowds arrive. Starting early, we board a speedboat to explore this world famous destination, visiting Pileh Lagoon which is a spectacular emerald green lagoon surrounded by high limestone cliffs – qualities which have earned it the reputation as one of the world’s most gorgeous natural swimming pools. We will stop along the way to enjoy snorkelling & swimming before moving onto our last stop on an island with a white sand beach. Lunch is served and this is a good time to find a spot to lie down and relax or enjoy some more swimming and snorkeling around the reefs of the island. We then head back to the hotel with dinner on your own account.

Overnight in Phuket

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

The day is at your leisure to relax or explore on your own.
Overnight in Phuket

Meals Included: Breakfast

After enjoying breakfast, you'll be transferred from your hotel to the airport at the designated time for your return flight home.

Meals Included: Breakfast