Best of Thailand

Arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport and meet your escort inside the immigration area. Proceed through fast-track immigration processing to bypass standard queues. Your escort handles Visa on Arrival applications if required, verifies documents, and escorts you directly to the immigration counters, reducing typical 45–90 minute wait times to under 15 minutes.

Start the day by exploring Bangkok’s cultural highlights with your guide. Depending on your hotel’s location, reach Wat Pho by Skytrain, ferry, or walking. Visit one of the city’s oldest temples and view the 45-meter-long reclining Buddha.

Ride a tuk-tuk to the Lak Mueang City Pillar, then enter the Grand Palace and walk through its historic grounds. Step inside the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, considered the spiritual center of Thailand.

After a traditional Thai lunch served family-style, board a longtail boat and cruise through Bangkok’s network of canals. Pass teakwood homes, wooden shopfronts, and peaceful temples along the water. Stop at the Artist’s House, a restored centuries-old home now showcasing local art and photography.

Visit Wat Arun, known as the Temple of Dawn. Climb one of the central towers and explore the pavilions while learning about Buddhist influences on Thai culture. Cross the Chao Phraya River by ferry and arrive at a riverside restaurant. End the day with a refreshing local cocktail and take in panoramic views over the water as the city winds down.

After breakfast, drive out to the Maeklong Railway Market and watch vendors expertly clear their stalls as a train passes through the center of the market. Walk along the tracks and observe the precision of this daily routine. Walk along the tracks and witness the impressive coordination of vendors as they swiftly move their goods to safety when the train approaches. Visit a family-run coconut palm sugar factory to learn about traditional sugar production methods and sample fresh, delicious treats made from this sweet local ingredient.

Board a longtail boat and cruise through the canals to the vibrant Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Glide along the waterways, passing colorful boats filled with fresh produce, handmade crafts, and local souvenirs. Experience the lively atmosphere of this famous market and immerse yourself in the unique sights and sounds of the floating stalls.

Stop at the Lao Tuk Lak Market, where you’ll find an authentic, local atmosphere. Enjoy a traditional Thai lunch and sip a refreshing Thai-style iced coffee before returning to Bangkok, with unforgettable memories of Thailand's rich market culture.

Meet your driver in the hotel lobby for a one-hour transfer to Suvarnabhumi Airport. Board a flight to Chiang Mai (approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes). After landing, proceed to Exit Door 2, where a guide will be waiting with a sign displaying your name. Continue with a 30-minute transfer to your hotel in Chiang Mai.

In the afternoon, follow part of the Monk’s Trail, a forest path once used by monks heading to the sacred site of Doi Suthep. Walk 1.24 miles / 2 kilometers through shaded terrain, passing old stone structures and spiritual markers that reflect the area’s deep religious history. The hike takes approximately 1 hour at a moderate pace. Continue by vehicle to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and climb the 308-step Naga staircase to the temple grounds. Explore the golden pagodas, listen to monks chanting, and take in panoramic views of the city. On the way back, stop at Wat Pha Lat, a peaceful hillside temple surrounded by forest and known for its quiet beauty.

Please note that appropriate attire is required, including covered shoulders, long pants or skirts, and removal of shoes inside temple areas. Insect repellent and comfortable walking shoes for hiking are also recommended.

Full-Day Elephant Sanctuary (Join-In Tour)

After breakfast, travel north of Chiang Mai to an elephant sanctuary set amid rolling hills and local farming communities. Change into traditional clothing and help prepare fruit before spending quality time feeding, observing, and playing with these gentle giants, fostering a meaningful bond. Walk with them in a safe, ethical environment, creating a memorable bond. Enjoy a local lunch, then deepen your understanding of elephant care and behavior through guided insights from sanctuary experts. Participate in a hands-on session making sticky rice snacks, followed by assisting with a river bath experience. Conclude the visit with a tea break before returning to Chiang Mai in the afternoon.

Start the day with breakfast before exploring Chiang Mai’s historic heart on foot. Meet your guide and ride a local songthaew to a bustling market filled with fresh produce and fragrant spices. Walk through Chiang Mai’s old city, visiting Wat Chiang Man, the oldest temple, founded in 1297. Stand before the Three Kings Monument honoring the city’s founders, then dive into regional heritage at the Lanna Folk Life Museum.

Enjoy lunch before relaxing with a unique Thai massage experience. Visit the Chiang Mai Women’s Correctional Institution, where female inmates train in traditional Thai massage. Sit back for a 30-minute foot massage while learning about this impactful rehabilitation program. Conclude the day at Wat Chedi Luang, exploring its remarkable 14th-century architecture and cultural legacy.

Travel south from Chiang Mai to Bandoo village in Hangdong to visit the Raunkaew-Yanon family home, owned by the family for nearly 150 years. Tour their traditional Thai Lanna house and rice barn, then explore their orchard filled with bananas, mangoes, and coconuts. Harvest fresh ingredients from the property before learning to cook traditional Northern Thai dishes with your host family. The recipes focus on authentic local flavors and techniques not typically found in standard cooking classes. Spend the day as a guest in their home, sharing meals and stories with the family.

Enjoy a free morning at your leisure with flexible timing depending on your departure flight to Phuket, then take a private transfer with an escort guide from your hotel in Chiang Mai to the airport when ready.  Upon arrival in Phuket, a driver and guide will meet you at Exit 1, holding a signboard with your name on it, and escort you to your hotel. 

The rest of the day is at your leisure. Relax at the hotel or explore nearby Kata Beach, local dining, and shops at your own pace.

Spend the day relaxing or exploring Phuket at your own pace. Arrange for an optional activity such as snorkeling or kayaking, spend the day on the beach, explore island attractions such as the rum distillery, or take part in a cooking class.

Optional Tour – Tuk Tuk Evening Journey
Explore Phuket Town and the vibrant Night Market. Begin with a van transfer to Sea Dragon, then board a traditional tuk tuk to navigate the lively streets of Old Town. Admire the distinctive Sino-Portuguese architecture and take in the city's unique charm. Continue to Khao Rang Viewpoint to watch the sunset over the cityscape. End the evening at the bustling Night Market, where you can sample local dishes and browse colorful stalls. Return to your hotel by van, concluding a lively and flavorful cultural experience.

After breakfast, board a private longtail boat from Ao Po Pier and navigate the calm waters of Phang Nga Bay. Canoe through hidden caves and narrow lagoons at Koh Panak and Koh Hong, led by an expert guide in a two-person canoe. Take in the towering limestone cliffs and quiet coves that define this stunning seascape. Stop for a scenic beachside lunch with panoramic views.

In the afternoon, visit the legendary James Bond Island and walk along its dramatic shoreline before returning to your resort.

Meet your driver-guide for the transfer from your hotel to Phuket Airport. From here, connect with your international flight home or continue your journey independently to explore more of Phuket or other parts of Thailand.