Description

Thailand’s most iconic destinations, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, offer a diverse journey through culture, history, and natural beauty.

Together, they embody the essence of this vibrant country, blending bustling cityscapes, serene traditions, and tropical paradise into an unforgettable experience.

Bangkok, the nation’s dynamic capital, is a city of contrasts where gleaming skyscrapers coexist with gilded temples and lively street markets.

The Grand Palace and Wat Arun stand as timeless symbols of Thailand’s rich heritage, while the bustling streets of Chinatown and the floating markets reveal the city’s vibrant soul.

Bangkok’s culinary scene is unmatched, from the aromatic street food stalls to world-class dining experiences, providing a true taste of the country’s flavours.

Journey north to Chiang Mai, where ancient traditions thrive amidst lush landscapes. Known as the cultural heart of Thailand, this city is a treasure trove of centuries-old temples, including the revered Wat Phra Singh and the hilltop Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.

Chiang Mai is also a gateway to Thailand’s highlands, offering immersive experiences such as visiting ethical elephant sanctuaries and exploring local markets brimming with handcrafted treasures.

Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, invites you to unwind in a tropical paradise. Renowned for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant nightlife, Phuket also offers quieter moments in its old town, with charming Sino-Portuguese architecture and local eateries.

Beyond the shore, you can explore hidden coves, go island-hopping in Phang Nga Bay, or take in breathtaking sunsets at Promthep Cape.

Together, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket showcase the best of Thailand, offering a blend of tradition, adventure, and relaxation that ensures every traveller finds their perfect slice of paradise.

Itinerary

Day 1: Bangkok Arrival

Accommodation: W22 by Burasari (Superior Room)

Welcome to Bangkok! Enjoy a private airport transfer from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to your hotel with meet and greet service. Upon arrival, your driver, who will be holding a signboard with your name, will meet you after you’ve exited the airport.

Day 2: Bangkok  (Breakfast & Lunch Included)

Accommodation: W22 by Burasari (Superior Room)

Gateway to Bangkok

This morning, you’ll be met at your hotel by your expert local guide, ready to head out and get your first taste of Thailand. Our first stop is the Grand Palace, a majestic complex that served as the residence of the Kings of Thailand for over two centuries. Marvel at the intricate design and craftsmanship of the buildings, walls, and gardens, the intricately detailed
murals, and learn about the history and significance of this impressive landmark.

Next, we’ll hop on a tuk-tuk for a short, but exciting ride to Wat Pho, one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok. Famous for its reclining Buddha statue, Wat Pho is also home to numerous other Buddha images, impressive architecture, and beautiful murals. Take your time to explore the temple grounds and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

After we have finished exploring Wat Pho, we’ll make a short journey over to Wat Prayun, a lesser-known but equally impressive temple complex, built during the reign of King Rama III in the 19th-century, which boasts a unique stupa design and serene atmosphere. The temple is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, offering stunning views across the water and surrounding areas.

Following this, we’ll take a quick break from sightseeing to enjoy a delicious Thai lunch at a local restaurant.

Next, it’s time to try a different mode of transport as we take a short longtail boat ride through the khlongs (canals) of Bangkok. This is a great way to experience the local way of life, see traditional wooden houses and local shops, and escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while.

Our final stop will be the Mahanakorn Tower, one of Bangkok’s tallest skyscrapers. More intrepid travellers may wish to step out on the glass-floored observation deck and skywalk located on the 74th floor. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and take in the stunning sunset scenery.

Day 3: Bangkok  (Breakfast & Lunch Included)

Accommodation: W22 by Burasari (Superior Room)

Market Mayhem
Depart the hotel at around 06:45 – 07:00 AM for a full-day visiting two enigmatic markets that are as fun as they are photogenic. An early start is needed as it’s an hour and half drive outside the city. Our first stop will be Maeklong Railway. Afterward, enjoy a local lunch before heading to the market. depending on the day of the week will be either Damnoen Saduak or Tha Ka floating market.

Maeklong Railway Market (Talad Rom Hub)
At first glance there’s nothing special about Maeklong Railway Market – typical vendors selling grilled skewers or mango or crabs or cold, sugary drinks. But when the train’s whistle sounds, the small, sedate market instantly swings into motion as vendors, sitting opposite each other with the tracks bisecting the stalls, pack away their food and wares, fold-down their roofs, and wait for the train to pass. This ritual repeats itself throughout the day, offering tourists a glimpse into the ingenuity brought about in a free-market economy.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Tha Ka Floating Market (Sat – Sun) (Recommended by us)
Spend time walking and boating at Tha Ka Floating Market. Situated amongst local sugar plantations, Tha Ka is one of the area’s few remaining floating markets that is predominantly visited by local’s rather than being a tourist set-up. At Tha Ka the speed is decidedly slower and the vendors more friendly, offering a more authentic experience. Boats are either selling produce or freshly cooked dishes, such as hoy tod (fried oyster omelette). We recommend Tha Ka for those who will be in Bangkok over the weekend.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market (Mon – Fri)
After arriving at the pier, board a long-tail boat for a ride through the maze of khlongs (canals) that constitute Damnoen Saduak. The initial stretch of the river is lined with both wooden and more modern concrete houses. The main stretch of the market is both chaotic and charismatic, with hawkers peddling over-priced souvenirs to tourists while boats brimming with fruit make for excellent photos.

Afterward, return to Bangkok, arriving around 15:00.

Day 4: Bangkok – Ayutthaya – Bangkok  (Breakfast & Lunch Included)

Accommodation: W22 by Burasari (Superior Room)

Enchanting Ayutthaya Exploration by Tuk Tuk and Lunch on River Cruise
Begin your journey into the heart of Thailand’s history as your guide picks you up from your Bangkok hotel. Sit back and relax as we drive north to the ancient city of Ayutthaya, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya Historical Park, and the former capital of the Siamese kingdom.

Upon arrival in Ayutthaya, you’ll experience the local way of life by switching to a traditional Tuk Tuk. This nimble and iconic mode of transport will take you on a memorable exploration of Ayutthaya’s historical wonders. Immerse yourself in the city’s spiritual past with visits to the following temple ruins:
– Wat Mahathat: Marvel at the iconic Buddha head entwined within the roots of a banyan tree and explore the impressive ruins that echo the grandeur of a bygone era.
– Wat Ratchaburana: Discover the exquisite prang (reliquary tower) and the treasures once enshrined within this majestic temple.
– Wat Na Phra Men: Stand in awe of the large bronze Buddha statue and the site’s historical significance as a temple for royal cremations.

After delving into Ayutthaya’s ancient temples, it’s time to indulge in a culinary journey aboard a Rice Barge Cruise. Set sail just after noon for an hour and a half voyage that offers not only a feast for your taste buds but also for your eyes. Savour a handpicked set menu of sumptuous Thai dishes, each a harmonious blend of sour, salty, sweet, and spicy flavours that define Thai cuisine. The dishes can be tailored to suit a range of palates, ensuring a delightful dining experience for all.

As you dine, glide around Ayutthaya Island, taking in the romantic ambiance of the old capital. Witness the living tapestry of Ayutthaya’s heritage and contemporary life with views of:
– The Phet Fortress: Glimpse this historic military installation standing guard over the city.
– Wat Phanan Choeng: Admire one of Ayutthaya’s oldest and most revered temples.
– Wat Putthaisawan: See the striking monastery founded by the first Ayutthaya monarch.
– St. Joseph Catholic Church: Observe the cultural diversity with this European architectural gem.
– Wat Chaiwatthanaram: Contemplate the stunning riverside temple complex.                                                                      – The Memorial Stupa of Queen Suriyothai: Pay respects at the monument dedicated to a revered queen.

Post-lunch, your comfortable air-conditioned van will whisk you away to the Chao Phraya National Museum (open Wednesday to Sunday). Here, you’ll delve deeper into Ayutthaya’s rich history, admiring a collection of artefacts that reveal the city’s artistic and cultural legacy. En route, seize the chance to taste Ayutthaya’s famous Thai dessert, Roti Saimai. This sweet treat, akin to cotton candy wrapped in a thin pancake, is sure to delight your senses.

Day 5: Bangkok – Chiang Mai  (Breakfast and Dinner Included)

Accommodation: Banthai Village (Superior Room)

At the designated time, your driver will meet you in the hotel lobby for your return transfer to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).

Welcome to Chiang Mai! Enjoy a private airport transfer from Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) to your hotel with meet and greet service.

Street Eats by Electric Tuk Tuk Chiang Mai
Hop aboard an electric tuk-tuk to whizz round on a gastronomic journey stopping by the city’s finest street food hawkers.
We’ll pick you up around 6 pm from the hotel and headfirst to one of the most famous night markets of Chiang Mai, a favourite among the knowledgeable locals. If we have time, we’ll line up for a steaming hot bowl of Thai Suki – a deliciously hearty soup with vegetables and meat.

The guide will introduce the best stall for pork meatballs, served with a delightfully tangy dipping sauce that also packs a punch. Guests will also see plenty of other enticing street food stalls and we’ll choose a variety of delectable treats to try.

Northern Thai food is known for its chilli-based spice, but guests shouldn’t worry as vendors are usually happy to cater dishes to personal taste – our guide can help negotiate less spicy dishes!

Next, we’ll move on to a market closer to the old city. This market is another plaza teeming with life on the edge of the old city near the iconic Chiang Mai gate. Here, feast on more fried treats – northern Thai spicy sausage is a specialty here.

The final market stop is a renowned vendor of Kanom Jeen (fermented rice noodles with curry). The guide will provide a few options of slight variations on the curry sauce for visitors to sample. We’ll also try another of Chiang Mai’s famous dishes – Khao Soi. This curried chicken dish is flavoured with peanut, coconut, chilli, and lime, and served on top of soft egg noodles and sprinkled with crispy noodles.

Then, it’s time for dessert! You’ll try the best Thai Roti in town and try another Thai dessert of sweets in one bowl topped with coconut milk and ice.

Day 6: Chiang Mai  (Breakfast Included)

Accommodation: Banthai Village (Superior Room)

Red Truck Highlight of Chiang Mai
Move around like a local and embrace the iconic transport of choice, the songthaew, otherwise known as the red trucks of Chiang Mai.

These red pickup trucks have been modified to take numerous passengers in their back seats on their hop-on/hop-off flexible journeys around the old city. We’ll commandeer one for this morning trip to take in three of the emblematic sites of Chiang Mai.

We’ll first navigate the winding journey up Doi Suthep, the intimidating mountain that overshadows the valley of Chiang Mai, to visit the temple that sits at its peak.

Here, enjoy 360 views of the stunning landscape while also admiring the richly decorated temple grounds with its vast golden stupa. The temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists so expect to see worshippers praying and burning incense as they pay homage to various shrines.

Next, we’ll retrace our steps down the mountain and dive into the bustling old city. Here, we’ll visit the crumbling ruins of Chedi Luang. Built in the 14th century, the temple forms the historic centre of Chiang Mai and is another focal point for Buddhist worship and learning.

Now crumbling, it may not be as ornate as other temples of the old city, yet the sprawling complex of ruins, often populated with dozens of orange and yellow-clad monks, makes for a mystical setting.

The final stop of the morning takes us to Warorot market. Tucked neatly beside the Ping River to the East of the old city, Warorot Market has long been a key feature of local life.

Explore the bustling market for local delicacies, delicious street food, beautiful flowers, clothing bargains, and Lanna handicrafts. After enjoying a glimpse into local life, return to hotels around 12:30.

Day 7: Chiang Mai (Breakfast and Lunch Included)

Accommodation: Banthai Village (Superior Room)

Adventure to Doi Inthanon
Depart the hotel at 8:00 am for a one-and-a-half-hour drive to Doi Inthanon National Park. Along the way get a taste of local culture and community at a market that caters more to locals than tourists thanks to its location outside the city.

After exploring vendors selling everything from fresh produce to household wares, enjoy some shopping for any fruits and snacks you may wish to enjoy during the trek.

Next stop is Doi Inthanon National Park. Home to Thailand’s highest mountain at 2,565 meters, the national park is also one of country’s most popular parks for both locals and tourists.

There are two trekking options available here. You may choose between Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail or Pha Dok Sieo Nature Trail. Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail is only available between Nov – May and is recommended for more adventurous and active travellers due to its slightly higher intensity level (Between December and February, you may wish to bring a warm layer of clothing as the weather can be cold during that period.). Meanwhile, Pha Dok Sieo Nature Trail can be enjoyed year-round and is suitable for all ages (Travellers with knee complications or other health issues may still find it a challenge). The preferred option can be selected during the booking and reservation process.

Regardless of which trek you choose, the trekking portion of the day will take approximately one and half hours and will be led by a guide from one of the surrounding Karen villages. The Karen is an ethnolinguistic group who primarily live in south-eastern Myanmar and north-western Thailand. Although the Karen are often associated with the Paduang, or white
Karen, this is just one sub-group of the Karen people. Along the trek, your guide will discuss the local ecology and explain how the indigenous communities live off the land. If opting for Pha Dok Sieo Nature Trail, then along the way, you’ll be able to stop to rest and rejuvenate at a waterfall. At the end of the trek, stop at a local coffee shop to sample some of the local organic coffee.

Afterward, you will visit the peak of Doi Inthanon, and Thailand’s highest point standing at 8,415 ft (2,565m) above sea level. While this is quite heavily trafficked by tourists in the peak season, it’s a great spot to take in the cold mountain air. In the winter, Doi Inthanon’s peak has been known to hit temperatures below 0 degrees centigrade, marking a significant
difference from Thailand’s typically warmer climate. You will also visit the Royal Twin Pagoda’s of Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon. The site of the twin pagodas provides a spectacular viewpoint over the surrounding scenery, and beautifully manicured gardens to enjoy a short walk.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant before visiting Wachiratan waterfall. Afterward, return to Chiang Mai, arriving at your hotel around 16:00.

Day 8: Chiang Mai  (Breakfast and Lunch Included)

Accommodation: Banthai Village (Superior Room)

Cooking with a Local Family
Depart the hotel at 8:30am for a short drive to the outskirts of Chiang Mai. Our destination is Patan Village, home to the Yong people, an ethnic minority in Thailand. Today’s experience seeks to better understand the people and their culture.

Upon arrival, we visit Patan Temple and the Yong Cultural Museum. There is an opportunity to meet the temple’s resident monks and get an idea of their daily life, and their importance to the community. Joining them to learn the art of making flower bouquets provides a more hands-on appreciation. Afterwards, it’s off to the museum which is housed in a traditional Yong home. The museum explains the Yong’s history, culture, and current place in Thai society.

Following a short walk through the village, we’ll stop at the home of a local family. After greetings, we’ll get to cooking. This immersive experience allows you to explore the Yong culture through food. After learning about the local ingredients, you’ll get to chopping and dicing, mixing and slicing, all at the direction of the family. After the meals are prepared, you’ll sit down to a homely, family-style meal.

Depart around 12:30 pm to return to your hotel.

Day 9: Chiang Mai – Phuket (Breakfast Included)

Accommodation: Dewa Phuket Resort (Deluxe Room)

At the designated time, your driver will meet you in the hotel lobby for your return transfer to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX).

Welcome to Phuket! Enjoy a private airport transfer from Phuket International Airport (HKT) to your hotel with meet and greet service.

Day 10 – 12: Phuket (Breakfast Included)

Accommodation: Dewa Phuket Resort (Deluxe Room)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy your free day at leisure or optional activity as follow:

OPTIONAL TOUR with surcharge: FD Phuket Island Explorer (Lunch included) (£220 / per person)

Depart the hotel at 08:00 for a captivating full-day exploration of Phuket that leaves the beaches behind and delivers a fascinating window into the food, culture, history and spirit of the island.

The first stop will be Phuket’s old town, where Sino-Portuguese shophouses line the town’s lively streets. We’ll stop at Sang Tham Shrine before wandering down Talang Road. After a brief walk around the area, we’ll enjoy a dim sum breakfast and local coffee.

Next, we’ll get acquainted with the island’s most famous religious sites with a visit to Wat Chalong. Wat Chalong, officially named Wat Chaitararam, is the island’s most important temple. The ornate buildings house a number of statues and intricate wall paintings depicting the Buddha’s life story.

Afterward, a well-deserved seafood lunch is next on the menu at a local restaurant along Chalong Beach.

From here we’ll head to Promthep Cape, located on the island’s southwestern most point. The terraced walkways afford epic views of the Andaman Sea, Nai Harn, and on clear days, as far as Phi Phi.

To finish up the day, we’ll make a stop at Chalong Distillery, which crafts local rum using sugar from sustainably grown Thai sugarcane. There’ll be ample opportunity to explore their facilities and learn how the rum is distilled and bottled before enjoying a cocktail of choice.

Day 13: Phuket Departure (Breakfast Included)

At the designated time, your driver will meet you in the hotel lobby for your return transfer
to Phuket International Airport (HKT).