Best of Thailand 15 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.
• The Grand Palace is one of Bangkok's most popular places to go, and it's often the first place people say they must see there. It's no surprise that millions of people visit every year. So that you can get the most out of your trip and avoid crowds, Your guide has the option of going to the temple either early in the morning or late in the afternoon, if that works with your schedule. If you decide that there are too many people, the guide can take you to a different temple in the area, like Wat Saket or Wat Suthat. You need to make this choice before you enter the Grand Palace.

Overnight in Bangkok

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

Have breakfast and get a cup of coffee while waiting for a guide to pick you up at the lobby hotel.

The tour guide will pick you up at 7 a.m., and you'll spend the day touring the best of the province of Kanchanaburi in western Thailand.

First, Check out the trains going by at the Maeklong Railway Market, where you can view the train passing over the market on the train track. Don't forget to taste some Thai desserts and fruits at the market.

Damnoensaduak Floating Market is the next destination. Drive to the pier and get small a private boat for the canal tour (about 30 mins). The boat will bring through the Damnoensaduak Floating Market in which the villagers sell their fruits and food on their paddle boat.

After that, take a transfer to the province of Kanchanaburi for a traditional Thai lunch

Go see the Bridge on the River Kwai and find out what role it played in World War II. The Kwai Bridge was made popular by the eponymous film. The "Krasae Buddha Cave" is worth getting there in the hour-long drive; it served as a POW camp in World War II.  The last one, enjoy a 30-minute train trip along the abandoned Death railway bridge over the Kwai River.

You will get back to your Bangkok hotel between 19:00 and 20:00.

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.

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

Morning transfer to the airport to take a short flight to Bangkok and then transfer via another flight to Chiang Rai.

Upon arrival in Chiang Rai, you will be met by your local driver and transferred to the hotel.

Afternoon

Start your tour in Chiang Rai City with a visit to the White Temple, one of the most recognizable temples in Thailand. You might be startled to encounter a modern architectural masterpiece by Thai artist Chaloemchai Khositphiphat when you go hunting for old ruins. It was said that he used more than 40 million baht (THB) of his own money to put together this unorthodox art exhibit in the hopes of achieving immortality.

Wat Rong Seua Ten, or the Blue Temple, means "temple of the dancing tiger" in Thai. Legend has it that tigers once leaped across the river at this spot.

The Black House has been described as a "dark, mysterious, and almost sadistic" portrayal of hell, complete with preserved creatures and a collection of bones, in contrast to the White Temple, which was meant to be a staircase to heaven. The Baan Dam Museum (Black House) was constructed by the national artist of Thailand, Thawan Duchanee (who, incidentally, was the tutor of Chaloemchai, the guy behind the White Temple). This is extremely unique, and we'll never see anything like it again!

Overnight in Chiang Rai

Meals included: Breakfast 

Take a drive up Mae Salong Hill after breakfast to learn about the local tribe's traditional way of life. Visit "Hloyo Village," a small community of the Akha hill tribe, to get a taste of the Akha people's traditional culture and the beauty of the area. The Lo Yo community still stands as a real Akha village in the Doi Mae Salong mountain area in Chiang Rai. It is over 2,000 m above sea level. The "Lo Mia Akha" people named their village "Lo Yo" after the current leader. Most importantly, the way people live, what they believe, and how they do things are all connected to nature in some way. This has helped the town grow, and it is now surrounded by a lush forest, green fields, and clean, pollution-free air, which is just what people from big cities need to feel better.

Hloyo Village's headman and villagers will greet you warmly upon your arrival, and your local host will tell you a narrative about the Akha and their beliefs, religions, traditions, and ways of life. Travel to the mud-house-style Akha Museum. After that, you and a local guide will set out to learn about the neighborhood and its residents' way of life. Learn how the locals in the Akha culture use their ingenuity and bamboo to construct their homes. After that, spend time making tribal arts and crafts with local kids. Take part in a culinary session to learn how to make traditional Akha cuisine later. Participate and lend a hand in the kitchen. Share a meal and some tales over a home-cooked meal with a local host.

Hike around the woods after lunch to take in the stunning scenery and geological wonders of unspoiled nature. Talk to the people and check out the farms in the area. Gain an understanding of the interdependence of humans, animals, and the forest by learning to make use of its resources. It's time to say goodbye to your host family, your new neighborhood, and your new friends. Leave Hloyo Village and get back to the hotel.

Overnight in Chiang Rai

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel and check out, get car to Chiang Mai. Check in the hotel and enjoy your time in Chiang Mai.

Afternoon

Participating in a 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 dinner on a traditional charcoal stove using food purchased at the market or grown on the farm, and enjoy your dinner.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner

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 by 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

Check out of the hotel after breakfast, and then drive to Pai in a private minivan through the twisting mountain road for around three hours and thirty minutes. Pai is located in the northern portion of Thailand. Mok Fah Waterfall, a 60-meter beauty in Huay Nam Dang National Park, and Pong Duad Hotspring are well worth a visit. This potent phenomenon emerges at a temperature of 99 degrees from deep inside the earth in a gushing motion. The people of Thailand think that it has natural characteristics that are beneficial to the complexion of the skin! On the drive there, lunch will be provided at a nearby restaurant.

Make a stop at the magnificent Pai Canyon, which is characterized by attractive red sandstone, on the way to the accommodation in Pai. The hike to the lookout above the canyon is only a short distance.

Overnight in Pai

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for the well-known cave system of Tham Lod, which is around an hour's drive away. Discover the cave system that is 1.5 kilometers long by floating on bamboo rafts while being taken through it on the river that runs through it. When they enter the cave after 4 o'clock in the afternoon, visitors will be able to watch a truly extraordinary spectacle, which consists of thousands of swifts flying into the caves to roost and an equally remarkable number of bats flying out of the caves for the night.

The community of Jabo can be found in close proximity to Tham Lod. inhabited by members of the vibrant Black Lahu Tribe, who are known for their kind hospitality. Instead of the destructive agricultural practices used elsewhere, the community decided to build its own tourist program in order to demonstrate its culture, traditional values, healing methods, and capacity to live in harmony with nature. This was done in place of the farming methods used elsewhere.

Make a brief stop at Kiew Lom Viewpoint on the way back to the hotel. From this vantage point, you will have amazing views of the Himalayan Mountains as they spread through Northern Thailand and into Myanmar.

On the way back to the hotel, we stopped for lunch at a small eatery.

Overnight in Pai

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

Morning, breakfast at the hotel and check out. After that, we transfer you to the airport for a flight to Phuket. (Pai – Chiang Mai (130 km): 2.50 hr)

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel in Phuket. 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.

Overnight in Phuket 

Meals included: Breakfast

Pick up at your Phuket hotel and transfer to the port to begin your adventure. A trip to the Phi Phi Islands, a group of six beautiful islands in the Andaman Sea, begins with a meeting with your guide and a ride in a speedboat to the islands. Take in the scenery and be amazed as you pass by towering islands that rise out of the blue waters. Seeing as how Maya Bay featured prominently in Leonardo DiCaprio's 2000 film "The Beach," it's a good place to start. After that, carry on to Pileh Lagoon, a natural lagoon surrounded by towering cliffs and known for its emerald-green waters. After that, go snorkeling in the open sea to see the incredible undersea diversity of exotic fish and coral reefs, and don't forget to stop at Viking Cave, home to the islands’ swallow bird nests. Land on Phi Phi Leh for a buffet lunch within walking distance of the beach. Next, depart for Bamboo Island. Snorkel, swim, and sunbathe at your leisure on the powdery white sands of Monkey Beach, and then take a boat ride to get up close and personal with the cheeky monkeys who inhabit the nearby cliffs and trees. After the tour is over, you will be returned to your hotel.

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

Enjoy your breakfast and check out the hotel, our driver will pick you up and transfer you to the airport for your next flight.

The tour ends. That doesn't mean you have to call a stop to your trip just yet, though! If you would like, you can stay for a couple of extra days and continue to immerse yourself in the culture and cuisine of Thailand. If you would like to start another destination in Asia, we will be pleased to help you get a great itinerary.