Classic Thailand

Highlights Include:

The best of south Thailand’s beaches
Exploring Bangkok from the modern city to the ancient Ayutthaya
Visits to the bamboo jungles, mountains, & rivers of the North
Visiting the charming Chiang Mai

Tour Details

From: $2,190 per person | Single supplement on request

10 days

Departures: Daily, All Year

This classic Thailand adventure takes you from the capital city of Bangkok – a booming metropolis, rich with tradition and culture – to the cultural center of the country, Chiang Mai. Set among a stunning backdrop of mountains alongside the Ping River, Chiang Mai is full of charm with beautiful historic temples. Here you will also visit an Elephant Nature Park, and spend the day with these magnificent animals. The journey ends in either Phuket or Koh Samui, where you can experience the beauty of southern Thailand with the opportunity to partake in a variety of water, land and sea activities. Hundreds of temples and museums, floating markets, and an endless variety of shopping, restaurants, entertainment, and nightlife await on this epic journey.

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Itinerary

This is a sample semi-independent itinerary. Travel will be independent with guided tours and activities along the way. Our Destination Specialists will work with you to create an itinerary to meet your preferences.

Day 1Arrive Bangkok

Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Bangkok

Day 2Experience Bangkok as the Locals Do | Meals: B

Bangkok is a great introduction to Thai culture and history. With your guide, you will explore Bangkok the way the locals do, from old Rattanakosin Island to the river walking tour, from bustling Silom Road to Chinatown and the Indian Market. You’ll experience various modes of public transportation including tuk-tuks (motorized three-wheeled taxis), public buses, BTS Skytrain, public long-tailed boat, etc. Your guide will make sure the true Bangkok is discovered. Visit the fascinating Reclining Buddha and the splendid Grand Palace complex as well as the Royal Temple, which houses Thailand’s most sacred object, the Emerald Buddha. Overnight in Bangkok

Day 3Excursion to Damnoen Saduak | Meals: B

Today you have an early morning excursion to Damnoen Saduak floating market. Each morning, the floating market is routinely crowded with hundreds of vendors floating in their small rowing boats selling, buying, or exchanging their goods, primarily food, fruit and vegetable mostly brought from their own orchards. The rest of your day is at leisure to explore the city. Overnight in Bangkok

Day 4Ayutthaya Excursion | Meals: B L

Visit the historic ruins of this former capital of Thailand, as well as Bang Pa-In, the former Summer Palace. From its establishment in 1350 until its fall to the Burmese in 1767, Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam, home to 33 kings and numerous dynasties. Today there is little left but ruins and rows of headless Buddha where once an empire thrived. The architecture of Ayutthaya is a fascinating mix of styles. Tall, ornate spires called prangs point to ancient Khmer (Cambodian) influence (best seen in Bangkok at Wat Arun). At the end of the visit, board a luxurious river cruiser and enjoy lunch, which will be served while cruising on the majestic Chao Phraya River to Bangkok. Overnight in Bangkok

Day 5Transfer to Chiang Mai | Meals: B

Morning at leisure. Fly to Chiang Mai and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Chiang Mai

Day 6The Temples of Chiang Mai | Meals: B

Visit the Chiang Mai historic temples including Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Suan Dawk, Wat Jet Yot, all dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries, and Wat Chiang Man, the city’s oldest temple, founded in 1296. See the Doi Suthep Monastery situated on a mountaintop with splendid views of the surrounding countryside. Overnight in Chiang Mai

Day 7Excursion to Elephant Nature Park | Meals: B L

Enjoy Elephant Nature Park and learn about the plight of these elephants and the personal stories of the resident elephants. All the while, you will be able to observe them as they explore the park with their family groups. Overnight in Chiang Mai

Days 8-9Travel to Phuket or Koh Samui | Meals: B

Fly to Phuket or Koh Samui to spend the next two days in total relaxation on the beach. You can dive, snorkel, kayak, or swim. In Phuket, you can take a boat to one of the islands and watch the amazing landscape while cruising. Overnights in Phuket or Koh Samui

Day 10Depart from Phuket or Koh Samui | Meals: B

Transfer to the airport for your onward arrangements – or extend your stay in Southeast Asia!

Included

Flight Bangkok–Chiang Mai including government taxes & fuel surcharges
Flight Chiang Mai–Phuket OR Chiang Mai-Koh Samui including government taxes & fuel surcharges
Nine nights’ accommodations
Transfers as indicated
Meals as indicated (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner)
English-speaking local guides
Guided tour of Bangkok, Ayutthaya, and Chiang Mai
Entrance and visit to the following temples: Wat Pho, Bang Pa-In, the Grand Palace, the Royal Temple, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Suan Dawk, Wat Jet Yot, Wat Chiang Man, Doi Suthep
Cruise on Chao Phraya River
Visit to Elephant Nature Park
Damnoen Saduak floating market visit