- Dive headlong into the bustling streets and canal-like khlongs of Bangkok on a privately guided tour.
- Tour the night markets of Chiang Mai, exploring a new type of culinary nightlife.
- Visit the world's first Elephant Hospital and meet the resident gentle giants.
- Discover picturesque Angthong National Marine Park before relaxing on the beaches of beautiful Koh Samui.
- Stay at a handpicked selection of premium accommodations.
- Please note: USD per person, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.
To arrive in Bangkok is to be thrust into the pulsing heart of the Orient, a sprawling mega city encompassing 50 districts and six ever-expanding provinces. Truly, the engine room behind ‘Amazing Thailand’, Bangkok will amaze, dazzle and humble the most seasoned global wanderers with its exciting fusion of cultural, spiritual, historical and cosmopolitan charm.
Dusit is the political core of Thailand, home to lavish architecture and gardens, while Bangkok’s rustic ‘Old Town’ Rattanakosin holds ‘must see’ sights such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and royal gardens of Sanam Luang.
The city throbs and pulses with relentless heat and frantic pace, as tuk-tuks zip along concrete boulevards and Skytrains zoom overhead. Glitzy Siam Square carves the city’s commercial core with an array of shops, malls and boutiques - a true shopper’s paradise. Multicultural Yaowarat and Pahurat provide a feast for the senses, with the cuisine of Chinatown and flurry of Indian markets.
Sensational Sukhumvit Road roars at night with fine restaurants, bars and raunchy clubs, while the ever-indelible Khaosan Road area is a delight for budget travellers and revellers alike, buzzing with curbside vendors, stalls and wild nightspots. Known to the Thai’s as ’Krung Thep,’ South East Asia’s own ’City of Angels’ epitomises the East meets West tradition, where ancient trends blend and thrive with cutting edge sophistication.
Upon arrival to Bangkok, a representative will greet you after exiting the plane and escort you through special fast track services, avoiding the potentially long queues at the immigration counter. Please note: Guests using fast track services should wear appropriate attire and avoid wearing short pants, slippers or similarly casual attire to ensure a smooth process with Thai immigration authorities. To ensure a seamless experience, a guide will be waiting for you outside the secure Customs area, holding a sign with your name on it. This guide will assist you in meeting up with your private driver and accompany you to your accommodation to assist with check-in. You will be privately transferred between the airport and your hotel by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide.
Bangkok is a city of contrasts - Buddhist temples, golden-topped palaces, trendy sky bars, and traditional Thai living along the waterways - called khlongs - offering marvelous photo opportunities. This morning, head with your private guide to the historic center of Bangkok and start your day at Wat Suthat. Few visitors come to this temple early, so much the better to enjoy the monks melodic chanting ritual. It’s an incredible sensory experience. From here, a walk to Wat Pho (famous for its 141-foot-long reclining Buddha) allows you a glimpse into small alleys with wooden houses, guardian spirit signs and lively fruit and flower markets. Your next stop takes you to the most revered shrine in the Kingdom, Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, as well as the splendor of the adjacent Grand Palace. For your last stop, we cross the Chao Phraya River by water-taxi to visit Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. Unique from the rest of Bangkok’s temples, Wat Arun’s iconic stunning design is made up of colorfully decorated spires that look as if to stand guard over the river. Afterwords, enjoy a leisurely lunch at Savoey Restaurant. After lunch your guide will accompany you back to your hotel.
During your time at leisure in Bangkok, feel free to explore this sprawling capital or to enjoy some down-time at your hotel. If you choose to sightsee, consider visiting Khaosan Road, a bustling street with excellent shopping and dining options. For guest with an interest in local history, consider heading to the riverside temple Wat Arun Ratchawararam, constructed in the late 18th century. Should you be visiting during a weekend, you may wish to visit the Chatuchak Weekend Market, the largest market in Thailand, where over 15,000 stalls lined with all sorts of goods can be perused at your own pace.
You will be privately transferred between the airport and your hotel by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide. You will be privately transferred between the airport and your hotel by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide. Board a flight from Bangkok with direct service to Chiang Mai. Approximate flight time is 1.5 hours.
Lively markets are synonymous with Chiang Mai – as afternoon markets of fruits, vegetables and fresh meat options wind down for the day, night markets spring to life, enticing Thais and travelers alike with freshly grilled skewers, fragrant Thai curries, deceptively spicy peppers, and colorful local salads. Northern Thailand’s culinary traditions are unique from Bangkok’s options, earning Chiang Mai the international distinction of being a “foodie city” – with mouthwatering options available from neighboring Laos and Myanmar contributing to its identity. Venture into the vibrant markets of Somphret and Warorot with your private guide to start exploring this delicious food scene. Continue to smaller, lesser known markets bustling with locals looking for the perfect evening snack (opening days may vary depending on seasons). Your guide will help you taste local snacks that will appeal to a range of palates as you stroll through the city’s main night market. Have your camera ready to capture the dizzying array vendors have on display, especially at the lively flower markets. For dinner, opt to dine at one of the busy stalls (ask your guide to recommend their favorite!) or return to your hotel. While appetizers are included during the market walk, dinner is not included.
Head out to the countryside around Chiang Mai with your private English-speaking guide to discover the temples of Lampang and Lamphun, as well as a moving visit to the FAE Elephant Hospital, the world’s first elephant hospital, founded in 1993. The elephants here are long-term patients recovering from injuries sustained in the logging trade or in the wild, and the rehabilitative care they receive here is unique to the region. Continue to Lampang, stopping to browse for the famous Lampang ceramics and a snack at the Kaad Thung Kwain Market. Discover the magnificent Lanna architecture of Temple Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, a unique place in Thailand where horse-drawn carriages are still used as public transportation at the temple. Enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant, and continue to Lamphun to visit the dazzling temple complex of Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, a temple that is considered an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists, especially for those born in the Year of the Rooster. If time permits on the way back to city, a stop can be made at Baan Tawai, a village on the outskirts of Chiang Mai that has gained a reputation as the best place to shop for handicrafts, particularly wood carvings.
The largest city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai was founded in 1296, and is found on the banks of the Ping River. While enjoying some free time in this ancient capital, consider immersing yourself in local culture with a visit to the Chiang Mai City Arts and Cultural Center, the Chiang Mai National Museum, or the fascinating Tribal Museum which provides insights into the culture of indigenous mountain communities. Known for excellent cuisine served on a traditional dish known as Khan tok, be sure to pop into a local diner for a tasty meal. Active adventures may wish to visit nearby Doi Inthanon National Park, host to the tallest mountain in Thailand, while guests seeking a more relaxed experience may instead prefer to visit one of the many massage parlors that specialize in face, foot and back massages.
You will be privately transferred between the airport and your hotel by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide. Board a flight from Chiang Mai to Koh Samui, with service via Bangkok. Approximate flight time is 3.5 hours. There is so much to enjoy at Tongsai Bay, and as a result, some time at leisure to experience the property is highly recommended. Among the resorts top highlights is the private bay. Completely free of beach vendors, here you can use complimentary non-motorized water-sport equipment including kayaks, windsurfs, stand-up paddle-boards and snorkeling equipment. For birders, the property is located on a sprawling landscape that is home to 66 unique species. The resorts two pools are ideal for relaxing dip; one pool is family-friendly, while the other is for guests 14 years of age or better. For guests seeking pampering treatments, Prana Spa – found on-site – offers a range of relaxation therapies designed to decrease stress. Meet your driver for an airport transfer with a private vehicle, driver, and English speaking guide.
The incredible picturesque Angthong National Marine Park is located around 45 kilometers (28 mi) northwest from Koh Samui, around one hour by speedboat. Itis comprised of 40 islands with clear blue lagoons, mysterious caves and unusual rock formations. Pick up time from the hotel is approximately at 7:30 am. The speedboat initially heads to Koh Wao or Koh Tai Plow, beautiful spots for snorkeling. You will cruise around Angthong National Marine Park with a stop and a short walk to see the famous ‘’Emerald Lake’’. Enjoy a buffet lunch and relax on the beach or swim. There is also the option to climb to the top of one of the islands to enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the islands as well as snorkeling throughout the day. Cruise back to Koh Samui and arrive at your hotel in the afternoon.
Koh Samui is Thailand’s third largest island, a tropical paradise in the Gulf of Thailand and a great base for exploration. The hotels here offer a multitude of activities to entertain, or choose to do simply nothing at all. With interesting tropical forests to explore and pristine beaches to relax on, we highly recommend a day at leisure. Try one of the country’s famous massages, dine on just-caught seafood, or visit neighboring islands for the day - so much is at your fingertips in this island paradise.
Meet your driver for an airport transfer with a private vehicle, driver, and English speaking guide. Board a flight from Koh Samui with direct service to Bangkok. Approximate flight time is 1 hour.
Take a peak at my Experience in Thailand November 2019.
This sample itinerary was created through our travel partner experts at Kensington Tours and is meant to inspire your next trip. It is ready to be customized to suit your interests, tastes and budget so you can connect with local cultures and experience authentic travel on your own terms and departing whenever you choose.
Credits:
Created with images by Michelle_Raponi - "temple architecture building" • Simon - "thailand bangkok temple" • 41330 - "asia background bangkok" • Peggy_Marco - "bangkok buddha gold" • Akcarawat - "thailand asia nature" • Peggy_Marco - "bangkok buddha gold" • Michelle_Raponi - "monument chiang mai thailand" • Robythai543 - "thailand chang mai doi suthep" • numairs - "elephant thailand elephant eating" • Michelle_Raponi - "monument chiang mai thailand" • maneesek - "wooden pier sea" • pen_ash - "angthong marine park koh samui thailand" • Goelze - "thailand palm tree koh samui" • blende12 - "aircraft sunset silhouette"