Thailand – from mountains to the sea

DAY 1: Chiang Mai Arrival

Welcome to Chiang Mai!

Upon arrival, you’ll be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in (starting from 2:00 PM). The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace—whether you choose to relax or explore the city.

As the vibrant heart of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai offers dazzling temples, lively street scenes, friendly locals, and excellent food. The city is also famous for its exciting night markets and beautiful surrounding landscapes.

Depending on your arrival time, you might stroll around on foot to soak in the local atmosphere, or rent a bicycle for a leisurely ride through the countryside. If you’re interested, there are also Thai cooking schools where you can learn about Chiang Mai’s renowned cuisine.

In the evening, take a walk through the colorful night markets and perhaps enjoy a drink at a local bar, watching the lively activity and sparkling neon lights.

Summary of inclusions

• Private airport transfer
• Hotel in Chiang Mai

DAY 2: Sightseeing Chiang Mai

Begin your sightseeing day with a scenic drive along winding mountain roads to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s most sacred temple, perched on a hill high above the surrounding landscape. Explore the temple grounds, ring the holy bell, and perhaps offer a prayer while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views from the temple.

Next, embark on a scenic drive through forested mountains to the charming Meo Hill Tribe Village. Nestled on a hillside, this picturesque village allows you to interact with the Meo tribespeople, who wear vibrant traditional costumes.

Following this, visit the Royal Park Rajapruek, an expansive 80-hectare garden showcasing stunning palaces, an orchid garden, and diverse architectural and gardening styles from around the world.

In the afternoon, head to Bor Sang village, renowned for its paper umbrella craftsmanship, and then to Sankampeng village, where you can discover other traditional handicrafts such as silk weaving, woodcarving, silversmithing, and lacquerware.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon, with the evening free for your leisure.

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Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Sightseeing Chiang Mai
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Chiang Mai

DAY 3: Chiang Mai Elephant Experience

Take a scenic hour-long drive out of Chiang Mai, passing through rolling hills, lush forests, and local farmlands, to reach the Kanta Elephant Sanctuary, where you’ll spend an unforgettable day with these gentle giants.

This full-day experience allows you to connect with each of the remarkable elephants and learn about their daily routines and behaviors. You’ll spend your day feeding, playing, and walking alongside these friendly elephants, even joining them for a refreshing bath in the river. As you observe them enjoying their natural environment – scratching, dusting themselves, and simply relishing their freedom – you’ll have plenty of opportunities to capture memorable photos.

This unique, hands-on encounter with the elephants in their natural habitat is sure to be an experience you’ll cherish forever.

Return to Chiang Mai, and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Elephant sanctuary visit
• Breakfast & lunch
• Hotel in Chiang mai

DAY 4: Golden Triangle Explore

Depart from Chiang Mai for a scenic drive through captivating rural landscapes towards the border area. En route, stop at the Mae Kachan Natural Hot Springs in the Wiang Pa Pao district to stretch your legs, visit the springs, and explore the local market.

Continue your journey with a visit to Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple of Chiang Rai. This distinctive temple blends Hindu and Buddhist elements with its unique architecture and striking color.

Next, drive further to a Karen long neck village, where you can learn about the traditions and lifestyle of this unique hill tribe. Then, proceed to the Mae Sai border market, a bustling trading hub at Thailand’s northernmost point, adjacent to Myanmar.

Travel on to the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos converge along the Mekong River. Enjoy the scenic views and visit the Opium Museum to gain insight into the region’s historical significance.

Arrive in Chiang Rai and take a sightseeing tour that includes a visit to the statue of King Mengrai, the founder of Chiang Rai, and the Oub Kham Museum, which features artifacts from the Lanna kingdoms.

The remainder of the day is free for you to relax and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Chiang Rai.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Golden Triangle & Chiang Rai sightseeing
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Chiang Rai

DAY 5: Bangkok Sightseeing

Catch a morning flight to Bangkok, the “City of Angels,” which stands as the capital of Thailand and one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities.

Today’s itinerary includes exploring some of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks. Begin with a visit to the Grand Palace, a stunning example of ancient Siamese architecture and once the residence of Thailand’s kings. Within the palace grounds, you’ll find the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the country’s most sacred Buddhist temple, home to a revered Buddha statue intricately carved from a single block of jade.

Next, head to Wat Pho, renowned for its impressive 46-meter-long gold-plated reclining Buddha and classified as a premier royal temple.

The rest of the day is yours to explore the vibrant city of Bangkok at your own pace. You might stroll through the lively Khao San Road, known as a popular tourist hub, or indulge in a relaxing Thai massage. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample a variety of delicious street foods.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Boat
• Sightseeing Bangkok
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Bangkok

DAY 6: Bangkok nature explore

This morning, embark on a long-tail boat cruise along the Chao Phraya River and venture into the winding ‘klongs’ (canals) of Thonburi. This journey reveals a different side of Bangkok, where traditional lifestyles are well-preserved and seemingly unchanged over the years. Experience an adventure reminiscent of Indiana Jones as you navigate the “Venice of the East,” passing vibrant temples hidden among lush greenery, wooden stilt houses with colorful garlands, tropical fruit orchards, bustling markets, and vendor boats offering delicious Thai fare. Life along these khlongs has long been a vital part of Thai culture.

Later, explore Bang Krachao, known as Bangkok’s “green lung,” an oasis of nature providing a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle. Encircled by the Chao Phraya River, this wetland area features evergreen mangrove forests, ponds, lakes, and small homesteads, connected by elevated pathways that wind through lush tropical scenery. This unique area offers a glimpse into Thailand’s natural beauty and is reminiscent of its renowned national parks.

Take a leisurely bike ride through Bang Krachao, enjoying the serene surroundings as you pedal along pathways suspended above the canals. Visit the floating market (if it’s the weekend), local temples, and experience traditional Thai village life. Consider stopping at a treehouse bar to enjoy a drink and soak in the tranquil beauty of your environment, a stark contrast to the bustling heart of the Thai capital.

Summary of inclusions

• Private vehicle
• Boat
• Bangkok canals & green island
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Bangkok

DAY 7: Railay Beach

Breakfast at the hotel.

You’ll have the morning at your leisure until it’s time to transfer to the airport for your flight to Krabi. Upon arrival, you’ll be picked up and taken to the pier for a boat ride to Railay Beach. This stunning destination is a true paradise for beach and water enthusiasts, surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs. The beach is lined with lively restaurants and bars, making it a fantastic spot for entertainment.

After checking into your hotel, spend the rest of the day enjoying the pristine beaches – whether it’s swimming, sunbathing, or simply relaxing. If you’re interested in additional activities, consider kayaking around the bay, rock climbing, or taking a sunset cruise on a yacht. The cruise includes visits to nearby islands where you can swim, snorkel, and savor the picturesque views.

Summary of inclusions

• Private airport transfer
• Internal flight
• Railay beach break
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Railay

DAY 8: Phi Phi Island tour

After breakfast, embark on a tour to explore the stunning Phi Phi Islands. This renowned group of islands in southern Thailand is a tropical paradise, famous for its dramatic rock cliffs, pristine white beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and crystal-clear waters.

Board a speedboat to Phi Phi Leh and visit Maya Bay, famously featured in the movie “The Beach.” Enjoy time relaxing and swimming in the crystal-clear waters, then proceed to Loh Samah Bay and Pileh Lagoon for excellent snorkeling and exploration of rock formations. Lunch will be served at a beachside restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit Monkey Beach to feed the monkeys before heading to Bamboo Island for more relaxation and swimming. You’ll then be transferred to Railay Beach to check into your hotel and unwind.

Overnight in Railay.

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Summary of inclusions

• Boat
• Phi Phi island tour
• Breakfast & lunch
• Hotel in Railay

DAY 9: Railay Beach relax

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the entire day relaxing on Railay Beach, soaking up the sun, sea, and sand.

Optional day tours are available if you wish to explore further.

Summary of inclusions

• Breach relax
• Breakfast
• Hotel in Railay

DAY 10: Krabi departure

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. The morning is yours to relax and explore at your own pace. Check-out time is at 12:00 PM.

Afterward, transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Wishing you safe travels and looking forward to seeing you again!

Summary of inclusions

• Private airport transfer
• Breakfast