On this Amazing Thailand and Phuket Island tour, we immerse you in multifaceted cultures and bring you to some of the most beautiful places this country has to offer. Travel through bustling Bangkok, a city brimming with impressive temples and Thai architecture. In Northern Thailand, we’ll explore the temples of Chiang Mai and visit an elephant sanctuary where we’ll see Thailand’s beloved national animal. New in 2024, we’ll enjoy a special stay at the Hmong Village Lodge near Chiang Mai where we’ll learn more about their traditions and way of life. Then, visit Chiang Rai and its famous night market and explore the temples of Chiang Mai. Here we’ll also enjoy an elephant experience and a Thai cooking class! Lastly, head to Phuket for a leisurely and scenic stay on Phuket Island—relax at the beaches, go shopping, or explore Phuket’s Old Town. In 2024, travelers will also enjoy a special stay at the Hmong Village Lodge near Chiang Mai where we’ll learn more about their traditions and way of life.
Shorten Your Trip! Enjoy our 9-day Spirit of Thailand tour visiting Thailand’s highlights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai or our 12-day Amazing Thailand tour visiting Thailand’s highlights from Bangkok to Chiang Rai including a stay at the Hmong Hilltribe Lodge.
Itinerary at a Glance
2024 Tour Itinerary:
3 nights in Bangkok
1 night in Phitsanulok
1 night in Lampang
3 nights in Chiang Mai
1 night at Hmong Hilltribe Lodge
2 nights in Chiang Rai
3 nights in Phuket Island
Tour Highlights
Buddhist Temples (Bangkok)
Floating Market (Bangkok)
Railway Market (2024 departures)
Wat Mongkol Borpith Statue (Ayutthaya)
Tha Lo Saa Paper Community Project (Lampang)
Elephant Nature Park (Chiang Mai)
Wat Doi Suthep (Chiang Mai)
Thai Cooking Class
Karen Hill Tribe Village Visit
White Marble Temple (Chiang Rai)
Beautiful Phuket Island
Your Tour Includes
Optional round-trip airfare from Los Angeles (LAX) including taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
All intra-tour flights and transfers
Ground transportation in an air-conditioned motorcoach
Accommodations at superior first class hotels
22 meals: 14 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 3 dinners
Comprehensive sightseeing tours and entry fees as per itinerary
Experienced, English-speaking Tour Director in Thailand from day 1 through 11
Note: Flights may not be available on all departures.
You may have to book your own flights to the tour destination. If so, you are responsible for making your own way to the tour starting point, where you will meet your Tour Director. This is normally the first hotel in your itinerary.
Welcome to Thailand, the “Land of Smiles”. Travelers who purchased our air-inclusive program will be met and transferred to our upscale hotel on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. This evening our tour director hosts a welcome dinner.
Accommodations: Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Bangkok Menam Riverside or similar Meals: Dinner
Day 2:
Bangkok
After breakfast our tour director hosts an orientation meeting and then we'll embark on a tour to some of Bangkok's most outstanding Buddhist temples. Buddhism is practiced by more than 94% of the country and is central to understanding Thai culture. We'll see the White Marble Temple, one of the finest example of Thai architecture; and Wat Po with its colossal 150-foot long "Reclining Buddha." Next, we'll visit the former residence of the Kings, the Grand Palace. The mile-square palace grounds feature some of the most beautiful examples of ancient Siamese architecture including the Temple of the "Emerald Buddha". The rest of our day is free to rest and relax, or consider joining an optional tour!
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3:
Thai Markets & Sugar Palm Farm Excursion
Early this morning we'll leave for the Mae Klong Railway Market. As the name suggests, this market sits on a railway and whenever a train approaches, we can expect to see a flurry of activity as baskets of wares are moved and awnings come down so the train can travel right through the heart of the market. Next, we'll drive to the colorful floating market of Damneon Saduak where we'll watch merchants sell food, produce, baskets and more from their boats. Before we return to Bangkok, we'll stop at a sugar palm farm where we can sample the local area's delights. We'll stop for lunch at a local restaurant as we make our way back to Bangkok. This evening, consider a optional Pearl Dinner Cruise.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4:
Bangkok – Ayutthaya – Phitsanulok
Today we'll explore the ancient temple ruins and crumbling pagodas of Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand. We'll see some of the city's former glory in the giant bronze statue of Wat Mongkol Borpith and the three ancient pagodas of Wat Phra Sri. Next, is Wat Mahathat, "the Temple of the Great Relic" which was once one of the kingdom's most important temples. Here we'll see the sandstone Buddha that has become entwined in the roots of a Bodhi tree. After our visit, our journey continues past beautiful rice paddies as we drive to Phitsanulok, the gateway to northern Thailand. After check in, we are free to relax for the rest of the day or might consider joining an optional tour to a local market.
Accommodations: Grand Riverside Hotel Meals: Breakfast
Day 5:
Phitsanulok – Sukhothai – Lampang
Before leaving Phitsanulok this morning, we'll stop at the famous Buddha Foundry where bronze Buddha images are cast in the increasingly rare traditional way with wax molds and molten bronze. The highlight of our day awaits us in Sukhothai. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was the capital of the first Kingdom of Siam in the 13th and 14th centuries. Next, we'll visit its sister city, Sri Satchanalai where we'll stop at a privately-owned textile Museum. The private collection featured here includes antique and handwoven textiles including a gold sarong (or pha-sin) from the royal court of Keng Tung. Afterward, we'll continue to our Lampang hotel.
Accommodations: Tree Tara Hotel or similar Meals: Breakfast
Day 6:
Lampang – Chiang Mai
This morning, we'll visit the Saa Paper Community Project. We'll have the chance to create our own souvenirs and our visit supports this local project dedicated to preserving traditional methods used make mulberry bark paper that have been passed down from generation to generation. Our next visit takes us to Dhanabaadee Ceramic Museum, where we'll discover the evolution of ceramic-making and watch local artisans craft the traditional "chicken bowl." We'll continue to Chiang Mai where the rest of the day is free to relax or explore. We might consider joining an optional Khantoke dinner this evening.
Accommodations: The Empress Premier Chiang Mai Hotel or similar Meals: Breakfast
Day 7:
Chiang Mai
Today we'll meet Thailand's beloved national animal, the elephant, with a full-day visit to the Elephant Nature Park. This sanctuary isn't just for elephants—it's home to buffalo, dogs, cats, birds, and many other rescued animals. We'll hear the personal stories of the rescued elephants, learn how they've come together to create a new herd free from abuse, often for the first time in their lives, and enjoy the sight of the free roaming elephants and other rescued animals in the natural surroundings of this sanctuary. Our visit supports elephant conservation in the region and allows us to slow down and learn from these majestic creatures.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8:
Chiang Mai
Today takes us to the revered mountainside temple of Doi Suthep. Each year, Buddhist pilgrims journey to the temple on foot which can take six to eight hours! We'll skip the challenging trek and drive up the winding road instead. From our drop off point, we can choose to scale the 300 steps of the beautifully carved Naga Serpent Staircase, or ride the cable car to the summit. We'll explore the temple's beautiful architecture, statues, murals, and shrines—all of which are nothing short of breathtaking. Tonight, we'll enjoy a cooking class and delicious dinner experience together. After our cooking experience, we'll enjoy an authentic meal together followed by a traditional herb drink!
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9:
Chiang Mai – Hmong Hill Tribe
After breakfast at our hotel, we'll drive north to the Mae Rim area. On the way, we'll stop to explore the lush Araksa Tea Garden where we'll learn about the age-old traditions and tea growing processes. We'll enjoy a home-style lunch made from locally sourced and organic produce before we continue to the Hmong Hilltribe Lodge. This resort offers us a unique opportunity to experience Hmong culture in the scenic valley of the Suthep-Pui mountain range. This afternoon, we might consider an optional hike to visit villages further afield with experienced guides.
This morning we'll drive north to Chiang Rai via the Wiang Pa Pao. En route, we'll stop at Mae Krachan Hotspring where we can relax and soak our feet in one of the steamy pools and boil an egg in the natural springs! Our drive continues to Wat Rongkun, or the White Temple, one of Thailand's most recognizable temples, and then to Wat Huay Plakang. We'll have an unforgettable visit with the Karen Hilltribe at Baan Ruam Mid. Here, this minority group maintains their distinct culture, religion, and language by passing them down from generation to generation. After out visit, we'll board a longtail boat for a ride up the Mae Kok River to Chiang Rai where we'll check into our hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Note: If temperatures are too warm to visit the hotspring, the group will visit a café at Wiang Pa Pao.
Accommodations: Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11:
Chiang Rai
Today we'll drive through the narrow and scenic roads to Doi Tung Mountain, home to many local hilltribe communities. We'll visit the Doi Tung Royal Project which continues to transform this area which was once used to cultivate opium. Today, the communities here cultivate a number of products including coffee! In fact, Doi Tung coffee is one of Thailand's most famous coffee brands. Next, we'll visit the Doi Tung Palace, Mae Fah Luang Garden, and then the Hall of Opium which is dedicated to portraying every angle of the opium story from its origin, the wars, the drug smugglers, the battle against growing, and the rehabilitation of the people in this former worldwide drug trading zone. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Chiang Rai.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12:
Chiang Rai – Phuket Island
Today we'll board our flight to Phuket Island where our English-speaking host will welcome us. At the hotel we'll have a short briefing with our host as we check into our hotel. The rest of the day is ours to enjoy.
Accommodations: Nap Patong or similar Meals: Breakfast
Day 13:
Phuket Island at Leisure
Today is free to rest and relax at our hotel. We can enjoy the hotel's amenities or consider an optional walking tour of Phuket Town exploring the city's Portuguese and Chinese influences.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 14:
Phuket Island at Leisure
We have another day to rest and relax at our hotel. We can enjoy the beach and the hotel's amenities or join a tour of Phuket with some delicious culinary treats.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 15:
Depart Phuket Island
Our tour comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Travelers who purchased our air-inclusive package will transfer to the airport for our return flight to the U.S.
Meals: Breakfast
Guided Tour Pricing
We are working diligently to secure future tour dates and pricing for
this itinerary. Please fill out the "Request a Future Date" form
linked below, and we will notify you once dates are available.
Centrally located in Lampang, the Tree Tatra Hotel focuses on balancing sustainability with comfort and features rooms with WiFI, and the onsite facilities include a fitness center, and restaurant.
Experience Hmong culture at this eco lodge in the Chiang Mai Valley. In addition to the unique opportunities to meet with and learn from the local hilltribes, this lodge features an outdoor swimming pool overlooking an organic rice paddy.
111 Moo 4, Tambon Mae Raem, Amphur Mae Rim, Chiang Mai, 50180
This serene hotel is located just a few minutes drive from Chiang Rai's center and features an herbal spa, fitness center, and infinity pool overlooking the Mae Kok River.
124/15 Moo21 Kohloy Road, Amphur Muang, Chiang Rai 57000
Located just steps from the beach and within easy reach of Patong's bustlying dining and entertainment district, the Nap Patong is ideally located for a relaxing stay on Phuket Island. Travelers can enjoy the hotel's amenities including the spa, outdoor pool, and fitness center.
5/56 Haad Patong Road., Patong Beach, Kathu, Phuket 83150, Thailand
Enhance your trip with these optional tours.
Indicated optional tours are available to pre-book
when you reserve your trip and can be added to your
reservation up to final payment. This is the best option
to guarantee your spot on your preferred optional tour!
Optional tours require a minimum number of participants.
Optional tours are non-refundable unless they do not operate.
Some optional tours can be purchased in-destination and
may cost extra. The payment methods and currency
information to purchase tours in-destination will be
provided on final documentation.
Klongs (Canals) Tour
$50–60 per person
Day 2 Afternoon Tour
Discover why Bangkok has been nicknamed the “Venice of the East!” We'll travel from our hotel to Thornburi, situated on the right bank of the river, where we'll board a private motorboat and ride along the canals to get a firsthand impression of the scenic life along the city’s waterways. A stop will also be made at the Royal Barge Museum.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
Wonderful Pearl Cruise
$90, transfers included
Day 3 Evening Tour
Experience a different side of Bangkok with our dinner cruise down the Chao Phraya River. From the River City Pier, we'll embark on the luxurious Grand Pearl. We'll set sail, sipping on a welcome cocktail as we take in the spectacular views of Bangkok's skyline including the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn. Once the sun has set, we can indulge in a delicious Thai and international cuisine buffet, dining under the moonlight with live music. Our incredible entertainment this evening also includes a classical Thai dance with the bright lights of the city making the perfect backdrop.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
Local Market Visit with Tuk-Tuk
$40 per person
Day 4 Afternoon Tour
Hop on a local tuk-tuk to explore a vibrant market, and enjoy the bustling atmosphere on foot, gaining insights into local delicacies. Our guide will introduce us to local foods or snacks, providing us a chance to sample some treats. After our tour of the local market, we'll return to our hotel by tuk-tuk.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
Khantoke Dinner & Entertainment
$32–38 per person
Day 6 Evening Tour (2024 departures)
Enjoy a dinner featuring local specialties, followed by a breathtaking performance of songs and dance by members of local hilltribes dressed in traditional garb.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
Essence Sino Heritage Walking Tour
$70 per person
Day 13 Morning Tour
On our leisurely walking tour, discover some of the city's Portuguese and Chinese influences! We'll visit a bustling local market, and keep an eye out for colorful blooms at the flower market before we continue on foot towards Kajorn Rangsan Temple and nearby Chin Mansion, for insight into how a wealthy Phuket family lived decades ago. At Thai Hua Museum we'll gain an in-depth understanding of how Chinese immigrants settled in Thailand, and then stroll down Thalang Road, with its stunning Sino-Portuguese style buildings and charming street-level shops. We'll stop at a shop for a snack and refreshing trink and snap a few pictures at the vividly colorful Soi Rommanee before exploring the interior of the old post office. On Phang Nga Road we'll stroll past Phuket's oldest hotel and visit a hidden Chinese temple before wrapping up our journey at a stunning historic house with traditional Thai lunch.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
Phuket Local Treats
$55 per person
Day 14 Afternoon Tour
Explore local Phuket highlights and enjoy a taste of southern Thailand's flavors! First, we'll visit a donation-based barbershop where locals meet for both haircuts and socializing, and Kio Thian Keng Saphan Hin Shrine, a multi-colored Chinese shrine featuring statues of Taoist gods. Next, we'll taste Khanom Chin, a must-try rice-noodle dish recommended by a michelin-star chef! Locals enjoy eating Khanom Chin with their curry of choice accompanied by fresh condiments and spices, allowing them to personalize their dish. We'll head to the viewpoint on Khao Rang Hill and enjoy the city's magnificent vistas before continuing to the center of Old Town to try Oh Aew, a shaved ice dessert. Introduced by Hokkien Chinese settlers, it's named after a jelly made from the seeds of the o-aew plant. After cooling off with this delicious dessert, we'll walk along Thalang Road to admire the beautiful architecture and street-level shops before arriving at the bustling night market. Here we can hunt for more delicious eats from sticky mango rice to spicy satay skewers.
AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!
What to Expect
Max Group Size: 30 travelers
Activity Level: Level 2
Expect most included touring to require walking and standing periods up to 4 hours at a time (up to 2 times per day). Included touring may feature light hiking, and/or stairs on some hilly and/or uneven terrain. Learn More
Pacing Level: Balanced
Expect either half-day or full-day tours most days with a free day or free half-day to explore independently in most cities. There may be a few early mornings or long travel days by bus (don’t worry—there are always comfort stops!), and you may expect to stay in most accommodations for 3+ nights. Learn More
No Additional Entry Requirements for U.S. Passport Holders
A valid passport is required for international tours. Currently, there are no additional entry requirements for U.S. passport holders, but this can change at any time. Before travel, both U.S. and non-U.S. passport holders should visit our Passports & Visas page to reconfirm entry requirements.
The Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai and the Hilltribe visit in Chiang Rai are activity level 2 but can be modified by the Tour Director if necessary. There are a few early mornings on the days of the visit to the Floating Markets and the travel days. Most cities include 2-4 night stays, but there are two one-nighters en route north.
For more detailed information about this tour and destination, visit
our Before You Depart section.
Reviews
Judy O
1 year ago
The tour was exciting, filled with interesting places to visit. Our tour guide was exceptional and knowledgeable. She was also very patient with us and our varying personalities. My only complaint was the trip to Phuket Island. Although it is a beautiful destination, we felt abandoned because of the lack of a guide. And the boat ride to Phi Phi Island was one of the worst experiences we have ever had. It was hard to be positive about a hard hitting boat ride and not much actual time on the beach. Personally, I would not recommend going to Phuket to anyone unless they really wanted to just chill in the resort itself.