Amazing Thailand & Phuket Island

Passengers who purchase flights will depart 1 day before the tour starts and return 1 day after the tour ends.

For flight details, see Before You Depart.

Land in Thailand’s capital, the “city of angels,” in the evening. Your Tour Director will be waiting at the airport to meet you and escort you to our home base for the next four nights.

After a special orientation breakfast, we’ll tour some of Bangkok’s most impressive Buddhist temples. We'll see the White Marble Temple, one of the finest examples of Thai architecture. Marvel at the five-ton solid gold statue of Buddha at Wat Trimitr and the colossal 150-foot-long reclining Buddha at Wat Po. Spend the afternoon at your leisure or hop aboard an optional canal boat ride across the river for a glimpse of daily Thai life. Your first full day in Thailand ends with a welcome dinner.

Note: Depending on your arrival time in Bangkok on Day 2, you may enjoy your welcome dinner on Day 2 instead of Day 3.

After breakfast, explore one of Bangkok's floating markets! It’s great fun watching merchants selling food, produce, baskets, and other wares from their boats. Photo ops abound! Later, we'll travel to Nakhon Pathom province on the outskirts of Bangkok. Here we'll visit Patom Organic Village, a family-run eco-cultural project on the banks of the idyllic Tachine River. Immerse yourself in this organic living concept and participate in a wide range of engaging hands-on workshops where we can learn about soil, seedling, planting, compost, and fertilizer. Afterward, we'll visit the traditional kitchen where farm-to-cooking workshops are hosted. We'll see how they turn raw organic ingredients into traditional Thai foods and then enjoy lunch. We'll stop by the organic coffee shop before we return to Bangkok with the afternoon at leisure to discover Thailand's vibrant capital independently.

With a day at leisure to discover the vibrant, exotic city of Bangkok, what will you choose to do? Your Tour Director is full of ideas for independent exploration to match your pace and interests. You can also take advantage of an optional tour of the Grand Palace specially priced for smarTours travelers. See Optional Tours for specific details.

Our travels through amazing Thailand continue as we venture into regions rich with culture, history, and stunning landscapes. First: the ancient capital of Ayutthaya, which was one of the world’s largest cities in 1700. We’ll see some of its former glory in the giant bronze statue of Wat Mongkol Borpith and the three ancient pagodas at Wat Phra Sri. Our Thai adventure continues to Wat Mahathat, "the Temple of the Great Relic" which was once the kingdom's most important temple. Our drive winds past rice paddies to Phitsanulok, the gateway to Northern Thailand, where Buddha images are made in an authentic way.

Before leaving Phitsanulok, we'll stop at the famous Buddha Foundry where Buddha images are made in an authentic way. Afterward, we'll continue to two UNESCO World Heritage sites featuring imposing temples and monument ruins. First: Sukhothai, the capital of the first kingdom of Siam in the 13th and 14th centuries. Next, we head to its sister city, Sri Satchanalai where we'll view a unique private textiles museum before traveling to our final stop of the day: Lampang.

This morning we'll visit Thalor Village where we'll stop at the Apple Saa Paper shop, famous for making paper from mulberry bark. We'll have the chance to create our own original Sa Paper canvas (delivered to the hotel in Chiang Rai). This afternoon, journey to Phayao, a quaint lakeside town, and Chiang Saen, which borders Laos. Continue to Chiang Rai where we'll check in to the hotel.

An unforgettable and exciting awaits as you board a longtail boat for a ride up the Mae Kok River. En route visit a temple located in a beautiful cave. Proceed to the Karen Hilltribe village at Baan Ruam Mid for an unforgettable visit. The hill-tribe members maintain their own distinct culture, religion, and language. You’ll see the unique way of life passed down from generation to generation within this minority group. Continue to visit Wat Huay Prakan and then Wat Rong Suea Ten or the “Blue Temple,” renowned for its magnificent blue interior, colorful murals, and immense white Buddha image.

This morning, we'll visit the White Temple, one of the most recognizable temples of Thailand. Afterward, we'll drive on to Chiang Mai, the “Rose of the North.” Your hotel is centrally located and only a short walk to the renowned night market. You’ll have a free afternoon to explore or relax. In the evening, you can take advantage of the proximity to the night market or partake in an optional Khantoke Dinner and performance. See Optional Tours for details. 

Today we meet Thailand’s beloved national animal, the stately elephant at a world-famous Elephant Nature Park. This top-rated Elephant Reserve has rescued elephants all over the country and serves as a sanctuary not just for elephants, but for hundreds of cats and dogs as well.

Chiang Mai has no shortage of temples; in fact, there are over 300! Take an optional morning city tour to see some of the city’s most interesting ones, including the regal Wat Phra That Doi Suthep which sits on a mountaintop overlooking Chiang Mai, where you'll have the opportunity to take part in morning offerings and prayers with the local monks. (See Optional Tours.) In the evening, we explore the balanced flavors of Thai cuisine with a cooking class. Whether you participate or watch, you’ll enjoy the delicious results of our labors at our farewell dinner.

Today fly to Phuket where the balance of the day is at leisure. Your hotel is ideally located at Patong Beach, overlooking the ocean.

Two full days at leisure to relax, shop or tour this scenic island. Perhaps head to Phi Phi Islands offering breathtaking scenery or go by boat and bus to Phang Nha Bay and the famous "James Bond Island."

Continue your leisurely stay on your magnificent Phuket island!

Final day at leisure for shopping or independent pursuits. Late today, fly back to Bangkok. Our tour comes to an end as we land in Bangkok today.

Passengers who purchase flights will depart 1 day before the tour starts and return 1 day after the tour ends.

For flight details, see Before You Depart.

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.

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!

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.

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'll take a short walk to Wat Mahathat.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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. We'll visit the Hall of Inspiration, 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. This evening we'll enjoy dinner together.

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.

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.

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.

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.