Day One & Two
Begin your journey in the evening for your journey to Bangkok, Thailand. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your flight before arriving for your big adventure!

Day Three

Welcome to Bangkok! This afternoon, take a longtail boat through Bangkok’s canals to discover the true heart of the city. Start with a ride along the Chao Phraya River, also known as the ‘River of Kings’. Admire the passing skyline where glittering pagodas stand in the shadows of towering skyscrapers. The boat then turns off the main waterway and onto the canals, or ‘klongs’. See why Bangkok is often called the ‘Venice of the East’, while cruising along the intricate network of canals. Capture glimpses of small villages on the water’s edge and enjoy the slower pace of life away from the city centre. Make a stop at the Royal Barge Museum. See the eight spectacular boats used by Thailand’s Royal Family to mark special occasions. Carved from teak and intricately decorated with gold leaf and mosaics, the barges are a truly impressive site. Then return to the boat and cruise back onto the Chao Phraya for one final stop. 

 

Day Four

Travel away from Bangkok’s city centre for a visit to local markets and countryside neighbourhoods. Take a one-hour drive, leaving the high-rises behind and entering a land of lush landscapes and traditional wooden houses. Stop at a local railway station where a bustling country market has sprouted up along the tracks. As a train pulls into the station, witness the vendors quickly clearing their stalls off the railway. Then, after the train departs, watch them set up shop and resume business as usual. From here, continue to Coconut Garden to see how sugar is produced locally then we head to the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Although these days the stalls are mostly selling items for tourists, the Damnoen Saduak remains the best example of a traditional floating market. Take a stroll around and admire the floating shops, many of which are selling fresh fruits and typical Thai snacks. Leave the main market area and take a relaxing paddle boat ride. Pass by an old section of the floating market and enter a labyrinth of quiet canals. See houses built alongside the waterways and catch glimpses of local life in this rural Thai province. Next is a Dinner Cruise on Private Patravadi Show Boat! Experience the romantic Bangkok evening in style on the luxury Patravadi Show Boat. Enjoy 2 hours of the private cruising along Chao Phraya River with authentic Thai dinner and free-flow soft drinks. We will pass the city’s glittering sights. From the stunning Temple of Dawn, the illuminated Grand Palace, magnificent temples, striking bridges and other Bangkok’s landmarks, the cruise offers a perfectly memorable relaxing night experience in Bangkok.

 

Day Five

This morning, we will visit The Royal Grand Palace which is one of the most beautiful ancient Siamese courts. It used to be the residence of the Kings of Thailand and it is also home to the beautiful Emerald Buddha Temple. Also, visit the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho and Wat Traimit, the temple of the Golden Buddha. Enjoy a free afternoon in Bangkok!

 

Day Six

Today, you fly to Phuket! Check-in to your 5-star hotel on the beach and enjoy free time this afternoon!

 

Day Seven

Escape to a quieter, more natural side of southern Thailand with this day trip from Phuket. Travel by speedboat across the Andaman Sea to the six scenic Phi Phi Islands. The journey to Phi Phi takes around 45 minutes, passing by spectacular limestone karsts that jut out from the blue sea. Sit back and relax, enjoying the views as the boat cruises closer to paradise. Make a stop at Maya Bay, arguably one of Thailand’s most beautiful locations, for photos and sightseeing. The bay is so stunning that it was used as the setting for the famous Hollywood movie The Beach. Continue around the islands, including Phi Phi Lay Cove and Monkey Beach. Each of these stretches of island boasts swaying palm trees and white sands. There are also calm, clear waters brimming with fish for those who wish to discover Thailand’s underwater beauty.
During the day, lunch will be served at Tonsai Bay. This southern stretch of Phi Phi Ley Island offers sweeping views of the surrounding sea. The afternoon is spent cruising to Bamboo Island, providing more opportunities to relax and swim in the Andaman Sea. After a spectacular day cruising the Phi Phi Islands, it is time to return to Phuket. Transfer back by boat and car, arriving at the hotel early this evening.

 

Day Eight

In the late morning, checkout and transfer to the airport. Fly today to Chiang Mai! 

 

Day Nine

Today we tour Chiang Mai! Once inside the old city walls, be captivated by the eclectic mix of markets, traditional houses, majestic foreign consulates, and modern edifices. See locals on their way to or from the pagodas, and take note of the small spirit shrines tucked alongside family homes. Then, continue away from the city and enjoy a winding, uphill drive to Doi Suthep Mountain. Climb the staircase of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, admiring the intricate naga carvings along the way. Upon reaching the top, explore the 14th-century pagoda, where local devotees come to pay homage and pray. Wander around the towering gilded stupa and take a moment to enjoy the views of Chiang Mai in the distance. Return down the mountain and continue along the spiritual trail to Wat Jed Yod. See how the architectural styles of Laos, India, China, and Lanna are blended together in this 14th-century temple. Get up close to the seven spires to admire the incredible carvings of celestial beings and other ornate decorations. The final visit of the day is to Wat Suan Dok, where a 48-meter golden chedi marks this holy site, built in the Sri Lankan style. Learn why Wat Suan Dok is popular with local Buddhists, discover its unique Buddha relic, and wander around the mausoleum where the ashes of Chiang Mai’s royal family are interred. This afternoon, enjoy Uncover the secrets behind famous Thai dishes at Grandma’s home cooking school. Travel south of the city center to a traditional Sala (open-air) house to meet a local chef. After a brief introduction to the day’s activities, head out to a nearby fresh market to collect your ingredients. The chef will introduce the ingredients, exotic herbs and spices, and their uses, while explaining Thailand’s food culture. Armed with new knowledge of Thai cuisine and its ingredients, begin cooking! Chop vegetables, create spicy sauces,
and fry up sizzling dishes. Throughout the course, the chef will share their personal story and offer tips and tricks for preparing these dishes in your own kitchen. Once everything is ready, sit down and enjoy the delicious, freshly made dishes. Savor the delicate flavors of home- cooked Thai cuisine, celebrating the results of the day’s activities. Return to the hotel with a full belly and a deeper understanding of Chiang Mai’s food culture.
 

Day Ten

Today is elephant day! Get an early start to drive one hour north of Chiang Mai to the Kanta Elephant Sanctuary. Walk through and learn about the elephants, change into traditional clothing and prepare fruits for our elephants. Meet the elephants. Feed, interact, and play with the elephants in a natural environment and get muddy as you learn about their behavior and history. Take photos with the elephants. Walk with the elephants to a river and bathe them if you desire!  Enjoy a free afternoon in Chiang Mai as your tour comes to an end.

 

Day Eleven

Fly back to the United States. Welcome home!