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Thailand Explorer

12 days - From $2200

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Thailand Explorer

FromPrices From $2200
12 Days / 10 Nights

Discover the best of Thailand on this unforgettable 12-day tour that uncovers the many facets of this endlessly fascinating country. Dip into the glittering palaces, railway market, floating markets, and bustling streets of Bangkok, explore the famous Golden Triangle, meet elephants in jungle-bound Chiang Mai—Thailand’s northern capital; and finish with time to rest and recharge surrounded by the white sands and turquoise seas of idyllic Phuket.

Bangkok (4 nights)
Chiang Rai (1 night)
Chiang Mai (2 nights)
Phuket (3 nights)

Escorted

Moderate

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Itinerary at a glance

DAY 1

USA—Bangkok

DAY 2

Bangkok

DAY 3

Bangkok

DAY 4

Bangkok – Railway Market - Floating Market- Bangkok

DAY 5

Bangkok – Bang Pa In - Ayutthaya - Bangkok

DAY 6

Bangkok – Chiang Rai

DAY 7

Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai

DAY 8

Chiang Mai

DAY 9

Chiang Mai – Phuket

DAY 10

Phuket

DAY 11

Phuket

DAY 12

Phuket – USA

Full Itinerary

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DAY
1

USA—Bangkok: Fly to Thailand

DAY
2

Bangkok: Arrival & Leisure Time in Bangkok

DAY
3

Bangkok: Bangkok Full Day Tour + Thai Dinner

Today enjoy a guided introduction to Bangkok, one of Asia’s most captivating metropolises. Topping the sights is the Grand Palace, a sprawling 18th-century complex of residences and temples that were home to the kings of Siam and Thailand for 150 years. Stroll around the courtyards to view the gilded buildings, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, regarded as Thailand’s most sacred Buddhist shrine. While you’re exploring, stop for a delicious restaurant lunch and then , ride a boat across the Chao Phraya, Bangkok’s ‘River of Kings’ and visit the stunning Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun). Admire the Khmer-style, porcelain-mosaic covered spires of this riverfront temple as your guide reveals its religious significance and symbolism.The rest of the day is at leisure . Enjoy a Welcome Thai set dinner at the local restaurant.

Included

Accommodation

Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok or Similar (Standard Twin)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Meals

Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Dinner

DAY
4

Bangkok – Railway Market - Floating Market- Bangkok: Floating Market & Railway Market

This morning, head for Maeklong Railway Market which is located near train tracks. Hearing the train long before you actually see it, the vendors and merchants begin to move their belongings and umbrellas away from the tracks as the train barrels forward, honking on its horn every now and then to warn people of its approach. Everyone is back on the track after the train passes. It is a shopping experience like no other. Then visit the Damnoen Saduak, one of Thailand’s most popular floating markets, and a fascinating window into local life. Gaze at lush paddy fields and salt farms en route, and on arrival, ride a boat along noisy canals packed with fruit, vegetable, and handicraft vendors. Spend time here soaking up the atmosphere and browsing for souvenirs and street foods before returning to Bangkok after lunch and getting more time to spend as you wish.

Included

Accommodation

Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok or Similar (Standard Twin)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Meals

Breakfast at hotel, Lunch

DAY
5

Bangkok – Bang Pa In - Ayutthaya - Bangkok: Ayutthaya & River Cruise Tour

After breakfast, leave Bangkok and venture north to UNESCO-listed Ayutthaya, where a cluster of ruined temples, stupas, and monasteries mark what was once the medieval capital of Siam. Stroll the ruins, set on an island formed by three rivers—and stop, too, to see Bang Pa-in, a palace and garden complex that was once a summer retreat of Siam’s kings and their consorts. Admire the glittering, Thai-style lake pavilion with its multi-colored tiled roof, spires, and porches; and view the other ornate European-and Chinese-style halls that sprinkle the picturesque lawns. Having explored both Ayutthaya and Bang Pa-in, step aboard a modern riverboat and relax as you cruise back to Bangkok along the Chao Phraya river, enjoying the views and a delicious buffet lunch served on board as you sail. This evening is yours to enjoy as you wish.

Included

Accommodation

Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok or Similar (Standard Twin)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Meals

Breakfast at hotel, Lunch

DAY
6

Bangkok – Chiang Rai: Fly to Chiang Rai + Golden Triangle Visit

DAY
7

Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai: Temples Tour + Transfer to Chiang Mai

In the morning, explore the famous Wat Rong Khun, also known as The White Temple, designed by the renowned local artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. Upon first glance, you’ll be taken aback by the striking, modern architecture of the White Temple. In contrast to traditional Thai temples you may have seen before, every inch of the exterior radiates white and is adorned with thousands of sparkling mirrors. Then visit the magnificent Blue Temple ( Wat Rong Seur Ten) which is new.The temple’s blue and gold stupa is unique and blends Burmese and Nepalese temple forms. Continue to Chiang Mai, often dubbed Thailand’s ‘Rose of the North.’ Surrounded by lush mountains, this history-steeped city was the capital of the independent Lanna kingdom until the mid-16th century and is rich in attractions, from Buddhist temples and national parks to tribal hill villages. Upon arrival, enjoy the welcome Lhantoke Lanna dinner.

Included

Accommodation

Melia Chiang Mai or Similar (Standard Room)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Meals

Breakfast at hotel, Dinner

DAY
8

Chiang Mai: Elephant Sanctuary + Temple Visit

After breakfast , journey into Chiang Mai’s mountains to visit the Mae Rim Elephant Sanctuary, a jungle camp dedicated to the welfare of rescued elephants. Observe these magnificent animals as they’re fed and walked in the forest, and learn where they came from and how they’re cared for. After lunch, pay a visit to Chiang Mai’s premier attraction: the Buddhist Temple of Wat Doi Suthep. Crowning the top of Doi Suthep mountain, this revered and lavishly decorative shrine has 14th-century origins and is one of Thailand’s most important places of worship. Enjoy the night free at leisure to explore the night market on your own.

Included

Accommodation

Melia Chiang Mai or Similar (Standard Room)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Meals

Breakfast at hotel, Lunch

DAY
9

Chiang Mai – Phuket: Fly to Phuket + Leisure Time

Meet your tour guide after breakfast and travel to the airport for your flight to the island of Phuket, in south Thailand. Basking in the Andaman Sea, this gorgeous gem is famous for its rainforest-coated interior and palm-lined beaches fringed by luxury hotels and seaside resorts. After a transfer to your hotel, enjoy free time this afternoon to unwind in the island’s idyllic surroundings.

Included

Accommodation

Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket or similar (Standard Twin)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Meals

Breakfast at hotel

DAY
10

Phuket: Full Day Phang Nga Bay Tour + Dinner

After breakfast, set off on a full-day tour to Phang Nga Bay in the north of the Strait of Malacca and one of southern Thailand’s most photogenic areas. Begin at Phang Nga province to see its Buddha Cave Temple (Suwannakuha), nicknamed the “Monkey Temple” for its colonies of monkeys; and then visit the Ao Phang Nga National Park for a longtail boat ride across its green waters famous for their 40 limestone karsts, evergreen mangroves, caves, and cliffs. Soak in the bay’s beauty from your boat and sail by “James Bond Island,” a limestone pinnacle that featured in the movie “The Man with the Golden Gun.” After lunch at a stilted Sea Gypsy village, return to Phuket. This evening, dinner is served at your hotel.

Included

Accommodation

Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket or similar (Standard Twin)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Meals

Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner at hotel

DAY
11

Phuket: Leisure Day or Optional Phi Phi Island Tour

Today is yours to spend any way you wish—either lazing by the pool or enjoying independent shopping and sightseeing. You may want to consider an optional day trip to the Phi Phi Islands—an archipelago of paradise-like islets, a short speedboat ride away across the Andaman Sea. Cruise to several of these astonishingly beautiful gems to see their exquisite bays, forested rock pinnacles, powder-white shores and nodding palms, and to swim and snorkel in their fish-filled, aquamarine waters.

Included

Accommodation

Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket or similar (Standard Twin)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Meals

Breakfast at hotel

Optional Tours & Extras

Phi Phi Island by Speed Boat

$115 per person

DAY
12

Phuket – USA: Depart from Phuket

What's included

All entrance fees to featured historical sites, attractions and monuments as shown in itinerary

Tour Guide

Experienced English-speaking local guides

Air

Thailand domestic air tickets from Bangkok - Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai - Phuket

Meal

Daily breakfast at hotel, 6 lunches and 3 dinners at the hotel or a local restaurant

Transfer

Roundtrip airport transfers upon arrival and departure

Comfortable air-conditioned tour coach with professional service of drivers

Important Notes

Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 10 guests

Where you could stay

Bangkok

Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok or Similar

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Blessed with a privileged position in the capital’s key commercial and diplomatic district, next to Erawan Shrine, Grand Hyatt Bangkok, 5 star hotel Bangkok, offers a refined retreat from the city’s hustle bustle. Immerse yourself in the fascinating sights and delights of downtown Bangkok while luxuriating in the height of opulence and comfort.

Chiang Rai

The Riverie by Katathani or Similar

Nestled on an island in the middle of the Kok River, embraced by an exquisite garden landscape of beautiful trees, plants and colorful seasonal flowers, The Riverie by Katathani is conveniently located in the city centre, proving the perfect gateway to the unique sights and sounds of the region, including soaring mountains, lush forests, serene rivers, ancient temples and colorful Hill Tribe cultures.

Chiang Mai

Melia Chiang Mai or Similar

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

In the heart of beautiful Chiang Mai, this elegant refuge with an oriental ambience also provides all the comforts required by global travellers. An oasis of calm with splendid, carefully designed rooms, perfectly in tune with the exotic charm of this vibrant city. A perfect place to rest on your holiday or business trip and savour Spanish influences in mystical Thailand. Located next to the River Ping, Meliá Chiang Mai provides spacious rooms in which to rest after visiting the lively local markets and Buddhist temples.

Phuket

Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket or similar

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

A luxurious beachfront retreat in one of Thailand’s most beloved island destinations, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket combines elegant Thai heritage with gracious hospitality. Set on the white sands of Bang Tao beach, the hotel is surrounded by lush gardens, overlooking the glittering Andaman Ocean.

Optional Tours

view tour

Phi Phi Island by Speed Boat

[Shared coach basis] Spend a day in the paradise-like Phi Phi islands, a gorgeous archipelago of islands off Phuket, on this 7-hour speedboat excursion. Cruise over the azure waters of the Andaman Sea and marvel at the sight of the islands rising from the sea like giant, rounded rock spears. Then, enjoy an unforgettable few

DAY 11: PHUKET $115 PP