Begin this eleven-day comprehensive Thai journey discovering the best of Bangkok at your own pace, Thailand’s bustling capital city. Then see a different side of this beautiful country as you explore the main cultural and historic attractions in Ayutthaya with a local guide, and sleep in a train on your way to Chiang Mai. In Mae Win, take an adventurous trek and a bamboo rafting on the river. Finally, enjoy some relaxing days at the beach in Koh Lanta and Phuket.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Bangkok: discover Thailand’s cultural and commercial centre at your own pace, known for ornate shrines and vibrant street life.
Chiang Mai: The fragrant ‘Rose of the North’ was the capital of the Lanna Kingdom founded by Mangrai the Great in the 13th century.
Koh Lanta: divine miles-long beaches and nearby dive spots of Hin Daeng, Hin Muang and Ko Haa.
Day 1: ARRIVAL BANGKOK (30km – 30min)
Arrive at Bangkok airport, meet & greet in Bangkok, and seat in coach transfer to your hotel (unescorted). Check-in and rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 2: BANGKOK
Full day at leisure to discover Bangkok on your own or to take one of the many optional excursions available on the spot. For those who have never been to Bangkok we suggest a half-day tour of the most popular Buddhist temple and Landmark in the city of angels (optional, not included). The Royal Grand Palace, a great architectural masterpiece of several buildings from the outside and a magical inside was used as a royal residence from the 18th century to the mid-20th century. It is without any doubt a national reference and possibly the most visited royal monument of Thailand, and it should not be missed. The building houses the "Wat Phra Kaew", Bangkok's most sacred temple, in which is located the famous Emerald Buddha.
Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 3: BANGKOK
Another day at leisure to discover Bangkok on your own or to take one of the many optional excursions available on the spot.
Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 4: BANGKOK – AYUTTHAYA – OVERNIGHT TRAIN TO CHIANG MAI (80km – 1hr / 12hrs by train, included)
Breakfast and check out. Depart to Ayutthaya province the “must-see” attractions in Thailand, the former capital of Thailand situated 76km north of Bangkok. During this day trip, you will visit the principal sights: Wat Sri Sanphet, this important and outstanding monastery was used as a presidential palace in the reign of King Ramathibodi I. Wat Phananchoeng: This monastery existed before Ayutthaya was founded as the capital. The principal 19 metres high Buddha image is made of stucco and is the most revered by the inhabitants of Ayutthaya. Wat Yai Chaimongkhol: The chedi at this monastery is among the largest in Ayutthaya and was built by King Naresuan (1590-1605). There are many Buddha images and a beautiful garden behind this chedi. Lunch at a local restaurant included. This tour also includes a visit to Bang-Pa-In, the former Royal Summer Residence, which represents a fine example of Thai architecture. Van and tour guide will drop you off at Ayutthaya train station in the evening. Then take an overnight train to Chiang Mai (no guide escorted on the train).
Overnight on board a train.
Day 5: CHIANG MAI
Arrive at Chiang Mai Train Station (approx. 07:15), meet & greet with the driver and transfer to your hotel. When arrive at the hotel you can drop the luggage at the hotel’s front office and enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Free day at leisure until check in time around 2:00 pm (Early check-in is not included). In the evening, savour a welcome dinner included.
Overnight in Chiang Mai.
Day 6: CHIANG MAI – MAE WIN (65km – 1.5hr / 3hr hike / 1hr rafting / 65km – 1.5hr)
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart by a local truck or van to the Mae Win area. Arrive and begin to walk for 1.5 hours to the waterfall where you can enjoy swimming and relaxing. After refreshing, trek further to visit Karen Village. Enjoy lunch at local restaurant (included). Then transfer to a rafting camp to take the bamboo rafting along Mae Win-River about 1 hour (depend on water level). Late afternoon, return by local truck/van to your hotel. Breakfast and lunch included. This tour contains a variety of soft adventure elements. These elements are not always suitable for all of your travelers (min age allowed for this activity is 10 years old).
Overnight in Chiang Mai.
Day 7: CHIANG MAI – KRABI – KOH LANTA (115min by flight, not included)
Breakfast at the hotel until transfer to Chiang Mai airport for flight to Krabi (domestic flight not included). Arrive at Krabi airport and transfer to your hotel in Koh Lanta.
Overnight in Koh Lanta.
Day 8: KOH LANTA
Full day at leisure in Koh Lanta. You have many options to explore Koh Lanta. Our local representative is available to recommend the best activity for you (on request only). The dive sites surrounding Koh Lanta are considered some of Thailand’s finest. An intricate system of reefs, islets, and underwater caves are teeming with vibrant sea life. While you splash in the waves, you may catch a glimpse of a Moken (sea gypsy) boat, gliding nomadically through the waters. Cap off your day with mouthwatering seafood, freshly caught and spicy enough to make your tongue tingle (suggested, at own expense).
Overnight in Koh Lanta.
Day 9: KOH LANTA
Full day at leisure in Koh Lanta. You have many options to explore Koh Lanta. Our local representative is available to recommend the best activity for you (on request only).
Overnight in Koh Lanta.
Day 10: KOH LANTA – PHUKET (4hrs by ferry)
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer from Koh Lanta to Phuket hotel by minivan, the route will vary depending on the season. Arrive at your hotel in Phuket and free day at leisure. Transfer routing:
Koh Lanta to Phuket via Railay, Aonang (High season only 01Nov – 20Apr Departure: 13.30 Arrival: 17.15)
Travel by local truck from the hotel to Koh Lanta Pier (around 15min drive). At 13.30 depart on the ferry from Lanta to Phuket; the ferry may stop to pick up other guests at Railay & Aonang pier (Krabi). The ferry will arrive at Phuket approx. 17.15, and then hop on the shared transfer to your hotel in Phuket.
Koh Lanta to Phuket via Phi Phi (Low season only 21Apr – 31Oct Departure 08.00 Arrival 11.30)
Travel by local truck from the hotel to Koh Lanta Pier (around 15min drive). At 08.00 depart on the ferry from Lanta to Phuket; the ferry may stop to pick up other guests at Koh Phi Phi. The ferry will arrive at Phuket approx. 11.30, and then hop on the shared transfer to your hotel in Phuket.
Overnight in Phuket.
Day 11: DEPARTURE PHUKET (30km – 1hr)
Feast on a reinvigorating breakfast and time at leisure until your seat in coach transferred to Phuket Airport for onward travel to your selected destination.
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Thailand. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay. For Day 6, good non-slippery walking shoes are essential. Bring protective, water-resistant bags for any electronic devices being taken during the trekking/rafting, swimming suit, towel, sunglasses, mosquito repellent and personal medication.