Highlights of Thailand

10 Days / 9 Nights

Day 1Arrive Bangkok

Upon arrival at Bangkok Airport, you will be welcomed and transfered to your hotel. Rest of the day is free to rest up from your long flight.

Overnight at Bangkok

Day 2Grand Palace and Iconic Temples

Enjoy a leisure morning, later in the afternoon visit the Grand Palace with the Emerald Buddha, the famous Wat Po Temple and enjoy sunset views from the Golden Mount Temple.

Constructed in 1782, the Grand Palace in Bangkok is one of the most important highlights as it was a former residence for King Rama I to King Rama V of the Rattanakosin Kingdom. Today, the place is used for hosting royal ceremonies and welcoming the king’s guests, State guests, and other foreign dignitaries. You will explore two main zones, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the former royal residence.

Located south of the Grand Palace, Wat Po is the most iconic temple in Bangkok, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. It houses the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand and the famous 150 ft. long reclining Buddha. It is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage which is still taught and practiced in the temple.

Then take a short tuk tuk ride around the old town past some iconic sights. At sundown, visit The Golden Mount, known locally as Wat Saket Temple. Climb up 300 short steps on a wide stairway that spirals up and around the sides of the mount. It is not a strenuous climb as the slope is gentle and there are areas to stop and rest. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the city once you’re at the top! Transfer back to your hotel after the tour.

Overnight at Bangkok

Day 3Morning Long-tailed Boat Canal Cruise and Wat Arun

Travel by long tail boat to discover traditional neighborhoods hidden along the banks of Bangkok’s winding river canals, called klongs. Along the cruise, you will do short walks to discover centuries old communities and visit Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn. This iconic pagoda incrusted with colored faience had existed since at least the 17th century, its distinctive prang was built in the early 19th century during the reign of King Rama II.

Stroll through the backstreets to explore the “Kudeejeen” neighborhood, a 200-year-old community of mixed Thai-Portuguese ancestry. Lunch will be served at Baan Sakulthong, a special restaurant where the owner’s family can be traced back to the Portuguese settlers who migrated here from Ayutthaya in the 18th century. You will feast on snacks made from Thai Royal recipes and unique dishes made with Portuguese influences passed down from generations.

Rest of the afternoon is free to explore on your own, or head for a relaxing message

Evening, go on a mouthwatering street food tour at our secret eateries. Our foodie tour takes you to lesser known local neighborhoods where you get to sample delicious street food that you cannot find at restaurants back home. Many of these vendors are operated by 2nd or 3rd generations!

Overnight at Bangkok

Day 4Fly Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Ancient Temples, Artisan Dinner

Take a short flight to Chiang Mai, capital city of North Thailand.

Afternoon, explore the old town stopping at two famous ancient Lanna temples, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh. Take a coffee break at a local café serving fresh brews from local hill tribe coffee farms.

Before sunset, drive up the mountain to Wat Doi Suthep and climb the 309 steps of the Golden Naga staircase (or take an elevator) to reach its golden pagodas. After admiring the beautiful sunset and panoramic views of Chiang Mai, stop by one of the best-kept secret temples of Chiang Mai, Wat Palad, known as the Temple below the Temple. This temple is significant to Chiang Mai’s history with its temple grounds dated beyond 650 years old.

This evening, you will enjoy an incredible culinary experience at a famous local artisan restaurant. Using fresh local ingredients, the Chef delivers an innovative set menu highlighting traditional northern Thai flavors with artistry presentation. For nightcaps, we will take you to a local bar serving unique cocktails with fresh local ingredients and tropical fruits.

Overnight at Chiang Mai

Day 5Half Day Elephant Camp Experience

This morning, head out of Chiang Mai for an exclusive private experience at a responsible camp at run by a Karen village where proper care is provided for retired or rescued elephants. At the camp, you will help to prepare food for the elephants, accompany them for a short walk before taking a bath with them.

Return to your hotel after lunch at the campsite and rest of the afternoon is free to explore the town on your own or visit a local market to shop for local snacks and herbal tea.

Overnight at Chiang Mai

Day 6Half-Day Family Farm Visit and Cooking Class

Today, prepare yourself for an authentic experience with a local, multi-generational family in their beautiful traditional teak homes on an organic farm! This family arrived in Northern Thailand from China possibly on the back of an elephant 150 years ago. You will learn about their traditional culture, way of living, and the architecture of a traditional Lanna Kingdom teak wood house. Their family farm has a rice field and many types of fruit trees, herbs, spices and vegetables. Together with your hosts, you will learn to cook authentic Northern Thai dishes with a copy of the recipes to bring home. After your hard work in the kitchen, enjoy a sumptuous meal before returning to your hotel.

This unique cooking class is available in the morning with lunch or afternoon with dinner.

Overnight at Chiang Mai

Day 7Fly to Phuket, Speedboat to Koh Yao Noi Island

Take a short flight today to Phuket followed by a speed boat transfer to your resort at Koh Yao Noi island. A hidden oasis offering scenic views of Phang Nga Bay, Koh Yao Noi offers a tranquil hideaway for those seeking an off-beaten path paradise away from the crowds.

For the rest of your stay, you can choose to relax at your beachfront resort or arrange additional activities with the resort. This area offers a range of activities catering to all fitness levels from snorkeling, diving, island hopping to kayaking around sea caves by the picturesque Phang Nga Bay.

Overnight at Koh Yao Island

Day 8Free Day to Enjoy the Resort Activities

Today is free to relax at the pool or on the beach and or book one of the many spa treatments or resort activities.

Overnight at Koh Yao Island

Day 9Free Day to Enjoy the Resort Activities

We highly recommend a sea kayaking trip around the spectacular Phang Nga Bay or a snorkeling trip around the pristine small islands.

Overnight at Koh Yao Island

Day 10Transfer to Phuket Airport

Return to Phuket by boat followed by a private transfer to the airport for your onward journey.