Thailand Explorer

12 Days / 11 Nights

Day 1Arrive Bangkok

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. The evening is at leisure to relax and rest up from your long flight.

Overnight at Bangkok

Day 2Grand Palace & Temple Tour, Evening Foodie Tour

This morning or afternoon, explore the famous Grand Palace and Temples followed by a unique foodie tour in a traditional neighborhood known only to locals.

Constructed in 1782, the Grand Palace in Bangkok 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. Your visit includes 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 and 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!

This evening, get off the beaten path with a special dinner foodie tour at our secret local neighborhood frequented only by locals. This is a charming neighborhood filled with many traditional old shops and restaurants, most are run by descendants of Chinese immigrants who moved here generations ago. Explore various streets on foot and feast at different places, including a street vendor listed in the 2018 Michelin Bib Gourmand Listing. Your final stop is Ice Cream Mor Fai with your choice of exotic ice cream flavors served in a hot pot.

Overnight at Bangkok

Day 3Yaowarat Chinatown, Sriracha Shop, Canal Boat Cruise

This morning wander around the vibrant wholesale markets at Yaowarat, a historic district with over 200 years of Thai-Chinese heritage. Explore the narrow alleys dotted with street vendors and shops selling a huge range of items from fresh produce, clothing, household items, Chinese medicine and delicious street snacks. Stop at a famous old coffee shop, Eiah Sae who has been churning out their traditional coffee recipe to an endless array of chain smoking regulars, elderly Chinese men and hip youngsters for over 60 years.

Stop by a small historic shop who created an award winning Sriracha Sauce since the 1930s. Meet the family and listen to their fascinating heritage.

Afternoon, travel by a long tail boat to discover traditional neighborhoods hidden along the banks of Bangkok’s winding river canals. Visit centuries old communities with a delicious lunch at Baan Sakulthong, a family restaurant whose roots can be traced back to the  Portuguese settlers who migrated here from Ayutthaya in the 18th century. Feast on unique dishes with Portuguese influences passed down from generations.

Take an easy stroll through the backstreets to explore the “Kudeejeen” neighborhood, a 200-year-old community of mixed Thai-Portuguese ancestry. Stop by a Catholic Church, a Chinese Shrine and a small folk museum that showcases the ties between the Kingdom of Siam and Portugal. Sample the famous “Kanom Farang Kudeejeen”, Portuguese style cupcakes.

Final stop is Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn. This iconic pagoda encrusted with colored faience had existed since at least the 17th century.

Overnight at Bangkok

Day 4Fly Bangkok to Chiang Rai, Black House, Blue Temple, Artisan Dinner

Take a short flight today to the far north city of Chiang Rai, gateway to the famous Golden Triangle.

Afternoon, two unique landmarks in the city. Starting at the famous Baadam Museum, also known as the Black House, this is a sprawling complex built and designed by the Thai National Artist Thawan Duchanee. There are around 30 Black Houses at present and the buildings are in a variety of styles. Most have been made with the color black predominant and you can see some interesting woodcarvings on the buildings. Continue to the beautiful but lesser known “Blue Temple” (Wat Rong Suea Ten) that was just rebuilt in 2016.

This evening, dinner will be served at a famous restaurant that is often booked up months ahead. Featuring a local celebrity chef, his kitchen serves only a single group of diners each night (up to 20 people max) using only local produce from hill tribe villagers and Royal Agricultural Projects. Over a 10- course tasting menu, the Chef will personally share the story behind each dish he recreated, traditional Thai techniques without any modern gastronomy gimmicks.

Overnight at Chiang Rai

Day 5Biking & Hiking Around Hill Tribe Villages

Today is a fun day of biking, cruising and hiking to explore an ancient cave and remote hill tribe villages. Start at Baan Du Market to see local produce and shop for ingredients to prepare your hill tribe lunch. Then continue by mountain bike on a partly dirt road though the countryside, passing villages, rolling hills and paddy fields. Arrive at Ancient Monks Cave about 6km out of town, see various Buddha images inside the cave where King Rama VII used to visit and a peaceful garden along the riverside.

From here, take a 45min local long tail boat ride to remote areas to visit various hill tribe villages. Visit a local hill tribe home where a simple but delicious northern Thai lunch and unique hill tribe snacks are served. After lunch, enjoy more hiking through the countryside to visit a waterfall and some other hill tribe villages before returning to your hotel.

Overnight at Chiang Rai

Day 6Drive about 3h to Chiang Mai via White Temple, Doi Suthep Temple

This morning journey to Chiang Mai, the Rose of the North. Along the drive, stop over at the unique Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple.

This famous temple is a spectacular architecture designed by local artist Chalermchai Kositpipat and it’s one of its kind in the entire country. There is also a small art gallery where you can see the works of this artist.

Upon arrival at Chiang Mai, enjoy a bowl of “Khao Soy”, a yummy North Thailand noodle with curry gravy, chicken and pickled cabbage.

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 is free to explore the bustling night markets on your own.

Overnight at Chiang Mai

Day 7Full Day Doi Inthanon Hike

This morning journey about 2 hours towards Doi Inthanon National Park, the highest peak of Thailand at at 2,565 m (8,415 ft) above sea level.

Complex mountain ranges and mild climate characterize an area with moist and dense forest which is the source of important tributaries of Mae Ping River. Stop by Wachirathan Waterfalls, the most impressive waterfalls in this park at about 80m (200ft) tall. Then head out for an easy down hill hike along Pha Dok Siew Trail for about an hour along picturesque lush jungle trail and passing through terraced rice paddy fields.

Arrive at small Karen hill tribe village to see their way of life, you can also sample a cup of Arabica coffee from hands of friendly hill tribe farmers. A simple lunch will be served picnic style before visiting the twin chedi built to honour King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit, and the summit where the shrine of Chao Inthawitchayanon, the former prince of Chiang Mai is located.

Afternoon, you can choose 2 challenging trails. A 2-hour trek along Michael’s Trail offers a beautiful experience of the true natural beauty of Doi Inthanon National Park. Or opt for a more challenging 2-hour trek along the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail, the most fertile nature trail in this area.

Pa Dok Siew and Michael’s Trails are moderate, most of the area is flat terrain or slight slopes. Kew Mae Pan Trail requires more level of fitness with steeper uphill and downhill slopes.

Overnight at Chiang Mai

Day 8Karen Village Hike & Private Elephant Camp Experience

Depart early morning for about 2 hours drive to a small village elephant camp. Your guide will take you first to a local market to buy some feeding food for your elephants.

Then continue on a scenic drive along rolling hills, charming villages and temples around the countryside. Stop by Maewang Waterfalls, one of the most beautiful places inside Maewang National park. Continue to the dazzling chapel of the Wat Tham Phranon, known as the cave of the reclining Buddha.

Then take an easy hike (45min or 2 hours or drive, up to you!) in the jungle passing by rice fields to visit the Karen hill tribe people at Baan Thung Luang village. Here you will learn about the Karen culture and their life style, then experience a special “jungle” picnic lunch where food will be cooked served in bamboo stems and banana leaves.

Afternoon, proceed to the village’s elephant camp for a special private experience. The Karen people are experts with elephant training, meet an instructor to learn some basic commands as you learn more about the background story of your elephants. Accompany the elephants for a stroll along the beautiful trail in the forest while they feast on grass and sugarcane. Finally, take a bath in the river with your elephant in the river before bidding your friendly hosts farewell.

Overnight at Chiang Mai

Day 9Fly Chiang Mai to Phuket

Take a short flight to the tropical island of Phuket in South Thailand.

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred to your beach resort. 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 or island hopping.

Overnight at Phuket

Day 10Sea kayaking Trip

Spend the day at Phang Nga Bay for a day of cruising and sea kayaking. Enjoy a light lunch onboard the boat while cruising towards the spectacular bay dotted with limestone hills. Afternoon, explore the bay and several sea caves by a kayak paddled by a professional guide as you enjoy the scenery and take photos. As night falls, head back on your kayak and participate in a spiritual ritual by releasing your self-made flower “Kratong” inside an inner lagoon. Dinner will be served back on the boat as you cruise back to port. Your driver will transfer you back to your hotel after the tour.

Overnight at Phuket

Day 11Free Day at Phuket, Evening Foodie Tour

Today is free to relax or arrange your own activities with the resort.

Evening, you will be treated to an authentic foodie experience at Phuket Old Town, a UNESCO’s City of Gastronomy since 2015. Discover, a cluster of multi-culture cuisines, offering Southern Thai, Chinese, Muslim, and even a mix of every culture known as Peranakan. As you walk between eateries and street vendors that are popular among locals diners, you will also discover this historic heritage architecture and learn about various ethnic cultures living here. Your tour finishes at the night market where you can pick up cute hand-made souvenirs.

Overnight at Phuket

Day 12Depart Phuket

Transfer to Phuket Airport for your onward journey.