Thailand's highlands & islands

18 days
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Private Guided
Thailand is a renowned beach destination, but our specialists know there’s far more to it than its palm-fringed sands. Having journeyed the breadth of the country, they can advise you on the best places to visit, based on your preferences, to get the most out of your holiday to Thailand. Inland, you’ll find temples in the shape of Isaan’s Khmer complexes and...
From$5,748
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Overview

Trip type
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

What's this trip about?

    Thailand is a renowned beach destination, but our specialists know there’s far more to it than its palm-fringed sands. Having journeyed the breadth of the country, they can advise you on the best places to visit, based on your preferences, to get the most out of your holiday to Thailand. Inland, you’ll find temples in the shape of Isaan’s Khmer complexes and the UNESCO-protected ancient capital of Siam at Sukhothai as well as, from more recent history, the Bridge on the River Kwai. National parks foster elephants and gibbons, and hills preserve rich tribal cultures. There are also the cities, which provide a route into exploring Thailand’s food, such as the street markets in Chiang Mai and cooking classes in Bangkok. Along the coast, you’ll find sleepy villages where you can watch local fishermen bringing in the day’s catch, while limestone islands rising from the sea make the focal points for rewarding cruises.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityBangkok
End CityPhuket

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

Attractions

  • Chiang Mai
  • Phuket

Activities

  • Culture
  • History
  • Nature
  • Short Cruise
  • Snorkeling
  • Swimming

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Itinerary

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Bangkok.

Day 2 : Bangkok

Your guide will be waiting for you at Bangkok Airport and will accompany you on your private transfer to your small boutique hotel, tucked away along a narrow soi (street).

Day 3 : Bangkok

Your guide will collect you this morning for a private tour of the city taking in the key attractions. You will get to experience a variety of the local public transport systems giving you the confidence to further explore Bangkok at your leisure in the afternoon.

Day 4 : Chiang Mai

Private transfer to the airport for your 1hr 20 min flight to the historical and colourful city of Chiang Mai, located in the north of Thailand. Your driver will be waiting for you at Chiang Mai airport to take you by private car to your boutique hotel.In the afternoon you will join a group for an unusual and exciting way of exploring the city - on a guided Segway tour!

Day 5 : Chiang Mai

This morning your guide will collect you for your private tour of the Mae Sa Valley. The tour includes a visit to the Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens, a butterfly farm and a visit to one of the local Hmong hill tribes.

Day 6 : Chiang Mai

Today you will have a free day to explore Chiang Mai. Late afternoon is a great time to visit Chiang Mai's most famous landmark: the temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. This is one of Thailand's most important temples and has fantastic views of the city. In the evening you may like to visit the city's famous night bazaar.

Day 7 : Khao Sok National Park

You will have an early start today for your private transfer to the airport to catch your two hour flight to Krabi. Upon arrival at Krabi airport you will be met by staff from Elephant Hills who will take you and other guests for the three hour road transfer to the Kh...

Day 8 : Khao Sok National Park

Today you will leave the tented camp with other guests and head inland by road and then by boat for your scenic journey to the relatively untouched and stunning Cheow Larn Lake. This is a great place to be amongst nature and experience a unique accommodation experience - a floating tent!Your afternoon includes a guided canoe safari.

Day 9 : Phuket

After breakfast you will have the option to join your guide on a walk through the jungle listening to the chorus of the many primates, reptiles and birds that inhabit the national park.After lunch you will join other guests on the three hour transfer to Phuket where you will spend the night before your cruise.

Day 10 : Phuket

Your cruise experience starts today on the lovely Star Clipper. The Star Clipper harks back to the grand age of sailing with its four-masted sails, tastefully decorated to reflect its nautical heritage. Cruising on the Star Clipper is a wonderful way to explore the local islands. During your stay all meals are included as well as a programme of group tours.

Day 11 : Phuket

Visit the Surin Islands today, famous for its diving and sports fishing and home to a variety of wildlife including monitor lizards and macaques.

Day 12 : Phuket

Today you will sail to the remote Similan Islands, considered to be one of the world's best diving and snorkelling locations. Here you will have the chance to see manta rays, barracuda and if you are lucky, whale sharks.

Day 13 : Phuket

Further day exploring the Similan Islands.

Day 14 : Phuket

Today you will arrive at the breathtaking island of Langkawi in Malaysia. Its clear tropical waters are perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

Day 15 : Phuket

The cruise continues today to Koh Kradan, home to beautiful white sandy beaches.

Day 16 : Phuket

Today you will be able to explore the limestone wonders of Phang Nga Bay before journeying on to Koh Hong. Tonight will be your last night on board the Star Clipper.

Day 17 : Phuket

After disembarking the boat you will be transferred to the your accommodation for the evening.

Day 18 : International return flight

Transfer to the airport for your international flight home. Your return flight will arrive the same day.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,748
Price per day$319
Last Updated: 0/12/2022

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Audley Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Our trips don’t come off the shelf. There’s no set recipe. Each itinerary is tailor-made down to the finest detail, built around your tastes and interests. Quite simply, we listen to what you want and then carefully design an individual trip to match, working to your budget and with an absolute commitment to quality.

We have experts for each and every one of our destinations, with the knowledge that comes from having visited many times or even lived there. Our specialists will design a trip around you, show you the highlights from a different angle, and introduce you to places and experiences that others might miss.

Our flexibility promise

As the world adjusts to travel in times of uncertainty, we want you to be able to look ahead to your next trip knowing you can change your plans if needed. And, with specialists who are experts in their destinations and remain your single point of contact before and while you travel, we promise you can book with us in absolute confidence.

Our flexibility promise

Change your plans free of charge up to 30 days before departure

We’ll move your travel dates or switch the value of your booked trip to another destination at no expense to you up to 30 days before you’re due to depart. You’ll receive a 100% travel credit equivalent to the amount you paid toward your original booking.

Valid for new bookings made on or before October 31, 2020, for travel by Dec. 31, 2021. Travel dates may be moved to departures up to December 31, 2022. Excludes select cruises and airfare. Additional charges may be incurred based on changes to your trip such as accommodation and/or seasonality.

Full-refund guarantee on trips close to home

14-day cancellation policy for trips to the US, Canada or Caribbean

We want to help you navigate the uncertainty that remains around travel by giving you the flexibility to book a trip to any of our destinations in the United States, Canada or the Caribbean this year in complete confidence. With our 14-day cancellation policy, you can cancel your trip up to two weeks before you’re due to depart for any reason and receive a full refund, when you book your trip on or before October 31, 2020 for travel before December 14, 2021**.

Valid on new bookings within the US, Canada or Caribbean made on or before October 31, 2020 for travel by December 14, 2021. Certain policy variations may apply dependent on property selection and dates. Specific details will be provided by your specialist. Any portion of a new booking paid with an existing travel credit will be refunded in the form of a travel credit. Excludes flights and select properties.

 

Set your travel plans in motion with a video appointment

 

Talking face to face with your specialist can be an invaluable starting point for sharing thoughts and ideas as you begin to imagine your next trip. You can take as much time as you need to speak to your specialist and discuss all your plans with one of our video appointments. Just think of it as your own personal webinar — your specialist will share a wealth of insight, aided by images, maps and other visuals, to inspire you and provide advice for your trip, based on what you want to experience.

It's easy to arrange

  • Book a video appointment (we’ll ask you for a few details about your travel plans).
  • One of our specialists, who’s an expert in your chosen destination, will get in touch to arrange a time and date to suit you. If your travel companions are in different households, we’ll invite them to join, too, so you can all chat together.
  • Your specialist will send you a link to your video appointment by email. We suggest using a computer or laptop, which means there’s no software to download.
  • Settle down with a drink, click on the link to join the appointment and your specialist will be there to welcome you.
 

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Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
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Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
audley-audley-travel-39996

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