Thailand Explorer

DAY 1:USA—Bangkok

Your voyage begins with an international flight from the US to Bangkok, the capital of Thailand

DAY 2: Bangkok

Meet your tour representative at the airport arrivals hall and transfer to your downtown hotel. Check in for four nights and enjoy the remainder of the day at your own leisure—perhaps recharging at the hotel pool, or diving into the bustling city to discover its enticing restaurants, shops, and markets.

DAY 3: Bangkok

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. You’ll also view the elegant Marble Hall—another Bangkok showpiece. While you’re exploring, stop for a delicious restaurant lunch and then transfer back to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure you enjoy a Welcome Thai set dinner at your hotel tonight.

DAY 4: Bangkok – Damnoen Saduak- Bangkok

This morning, head for 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.

DAY 5: Bangkok – Bang Pa In - Ayutthaya - Bangkok

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.

DAY 6: Bangkok – Chiang Mai

This morning, check out of your Bangkok hotel and transfer to the airport for your short flight 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 and elephant sanctuaries. After checking in at your hotel, sit down to a Welcome “Khantoke” dinner—where a selection of small dishes are served together on a pedestal tray— and a cultural show at a local restaurant.

DAY 7: Chiang Mai

Relax over breakfast before journeying 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. Following lunch at a local restaurant, visit two tribal villages—homes to the Big Earring and Long Neck Karen community whose women wear spiral neck rings—and shop for handicrafts as you learn about their ancient cultures. After returning to Chiang Mai, enjoy the remainder of the day as you please.

DAY 8: Chiang Mai

Today, 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. After delving into the temple, drink in its stellar views over Chiang Mai before sitting down to lunch at a local restaurant. Then, continue to a Thai handicrafts village to seek out traditional handmade souvenirs such as hand-painted umbrellas and silks.

DAY 9: Chiang Mai – Phuket

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. This evening, dinner is served at your hotel.

DAY 10: Phuket

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.

DAY 11: Phuket

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.

DAY 12: Phuket – USA

Today brings your vacation in Thailand to a close with a transfer to the airport and your outbound flight back to the USA.