Iconic Thailand
15 days
from Bangkok to Bangkok
From
$ 3249
Duration15 days
Experience the timeless grandeur of Thailand’s cities, temples, and landscapes on a cross-country adventure. Explore the rich cultural heritage and culinary delights of Chiang Mai, then head south to explore tropical coastlines. Stroll the sun-drenched shores of Ko Samui, and explore limestone cliffs and sacred caves in Krabi. In each destination, marvel at intricate palaces and monasteries, meet locals in village homes and traditional workshops, and delight in the flavors of authentic Thai cuisine.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 15 daysService level: Upgraded
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Starts in: BangkokPhysical Grading: Light
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Ends in: BangkokAges: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Bangkok
Arrive at any time; your arrival transfer is included.
You are welcome to arrive at any time on day 1, but please note that hotel check-in time is 14:00pm.
Day 2: Bangkok/Kanchanaburi
After breakfast, travel to the city of Kanchanaburi, situated at the convergence of the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai rivers. Board a train for a winding journey into World War II history as you cross the bridge made famous by the 1957 film The Bridge on the River Kwai. At the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, learn about the Burma Railway, constructed by imperial Japanese forces to connect Bangkok and Burma; then visit the nearby Kanchanaburi War Cemetery to see where the prisoners of war who worked on the railway were laid to rest.
Meals: B
Day 3: Kanchanaburi/Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
This morning, hike into the lush landscapes of Erawan National Park, located high in the mist-shrouded Tenasserim Hills. Take a dip in the turquoise pools of the Erawan Falls—so called because its top tier of cascades resemble the three-headed, mythological elephant known as the Erawan. This afternoon, transfer to the historic city of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya—better known simply as Ayutthaya—a former capital of the medieval kingdom of Ayutthaya, also known as Siam. Sample traditional Thai dishes during dinner on a converted rice barge from the 1930s.
Meals: B, D
Day 4: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya/Chiang Mai
Khantok in the Northern dialect means wooden tray, used for carrying dishes, round in shape and made of teak wood. The host will invite guests to sit on the floor around the khantok. After dinner, enjoy tea time with the opportunity to talk with local people to learn their way of living.
Set out to explore the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Ayutthaya Historical Park, centered on the old city which served as the Siamese capital from the 14th to 18th centuries, when it was one of the largest and most cosmopolitan regions in the world. Stroll down well-planned city streets to view magnificent palaces and Buddhist monasteries that set the standard for Thai architecture for generations to come. Later, return to Bangkok and transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai. Visit a traditional village in the countryside and enjoy a khantok-style dinner.
Meals: B, D
Day 5: Chiang Mai
Monk Chats are a great cultural exchange, but is also important in helping the young Monks improve their English.
Delve into the bustle of Chiang Mai’s morning markets with a local chef, and learn about colorful fruits and fragrant herbs as you select ingredients for a Thai cooking class. Enjoy your creation for lunch, then set out to visit a historic temple. Sit down with one of the resident monks to discuss daily life and the tenets of Buddhism. Later, clear your mind to the chanting of monks at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the most spectacular gilded temples in Thailand.
Meals: B, L
Day 6: Chiang Mai
Start place: Chiang Mai
Enjoy the day to explore or participate in some optional activities.
End place: Chiang Mai
Meals: B, D
Day 7: Chiang Mai/Bangkok
Start place: Chiang Mai
Fly back to Bangkok for a klong riverboat ride through the city's canals and a visit to Wat Po, the famed Temple of the Reclining Buddha.
End place: Bangkok
Meals: B
Day 8: Bangkok
Start place: Bangkok
Enjoy the day in bustling Bangkok. Option to visit temples, museums, a spa, or go shopping.
End place: Bangkok
Meals: B
Day 9: Bangkok/Ko Samui
Start place: Bangkok
Lying off of Thailand’s east coast in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui offers everything you could possibly want in a seaside retreat: white sandy beaches, coconut palms, fresh seafood, and warm, clear waters.
Our hotel is located at the vibrant and exciting "Chaweng" district, walking distance to restaurants, entertainment spots and shopping. Catch a tuk tuk to the various beaches close tour our hotel.
Our hotel is located at the vibrant and exciting "Chaweng" district, walking distance to restaurants, entertainment spots and shopping. Catch a tuk tuk to the various beaches close tour our hotel.
Catch a flight to the tropical island of Koh Samui. Settle in at the resort hotel and relax at the pool bar or opt to visit the beach or town.
End place: Ko Samui
Meals: B
Day 10: Ko Samui
Start place: Ko Samui
Transfer by traditional longtail boat to Koh Madsum and enjoy morning kayaking along the stunning coastline. Return to the beach for a delicious buffet lunch. Afterwards, stretch out on a deck chair or, for the more active, head out on a sea kayak, go snorkelling, or explore this magnificent island.
Later, continue to Koh Tan for more island activities.
Later, continue to Koh Tan for more island activities.
Embark on a private traditional longtail boat and travel off the tourist trail to the pristine islands of Koh Madsum and Koh Tan. Savour a local lunch on the beach and opt for included kayaking and snorkelling experiences.
End place: Ko Samui
Meals: B, L
Day 11: Ko Samui/Khao Sok
Start place: Ko Samui
Khao Sok is a stunning location with one of the oldest evergreen rainforests in the world, surrounded by limestone karst cliffs.
Catch the ferry back to the mainland and drive to Kao Thep Pitak Community-Owned Farm & Restaurant. Tour the village and explore the local fruit orchards before enjoying a local lunch at this G Adventures Supported project. Continue to Anurak Community Lodge, located just outside Khao Sok National Park. Surrounded by lush rainforest, the lodge focuses on environmental sustainability and working with the local community. This evening, we take a rainforest walk with a community guide and enjoy a campfire dinner under the canopy.
End place: Khao Sok
Meals: B, L, D
Day 12: Khao Sok
Start place: Khao Sok
Today is free to relax at the lodge or enjoy a walk along the trails. Opt to partake in various jungle activities.
End place: Khao Sok
Meals: B
Day 13: Khao Sok/Krabi
Start place: Khao Sok
Stay close to the beach and enjoy some of the beautiful scenic views that have made southern Thailand so famous. In the evening, grab a cocktail and relax at the pool. Your CEO will fill you in on all the other interesting options that are available in the area. This is the perfect place to get active or simply chill out and relax.
Our resort is located a short distance by tuk tuk to Aonang Beach and Noppharat Thara Beach. Enjoy the resort’s excellent facilities including restaurant and bars, three large outdoor swimming pools, and rejuvenating spa (additional cost).
Our resort is located a short distance by tuk tuk to Aonang Beach and Noppharat Thara Beach. Enjoy the resort’s excellent facilities including restaurant and bars, three large outdoor swimming pools, and rejuvenating spa (additional cost).
This morning, drive to Krabi. On arrival, cross the river by private longtail boat past mangrove forests, visiting the Khao Khanab Nam caves to view prehistoric paintings and limestone formations. Later, on Koh Klang, jump in tricycle tuk-tuks to explore local communities and rural industries, including a rubber plantation to see tree tapping, rice fields, and a batik workshop. Learn about the culture and daily life of rural southern Thailand villagers.
End place: Krabi
Meals: B
Day 14: Krabi
Start place: Krabi
Enjoy the day to relax in paradise. Opt to catch a tuk tuk to Aonang Beach, visit spas, rent kayaks, or snorkel.
End place: Krabi
Meals: B
Day 15: Krabi/Bangkok
Start place: Krabi
Today we return to bustling Bangkok. The tour ends at the airport in the mid-to-late afternoon.
Return to bustling Bangkok. The tour ends at the airport.
End place: Bangkok
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Traditional Thai Home Dinner, Chiang Mai Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Meet with Monks, Chiang Mai Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Kao Thep Pitak Farm and Culinary Experience, Ban Ta Khun Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Rainforest Eco-Walk & Dinner, Khao Sok Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Krabi Village Excursion, Krabi Your G for Good Moment: Kao Thep Pitak Community-Owned Farm & Meal, Ban Ta Khun Your Foodie Moment: Cooking Class, Chiang Mai Your Discover Moment: Bangkok
- Arrival transfer
- Entrance to Thai-Burma war museum and train ride
- Visit to Erawan National Park
- Guided tour at Ayutthaya Historical Park
- Dinner on a converted rice barge
- Bangkok boat tour of the klongs (canals) and Wat Pho temple complex
- Ko Mat Sum and Ko Taen Excursion
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Private bus/minivan, Tuk tuk, Tricycle, Boat, Train, Plane, Walking -
Accommodation
Hotels (12 nts), Lodge (2 nts)