10 Days • 9 Nights
Classic Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll cruise the canals past Bangkok's golden Grand Palace, learn to cook a green curry in Chiang Mai, spend a gentle morning with rescued elephants, and sail the limestone islands of the Andaman Sea from Phuket. Floating markets, night bazaars and fresh coconuts fill the days.
With hand-picked hotels, private guides and the domestic flights arranged, all you have to do is soak up wonderful Thailand.
Trip Highlights
- Bangkok's Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun
- A long-tail boat ride through Bangkok's canals
- A Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai
- A gentle morning with rescued elephants
- The temples of Chiang Mai's Old City and Doi Suthep
- Island-hopping to Phi Phi and the Andaman Sea
- Phuket's beaches and Phang Nga Bay
- Domestic flights linking every region
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 10-day journey.
Arrive in the dazzling capital and settle in. A welcome dinner introduces the flavours of Thailand as your journey begins.
Explore the glittering Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha, the reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, and Wat Arun, with a long-tail boat ride through the canals of old Bangkok.
A free day to visit a floating market, the weekend market, Chinatown or a rooftop bar, at your own pace.
Fly north to Chiang Mai, the rose of the north, exploring the Old City's ancient temples and the lively night bazaar.
A gentle morning with rescued elephants at an ethical sanctuary — feeding and bathing rather than riding — then a hands-on Thai cooking class for lunch.
Ride up to the golden Doi Suthep temple overlooking the city, then visit a hill-tribe village and a handicraft workshop.
Fly south to Phuket on the Andaman Sea, settling into your beach resort for an afternoon by the sea.
A boat trip to the stunning Phi Phi Islands — Maya Bay, snorkelling over coral and swimming in turquoise coves, with lunch on the water.
A free day to relax on the beach, explore Phuket Old Town, or take an optional Phang Nga Bay sea-kayak trip.
A final breakfast before your transfer to Phuket airport.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private airport transfers and private guides in each region
- 3 nights Bangkok, 3 nights Chiang Mai, 3 nights Phuket
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a Thai cooking-class lunch
- A Bangkok tour with the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and a canal boat ride
- A Chiang Mai tour with the Old City temples, Doi Suthep and an elephant sanctuary
- A Phi Phi or Phang Nga Bay island-hopping boat trip
- Domestic flights Bangkok-Chiang Mai-Phuket as arranged
- All entrance fees per the itinerary
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from Thailand
- Any visa fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and water sports
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Many nationalities receive a visa exemption of 30-60 days on arrival in Thailand; check your passport's eligibility. Your passport should be valid at least six months
- Currency: The currency is the Thai Baht. Cards are accepted in cities and resorts, but carry cash for markets, tuk-tuks, temples and the islands
- Best season: The cool, dry season from November to February is ideal; March to May is very hot (with the Songkran water festival in mid-April), and June to October brings monsoon rain
- Temple etiquette: Cover your shoulders and knees and remove your shoes at temples. Never point your feet at a Buddha image, and women should never touch or hand items directly to a monk
- Respect the monarchy: Thais deeply revere their royal family. Always be respectful of images of the King and the monarchy, as disrespect is a serious offence under Thai law
- Islands & boats: Some Andaman islands and boat trips run only in the dry season and depend on sea conditions; we schedule beach stays for the best weather
- Health: Drink bottled water, use mosquito repellent, and enjoy street food from busy, popular stalls. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended
- Getting around: Domestic flights link Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the islands quickly and cheaply, all arranged for you, with private cars and boats for touring
- Scams & safety: Thailand is very safe, but ignore unsolicited tuk-tuk 'gem shop' or temple-closed offers; we use arranged private transport so you avoid the common traps
- Connectivity & power: A local SIM or eSIM is cheap and reliable. Power is 220V with type A/B/C plugs, so a universal adapter is handy
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific meals named in the itinerary, such as a Thai cooking-class lunch. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy Thailand's world-famous street food and restaurants.
Are transfers and touring arranged?
Yes — your airport transfers, domestic flights, island boats and guided tours are all arranged with private guides and drivers, so there is nothing to organise on the ground.
Do I need a visa for Thailand?
Many nationalities receive a visa exemption on arrival for 30-60 days. We confirm the requirements for your passport before you travel.
When is the best time to visit?
November to February is the cool, dry and most comfortable season. March to May is hot, and June to October is the green, quieter rainy season; we schedule island stays for the best weather.
Are the beaches good year-round?
The Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi) is best November to April, while the Gulf (Koh Samui) is driest February to September. We pick the right coast for your dates.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, cities, islands, resorts and experiences can all be tailored, and we can add elephants, cooking classes, the River Kwai or a rainforest. Just tell us what you have in mind.
How do we travel between regions?
By short, inexpensive domestic flights between Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the islands, plus private cars and boats — all included and arranged.
Is the elephant experience ethical?
Yes — we use responsible sanctuaries where elephants are rescued and cared for, and visitors feed, walk and bathe them rather than ride them, which is far kinder to the animals.
Which islands do we visit from Phuket?
Usually the famous Phi Phi Islands and Maya Bay, or the towering limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay, depending on the season and your preference — both are spectacular.
More Beach Journeys
Beach
Customizable
El Salvador Surf & Beach: Pacific Coast
El Salvador Surf & Beach: Pacific Coast
El Salvador
Beach
Customizable
Viva Cuba Beaches: Cayo Coco & Cayo Santa Maria
Viva Cuba Beaches: Cayo Coco & Cayo Santa Maria
Cuba
Beach
Customizable
Pura Vida Beaches: Guanacaste & Nicoya
Pura Vida Beaches: Guanacaste & Nicoya
Costa Rica