Kingdom of Thailand
History & Culture
Take in the history and culture of north, central and south Thailand. Explore historical ruins Ayutthaya, experience local life in Chiang Mai’s verdant hillside villages, pedal through picturesque Koh Yao Noi and tour the food scenes of Bangkok and Phuket. In each location relax in a curated selection of premier accommodations.
This sample itinerary was created by experts and is meant to inspire your next trip. It is ready to be customized to suit your interests, tastes and budget so you can connect with local cultures and experience authentic travel on your own terms and departing whenever you choose.
Highlights
- Explore the UNESCO-recognized ruins of Ayutthaya Historical Park
- Discover the sacred sites and honored beliefs of Thailand’s spiritual mecca
- Experience local life in Chiang Mai’s verdant hillside villages
- Pedal through picturesque Koh Yao Noi & tour the food scenes of Bangkok and Phuket
- Showcasing a curated selection of premier accommodations
Pricing
Premium private tour starting at $7,490* USD per person, based on double occupancy
14 Days – Bangkok to Phuket
Your package includes
- A fully customized itinerary based on your interests and schedule
- 24/7 in-destination support from our local office
- All accommodation stays, tours and transfers for scheduled activities are covered, unless otherwise listed in the itinerary
- A private driver for tours and transfers (in some countries our local private guides also act as your driver – your Destination Expert will discuss with you if applicable)
- Local private guides or shared tours that take you through your itinerary highlights and experiences, your final itinerary will confirm the type of tour
- A greeting at the airport or at your accommodation from one of our representatives – your expert will confirm your meet and greet location with you
- Breakfast each morning at your hotel, plus any meals indicated in the itinerary
- One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers
Not included
- Your international airfare
- Travel insurance, which can be purchased after you’ve booked your tour
- Visas (unless noted)
- Tips for services and experiences
- Lunches, dinners and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), unless specified in the itinerary
- Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare
- Personal charges such as laundry, phone calls, SIM cards or room service
- Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified)
- Additional sightseeing, activities and experiences outside of your itinerary
- Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, or local camera or video fees
- Passport fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable)
Day
Day 1
Location(s)
Bangkok, Thailand
Meals
Description
Here we Go!
Upon arrival to Bangkok, a representative will greet you after exiting the plane and escort you through special fast track services, avoiding the queues at the immigration counter. Please note: Guests using fast track services should wear appropriate attire and avoid wearing short pants, slippers or similarly casual attire to ensure a smooth process with Thai immigration authorities.
A private transfer between the airport and your hotel is provided.
Accommodation: Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort (or similar, 4 nights)
Day 2
Bangkok
Breakfast
Explore with an Expert
Excursion: Morning tour of some of Bangkok’s highlights
Immerse yourself in the scenes of Thailand’s legendary spirituality during a privately guided tour. Your morning begins with a visit to Wat Pho to witness the monk chanting ritual before exploring the magnificent temple itself, home to the outstanding reclining Buddha and the country’s oldest massage school. Next, explore the fascinating amulet market for a unique insight into Thai folklore beliefs and superstitions.
After lunch, continue on to the nearby Wat Mahathat, housing the oldest Buddhist University. Wat Mahathat is one of the most important sites of Buddhist studies in Bangkok. Here you will experience an introduction to meditation techniques performed in three positions (sitting, standing and walking) and also enjoy time to talk to some of the monks.
Spend time at leisure unwinding by the pool at your resort, one of the largest pools in all of Bangkok.
Day 3
Bangkok
Breakfast, Dinner
A Journey Back in Time
Excursions: Jim Thompson’s House Museum & Thai Royal Encounter Dinner
Set out with your private guide and explore Bangkok’s most interesting museum – Jim Thompson’s House Museum. This traditional wooden house, which once belonged to ‘the father of Thai silk’ himself, offers a fantastic retreat from the capital’s hustle and bustle and represents an unforgettable piece of Thai culture. A vast collection of fascinating artifacts, not only from Thailand but also Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia are exquisitely displayed in this phenomenal house. Following a guided tour of the museum, a short walk across the Saen Saeb canal takes you to the Cham Muslim community of Baan Krua Nua, whose inhabitants used to trade in silk weaving.
Spend an unforgettable evening at the private residence of Khun Art, a descendant of the royal family. Following a private transfer from your hotel, enter the threshold of a welcoming home hidden in the center of the bustling city of Bangkok. Meet your host for a delicious homemade dinner. Khun Art is a descendant of the Chakri Dynasty, and has a plethora of stories about this peaceful house and its role in Thailand’s history. Simply sit back and enjoy this moment of sharing as you spend time with a unique personality and learn all about the essence of Thailand during an exclusive encounter.
Day 4
Bangkok
Breakfast, Dinner
An Evening Out
Excursion: Evening food tour
A cosmopolitan hub rich in culture and commerce, Thailand’s sprawling capital city of Bangkok offers delights at every turn. Immerse yourself in this dazzling city of old and new with some self-guided time at leisure. Visit an assortment of sacred sites and temples, explore historic landmarks, or live like a local as you wander through vibrant markets. Within your final trip documents, you’ll receive insights and suggestions for a self-guided Bangkok adventure, as recommended by our Destination Experts.
As night falls, venture through the hidden alleys of exciting Bangkok to unearth the city’s culinary wonders. Join your private guide and explore Bangkok’s dazzling mazes in search of family-run restaurants. These inviting eateries have been serving top-quality local dishes for decades, with plenty boasting international recognition from the Michelin guide. Ann Guay Tiaw Kua Gai, Nai Mong Hoi Tod, Pa Tong Go Savoey are some of the most famous locales on tonight’s menu. Indulge in a variety of fruits and drinks during your tour, concluding with a refreshing cocktail served alongside a view over the Chao Phraya River.
Day 5
Bangkok – Ayutthaya
Breakfast
A Change of Scenery
Excursion: Koh Kret Island & cruise along the river
Meet your private guide and driver for a convenient transfer to Ayutthaya, stopping en-route to visit Koh Kret Island. Nestled away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, Koh Kret provides the opportunity for an unexpected and tranquil retreat. Here, time appears to have stopped. With its many temples, traditional dwellings and green spaces, Koh Kret is the ideal place for a stroll. Koh Kret is home to plenty of small villages boasting highly sought-after desserts, along with a selection of workshops and local Mon and Muslim communities. Enjoy a leisurely cruise around the island to discover what makes it so unique. Marvel at the island’s towering and prominent temple, an ancient site on the banks of the Chao Phraya river. Despite its apparent sleepy atmosphere, the island enchants with laidback splendor.
Once back on the mainland, the journey continues to Ayutthaya, Thailand’s most alluring ancient city.
Accommodation: Sala Ayutthaya (or similar, 2 nights)
Day 6
Ayutthaya
Breakfast
A Sight to Behold
Excursion: Private tour of the ancient city of Ayutthaya
Experience the glorious ruins of Ayutthaya, evoking the city’s early splendor that was tragically destroyed in 1767. Your journey begins with a visit to Wat Chaiwatthanaram, one of the most imposing monuments from ancient Ayutthaya. The UNESCO-recognized temple reflects the Buddhist world view through its handful of structures, and was once the site of religious ceremonies performed by the King and his successors.
Your journey continues to the ethereal Ayutthaya Historical Park, a stretch of architectural ruins offering insight into the past. Admire the bronze Buddha at Wat Phra Mongkhon Bophit, a dazzling embodiment of Thai spirituality. Explore Wat Phra Si Samphet, the holiest site of the former Royal Palace, famous for its three iconic chedis. In its original splendor, this grand temple served as a model for Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok. Continue on to Wat Mahathat, famed for its Buddha embedded in a tree trunk and surrounded by the growing roots.
Your final stop is Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, a significant ancient temple with a remarkable history. Within the complex lives an impressive statue known as the Reclining Buddha, originally constructed during the reign of King Naresuan. This full-day immersion into the past offers an abundance of remarkable ruins, humming with a mystic, celestial energy.
Day 7
Ayutthaya – Bangkok – Chiang Mai
Breakfast
On the Road Again
Depart Ayutthaya with your private driver and guide for a transfer to Bangkok.
Board a flight in Bangkok with service to Chiang Mai. The approximate flight duration is one hour and 15 minutes.
Meet your private driver and English-speaking guide for a convenient airport transfer.
Built in late 1800’s as the headquarters of the Borneo Company Limited, the 137 Pillars House is a beautiful teak wood building that has been carefully restored to reflect its 19th-century origins. In Chiang Mai, the importance and wealth of a property owner was often measured by the size of their Lanna-style Thai houses, and in particular how many pillars (sao) the house had. It was believed that the number of house pillars elevated the homeowner’s social status. Impressed by the history and beauty of the house, visitors and journalists were always curious as to why the Borneo house did not have a name. When a publisher requested to write about “the house with the most number of pillars”, the owner at the time decided to count the number of pillars which numbered 137. An old map of the Wat Gate area also referred to house as “Baan 137 Sao”, which translates to “137 Pillars House”. Thus, the house came to be known as 137 Pillars House.
Accommodation: 137 Pillars House (or similar, 4 nights)
Day 8
Chiang Mai
Breakfast, Lunch
Tastes and Traditions
Excursion: Visit to the morning market & Thai cooking class
Immerse yourself in the delicious world of Northern Thai cuisine in a tantalizing private tour. Your day begins as you head to the market alongside your knowledgeable host. Enjoy time to browse the vibrant stalls brimming with fresh produce. Learn how to select the perfect ingredients used to make a typical Northern Thai meal. Then, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and try your hand at making the perfect Thai lunch. As you settle into your own cooking station, your expert chef will demonstrate how to cook four local dishes. All of your creations will then be served for you to enjoy amid beautiful garden surroundings.
Take an incredible journey through Chiang Mai’s lively night markets with some self-guided time at leisure. Bustling markets are synonymous with Chiang Mai – as afternoon produce and meat markets wind down for the day, night markets spring to life, enticing Thais and travelers alike with freshly grilled skewers, fragrant Thai curries, deceptively spicy peppers, and colorful local salads. Immerse yourself in a tantalizing food scene, your camera ready to capture the dizzying array of vendors. Our knowledgeable Destination Experts will help curate your ideal adventure through these vibrant markets, delivered through insightful resources provided in your final trip documents.
Day 9
Chiang Mai
Breakfast, Lunch
Close Encounters
Excursion: Chiang Mai countryside & Elephant Hospital
Venture into Chiang Mai’s countryside to discover its temples and treasures with your private English-speaking guide. Explore the sacred sites of Lampang and Lamphun and visit the FAE Elephant Hospital, the world’s first elephant hospital, founded in 1993. The elephants here are long-term patients recovering from injuries sustained in the logging trade or in the wild, and the rehabilitative care they receive is unique to the region.
After the hospital visit, continue to Lampang, stopping to browse for famous Lampang ceramics and a snack at the Kaad Thung Kwain Market. Discover the magnificent Lanna architecture of Temple Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, a unique place in Thailand where horse-drawn carriages are still used as public transportation at the temple.
Enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant and continue to Lamphun to visit the dazzling temple complex of Wat Phra That Hariphunchai. This stunning compound is a place of worship and considered an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists, especially for those born in the Year of the Rooster.
If time permits on the way back to city, a stop can be made at Baan Tawai, a village on the outskirts of Chiang Mai that has gained a reputation as the best place to shop for handicrafts, particularly wood carvings.
Day 10
Chiang Mai
Breakfast
Cultural Immersion
Excursion: Visit to hill tribe village
Surrender to the call of the countryside in this exploration of Chiang Mai’s hillside villages. Spend a day in a rural community, learning about the history, culture and daily lives of the locals who inhabit the verdant hills surrounding Chiang Mai. Today’s private tour allows plenty of time for hands-on experiences. For instance, you may wish to learn about rice production and try out some of the steps involved in the process, like rice planting or harvesting (depending on the season). The day’s adventure offers plenty of time to interact with locals, enjoy delicious food, and even have a few close encounters with buffaloes.
Day 11
Chiang Mai – Phuket
Breakfast
White Sand, Clear Water
Meet your private driver and English-speaking guide for a convenient airport transfer.
Board a flight in Chiang Mai with service to Phuket. The approximate flight duration is two hours and 5 minutes.
A private transfer between the airport and your Phuket accommodation is provided.
Anantara Layan invites you to explore pristine islands, crystal-clear waters and lush jungles. Enjoy time at leisure to indulge in the resort’s abundance of amenities. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of the kingdom, from martial arts to cuisine to Thai massage. Spend sunny days by the pool, the sound of waterfalls and a hint of ocean in the air. Take in exceptional bay views with an exquisite cocktail in hand. Get your daily workout with a friendly game of tennis, or perfect your serve under the guidance of a professional tennis coach. Salute the sun with early morning meditation and gentle stretches on the beach, or learn to master Qi Gong, an ancient art consisting of visualization, breathing, and movement.
Accommodation: Anantara Layan Phuket (or similar, 3 nights)
Day 12
Phuket
Breakfast, Lunch
Beach Bliss
Excursion: Cycle tour of Koh Yao Noi & island picnic lunch
Embraced by the turquoise waters of the spectacular Phang Nga Bay, Koh Yao Noi is an untouched haven of tranquility waiting to be discovered. Enjoy an opportunity to explore this slice of paradise in a privately guided cycling tour. Following a pick-up from your hotel, you will be transferred to the pier where a private long tail boat will whisk you across the bay. As soon as you set foot on the shores of Koh Yao Noi, you’ll feel a stark contrast between the bustling Phuket and this quiet island. After selecting your bicycle for the day, cycle through the rural side of the island, passing rice paddies, local villages and rubber plantations. Next, board a local long tail boat to a remote stretch of beach, where a short walk takes you to the island’s largest tree.
Once you have worked up your appetite, another journey by boat takes you to the uninhabited island of Koh Kudu where a picnic lunch awaits you. Enjoy time to swim and soak up the scene amid beautiful surroundings before returning to Koh Yao Noi for some more cycling. En-route, drink in spectacular views of the Phang Nga Bay in the distance.
Day 13
Phuket
Breakfast
Island Time
Your private villa pool invites you to to spend time at leisure unwinding in welcoming waters. Soak up the Phuket sun and dip your toes in your very own plunge pool. Spend an evening under the stars soaking up your idyllic surrounds. The perfect way to end a day rich in adventure.
Day 14
Phuket
Breakfast
Until Next Time…
A private transfer between the airport and your Phuket accommodation is provided.
*Hotel rooms are subject to availability and are confirmed by the supplier at time of booking; they may be replaced by other hotel rooms of similar category at the sole discretion of the supplier.
Interested in the itinerary above? Click on the “START PLANNING” button below and reference “Kingdom of Thailand” in the form, or give us a call at 587.997.5969 to book.
An adventure designed specifically for you
Let us work with you to tailor a journey based on your travel style and interests. We can use the existing itinerary above as a foundation, or build one from scratch to create your ideal vacation. Connect with us to start the conversation.
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*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to change and availability.