Call Us: +1 (206) 618-1107
Iconic Thailand - Bangkok, Bright Waters, and Tranquility
Explore the vibrant colors and calming traditions of this lush, flowering land plus enjoy expert service and sumptuous hotel stays along the way.
SPECIAL OFFER
8.2*
ECO SCORE
2
PASSENGERS
12
DAYS
3/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Thailand: Drink It In
Thailand is a land of incredible beauty, rich customs and warm, welcoming people. This custom itinerary designed to fit your dates, highlights the dynamism and fascinating juxtapositions of Bangkok along with Buddhist culture, breathtaking monuments, rich stories, connections with locals, and unbelievable beaches. Let this expert operator show you a deeper view of Thailand than what most visitors see. Your every need will be taken care of and you will stay in some of the most stunning hotel properties in the country.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
- • Walk and interact with elephants and their mahouts as you meander through forest and grasslands.
• Enjoy a leisurely bicycle journey along the Ping River over quiet, narrow lanes and through local fruit orchards, rice paddies and small villages.
• Travel with true experts in the region, as this operator focuses entirely on custom programs to Asia and offers the best of the best on each program.
SPECIAL OFFER
Rates:
From $7,650 per person
Policies and protocols provided before you book.
Departures Year-Round
Custom Dates to Fit Your Schedule
Departures Year-Round
Custom Dates to Fit Your Schedule
Departures:
Trip Sustainability Awards
CARBON
Fantastic advances in minimizing carbon footprints at locations.
ENERGY
On the East African Energy Renewal Board
EDUCATION
Runs local educational facilities for children.
Itinerary
Day 1: Bangkok
Begin your exploration of Bangkok by its waterways, discovering why Bangkok is known as the "Venice of the East." Travel on the River of Kings to the Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market before continuing to the revered Grand Palace complex, once the home of Thai royalty. Other sites today will include Wat Phra Kaeo, housing the most sacred Buddha image in all of Thailand and Wat Po, one of Bangkok's oldest and largest temples housing the gigantic, gold-plated Reclining Buddha.
This afternoon visit Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, by public water-taxi. Dating back to the Ayutthaya period, this is one of the best-known temples in Bangkok. Then board a long-tail boat and venture into bucolic "backwater" neighborhoods on the klongs of Bangkok where life is slower and simpler. Here you will visit a local artist community where well-preserved wooden homes more than a century old and historic temples join smaller art studios, vintage antique galleries, and several family-run cafes. (Breakfast included)
Premier Accommodation: Riva Surya, Bangkok
Deluxe Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, Bangkok
Riva Surya: A luxurious urban oasis along the banks of the Chao Phraya River which offers a touch of style and charm. This modern boutique hotel in Bangkok provides a lavish experience and true Thai hospitality.
Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok: Discover an urban sanctuary in the city’s creative district. Surrounded by galleries, boutiques, restaurants and cafés. This hotel is a hub of energy and style with sweeping river views, inventive cuisine and solace in green courtyards.
Day 2: Bangkok
Get an early start today for a visit to some of Thailand's most unique weekend markets. Start with a visit to the authentic Thaka Floating Market, where local vendors sell their wares on narrow wooden boats. Next, stop at an amazing local market set up over fully operational railway tracks. As each train approaches, witness the remarkable scene of vendors quickly removing their wares from the tracks to let the train pass through.
Next visit Wat Bang Kung and discover a small chapel enclosed within the roots of a 400-year-old Banyan tree. Then, board a long-tail boat to enjoy a scenic ride through a maze of canals to the Amphawa Floating Market. The narrow river is lined with old-style shops and restaurants and offers the opportunity for travelers to experience local villagers going about their day. (Breakfast and Lunch included)
Premier Accommodation: Riva Surya, Bangkok
Deluxe Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok
Day 3: Bangkok / Chiang Rai - Golden Triangle
This morning transfer to the airport in time for your flight to Chiang Rai, in the exquisite north of Thailand. On arrival meet your guide and visit Wat Rong Khun or "The White Temple." This temple is unique from other temples in Thailand, as it has been constructed entirely of white plaster and embedded with beautiful mirrored glass mosaics. Then visit the excellent Hall of Opium Museum, an excellent museum focusing on the history of the Golden Triangle and the opium trade.
Continue to your beautiful resort located in the small town of Chiang Saen, overlooking the Mekong River and the countries of Laos and Burma in the distance. The remainder of the afternoon is free to relax, enjoy the resort's award winning spa and beautiful swimming pool. (Breakfast and Dinner included)
Premium & Deluxe Accommodation: Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort: Perched on a ridge in northern Thailand overlooking the border with Myanmar and Laos, among the finest Chiang Rai hotels, Anantara Golden Triangle immerses you in once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Bond with elephants at our mahout
camp. Spa in the jungle. Cruise down the Mekong River, exploring the unique cultures of three countries.
Day 4: Golden Triangle
Today you will have the special experience "Walking with Giants". You will accompany the resident elephants on foot for their daily morning walk through their environment. Walk and interact with the elephants and their mahouts as you meander through the forest and grasslands. Observe how they behave and interact in their natural habitat, hearing enlightening facts from the vet or biologist about how these intelligent creatures think. Following the elephants at whatever pace they choose illustrates just how much they consume. Matching an enormous appetite with a cheeky, fun loving character, there's nothing more joyful than watching bath time, whether it's playing in the mud or wallowing in the pond. Return to the resort for lunch and a relaxing afternoon. (All meals included)
Premium & Deluxe Accommodation: Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
Day 5: Golden Triangle
Today you will have the opportunity to explore three countries in one day - Myanmar, Thailand and Laos. Begin by traveling to the Burmese border town of Mae Sai, its history is replete with opium smugglers and renegade bandits, but today the village is famous for its jade-cutting factories. Cross the pedestrian footbridge into Myanmar, visit the local market in Taichilek, and observe the traders coming and going, faces painted with swirls of Thanaka powder.
Then travel to the ancient Lanna Kingdom capital of Chiang Saen, where ruins of defensive walls and places of worship have been abandoned for almost 80 years, and tell a tale of this historic town's rise and fall. Late in the day traverse the Mekong River by traditional longtail boat to Don Sao Island, where a loophole in immigration law allows you to visit without visa formalities and a small market sells local handicrafts, rice whisky and the famous Beer Laos before returning to your resort for the evening. (All meals included)
Premium & Deluxe Accommodation: Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
Day 6: Golden Triangle / Chiang Mai
This morning will depart Chiang Saen with your private guide and driver as you make the stunning overland drive to Chiang Mai. You will take the scenic route as you spend the day making interesting stops and passing by glorious scenery. Along the way, visit Santikhiri on Doi Mae Salong, stopping at Akha and Yao villages along the way. You'll also visit Therd Thai, located in Mae Fah Luang district, a region well known for its cultural diversity. Continue driving along a mountain road to the village of Mae Moh, passing numerous Akha villages en route. Explore the Haw village of Phaya Phrai and a small Red Lahu village.
On arrival in Chiang Mai, you'll be taken to your lovely accommodations where you can settle in and enjoy a relaxing evening. Not far from the hotel is Chiang Mai's bustling Night Market, well worth a visit tonight or any of your nights here (on your own). (Breakfast and Lunch included)
Premier Accommodation: Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort, Chiang Mai
Deluxe Accommodation: 137 Pillars House
Na Nirand: All 6 residences are designed in the half-wood Lanna-Colonial style, taking you back in time to the period of King Rama 5 at the end of the 19th century, when colonial architecture had an impact on the design of Thai houses. The combination of classic and romantic art with local Lanna architecture is reflected with warmth through the decor. Elegant, simple and authentic Lanna style.
137 Pillars House: Built in late 1800’s as part of the Borneo Company headquarters, 137 Pillars House is a beautiful teak wood building that has been carefully restored to reflect its 19th-century origins.
Day 7: Chiang Mai
Founded in the 13th century, Chiang Mai has long played a role in Thai history. Currently a flourishing cultural and economic center, this is a city in transition. Historically influenced by Thai, Burmese, Lao and hilltribe forces, its culture reflects an exotic blend of styles.
Start by visiting Thapae Gate, one of the four original city gates, where you will change transportation. Take a samlor (trishaw), which is similar to a tricycle but much larger. Then, visit a couple of Chiang Mai's most revered Buddhist temples and shrines including Wat Phra Singh, and Wat U Mong, a forest monastery where you have the chance to visit with a local monk. Also, visit Wat Sri Suphan, "The Silver Temple." It is home to a traditional silver-smithy and workshop which is tasked with preserving this dying art that the surrounding village is known for. (Breakfast included)
Premier Accommodation: Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort
Deluxe Accommodation: 137 Pillars House
Day 8: Chiang Mai
This morning beat the heat and enjoy a leisurely bicycle journey along the Ping River over quiet, narrow lanes and through local fruit orchards, rice paddies and small villages. Stop occasionally to visit temples, markets, traditional northern Thai houses and a local school.
After your bicycle journey, continue to what is probably Chiang Mai's most famous landmark: Wat Prathat Doi Suthep. The temple is located at the summit of 5,000-foot-high Doi Suthep Mountain, which towers over the city. Climb the 300-step staircase, flanked by nagas (snake sculptures), or take the cable-car up. The cool air and spectacular sunset views make the trip worth the effort. Return to your hotel where you will have some time to relax, enjoy the property or perhaps do a little independent exploration.
This evening enjoy a private food tour by tuk-tuk. You will have an opportunity to visit Warorot Market, the biggest local market in Chiang Mai where you will get to sample a variety of special Thai
dishes, local snacks and seasonal fruits and learn about the history of Chiang Mai. (Breakfast and Dinner included)
Premier Accommodation: Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort
Deluxe Accommodation: 137 Pillars House
Day 9: Chiang Mai / Krabi
This morning, you will be met and transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Krabi.Upon arrival in Krabi, meet your driver and transfer to your beautiful, beach-front resort that will be your home the next few nights while you enjoy tropical, southern Thailand. (Includes Breakfast)
Premier Accommodation: Tubkaak Krabi Boutique, Krabi
Deluxe Accommodation: Banyan Tree Krabi, Krabi
Tubkaak Krabi Boutique: There’s a heavenly corner of earth, hidden from the world, tucked between the forested Hang Nak mountain and one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand. The secluded Tubkaak Resort is a private sanctuary to relax, romance and feel at one with nature.Rooms and pool villas at The Tubkaak are inspired by southern vernacular architecture creating a wonderful space to feel at home and breathe easy.
Banyan Tree Krabi: Welcome to this idyllic new beachfront resort, a heavenly oasis of peace and comfort. Feel the warm embrace of Banyan Tree hospitality, from our world-class spa and stylish restaurants to the beach bar with its spectacular vistas and gentle sea breeze. Each of Banyan Tree Krabi’s 72 luxurious suites and villas has its own private pool, offering privacy and intimacy in a tropical rainforest setting.
Day 10: Krabi
This day, embark on an incredible full-day journey to explore surreal Thalane Bay (join-in). Today offers a mix of three different waters: sea canyons, mangroves forests, and an emerald freshwater river. You will learn about mangrove trees as you enjoy sea kayaking through nature rich in wildlife. High chance to spot monkeys, mudskipper, crabs and shells. The area is known as the “Magrove Maze” with many different paths to explore. The route is always different depending on the tide levels. At low tide you get to see the sandbank between mainland and the mangroves.
Lunch is served at a local restaurant followed by a last stop at Klong Sa Kaew, a crystal clear freshwater river going through the jungle. Return to your resort with the evening at leisure. (Breakfast and Lunch included)
Premier Accommodation: Tubkaak Krabi Boutique
Deluxe Accommodation: Banyan Tree Krabi
Day 11: Krabi
Today enjoy a join-in snorkeling adventure to Phi Phi Islands by speedboat. A trip through the Phi Phi Islands by speedboat is like a paradise sampler platter. Strap on snorkeling gear and be astonished by the vivid colors below the surface. Sink your feet in sand that's as soft as silk. Swim in electric green water with crystal-clear views of your feet on the white sandy bottom. It's a whirlwind tour of incomparable beauty. (Breakfast and Lunch included)
Premier Accommodation: Tubkaak Krabi Boutique
Deluxe Accommodation: Banyan Tree Krabi
Day 12: Krabi /Airport / Home
Today your Iconic Thailand Journey comes to an end as you are transferred to the airport for your flights home. We hope you had a wonderful journey! (This day includes breakfast.)
Please Note: Minimum night stay requirements may apply during high and peak-season travel in Southern Thailand.
Air Estimate: (BKK-CEI//CNX-KBV): $330 per person
Rates
Questions?
Whether this will be your first trip to Thailand or your only visit, this itinerary will show you why Thailand feels like paradise to so many. Since it's a custom trip, you can travel at your own pace and focus on what matters most to you.
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED
All meals as designated in the itinerary, hotels as shown based on double occupancy in specified room category: private airport transfers as indicated in itinerary: Sightseeing via private guide, car and driver unless otherwise specified in itinerary;all transfers to and from hotels as indicated for planned activities and sightseeing tours-entrance fees, domestic permits; all applicable service charges and taxes (excluding some international or domestic airport departure taxes); pre departure materials including a customized Travel Guide containing destination information, travel tips, and cultural primer; limited travel insurance coverage including emergency medical evacuation coverage up to $200,000 per person, and in-country emergency medical expenses up to $5,000 per person.
