Highlights
- Sample street food on a tuk-tuk tour of Bangkok's Chinatown
- Visit the famous Mae Klong Railway Market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
- Learn to cook traditional Thai dishes at a cooking class in Chiang Mai
- Soak in beachside views on scenic Ko Samui
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Bangkok, Explore | Bangkok |
| Day 2 | Visit Bangkok Temples & Evening Tuk-Tuk Food Tour | Bangkok |
| Day 3 | Explore the Railway Market & Transfer to Kanchanaburi | Kanchanaburi |
| Day 4 | Free Day at Float House River Khwae | Kanchanaburi |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Chiang Mai, Free Time | Chiang Mai |
| Day 6 | Cooking Experience & Thai Massage | Chiang Mai |
| Day 7 | Private Tour of Doi Inthanon National Park | Chiang Mai |
| Day 8 | Fly to Ko Samui, Free Day | Ko Samui |
| Day 9 | Visit Angthong Marine Park by Speedboat | Ko Samui |
| Day 10 | Free Day in Ko Samui | Ko Samui |
| Day 11 | Depart Ko Samui |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok, Explore
Day 2: Visit Bangkok Temples & Evening Tuk-Tuk Food Tour
Meet your guide in the lobby today and head out to visit the most remarkable historical sites of Bangkok. The first stop will be at Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and the Grand Palace, both of which are found in the same area. Wat Phra Kaew is the most important temple for Thais because it is home to the much-admired Emerald Buddha Statue. After that, move on to Wat Pho, home to more than one thousand Buddha images and the impressive Reclining Buddha. Wat Pho is also known to be the first massage school in Thailand.
Then, return to your hotel and prepare for your evening tuk-tuk tour. Your guide will provide an overview of Thailand's capital and insights into local life as you take in the beauty of Bangkok by night and explore its markets, temples, and food. Go back to Wat Pho to admire it at night and enjoy the vivid colors of the famous 24-hour flower market under fluorescent lights. At nightfall, Bangkok comes alive with food vendors, and you'll stop to sample some of the best food in the city in Chinatown before finishing with a delicious dessert at a mystery stop.
Day 3: Explore the Railway Market & Transfer to Kanchanaburi
Today, visit the Mae Klong Railway Market that runs between Mahachai and Maeklong stations in Samut Songkhram. A long row of retractable umbrellas and awnings have been erected by vendors, extending over the tracks. When the vendors hear the loud horn of a train, they quickly fold up their awnings and clear away from the line as the train slides through. They then set up the market again after the train has passed.
From the railway market, you'll transfer to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, which features small wooden boats filled with fresh fruits, flowers, and local food floating along the narrow canals. Next, drive to Kanchanaburi to visit Hellfire Pass, constructed by prisoners of war during World War II. A fascinating museum here explains more about the site's tragic history. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant along the way. Then, take a leisurely long-tail boat ride to a floating house resort, where you will stay for two nights. Finally, enjoy a 45-minute traditional Moon Dance performance followed by dinner.
Day 4: Free Day at Float House River Khwae
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 5: Transfer to Chiang Mai, Free Time
Day 6: Cooking Experience & Thai Massage
A driver will pick you up today and take you to a cooking class at Love Chiang Mai Cooking School. First, go shopping at the local market for about 30-45 minutes, and learn about the ingredients used in modern Thai cuisine. Then, discover the ingredients from the organic garden before preparing for the cooking stage. Your experienced instructor will show you the ambience of traditional Thailand as you cook and then enjoy your delicious meal.
Return to your hotel around mid-afternoon, and feel free to relax and enjoy a spa treatment if you'd like. For a Thai massage at a reasonable price and a good cause, check out the Women's Massage Center By Ex-Prisoners.
Day 7: Private Tour of Doi Inthanon National Park
Depart from Chiang Mai and travel 53 miles (85 km) southwest to Doi Inthanon National Park, one of northern Thailand's most famous national parks. From there, visit the highest summit rising 8,415 feet (2,565 m) above sea level, where you can walk along Michael's Nature Trail. This trail is home to a host of wildlife and birds, such as the green-tailed sunbird, native to this part of Thailand. Then, continue by van to visit the Twin Chedis (Twin Pagodas), which the Thai Airforce built to honor His Majesty King Rama IX and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.
Next, you'll make a short visit to a small Hmong fresh market and then stop to enjoy a local lunch. Finish the day with a trip to the scenic Wachirathan Waterfall before returning to your hotel in Chiang Mai.
Day 8: Fly to Ko Samui, Free Day
Fly to Ko Samui today, about an hour and 45 minutes away. Upon arrival, meet your local driver and head to your hotel, where you can check in and relax. Spend the day exploring the island on your own. You can go to the beach to soak up the sun, visit an elephant sanctuary, or check out Wat Phra Yai Temple.
Day 9: Visit Angthong Marine Park by Speedboat
Day 10: Free Day in Ko Samui
Day 11: Depart Ko Samui
Say goodbye to Ko Samui as you depart Thailand today. A private driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight home. Bon voyage!
More Great Thailand Itineraries
Map
