Explore Thailand's Canals, Lakes & Beaches - 11 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok, Chao Phraya River Dinner Cruise

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand! You'll arrive in Bangkok, Thailand's capital, known for its sacred Buddhist sights, vibrant energy, and delicious street food. Upon arrival, you'll be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel. Settle in and relax after your flight before heading out to explore. Visit the Wat Saket temple, once the highest point in Bangkok, and climb the 320 steps to the top for extraordinary city views. Later, if you're feeling peckish, stroll along Khao San Road, one of the best places in the city to sample street food and people-watch.

In the evening, board the Manohra Luxury Cruise to see Bangkok from a different angle. Enjoy an exquisite dinner while floating along the Chao Phraya River, appreciating the fantastic night views of the city from a traditional teak wooden boat decorated in classic style. After the cruise, your private guide and driver will transfer you back to your hotel.

Day 2: Bangkok City Tour & Street Food

Meet your guide and driver bright and early at your hotel and head to Wat Pho in time to experience the monks' morning chanting ritual. As one of the oldest temples in Bangkok, Wat Pho houses the famous 148-foot (45 m) reclining Buddha and the original school of traditional Thai massage. Step into Wat Traimit, the Temple of the Golden Buddha, to marvel at its 900-year-old, 5.5-ton solid gold image. Afterward, visit Wat Arun, better known as the Temple of the Dawn, to admire its shell and porcelain-decorated spires glittering in the morning sun. 

In the afternoon, move on to the Royal Grand Palace, the highlight of today's tour. As the official residence of successive Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) from 1782 until 1925, the palace is a must-see in Thailand. The adjoining Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha Temple) is the most important Buddhist temple in the country. Here you'll learn more about Thailand's traditional art and architecture, before returning to your hotel for an afternoon rest.

This evening, you'll visit some of the locals' favorite places to try authentic, delicious Thai dishes. Hop between family-run restaurants and hole-in-the-wall street food vendors before ending your night at a rooftop bar, where you'll enjoy scenic views over the Chao Phraya River. After the tour, your driver will drop you off at your hotel.

Day 3: Visit Mae Klong Railway Market & Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Spend a day immersed in local life with visits to two of the region's busiest markets. After breakfast, your driver will take you on the 1.5-hour drive to Mae Klong Railway Market, where you can watch the peddlers pull their stalls out on the railway and restore them at extraordinary speed before and after a train passes through. The market also offers a good chance to mingle with the locals and taste fresh fruit and produce.

Then you'll reach Damnoen Saduak Floating Market to explore the labyrinth of canals and observe vendors on small boats with fruits and vegetables, snacks, and souvenirs. Don't forget to take photos as you wander through this colorful maze. Later return to your hotel, where you'll have the afternoon free.

Day 4: Fly to Khao Sok National Park

Today, you'll leave the bustling city and head to the airport for your 1.5- hour flight to Surat Thani Airport. Upon arrival, your driver will pick you up and whisk you away on a 2.5-hour trip to Khao Sok National Park, an unspoiled paradise of turquoise lakes, ancient evergreen forests, and soaring karst mountains. Upon arrival, get settled into your unique accommodations for the next two nights in a traditional floating raft house at the water's edge.

If you arrive before noon, you'll have the chance to learn to cook Thai food at a local household. Use herbs and spices picked straight from your host's garden, add unique flavors to your dish, and enjoy what you've made for lunch. Later on, learn about the changes and advancements in Thailand's elephant welfare with a visit to a local elephant sanctuary. Meet one of the rescued elephants, learn about how these gentle giants live out their years in a peaceful, natural setting, and help feed your new friend with their favorite treats.

Day 5: Boating & Hiking in Khao Sok National Park

Head to the placid waters of nearby Lake Cheow Lan today to meet your guide and board a traditional long-tail boat. Sit back and marvel at the limestone cliffs towering over emerald waters as you paddle along the lake, and take your time as you stop for swimming breaks to cool off. You'll arrive at a local raft house in time for lunch, then start a gentle hike through the tropical forest.

One of the most biodiverse regions on earth, these forests boast an astonishing number of flora and fauna, including pitcher plants, figs, dipterocarps, bamboo, coconut, 48 mammal species, 311 bird species, and even more reptiles and insects. Your guide will be happy to offer recommendations on choosing a hiking trail that suits your interests and physical abilities. After the hike, return to your raft house for dinner.

Day 6: Sunrise Mist Boat Safari, Transfer to Khao Lak

Rise before the sun this morning to experience a boat safari, as you search for wildlife and watch the mist drifting along the water's surface and through the jungle. Return to the raft house for a Thai breakfast of khao tom, a savory rice porridge, or Western-style pancakes before having some free time on your own. Go swimming in the emerald water or go kayaking to take in the beautiful views of limestone rock formations jutting out of the water.

After lunch by the lake or at Khao Pang village, it's time to say goodbye to the lake as you'll board your long-tail boat to head back to the pier. Once you've arrived, a driver will pick you up and take you on a 1.5-hour drive to the sandy beaches of Khao Lak. This coastal paradise is known as one of the country's most beautiful stretches of coast despite its quiet, off-the-tourist-path feel. Check into your hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring the nearby beaches and catching an unforgettable sunset.

Day 7: Beach Day in Khao Lak

Today is free for you to enjoy the beaches of Khao Lak at your leisure. Lying along the shores of the Andaman Sea on Thailand's west coast, Khao Lak has some of the best-preserved coral reefs in the world, and its long stretches of pristine white beach are free from the crowds you'll find in other more populated beach towns. Nang Thong Beach, located in the main shopping and dining area, is a good choice for those who want to stay within walking distance of modern-day fun and comfort, while Khao Lak Beach is more rustic and recommended for those looking for some quiet time on their own.

Day 8: Transfer to Phuket, Afternoon City Tour

A driver will be waiting this morning to take you on the short one-hour drive to Phuket, where more beautiful beaches await. After checking in at your hotel, meet your guide to see some of the area's highlights. Phuket is more than just a busy tourist destination, and you'll find plenty of culture, nature, and adventure on offer.

 

Start our exploration with a trip to some of the island's famed overlooks, such as Karon Viewpoint and Cape Promthep, each offering stunning panoramic views of the coastline and the Andaman Sea. Visit the ornate and verdant grounds of Wat Chalong, Phuket's most important Buddhist temple, and the 148-foot-tall (45 m) Big Buddha, an unmissable hilltop landmark clad in white marble. Your tour ends in Phuket's lively Old Town, where you'll stroll among colorful Sino-Portuguese shophouses, colonial mansions, and cafés.

Day 9: Tour the Phi Phi Islands & Khai Island by Speedboat

Don't forget the sunscreen today, as your driver picks you up for a transfer to the local pier. Here you'll board a speedboat and head for a day of island hopping and adventure around the Phi Phi Islands. Cruise to Ko Phi Phi Ley, where you'll visit Loh Sa Mah and Phi Phi Ley Cove. Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters and see brilliant coral reefs up close, then continue to popular local sites like Viking Cave and Monkey Beach before enjoying a delicious buffet lunch on Phi Phi.

In the afternoon, go sightseeing in Ton Sai Bay before having some free time on your own in the village. There's plenty of time for more snorkeling, swimming, or simply relaxing on the white sandy beach on Khai Island. Late afternoon, you'll return to the pier and transfer back to your hotel.

Day 10: Free Morning in Phuket, Bike, Beach & Boat Tour

Take the time to enjoy more of Phuket's sun, sea, and sand on your own today. Mai Khao Beach might be a good choice if you are looking for a quiet, laid-back place. The water is shallow and calm here, so you can enjoy swimming or sunbathing in peace. Stretching close to 6 miles (8 km) of pristine coastline, you'll find beautiful lagoons and numerous restaurants at Bangtao Beach, which is also suitable for families. Other beaches, like Kamala Beach, Patong Beach, and Karon Beach, are also good options.

This afternoon, you'll have the option to take a scenic mountain bike tour as you explore the peaceful island of Ko Yao Noi. People here mainly live off farming and fishing, and you'll encounter traditional ways of life that have almost entirely disappeared elsewhere. Pedal through rice paddy fields with a backdrop of grazing water buffalo, rubber and coconut plantations, mangroves, and tropical jungles. Enjoy a relaxing break with a picnic lunch on the beach of the mysterious and uninhabited island of Ko Kudu before returning to Phuket.

Day 11: Depart Phuket

Today, it's time to say goodbye to Thailand. Spend a final few hours on the beach or souvenir shopping in Phuket before your transfer to the airport for your departing flight. Safe travels!

More Great Thailand Itineraries 

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Thailand? Check out these other Thailand itineraries, explore different ways to spend 11 days in Thailand, or discover the best time to visit Thailand.