Fascinating Thailand: Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Khao Sok National Park & Phuket - 10 Days

Highlights

• Hike to a sacred temple in Chiang Mai and visit a self-sustaining hill tribe village
• Explore "The Green Lung of Bangkok" on a bike tour followed by a cooking class 
• Trek around Cheow Lan Lake's periphery to discover hidden waterfalls (or relax)
• Let a local guide show you Phuket's distinct architecture and buzzing night market

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Chiang Mai, Explore

Welcome to Thailand! Upon arrival at Chiang Mai airport, a private English-speaking driver will pick you up at the arrival counter and transfer you to your hotel in the city. After check-in, you can take the rest of the day to explore Thailand's cultural capital at your own pace. Not only is Chiang Mai located in northern Thailand, famed for its mountainous landscape, but its Old City retains vestiges of walls and moats from its history as a cultural and religious center. It's home to hundreds of elaborate Buddhist temples, diverse hill tribes, tea plantations, and elephant sanctuaries, so there's plenty to see in the coming days.

A great place to start is the largest central market of Chiang Mai, Worarot Maret, where you'll see a range of fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, and local delicacies. If you're ready to see some temples, head to Wat Chedi Luang, home to Chiang Mai's largest Buddhist stupa, built as an example of beautiful Lanna architecture. Or, visit the oldest temple in Chiang Mai, Wat Chiang Man, built in 1296 by King Mengrai, the founder of Chiang Mai. Make sure to check out the Lanna-style ordination hall with an ancient Buddha image revered by locals. 

Day 2: Chiang Mai Countryside Biking Tour

Today is your chance to escape the tourist crowds and discover the incredible countryside surrounding Chiang Mai by bike! With your trusty guide leading the way, ride past quiet villages, taste excellent local food, and experience the traditions and scenery of rural Thailand. Start the tour from the iconic Tha Phae Gate, where you'll head into the countryside. Your first stop is Kad Leung Market, where you'll sample fresh fruits, and then bike to a traditional Thai farmhouse and discover age-old farming techniques.

Day 3: Eco Elephant Care Project & Hill Tribe Visit

Today is a special day because you'll have the chance to meet friendly giant elephants most naturally. This ethical elephant project aims to improve the well-being of elephants and increase awareness of elephant conservation. The project was started by members of a local family in Meung Kud Village, who spent their whole lives living and caring for the elephants from generation to generation. They believe that elephants are not for entertainment. That's why they only provide visitors an opportunity for close interaction with the elephants, helping them to understand these lovely creatures and creating a joyful, memorable experience.

Next is a half-day hiking adventure to a hill tribe. This is where you'll ascend 306 steps to get to the Wat Prathat Doi Suthep temple, guarded by two nagas (serpents), constructed in 1383. This symbol of Chiang Mai contains the holy relic of the Lord Buddha, enshrined in a golden pagoda—a perfect spot to enjoy panoramas of the entire city and its surroundings. Continue along a scenic mountain road to check out the White Hmong hill tribe village. Here, migrants from China work to preserve their primitive culture and ancient customs through their simple living and self-sufficient lifestyle. You'll be transferred back to your hotel at the end of the excursion.

Day 4: Fly to Bangkok, Half-Day City Tour

It's time to say goodbye to Chiang Mai! This morning you'll be transferred to the airport for a short flight to Bangkok, Thailand's capital and largest city. Upon arrival, a private driver will transfer you to your hotel to drop off your luggage. 

In the early afternoon, hit the ground running with a half-day guided tour of Bangkok, starting with the city's most iconic place: the Grand Palace and its Emerald Buddha. This is where you can observe beautiful architecture and learn how the royals use different halls for specific purposes. Then, walk to Wat Pho, a temple complex founded during the 16th century and later served as The Royal Temple of King Rama I. Laid inside the main ordination hall is the sacred 151-foot (46 m) Reclining Buddha, whose feet are beautifully inlaid with mother-of-pearl.

Next, make your way to Bangkok's lively Chinatown, where you can explore street stalls and restaurants serving diverse menus. This bustling area will give you the true vibe of Bangkok's street foods and nightlife. Perhaps you want to sample a variety of street foods or choose one restaurant and relax while observing people coming and going from different corners of the world.

Day 5: Bangkok Biking Adventure, Traditional Cooking Class Experience

After breakfast at your hotel in Bangkok, get ready to experience a quiet area of the city on a unique bicycle tour. A driver will transfer you to the tour's starting point, where you'll meet your guide and get fitted on your bike. Soon after the ride starts, you'll board a ferry with your group to Bangkrachao, or "The Green Lung of Bangkok." This is the biggest green space near the city, and you'll cycle on elevated pathways through lush vegetation and in the shade of coconut palms and banana trees. Your guide will make a few stops along the way, where you'll visit a small temple, a local school, and a Thai boxing gym.

You'll grab a bite at a local restaurant returning to the pier afterward to take the return ferry to the lively buzz of Bangkok. Take a rest at your hotel.

This evening, you'll participate in a fun cooking class and learn to cook authentic Thai cuisine in a small Thai-style house over 100 years old. A driver will drop you off at the meeting point, where an instructor from the cooking class will take you to a garden for a tour. After collecting fruits and vegetables, you and the instructor will make and enjoy four main dishes. You'll also be given a souvenir cookbook to help you remember these dishes and how to prepare them when cooking at home. 

Day 6: Fly to Surat Thani, Transfer to Khao Sok National Park, River Rafting

It's time to head south! This morning you'll be transferred to the Bangkok airport in time for your flight to Surat Thani, the gateway to Thailand's islands, hidden parks, and stunning white-sand beaches. Upon arrival, you'll transfer to your hotel in Khao Sok National Park, where you'll enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace.

One option for how to spend the afternoon is to experience the Khao Sok River on a rafting adventure as you float along a slow-meandering river surrounded by lush jungle. Sit back, relax, and take in the picturesque surroundings as you spot some exotic wildlife. Each bamboo raft supports two people and a local guide pushing (punting) the raft along the river using a long pole. All guides are experienced fishermen who have spent their lives on the river.

Day 7: Boat Trip to Cheow Lan Lake

Today, you will visit the hidden gem of Khao Sok National Park, Cheow Lan Lake, a pristine body of water surrounded by natural beauty. Also known as Ratchaprabha Dam, it spans an incredible 103 miles (165 km) and offers stunning limestone cliffs, beautiful rivers, diverse ecosystems, and a tranquil atmosphere.

The lake is a popular tourist destination and delivers a number of options for travelers who want to explore its inviting waters. A relaxing way to spend the day is to visit a raft house, Khao Sok National Park's famous floating bungalows, where you will have time to swim. You can also rent a kayak and explore the lake's beautiful surroundings or trek around the lake's peripheries to discover hidden waterfalls and caves. However you choose to spend your time, you'll be transferred back to your hotel around sunset.

Day 8: Transfer to Phuket, Half-Day City Tour

Today a driver will pick you up at your hotel in Khao Sok National Park and transfer you to Phuket—a drive of about three hours—on Thailand's western coast. Upon arrival in Phuket, you can explore the city's old town on a half-day walking tour before you check in at the hotel.

Let your guide show you the colorful Sino-Portuguese architecture on both sides of the street, as well as small shops, local Thai restaurants, and newer coffee shops that attract young travelers. Walking around town also allows you to visit Thai temples, Chinese shrines, and a couple of museums and beautiful old mansions. Later in the tour, you'll move to Thalang Road, with a bustling night market that is especially popular with Instagrammers. Check out the lively stalls and try some tasty eats before heading back to your hotel. 

Day 9: Boat Trip to Phi Phi Island

Today you'll visit Phi Phi Island for an incredible day trip. This is one of the most beautiful and well-known destinations in the south of Thailand—and the world. You'll cruise to the island and pass by various destinations, including Phi Phi Lay, Maya Bay, Pileh Bay, and Viking Cave, at the bottom of a tall limestone cliff.

Phi Phi Island is also home to some of the best snorkeling in Thailand, thanks to abundant marine life and excellent visibility. During the trip, you'll have plenty of free time to snorkel, dive, and/or swim in the turquoise blue lagoons. After your playtime in the sea, enjoy a local lunch at a nearby beach area. At the end of the trip, you'll be transferred back to your resort.

The day has come to say goodbye to Thailand! At the appointed time, a driver will transfer you from your hotel to Phuket airport for your departure. Safe travels!