Honeymoon in Thailand - 12 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok

Welcome to Thailand! Get ready for a smooth and easy arrival at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport with VIP Meet and Greet and Fast Track Service. This special process starts at the airport's air bridge where you'll be met by a representative who will personally escort you to the immigration counter without a queue. You'll then be introduced to your private driver for transportation to the hotel.

The rest of the day is free time: You can either rest and acclimate to your surroundings at the hotel or get out and explore the city on your own. Bangkok will certainly jolt your senses: it's a steamy, exotic, and chaotic capital of eight million residents, which melds a bit of old and new, east and west, so get out and poke around the nearby streets if you're feeling up for an adventure.

Day 2: Bangkok City Tour - River Dinner Cruise

After breakfast at your hotel, it's time to meet your guide at the hotel to start a fun day of sightseeing. The tour starts at The Grand Palace—the most important and impressive royal palace in Thailand. Your guide will show you the site's many different palaces, which are used for different occasions including the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House, and of course the mysterious Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand.

From here, you'll continue to Wat Po, one of the oldest temples in Bangkok. In fact, Wat Po is home to the famous 149 foot (45 m) reclining Buddha as well as being the original school of traditional Thai massage. Appropriate dress is required (or can be rented onsite).

In the late afternoon, you'll have some time to rest at your hotel before taking a dinner cruise. Supanniga Cruise is the latest venture from the same team that brought Supanniga Eating Room to Bangkok—one of the top table restaurants in the city. Combining three exquisite elements of Thai culture—authentic food, genuine hospitality, and the majestic view of the Chao Phraya River—Supanniga Cruise provides a remarkable experience on the famous historical river, unmatched by any other company.

The night includes an exquisite six-course dinner while enjoying the photogenic nighttime views of Bangkok. In addition to serving quality cuisine, Supanniga Cruise is the only river cruise operator in Bangkok that provides a proper bar onboard. Since the company has a special collaboration with Vesper, one of 'Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2016', imbibers will have access to signature cocktails and champagne served in flutes. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the views. 

Day 3: Fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Today, after breakfast at your hotel in Bangkok, it's time to explore more of Thailand! You'll first take a memorable transfer by longtail boat to Resotel Pier—a fitting way to end your time in Thailand's capital. At the pier, you and your guide will transfer back to the Bangkok airport for your short flight to Chiang Mai. 

Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, you'll transfer to your hotel for check-in. Thailand's fourth-largest city has a distinct culture steeped in history, yet also thrives as a cosmopolitan city. Despite the city's modern growth, the historic center of Chiang Mai still feels quaint—more like a rural town than a bustling city, evidenced by its strict conservation efforts. 

Once you're settled at the hotel, put on some walking shoes and get ready to explore on your own. First-timers will definitely want to head for the Old City and its narrow streets, which are lined with historic buildings, beautiful temples, and old shops. All you have to do is walk around and enjoy the area's relaxed atmosphere while visiting the city's finest monuments, including Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Phan Tao—all within walking distance of each other.

If you're in town on a Sunday, make sure to check out the Sunday Walking Street Market. This is when the Old City's main road gives way to thousands of pedestrians who come for street stalls selling a range of local goods and unique gifts. For dinner, you can enjoy a cheap and delicious dinner at one of the many street stalls which can be found all over the city, including the North and South Gates of the Old City. 

Day 4: Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Excursion

Get ready to spend an exciting day with elephants in mountainous northern Thailand! After an early breakfast, you'll be picked up for a 1.5-hour transfer outside of the city through peaceful landscapes, agricultural areas, and forested hills, so sit back and enjoy the scenery.

Upon arrival at the Karen village in the mid-morning, you'll meet your guide for the 15-minute walk through the village to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. Upon arrival, you'll change into traditional Karen clothing and enjoy an introductory lesson about elephant anatomy, history, and behavior. Then it's time to meet the elephants! Before lunch is served, you'll get to feed, interact, and play with the elephants in their natural home while learning about their behavior and history. 

Around noon, you'll take a break to enjoy a lunch of traditional Thai food and fresh fruit. Then it's back to the elephants, where you'll walk them to the river and take part in the bathing and brushing process. For more interactive fun, you'll get to join the elephants in a therapeutic mud spa before taking one last communal swim in the river—great for photo ops.

In the mid-afternoon, you'll change back into your normal clothes and return by foot through the Karen village toward your driver who will make the return trip to your hotel in Chiang Mai. Once you're back in the city, there will be plenty of time to relax and enjoy dinner on your own.  

Day 5: Thai Cooking Class 

Today, you'll be picked up from your hotel and transferred to a local culinary program called Love Cooking Chiang Mai School. After meeting your experienced instructors, the class begins with a shopping trip to a local market where you'll learn more about Thai ingredients.

Next, you'll return to the school to pick more ingredients from the on-site organic garden before beginning the meal preparation. The instructors will be teaching you the real ambiance of a traditional Thai meal whilst you cook, so feel free to ask questions. At the end of the class, you can enjoy your delicious lunch together and take photos.

Return to your hotel at the end of the class for some free time to rest, explore, and have dinner on your own. 

Day 6: Fly from Chiang Mai to Phuket

Today, you'll have a free morning to spend in Chiang Mai however you see fit. At the designated time, a private driver will pick you up and transfer you to the airport for the flight to Phuket. 

Upon arrival in Phuket, you'll be picked up and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy an afternoon and evening exploring this beautiful area of the country on your own. Consistently voted one of the world's favorite tourist destinations, Phuket offers stunning turquoise and white sand beaches, as well as a staggering range of restaurants, hotels, activities, and nightlife to suit all budget levels including backpackers and luxury travelers. There's plenty to see and do in town or find a stretch of sand and watch the sunset. Whatever you do, make sure to get some rest for the big adventure that starts early tomorrow. 

Day 7: Drive from Phuket to Khao Sok National Park

Today is an early start, as you'll get picked up from your hotel by air-conditioned vehicle for your transfer to Khao Sok National Park. This nature reserve in southern Thailand contains dense virgin jungle, beautiful limestone cliff formations, and Cheow Lan Lake, as well as rare species of flora and fauna—all of which can be explored by either hiking trails or water vessels via the Sok river.

There will be a restroom break along the route at Sarasin Bridge. The driver will then make a quick stop at Monkey Cave Temple and then continue to Khao Sok Discovery Elephant Camp where you'll enjoy spending a little time with the elephants (either riding or bathing) for an hour or so. 

Next on the drive is a stop at a scenic viewpoint for a great panoramic view of the park. You'll then have lunch at the Khao Sok Discovery Restaurant before canoeing down the Sok river for an hour where you'll have a chance to enjoy the magnificent views. Later in the afternoon, you'll check in to the park's boutique camps for an air-conditioned room. Enjoy some free time at the park before dinner is served later in the evening with the sounds of the jungle in the background. 

Day 8: Khao Sok Jungle Discovery

Today's fun adventure begins with an early breakfast at the camp. Once you've had a good meal, it's time to take a jungle hike in the park through an inland haven tucked away from the thronging beach crowds. Khao Sok is Thailand’s secret jewel, and the ancient rainforest dates back 160 million years and it wears its age well. You'll see enchanting plants, flowers, butterflies, birds, squirrels, and reptiles on this three-hour journey by foot. 

Next, it's time for lunch where you'll dine at the Khao Sok Discovery Restaurant before checking out the boutique camp. You'll then depart for the bright turquoise Cheow Lan Lake by way of a longtail boat where you'll have some free time to canoe, swim, and relax. 

You'll be staying tonight at the floating cottages, pictured above. Dinner will be served on-site, and then there's nothing left to do but enjoy the surrounding scenery. 

Day 9: Bamboo Rafting - Return to Phuket

Today's itinerary starts with an early breakfast at the floating cottages. You'll then hop on a longtail boat for a short trip across the lake, which leads to your bamboo rafting excursion. Onboard, you'll encounter more flora and fauna before arriving at the Pakarang Cave (Coral Cave). The stalagmites here have a similar shape to coral which is how the cave came to be named and you'll have about 30 minutes to explore (please note: this excursion is suitable for children but be careful of the slippery wet floor). 

Next, you'll return to the floating cottages for lunch, and then it's time to pack up. Start your journey back to Phuket by longtail boat, and then a driver will return you to your hotel with enough time to enjoy Phuket in the evening. 

Day 10: Kayaking in Phang Nga Bay

Today is a free morning in Phuket to spend any way you'd like. Perhaps you'll choose a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and then hit the pool or beach with a good book. 

Save your energy because, in the afternoon, it's time to join a kayaking and island hopping tour off of the dramatic coast of the Andaman Sea—truly a remarkable experience you won't soon forget. Once you've worked up a nice appetite, you'll take part in a prepared Thai seafood buffet dinner while watching the sunset over Phang Nga Bay.

After dinner, you will be returned to your hotel by nightfall. 

Day 11: Phuket Beach Free Day

Finish up your Thailand experience with a free day to hit the beaches! Phuket and the surrounding area are known for their outstanding beaches offering a wide variety of scenery, atmospheres, facilities, and even textures of sand. 

For instance, Kata Beach is always a reliable option with soft white sand, shady palm trees, water sports, and a laid-back atmosphere. You can easily spend the day here with a handful of food and drink vendors. 

Another idea is Nai Harn Beach located at the end of Phuket, which has grown in popularity over the years. However, thanks to the relatively small size of the bay and its large lake on the other side, the beach hasn’t been developed like others nearby. That being said, nice hotels, shops, and restaurants are located nearby for food and drink. 

If seeking a more isolated atmosphere, head to Freedom Beach with possibly the best white sand in Phuket. Though it's more challenging to get to (you can either hike a steep path or take a longtail boat to arrive), you'll escape the motorized water sports and beach vendors for truly peaceful environs. 

Day 12: Depart Phuket

It's time to say goodbye to Thailand! After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy any remaining free time in Phuket. At the designated time, you'll be escorted to the airport for your departure flight home. 

More Great Thailand Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Thailand? Check out these other Thailand itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.