Highlights
- Visit ornate Lanna temples in Chiang Mai and see traditional folk dancing
- Explore ancient hill tribe villages in the north and care for rescued elephants
- Cruise the canals and markets of Bangkok on the hunt for divine street food
- Zip around the isles of Krabi in a speedboat and enjoy snorkeling tours
- Go off the beaten path on insider tours of ancient Khmer temples in Cambodia
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Chiang Mai (Bangkok), Optional Activities | Chiang Mai |
| Day 2 | Half-Day City Tour & Rickshaw Ride, Khantoke Dinner | Chiang Mai |
| Day 3 | Day Trip to Doi Inthanon & Karen Hill Tribe Village | Chiang Mai |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Lisu Lodge, Visit Hill Tribe Village | Mae Taeng |
| Day 5 | Optional Morning Activities, Transfer to Chiang Rai & Golden Triangle | Chiang Rai |
| Day 6 | Golden Triangle Bespoke Itinerary (Day 1) | Chiang Rai |
| Day 7 | Golden Triangle Bespoke Itinerary (Day 2) | Chiang Rai |
| Day 8 | Fly to Bangkok, Afternoon Food Walk | Bangkok |
| Day 9 | Full-Day Bangkok Highlights Tour | Bangkok |
| Day 10 | Full-Day Exploration of Bangkok's Markets | Bangkok |
| Day 11 | Fly to Krabi on the Andaman Coast, Optional Activities | Krabi |
| Day 12 | Day Trip to Hot Springs & Emerald Lagoon | Krabi |
| Day 13 | Island-Hopping Speedboat Tour | Krabi |
| Day 14 | Ao Thalane Kayak Tour, Beach Afternoon | Krabi |
| Day 15 | Fly to Siem Reap (Cambodia), Optional Activities | Siem Reap |
| Day 16 | Angkor Off-the-Beaten-Path Tour | Siem Reap |
| Day 17 | Day Trip to Phnom Kulen, Preah Ang Thom Temple & Waterfall Swim | Siem Reap |
| Day 18 | Siem Reap Foodie Tour | Siem Reap |
| Day 19 | Fly to Phnom Penh, Optional Activities | Phnom Penh |
| Day 20 | Phnom Penh Royal History & Highlights Tour | Phnom Penh |
| Day 21 | Depart Phnom Penh |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Chiang Mai (Bangkok), Optional Activities
Welcome to Thailand! Each region in this Southeast Asian nation features its own culture and rich history. This is particularly true of the north and Chiang Mai. Northern Thailand's largest city is considered the nation's cultural capital, famous for its cooler climate, mountainous landscape, and distinct historical legacy. From 1296 to 1558, it was the capital of the independent Lanna Kingdom. Much of this history still exists in the form of the ancient walls, moats, and Buddhist temples found throughout the Old City (historic center).
Upon arrival, a driver will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. You'll then have the rest of the day to unwind and explore. Outside of Chiang Mai, in its dazzling mountainous region, you'll find diverse hill tribes, tea plantations, and elephant sanctuaries.
Day 2: Half-Day City Tour & Rickshaw Ride, Khantoke Dinner
Rise and shine! This morning, you're off on a half-day city tour and rickshaw ride to visit the highlights in and around Chiang Mai. It begins in the morning when you meet your guide/driver and visit a vibrant food and flower market where locals shop. Continue to Wat Suan Dok, a royal temple and repository for the ashes of former Lanna kings and the Royal Family.
Then, drive 30 minutes to Doi Suthep Mountain, enjoying spectacular views of mountains and forests, to reach Wat Phra That, a 14th-century Buddhist monastery and one of northern Thailand's most sacred temples. Return to your hotel via a fun rickshaw ride through the city.
Dinner this evening is a very special experience indeed. From the words meaning "tray" (khan) and "bowls" (toke), tonight's khantoke dinner show is an excellent way to learn about the ancient Lanna culture of northern Thailand while enjoying a feast of delicious dishes. Take your place on cushions at a low table as dancers perform the Forn Leb (Finger Dance, usually reserved for greeting honorable guests or state visitors), Forn Thien (Candle Dance), Ramwong (Circle Dance, in a typical Thai folk style), and the Ram Dab, (a sword dance developed from an ancient martial art.)
Day 3: Day Trip to Doi Inthanon & Karen Hill Tribe Village
Venture into the mountains today to explore Doi Inthanon National Park, which sits on the highest peak in Thailand at 8,415 feet (2,565 m) above sea level—so wear something warm! Set off on a two-hour trek through the park, passing paddy fields, vibrant flora, and towering rhododendron trees. Two royal pagodas, standing as a tribute to Thailand's king and queen, greet you when you reach the top.
After admiring the panoramic views, head back down the path, stopping at a hill tribe village home to the Karen people. Here, you'll observe their centuries-old way of life and browse their colorful market full of handwoven fabrics and intricate crafts. End the journey at Wachiratharn Falls, an impressive waterfall that cascades 262 feet (80 m) over terraced mountain cliffs. Afterward, you'll transfer back to Chiang Mai and your hotel.
Day 4: Transfer to Lisu Lodge, Visit Hill Tribe Village
Get ready for a multiday ecotourism adventure you won't soon forget! Meet your driver this morning for the ride north into the countryside on the route to the northern city of Chiang Rai. On the way, you'll stop at Lisu Lodge, where your expedition begins. The lodge is situated in the Mae Taeng district, home to hill tribe villages populated by the Lisu people, one of Thailand's most remote tribal groups. Originating from Tibet, there are approximately 50,000 members of the Lisu tribe in Thailand, most living in isolated village communities near the border with Laos and Myanmar.
You'll visit one such village, where locals will greet you with a refreshing welcome drink. Then, stroll to the Ton Lung temple, where residents flock for spiritual guidance. The temple's herbal garden also features many medicinal plants used by the villagers. Next, you'll pay a visit to a shaman's house to chat over tea and gain insight into his fascinating spiritual rites and rituals. Spend the afternoon back at the lodge, followed by a Thai dinner and a traditional Lisu dance show.
Day 5: Optional Morning Activities, Transfer to Chiang Rai & Golden Triangle
Enjoy a country breakfast at the lodge, after which you can spend the rest of the morning enjoying an outdoor activity. Options include a scenic river ride on a bamboo raft, hiking around a hill tribe village, and a guided bike ride. You can also tour an authentic Thai tea garden, where you'll learn how to cultivate young tea plants and even pluck your own leaves. Back at the roasting station, you'll then learn the art of making homemade tea by kneading and roasting the leaves. Following this, a traditional lunch will be served at the teahouse.
After eating, meet your driver and continue north to Chiang Rai. Thailand's northernmost city is the gateway to the Golden Triangle—the mountainous region where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos converge. Upon arrival, you'll check into an ecotourism resort that doubles as a camp for rescued elephants. After settling in, feel free to enjoy an elephant experience where you'll feed and bathe these animals in the river. Other optional activities the resort offers include a Thai cooking class, a boat trip, and a relaxing spa treatment.
Day 6: Golden Triangle Bespoke Itinerary (Day 1)
Day 7: Golden Triangle Bespoke Itinerary (Day 2)
It's another choose-your-own-adventure day in Chiang Rai. If you like, meet your driver for a morning tour to Doi Mae Salong. This mountainous region is known as much for its stunning natural beauty as its rich and unique history. Its green hills covered in tea fields were settled by a division of Chinese soldiers who fled in the 1950s and 1960s. Today, visitors come to enjoy the scenic views, tour tea plantations, enjoy Chinese-inspired cuisine, visit historic Buddhist temples, and marvel at the wild Himalayan cherry blossoms.
After lunch at a local restaurant, you can continue to the town of Sop Ruak, where the river Ruak joins the Mekong on the borders of Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos. There, you'll stop at a viewpoint to enjoy sweeping vistas over the Golden Triangle region. While here, your guide will point out where the borders meet and explain the history of the area and its notorious opium trade. Later, you'll return to your hotel in Chiang Rai.
Day 8: Fly to Bangkok, Afternoon Food Walk
Your driver will pick you up after breakfast and transfer you to the airport in Chiang Rai. There, you'll board a 1.5-hour flight south to Bangkok. Thailand's dynamic capital is not only one of the world's great cities but also an ancient one. It began as a humble fishing village on the Chao Phraya River in the 15th century and has been ruled by subsequent dynasties and monarchs ever since. You can bet that there's no shortage of awe-inspiring historical landmarks to visit in this city.
Upon arrival at the terminal, a driver will pick you up for the ride to your hotel. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing, and in the evening, you'll head out on a fun dining experience and walking tour. Thailand's cuisine is justifiably famous, and the capital of Bangkok delivers some of the finest street food in the world. Thus, you'll follow a guide to a series of eateries, markets, and bars to sample traditional delicacies and imbibe local drinks before returning to your hotel for the night.
Day 9: Full-Day Bangkok Highlights Tour
Fuel up at breakfast this morning before a full-day tour of Bangkok! First, you'll hop in a car for the ride over to Wat Arun. Located on the Chao Phraya River, this 17th-century Buddhist temple was built during the Ayutthaya period and is named after Aruna, the Hindu god of dawn. After touring Wat Arun, you'll hop on a ferry to the opposite side of the river and Wat Pho. This temple site is one of the oldest in Thailand (possibly dating as far back as the 13th century) and is known for its Reclining Buddha. This statue measures a whopping 49 feet (15 m) high and 150 feet (46 m) long.
This afternoon, board a traditional long-tail boat for a two-hour private cruise down the Chao Phraya River as you step back in time and glide along Bangkok's charming network of klongs (canals). Back on dry land, head to Chinatown and walk one of the oldest parts of Bangkok, Yaowarat Road. Stop for Chinese tea, wander down to Trok Leng Moi Eia (a small alley), and browse curios at Talad Kao (Old Market) before ending at Wat Leng Nei Yee, Bangkok's largest Chinese Buddhist temple.
Day 10: Full-Day Exploration of Bangkok's Markets
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Leave early on a two-hour transfer to the Damnoen Saduak floating market. Along the way, stop at Mae Klong Railway Market, which has a train running through the middle of it multiple times a day. Every time the train is about to come through, the vendors recognize the warning bell and jump out of their chairs to pull back their awnings. Right after the train passes the stands, the vendors immediately place their belongings back on the railway, and it looks like nothing has happened.
Continue to the 100-year-old Damnoen Saduak floating market, which features numerous small boats laden with colorful fruits and vegetables and paddled by Thai women wearing bamboo hats. This market is one of Thailand's only places to see this traditional way of buying and selling goods. Almost always crowded with hundreds of buyers, sellers, and tourists, the best way to experience the bustling aquatic marketplace is aboard a boat. Spend time floating through the small canals, purchasing fresh local produce from the vendors.
Afterward, you'll begin the drive back to Bangkok, stopping on the way at the Don Wai Market on the banks of the Nakhon Chaisi River. Located on a temple site, this market is mainly frequented by locals. Explore the more than 1,000 stalls on both sides of the river and sample some of the amazing local dishes. Enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant and return to Bangkok in the late afternoon.
Day 11: Fly to Krabi on the Andaman Coast, Optional Activities
In the morning, your driver will pick you up and take you to the airport, where you'll catch a 1.5-hour flight south to Krabi. Like many places on the pristine Andaman coast, this resort area is famous for its powdery white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and romantic offshore islands. At the airport, another driver will pick you up and transfer you to nearby Krabi Town. After checking into your hotel, you can discover the resort's delights at your own pace.
If you like, spend the day relaxing on one of Krabi's many beaches, like the famous Railay. Or, rent a kayak and paddle down the coast, enjoying scenery that includes towering limestone rock formations. You can also stroll around Krabi Town and the Krabi River waterfront. For great views, hike up to the 19th-century temple of Wat Kaew, which overlooks the city. If traveling with kids, you can take them to the lagoons and hiking trails at Thung Teao Forest Park. In the evening, be sure to visit Krabi Town's bustling night market.
Day 12: Day Trip to Hot Springs & Emerald Lagoon
Wake up refreshed after a good night's sleep in paradise. Then, head out to explore this beautiful corner of southern Thailand. First, you'll visit a storybook hot-spring waterfall whose waters hover around 100°F (38°C) and offer fantastic health benefits. After a relaxing dip in this natural spa, walk along a nature trail to an emerald-hued freshwater pool surrounded by lush jungle—perfect for a morning swim.
Take a break for a tasty lunch, then continue to one of the region's most famous temples, Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Cave Temple), which is also a meditation center. Perched atop a hill amid tropical plants and flowers, you'll marvel at golden Buddha statues and ornate pagodas while gazing at jaw-dropping panoramic vistas. It's a fun and scenic way to learn about the local history and culture.
Day 13: Island-Hopping Speedboat Tour
Early this morning, a driver will pick you up from your hotel for a short ride to the pier at Nopparat Thara Beach. Here, you'll begin your full-day island-hopping tour. It starts when you board a boat to Tup Island, which is really two small islets connected by sandbars. When you arrive at low tide, it will be possible to walk between the two. Then, continue to adjacent Ko Kai (Chicken Island), a rocky isle shaped like a chicken head fringed with white-sand beaches.
After snorkeling and swimming, enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach at Poda Island, another star islet with turquoise waters, white sands, and towering limestone rock formations. Here, you can swim or just pass the time sunbathing. In the early afternoon, visit Phranang Beach, which features a gaping cave and is also a great place to relax. Around 2 pm, you'll return to Nopparat Thara and transfer back to your hotel.
Day 14: Ao Thalane Kayak Tour, Beach Afternoon
Day 15: Fly to Siem Reap (Cambodia), Optional Activities
Day 16: Angkor Off-the-Beaten-Path Tour
Wake early today for a bucket-list sunrise trip to Angkor. Covering 154 square miles (400 sq km), this massive archaeological site comprises what was once the capital of the Khmer Kingdom. It thrived from the ninth to the 15th centuries, and its ruins remain incredibly well-preserved to this day. Witness their majesty from Angkor's West Gate as the morning light illuminates this world-famous monument in dazzling shades of gold.
After a break for breakfast at a nearby restaurant, you'll visit Banteay Kdei, a Buddhist temple dating to the 12th century and surrounded by four concentric walls. Continue to Ta Prohm, a temple built between the late 12th and early 13th centuries. Its ruins are entwined with the forest's trees and vines and were featured in the "Tomb Raider" movies.
Next up is Angkor Thom (literally "Great City"). During the 12th and 13th centuries, this royal city was a formidable defensive area, protected by 26-foot (8 m) walls and a wide moat. Looming over it are the 54 towers of Bayon Temple, with King Jayavarman VII's smiling face emblazoned on its 216 stone sculptures. Other highlights include the Terrace of the Elephants, Phimeanakas (a three-tiered pyramid), and the Terrace of the Leper King. At the end of the afternoon, travel to the South Gate, where you'll take a private boat across a lake to Prasat Chrung Temple and watch the sunset over Angkor.
Day 17: Day Trip to Phnom Kulen, Preah Ang Thom Temple & Waterfall Swim
Believe it or not, Angkor isn't the only star of the region. This morning, meet your driver for the hour ride out of Siem Reap to the sacred Phnom Kulen (Kulen Mountain). It was here that King Jayavarma II proclaimed independence from Java in 804 CE, leading to the mountain's nickname, "the Birthplace of the Khmer Empire."
As you ascend the slopes, you'll encounter lush jungles, hidden waterfalls, and intricate carvings on the riverbeds called lingams. At the summit, explore Preah Ang Thom, the largest temple on the mountain, and admire the famous reclining Buddha before descending. On the way back to the city, you'll stop at the River of One Thousand Lingas and the magnificent waterfall nearby. Take a refreshing dip in the streams and waterfall lagoon before returning to Siem Reap.
Day 18: Siem Reap Foodie Tour
Get ready for a foodie tour you can only experience in Cambodia! This half-day excursion begins with a morning transfer to Psa Leu Market, the largest local market in Siem Reap. There's nothing you can't find here, from clothes and watches to handbags and jewelry—and, of course, food. This lively place is the heart of culture for locals in Siem Reap. When you arrive, enjoy a breakfast of fried bananas with sugar cane juice or rice porridge to fortify yourself for the day ahead.
Next, you'll hit the road, passing alongside green rice paddies on your way to Preah Dak. This village is famous for its rice noodle production, and the techniques and recipes for making them have stayed in their families for generations. After learning how the noodles are made, you can visit market stalls selling farm-fresh fruits, as well as palm sugar, fish skewers, stuffed frogs grilled over charcoal, and other local tidbits. It's also a good opportunity to pick up souvenirs like weaving boxes, trays, and baskets made from palm leaves that grow in the village at the local market.
Later, return to Siem Reap and visit Kdeung Café. "Kdeung" is the name of the pestle used to pound the dough to make the rice noodles in the mortar, which you'll see on display here. Here, you'll sample the most famous dish on the menu, nom ban chok (Khmer rice noodle soup). Your mouth will water at the site of these fresh rice noodles cooked in fish gravy. They're served piping hot with crisp raw vegetables, including cucumbers, banana blossom, and water lily stems. When you've eaten your fill, you'll transfer back to your hotel.
Day 19: Fly to Phnom Penh, Optional Activities
It's time to say goodbye to Cambodia's north. In the morning, you'll transfer to the airport for the one-hour flight south to the capital, Phnom Penh. This grand metropolis of over two million people was founded in the 14th century and became the capital after the fall of the Angkor Empire. There's been a lot of history in the intervening centuries, much of it represented in the city's famous temples, museums, and Art Deco buildings from the French colonial era.
At the terminal, you'll meet a driver and transfer to your hotel in the city. Once you've settled in, feel free to head out and explore. This busy capital enjoys a scenic location at the junction of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. You'll want to stroll its walkable riverfront, lined with parks, restaurants, and bars. And definitely don't miss the Central Market, a sprawling Art Deco masterpiece built in 1939 during the French colonial period.
Day 20: Phnom Penh Royal History & Highlights Tour
Venture out this morning and see the best of the "Pearl of Asia" on a city tour. Highlights include a stop at the vast and bustling Psar Thmei (Central Market), a landmark Art Deco structure where vendors sell everything from food and clothes to souvenirs. End at the small hill of Wat Phnom to visit the gardens and hilltop pagoda, a popular spot for Cambodians to pray for good luck.
You'll also visit the Royal Palace, which was commissioned by King Norodom in 1866. Next, explore the grounds and its Silver Pagoda, so named because its floor is adorned with 5,000 silver tiles. Inside are Buddha statues encrusted with gold and emeralds. End the day at the National Museum, which features a millennium's worth of Khmer history dating back to pre-Angkorian times.
Day 21: Depart Phnom Penh
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