Wonders of Thailand: Bangkok, Pattaya & Koh Samui - 9 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok

Welcome to Thailand! Upon arrival in Bangkok, your private driver will meet you at the airport and escort you to your accommodation right in the heart of the city. The day is then yours to explore the capital on a self-guided tour or relax at the hotel after the flight.

Start with a visit to the famous Chinatown—a city within a city—filled with market stalls of delicious street food to try. The vendors will cook everything from silky egg noodles to stir-fried crab as you watch. For souvenir shopping, head to Siam Paragon, one of Bangkok's most popular shopping malls. And, if you're visiting during the weekend, take advantage of Chatuchak Market. With more than 15,000 stalls, it's one of the world's largest outdoor markets selling everything from clothes to antiques.

Sports lovers can take in an evening kickboxing match, Thailand's national sport. For cultural immersion, go to a puppet show or visit Warehouse 30 to see modern art exhibitions. And, of course, end your day with a traditional Thai massage.

Day 2: Visit Bangkok's Famous Temples & See the Golden Buddha

Today, you'll meet your guide at the hotel lobby after breakfast to begin a day of exploring Bangkok's most remarkable sites. Start your exploration at Wat Traimit, home to one of Thailand's most precious treasures—the Golden Buddha statue. Then head to Wat Pho to admire the beauty of its architecture and see the giant, Reclining Buddha.

A trio of architectural delights awaits you when you visit the Grand Palace, Coronation Hall, and Funeral Hall. There's also the Emerald Buddha. It's the most sacred landmark of Bangkok and has been part of the royal family since 1782. After lunch at a local restaurant, you'll board a long-tail boat to cruise along the canal and see traditional Thai houses and typical rural life. Wrap up your sightseeing with a visit to Wat Arun ("Temple of Dawn"), one of the city's most beautiful temples whose craftsmanship looks incredible at sunset and when illuminated. You'll then head back to your hotel by car. 

Day 3: Shop at the Damnern Saduak Floating Market

You're in for a treat today as you depart from your hotel after breakfast to the Ratchaburi province to visit the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. First, you'll head to the jetty pier and board a long-tail boat for a 30-minute boat ride, passing through remote plantations and traditional Thai villages along the river. Then it's time for shopping. At the colorful floating market of Damnoen Saduak, you'll see a lively market scene of vendors selling local foods, tropical fruits, and numerous handicrafts on their boats. After lunch at a local restaurant, you'll return to your hotel.

Day 4: Transfer to Pattaya

Today you'll check out of your hotel in Bangkok and then head along the east coast of Thailand to Pattaya, a place known for its superb beaches and wild nightlife. Try Wongamat Beach, one of the cleanest, quietest beaches in the town, or take a ferry to Koh Larn, a small island nearby. For town sightseeing, there's the Sanctuary of Truth, an elaborate wooden castle with beautiful architecture by the sea, whose carvings reflect the style of a traditional Thai carpenter. Another option is to visit the Underwater World Pattaya to see the marine life of the Andaman Sea or have fun at one of the nearby water parks.

Day 5: Spend Time with Elephants at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary

A highlight of your trip awaits today as you're transferred to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Pattaya to spend the day learning about these majestic animals. This ethically certified and immersive ecotourism program takes care of elephants and helps promote their welfare throughout Thailand and around the world. 

Day 6: Fly to Koh Samui 

In the morning, your guide will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to Pattaya Airport for your flight to Koh Samui. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, the country's second-largest island is famous for its over 30 pristine beaches and is an excellent place for relaxation. Try the much-loved Chaweng Beach, which has powder-white sand, clear-blue water, and plenty of restaurants for lunch and dinner; it is also a great place for nightlife. You can head to Lamai Beach or Maenam Beach if you want something quieter. They're less crowded and less developed and are the perfect places to explore the island's untouched nature. 

Trek through the jungle to see Hin Lad Waterfall and the nearby temple, and reward yourself with a refreshing swim in the waterfall after the trek. If you want a panoramic view of the island, get to the Lamai Viewpoint; it's an easy walk with picturesque scenery. From here, you can take a zipline ride through the treetops. If you stay in Koh Samui on a Sunday, the Lamai Night Market is a must-see and a great place to buy gifts and try authentic Thai snacks. Another way to spend your evening is to visit a cabaret show and be impressed by the live music and the performer's beautiful hand-sewn dresses.

Day 7: Tour Koh Samui's Temples & the Guan-Yu Koh Samui Shrine

Some of Samui's most exciting places are on the agenda for today. Start by visiting the Big Buddha Temple, which sits within the grounds of Wat Phra Yai. You can climb the staircase decorated with dragons to reach the platform where the giant gold Buddha statue sits. At the top, you'll also get a brilliant bird's eye view of the island. 

The next stop is at the incredible natural rock formation of Grand Ma and Grand Pa rocks, which have been fashioned by the elements into massive sculptures, creating a lot of humorous interest from tourists. Then visit the Guan-Yu Koh Samui Shrine to see the Chinese influence on the island. You can also visit Wat Khunaram to pay respect to the mummified body of the Buddhist monk Luang Pho Daeng. Make a stop at Na Muang Waterfall, the most scenic waterfall on the island.

Later spend some time shopping at Nathon Town, the capital of Koh Samui, and home to the embarkation pier to the mainland. Here you can buy products like aromatherapy bath oil made with Koh Samui coconuts, locally-made dessert wine, and hand-carved furniture. 

Day 8: Cruise the Ang Thong National Marine Park by Boat

Get your sea legs ready; this morning, you'll be transferred to the pier to board the boat to Ang Thong National Marine Park, an archipelago of 42 islands in the Gulf of Thailand full of lush vegetation, gorgeous lagoons, and sandy beaches. Cruise around the marine park and take in the sights—a highlight is a stop at Talay Nai ("Emerald Lake"), with lush mountains in the backdrop. Get back on board to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch. In the afternoon, there'll be time to relax on the beach, swim, or hike to a fantastic panoramic view of the archipelago before cruising back to Koh Samui and transferring to your hotel.

Day 9: Transfer to Koh Samui Airport, Depart

Tuck into a traditional Thai breakfast on the final day of your trip to Thailand, and enjoy a leisurely morning at the beach or visit the local markets to buy souvenirs. When the time comes, your private driver will transfer you to the airport to catch your departing flight. Safe travels!

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