9-Nights Essential Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Koh Samui from $1,792

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok

Transfer: Bangkok Airportto Bangkok - Sukhumvit

Hotel: Cross Vibe Bangkok Sukhumvit (4 Star Rating)

The Cross Vibe Bangkok Sukhumvit design hotel is situated only 5 minutes from the BTS Sky Train in the Onnut area, considered one of the more popular residential areas of Bangkok. Ideally located adjacent to shopping malls and supermarkets, it offers easy access to the highway and to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport. A 28 SQM cozy but cool guest room with everything a traveler needs.

You will be picked up at 08:00. Go behind the scenes for a closer look at Buddhist culture. Start the morning with a trip to Wat Pho, arguably Bangkok’s most enchanting temple. Arrive just as the resident monks gather for their morning chants. Witness this deeply spiritual ritual and gain a better sense of Thailand’s Buddhist heritage.

After the chants, take a walk around Wat Pho and see the vast collection of religious treasures on display. Admire the famed reclining Buddha image, which stretches 45-metres in length. Learn about the symbolism of the Buddha’s intricate footprint and witness devotees making offerings to this revered image.

The tour then continues to the nearby Grand Palace, which has served as the seat of Thailand's revered Royal family for more than two centuries. Take a walk around the vast grounds, stopping in to explore the various temples, throne halls and museums within the compound. Visit the Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddhist image in Thailand, and hear about its mysterious origins.

Following the tour of these iconic Bangkok monuments, return to the hotel.

Your foodie tour of Bangkok kicks off this morning with a visit to Samyan Market. Located near one of Bangkok's universities, Samyan is a combination of wet market and a food court with dozens of stalls selling treats to hungry students. Rub elbows with the locals while perusing stalls piled high with fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, and fish. Learn how the exotic herbs and spices are used in traditional Thai cooking and sample snacks from the food carts.

Continue on the culinary trail with a visit to Nanglerng Food Market. Nicknamed 'Century Year Old', Nanglerng was once Bangkok's most important market as it served as a central trade centre for the various communities in and around the city. These days the market still retains much of its old-world charm. Wander past wooden shop houses and taste traditional delicacies made from family recipes.

Having tantalized the taste buds, it is time for a proper lunch. You'll transfer to a famous restaurant near Bangkok's City Hall where you'll dine on a selection of authentic Thai dishes while sitting alongside locals. After the meal, sample sarim, a popular Thai dessert made of colorful thin vermicelli served in flavorful coconut milk.

Following your tour, you'll be returned to your hotel.

Transfer: Bangkok - Sukhumvit to Bangkok Airport

Transfer: Chiang Mai Airportto Chiang Mai - Riverside

Hotel: Aruntara Riverside Boutique Hotel (4 Star Rating)

Aruntara Riverside Boutique Hotel Chiang Mai is a true treasure for hotel aficionados. Its British colonial design is complimented by Northern Thai influences that embrace the present while respecting the past. High ceilings sit above beautiful towering teak columns traditionally crafted by Thai tradesman. Each of the luxurious guest rooms is designed to offer stylish accommodation with an expansive open-plan living area and an abundance of room to relax and unwind.

Today, be met at your hotel by your guide and venture away from the city centre of Chiang Mai for an insightful look at Thailand's rich culture. Start with a visit to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Situated on a mountain rising high above the city, this sacred pagoda offers fabulous views of Chiang Mai and its surroundings. Walk up the stairs to see the exquisite gilded stupa and learn about Thai Buddhist beliefs.

Afterwards, continue higher into the hills, traveling by songtaew, a local truck. Drive along rough dirt roads to the Chang Khien Coffee Research Project. Enjoy a fresh cup of locally-grown Arabica coffee and hear about the North's flourishing coffee industry.

It's a short drive onwards to a village inhabited by the White Hmong hilltribe. Spend time exploring the village, and learning about the traditions and customs of this unique ethnic group.

Following this insightful village visit, return to the songtaew and drive back to Chiang Mai. You will be transferred back to your hotel at the end of your day tour.

You will be picked up this morning for the approximately one-and-a-half-hour drive to Chang Chill Sanctuary. After an introduction and safety briefing, meet the resident elephants and follow the guide through the forest to observe the elephants from a safe distance. Learn from the mahouts about the elephants' behaviors and interesting facts about their lives, such as how they eat, sleep, and live. Following this, it will be time to feed the elephants using feeding tubes.

A Thai vegetarian lunch will be served at the camp.

In the afternoon, take a walk through the camp's herb garden to learn about the medicinal properties of various plants and gather ingredients to prepare healthy supplements for the elephants. End the day with a conversation with the mahouts and learn about how they came to care for the elephants and the importance of elephants in Thai culture. Depart Chang Chill Sanctuary at approx. 3pm and transfer back to Chiang Mai to your hotel.

Transfer: Chiang Mai - Riverside to Chiang Mai Airport

Transfer: Koh Samui Airportto Koh Samui - Chaweng

Hotel: Amari Koh Samui (4 Star Rating)

Amari Koh Samui Resort offers unmatched luxury and comfort, at the quiet end of Chaweng, Koh Samui's most popular beach. With elegant traditional Thai style buildings, divided by a small road, set either on the beach or in tropical gardens, this boutique Samui resort offers spacious rooms and unrivalled services. Guests will enjoy a peaceful retreat for a romantic holiday or a family getaway.

Spend a half day exploring Koh Samui’s interior, stepping away from the beaches and discovering what life is like in this tropical paradise. Start with a visit to the island’s famous landmarks, including the Big Buddha and Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks. Then drive up to the Chaweng viewpoint for fabulous views over the coastline and the sea.

Continue into the island’s center, visiting a fresh market. Meet with locals who have come to do their daily shopping and learn about the different items for sale. Next, take a walk through a nearby fishing village, where you’ll have the chance to observe the daily lives and activities of the fishermen.

Next, take a tour of the Magic Alambic Rum Distillery. See how the island’s famous rum is made and sample the smooth brew. Then move on to another local industry. Visit a coconut plantation and see how these abundant fruits are grown, collected, and processed for eating and drinking.

Cap off the day with a cool drink at one of the island’s many cafes, providing the perfect opportunity to people-watch and reflect on the day’s local excursion.

Transfer: Koh Samui - Chaweng to Koh Samui Airport