Thailand, From Bangkok to Phuket

Treasures of Thailand with Phuket Extension

Welcome to Bangkok! Your adventure begins in Thailand’s bustling capital. Renowned for its iconic temples, tuk-tuks, boats gliding along the khlongs (canals) and street vendors offering delicious local cuisine, Bangkok is a city brimming with charm and energy.

After arriving at Bangkok Airport and collecting your luggage, you will make your way to the arrivals hall, where our driver will meet you and take you to the city centre (a journey of approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour).

You will then have time at leisure to start exploring Bangkok at your own pace (meals and activities at your own expense). Why not take a river cruise to admire the city lit up at night, stroll along the famous Khao San Road, or explore the lively night markets, bars with live music and the many restaurants?

Please note: Check-in at the hotel from 2 p.m.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today is all about exploring the must-see sights of Bangkok, nicknamed the ‘City of Angels’.

Start your tour at Wat Pho, built in the 16th century and situated in the historic Rattanakosin district, directly opposite the Grand Palace. This temple is home to several iconic treasures, including the country’s oldest public educational institution, a school of traditional Thai medicine, the birthplace of Thai massage, Thailand’s largest collection of Buddha statues, and the impressive Reclining Buddha, the largest statue of its kind in the country.

Next, continue with a visit to the Grand Palace, one of Thailand’s most iconic and historically significant monuments. The vast 94-hectare complex is home to over a hundred remarkable buildings, richly decorated with intricate details, colourful murals and majestic gilded spires.

Among these buildings is Wat Phra Kaew, better known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, alongside administrative buildings, the royal residence and the throne halls. This temple houses the famous Emerald Buddha, a statue of the Buddha in meditation carved not from emerald, but from jade (or jasper). It is the most revered image of the Buddha in Thailand.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a transfer to the airport for your early morning flight to Chiang Rai.

On arrival in Chiang Rai, you will be met by your guide and set off to explore the legendary Golden Triangle, where the Mekong and Ruak rivers meet, marking the point where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar converge.

You will then visit the majestic Wat Chedi Luang, followed by Wat Phra That Pha Ngao, a Buddhist temple notable for its Burmese-inspired architecture and offering exceptional views over the Mekong.

The tour continues at the Hall of Opium, a museum dedicated to the history of opium cultivation and trade, which has long shaped this region.

On the way back to Chiang Rai, stop at Mae Salong, a mountain village home to several ethnic communities. Here you’ll discover their rich cultural heritage, their traditional stilt houses and the intricate patterns of their colourful traditional dress. You’ll also be enthralled by the magnificent landscapes of Doi Mae Salong, renowned for their lush green hills and picturesque tea plantations.

Overnight at the hotel.

In the morning, transfer to the jetty for a pleasant cruise on the Kok River. This peaceful boat trip will take you through magnificent landscapes of lush jungle to a remote village of the Karen community. There, you will discover the traditional way of life of its inhabitants, who live in bamboo houses in the heart of an unspoilt natural environment.

In the afternoon, explore Chiang Rai’s main attractions. First, visit the spectacular Wat Huay Pla Kang, famous for its immense statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Guan Yin, which towers over the surrounding countryside.

You will then continue to the Baan Dam Museum, also known as the ‘Black House’, a unique work of art conceived by Thawan Duchanee. This complex of black teak buildings houses a fascinating collection of objects made from bone, horn, hide and wood carvings, in an atmosphere that is both mysterious and spiritual.

The day will conclude with a visit to the famous Wat Rong Khun, better known as the ‘White Temple’, a masterpiece of contemporary Thai art and one of the most iconic temples in northern Thailand.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart by road for Chiang Mai (approximately 180 km, or 3 to 3½ hours’ drive), travelling through the magnificent countryside of northern Thailand.

On arrival, you will set off to explore Chiang Mai’s main temples.

First, visit the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, perched atop Doi Suthep. Considered the city’s holiest temple, it can be reached by climbing 306 steps (or by funicular, at an additional cost). At the summit, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Chiang Mai and its surroundings.

You’ll then continue with a visit to Wat Chedi Luang, one of the city’s most iconic temples. Renowned for its imposing, partially ruined chedi (stupa), it bears witness to the rich historical and religious past of the ancient Kingdom of Lanna.

Continue on to Wat Phra Singh, a remarkable example of traditional Lanna architecture. Its tiered roofs, delicate wood carvings and gilded decorations make it one of the most beautiful temples in Chiang Mai. It is also home to the famous statue of Phra Buddha Sihing, considered one of the most revered in Thailand.

At the end of the day, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Muang Mai Market, Chiang Mai’s main wholesale market, renowned for its abundance of fruit, vegetables and fresh produce from local farms.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure north of Chiang Mai, through green countryside dotted with rice paddies, lush forests and rural villages, to reach an elephant sanctuary.

On arrival, you will be given a presentation about the sanctuary and its mission to protect and conserve elephants. After changing into traditional attire, you will help prepare treats for the animals.

You will then have the privilege of getting up close to these impressive creatures in an environment that respects their welfare. You will be able to feed them, interact with them and watch them roam freely, whilst learning about their behaviour, their history and the measures taken to protect them.

The experience will continue with the preparation of balls of medicinal herbs for the elephants, followed by a pleasant walk alongside them to a watering hole where you’ll see them cool off and enjoy their natural habitat to the full. There will be plenty of opportunities to take unforgettable photos throughout this encounter.

To round off this visit, you’ll be invited to enjoy a relaxing break with tea, coffee and seasonal fruit before leaving the sanctuary.

The afternoon is yours to spend at your leisure, exploring Chiang Mai at your own pace or discovering the surrounding villages (activities and personal expenses).

Overnight at the hotel.

Practical information:

• Group tour with return transfers by shared minibus to and from your hotel.
• Pick-up from your hotel in Chiang Mai between 6.30 a.m. and 7.00 a.m..

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a flight to Krabi. On arrival, a private transfer to the jetty, followed by a shared ferry crossing to the island of Koh Lanta.

Located in Krabi Province, in southern Thailand, Koh Lanta is a true haven of peace. Renowned for its long white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, lush mangrove forests and traditional fishing villages, the island charms visitors with its peaceful and authentic atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of the country’s most popular seaside resorts.

On arrival, check in at your hotel.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the beach, relax by the pool or make the most of the resort’s facilities at your own pace

Overnight at the hotel.

Practical information:

• Transfer time between Krabi Airport and Koh Lanta (transfer + ferry): approximately 2 hours.

Breakfast at the hotel. Full days at your leisure to enjoy the magnificent beaches of Koh Lanta, relax by the pool or make the most of the hotel’s facilities, whichever you prefer.

Overnight stays at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer by private vehicle to the jetty, then boarding a shared high-speed boat bound for Phuket.

Known as the ‘Pearl of the South’, Phuket is Thailand’s largest island. Bordered by the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, it is renowned for its white sandy beaches, tropical landscapes, temples, lively atmosphere and wide range of activities, offering the perfect balance between relaxation, nature and exploration.

On arrival at the Phuket jetty, you’ll be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel.

The rest of the day is free to enjoy the beach, the swimming pool or the hotel’s facilities.

Overnight at the hotel.

Practical information:

• Shared speedboat crossing between Koh Lanta and Phuket: approximately 1½ hours.

Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure to enjoy Phuket’s beaches, relax by the pool or make the most of the hotel’s facilities at your own pace.

Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Make the most of your last few moments of free time to relax at the hotel or do some last-minute shopping, before your transfer by private car to Phuket Airport for your outbound flight.

Practical information:

• Check-out time: 12.00.

Days 12 to 14 | Phuket

Breakfast at the hotel. Days at leisure to enjoy Phuket’s beaches, relax by the pool or make the most of the hotel’s facilities at your own pace.

Overnights at the hotel.

Day 15 | Departure from Phuket for your return flight

Breakfast at the hotel. Make the most of your final few hours of free time to relax at the hotel or do some last-minute shopping, before your transfer by private car to Phuket Airport for your departure flight.

Practical information:

• Check-out time: 12.00.

ACCOMMODATION:

• Accommodation in the specified hotels or similar, in a shared double or twin room.

GUIDES:

• Local English-speaking guides on sightseeing days, as per the itinerary.
• No guide services are provided on free days or where not specified in the itinerary.

TRANSFERS:

• Transfers by private, air-conditioned vehicle, as per the itinerary.
• No vehicle services are provided on free days or where not specified in the itinerary.
• Shared ferry transfer to Koh Lanta.
• Shared speedboat transfer from Koh Lanta to the pier in Phuket.

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS:

• Bangkok – Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai – Krabi domestic flights in Economy Class, including one piece of checked luggage weighing up to 20 kg and one piece of hand luggage weighing up to 7 kg.