15 Days Best of Thailand Cultural Tour

Destination: Bangkok – Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai – Phuket | Thailand


Highlights of this tour:

  • Swimming with Sea Gypsies in the Andaman Sea.
  • Explore Thai jungles with Elephants.
  • Visit the Golden Triangle Region where Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos meet.
  • Discover the Ayutthaya Ruins.
  • Learn the best-kept secrets of Northern Thai cuisine.
VIEW ITINERARY

15 Days

Includes internal flights, twin shared accommodation, English speaking guides, private cars, sightseeing and meals listed.
Excludes visa and travel documents, travel insurance, international flights, local tipping, etc.

This itinerary is to give you a flavor of what is possible. We can tailor this trip to suit your specific needs and expectations. Any aspect of the itinerary can be altered, from excursions to accommodation. Cost above is base on the selection of Deluxe accommodations during the low season period. They can be altered to suit the level of luxury you prefer.

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Doi Mae Salong Mountain
Chao Praya Cruise, Thailand

ITINERARY

Day 1.  Bangkok | Welcome to Thailand!

International Flight: Excluded

Welcome to Thailand! Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and escort you to Mandarin Oriental for check in. Then the rest of the day is at your leisure.

Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental 

 

Day 2. Bangkok | Ayutthaya Kingdom Discovery

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Begin your exciting journey in the morning to Ayutthaya – the Ancient City. During which, you’ll visit many of the ancient temple remains. Ayutthaya used to be the flourishing and prosperous capital of Siam. Time-worn and tattered in war, the ruined temples and palaces are no doubt ancient relics reflecting a golden and glorious past.

During the afternoon, return back to Bangkok for some leisure time.

The evening will commence with a Chao Phraya River Dinner Cruise on Apsara by Banyan Tree. Enjoy the views of the lights of Bangkok while tasting sumptuous courses served to you en route.

Finally, return to the hotel after dinner.

Ayutthaya City, Thailand

Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental 

 

Day 3. Bangkok | Temples of Bangkok

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, the first destination is Wat Phra Kaew, the chapel of the Emerald Buddha, which houses the world’s most famous image of Buddha. The 75cm statue of jade sits atop an 11m golden pedestal surrounded by lavish murals and richly decorated pavilions. Next, you’ll visit The Grand Palace which encompasses several major buildings. The most prominent include The Throne Hall, The Reception Hall, and The Coronation Hall.
Then you’ll visit Wat Traimit, the temple of the golden Buddha. It weighs 5.5 tons of solid gold and was sculptured in the Sukhothai style. Finish the tour around noon and enjoy leisure time during the afternoon.

Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental

 

Day 4. Bangkok – Chiang Rai | Flight to Chiang Rai | Golden Triangle

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

In the morning, transfer by flight to Chiang Rai. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you and transfer you to Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort at their Deluxe Three Country View with balcony overlooking the hills of Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand. After some leisure time, go to visit the Opium Museum. Later in the day, enjoy a one-hour Thai spa treatment at Anantara. In the evening, enjoy dinner at Anantara.

Accommodation: Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort

 

Day 5. Chiang Rai | Elephant Camp and Conservation

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rise early in the morning. After breakfast, you’ll meet your mahout and proceed to find your elephant in the forest.
Today you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the gentle giants. Experience jungle trekking with the elephants, bathing them and learn about the light touches and commands used to communicate with them. Have lunch at Anantara’s Sala Mae Nam restaurant. In the afternoon, learn about the elephant conservation project at Anantara.
Dinner at Anantara.

Northern Thailand elephants

Accommodation: Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort

 

Day 6. Chiang Rai | Mae Salong Mountain Exploration

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

During the morning, transfer to Mae Salong Mountain, a scenic peak in the Shan Highlands. First stop at a tea plantation to try some fresh hot tea in the morning while taking in the splendid views. Learn about the Chinese military KMT village that resettled at Mae Salong and their interesting story. Have lunch at a Yunnanese restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Akha, Yao and Lisu hill-tribe villages. Then return to the resort for leisure time.

Doi Mae Salong Mountain, Thailand

Accommodation: Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort

 

Day 7. Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai | Mountain Roadtrip to Chiang Mai

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, enjoy leisure time or take a short excursion in the Golden Triangle to see the scenery of where Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos converge.
Enjoy lunch at Anantara before checking out.

Then you’ll transfer by a scenic mountain road to Chiang Mai. On the way, you’ll stop at Wat Rong Khun(the White Temple). This unique and modern temple features Hindu and Buddhist architecture along with contemporary art and sculptures. You’ll continue to Chiang Mai to Anantara Chiang Mai Resort & Spa for check-in.

Accommodation: Anantara Chiang Mai Resort

 

Day 8. Chiang Mai | Temples of Chiang Mai

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, visit the most prominent temples in Chiang Mai. Start with Wat Phra Singh which houses the famous Phra Singh Buddha image. It features Lanna art throughout and illustrates many famous Buddhist stories. Continue on to Wat Chedi Luang, which once contained the Emerald Buddha. The temple is partially in ruins due to an earthquake in the 1500s. Then stop at Wat Chiang Man which is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai and also houses one of Thailand’s greatest treasures: the Crystal Buddha(usually only able to be seen on Sundays and certain festival dates). Then continue to Wat Suan Dok, which houses many of the remains of generations of the old Chiang Mai Royal Family. Finally, visit Wat Jet Yot – this peaceful temple is surrounded by green and was built in the Mahabodhi style from India to house the Eighth World Buddhist Council in 1453.

You’ll return to your resort by noon for leisure time.

Accommodation: Anantara Chiang Mai Resort

 

Day 9. Chiang Mai | Thai Culinary Experience

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today you’ll take part in a Thai cooking experience. Start by meeting your chef. Then transfer to the market to learn about Thai ingredients, herbs, produce, spices and how to identify them. Then transfer back to the food prep pavilion to learn how to make several popular Thai dishes under the guidance of your chef. Next, you’ll enjoy your creation!

Then return to your hotel for some leisure time.

Accommodation: Anantara Chiang Mai Resort

 

Day 10. Chiang Mai – Phuket | Flight to Phuket | Relax on the Beach

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, you’ll transfer by flight to Phuket. Upon arrival, transfer to Impiana Private Villas for check into their Impiana Villa with private splash pool. The rest of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the beach.

Koh Samui Beach, Thailand

Accommodation: Impiana Private Villas

 

Day 11. Phuket | Phang Nga Bay: Hong by Starlight

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy the beach or relax. In the afternoon, you’ll explore the Phang Nga Bay by kayak to see the limestone karsts up close. Peppered with Macaques, Water Monitors, Kingfishers, and Sea Eagles, your guide will tell you about what you’re viewing. Paddle through tunnels and lagoons in many untouched parts of the bay.

Enjoy a Thai seafood dinner while watching the sunset.

As darkness falls, return to the kayaks and watch as fireflies and sea glow light up the bay. You’ll have the opportunity to release in the bay a “Krathong”(small candle flotilla) and make a wish.

Return to your hotel late evening.
Note: This is a joint tour.

Accommodation: Impiana Private Villas

 

Day 12. Phuket | Diving Trip in Paradise

Meals: Breakfast

Today, take part in a diving trip to one of the many spectacular dive sites in the area(actual site will vary depending on currents and season). The area contains large stingrays, barracudas, colorful coral, parrot fish, anemones and more. The trip will include a minimum of two dives.
Note: This is a joint tour. If you are not a licensed diver and/or prefer a different activity, please let us know and we can suggest another.

Accommodation: Impiana Private Villas

 

Day 13. Phuket | Explore Ancient Rain Forests

Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy an adventure today in the Khao Sok National Park. Khao Sok is an ancient rain forest that is older than the Amazon. Explore the jungle by canoe, on elephant, and on foot led by an experienced forest guide. After the tour, return to your hotel in Phuket.
Note: This is a joint tour.

Accommodation: Impiana Private Villas

 

 Day 14. Phuket | Leisure Day

Meals: Breakfast

Today is at your leisure to enjoy the beautiful beaches along the Andaman Sea.

Accommodation: Impiana Private Villas

 

Day 15. Phuket – Bangkok | Farewell!

Meals: B

During today, you’ll transfer by flight to Bangkok to catch your international flight. Thank you for traveling with us!

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ACCOMMODATIONS

Bangkok
Chaophya Park Hotel

Chiang Rai
Le Meridien Chiang Rai

Chiang Mai
Rati Lanna Riverside Spa Resort

Phuket
Centara Blue Marine Resort & Spa Phuket

Bangkok
Siam Kempinski Hotel

Chiang Rai
Le Meridien Chiang Rai

Chiang Mai
Rati Lanna Riverside Spa Resort

Phuket
Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort

Bangkok
Mandarin Oriental

Chiang Rai
Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort

Chiang Mai
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort

Phuket
Impiana Private Villas, Kata Noi Phuket

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Asia in Comfort

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