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15 Day itinerary in Thailand, Asia

Essential Thailand: Elephants & Islands

This 15-day carefully-designed trip will get you immersed in the fascinating history, cultural richness and blissful beach relaxation of Thailand. Cruise down Bangkok's famous khlongs, step back in time in the ancient kingdom of Ayutthaya, observe gentle elephants in Chiang Mai, and relax in the tro... Read More

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Alick

By Alick

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Easy
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Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

Bangkok

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Visit markets

Meet local people

Indigenous culture

Historic & cultural landmarks

Outdoors & Nature

Classic Sights

Beach & Sea

Start/End

Night

Highlights

1

Grand Palace & longtail boat ride

2

UNESCO-protected Ayutthaya Historical Park

3

Chiang Mai with elephant encounter

4

Tropical island paradise of Phuket and Krabi

Itinerary

Mid-Range ($$) expand_more

Day 1

place Arrival, Bangkok

Upon arriving in Thailand's vibrant capital of Bangkok, you will be greeted at the airport by a local guide who will accompany you on a private transfer to your downtown hotel. Check-in and relax for the rest of today.

Guide: Included for the day

Accommodation:

  • 4-Star Accommodation: Maitria Hotel Sukhumvit 18 – A Chatrium Collection
Day 2

place Bangkok, City Discovery

Your guide will be waiting in the lobby to lead you on a full-day discovery of the city's essential sights. Start by visiting a colorful flower and vegetable market to experience authentic local life. Carry on to the renowned Grand Palace, Thailand's most important landmark. This former royal residence houses glittering halls, pavilions and temples, including the sacred Wat Phra Kaew. The afternoon continues with a long-tail boat ride through the canals, known locally as Khlongs, to see Thai houses on stilts and the typical rural life of the local people. At the end of the cruise, admire the truly spellbinding Wat Arun from the boat on the river. Disembark and walk into the nearby Wat Pho to witness the 45-metre gilded reclining Buddha. Finally, return to your hotel, with the rest of the day to relax.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • 4-Star Accommodation: Maitria Hotel Sukhumvit 18 – A Chatrium Collection
Day 3

place Bangkok, Day Excursion to Historical Ayutthaya

Today, delve into the country's rich history as you drive north to Ayutthaya, the second capital of Siamese Kingdom from the 14th to the 18th centuries. Pause on route to visit Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, once used by the Thai Kings as a summer retreat. Continue on the transfer to the UNESCO-designated Ayutthaya Historical Park, where atmospheric ruins of palaces, Buddhist temples and statues can be found. You will then be guided to explore some significant ruined temples, like Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, Wat Mongkhon Bophit and Wat Maha That. After that, transfer back to Bangkok for the night.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • 4-Star Accommodation: Maitria Hotel Sukhumvit 18 – A Chatrium Collection
Day 4

place Bangkok – Chiang Mai

This morning, leave the energetic Bangkok behind and fly north to the laid-back Chiang Mai. You will be collected from the airport on arrival by your new guide and transferred to your hotel. Check-in and freshen up before heading out to witness traditional hilltribe life in a Hmong village. End today's trip at the highly revered Wat Phra That Doi Suthep on the mountaintop of Doi Suthep, which grants fantastic views over Chiang Mai city and its scenic surroundings.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • 4-Star Accommodation: Smile Lanna Hotel
Day 5

place Chiang Mai, Elephant Encounter

The Elephant has been Thailand's national animal for a very long time. Today, drive out of the city into the lush countryside to Elephant Nature Park for a join-in group tour. First, get to know the sanctuary's rescue efforts for elephants, buffaloes, dogs, cats and other animals. You will then walk on an elevated boardwalk and around the park, observing how elephants socialize in their herbs, eat with their long trunks, play in the mud pit, and bathe themselves in the river. This will be an unforgettable day in the company of these gentle giants.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • 4-Star Accommodation: Smile Lanna Hotel
Day 6

place Chiang Mai, Lanna Family Visit with Hands-on Culinary Experience

This morning is reserved for a cooking class at a local Lanna family to discover the secret of authentic Thai cuisine. You will be shown around the host family's graceful teakwood houses, collect different kinds of herbs and vegetables from the orchard, and try your hands at making some delectable home-cooked dishes under guidance. After cooking, enjoy your creations for lunch. Finally, transfer back to your hotel and spend the remainder of today at leisure.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • 4-Star Accommodation: Smile Lanna Hotel
Day 7

place Chiang Mai – Phuket

The beach part of your vacation starts today. After enjoying some leisure time this morning, you will be collected from your hotel and taken to the airport in time for your flight to the southernly island paradise of Phuket. Upon landing, a private transfer will whisk you to your beach resort. For the rest of the day, relax, indulge and explore your beautiful surroundings.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • 4-Star Accommodation: Chanalai Flora Resort, Kata Beach - Phuket
Day 8

place Phuket, Leisure Day

Today is entirely your own to enjoy the sights and activities around Phuket, relaxing on white sandy beaches, tasting freshly caught seafood, and partaking in excellent water sports. Besides, you may wish to go a little further and explore nearby areas of Phuket, like Phang Nga Bay, Similan Islands, and Khao Sok National Park; please feel free to ask your travel consultant for optional excursions.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • 4-Star Accommodation: Chanalai Flora Resort, Kata Beach - Phuket
Day 9

place Phuket, Leisure Day

Another day at leisure in Phuket. You can opt to enjoy the facilities of your resort or head out to explore Phuket Town.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • 4-Star Accommodation: Chanalai Flora Resort, Kata Beach - Phuket
Day 10

place Phuket, Day Excursion to Phi Phi Islands

Departing from Phuket by speedboat in the morning, venture out on a join-in group excursion to experience the highly-rated Phi Phi Islands and nearby sights. You'll be spoiled for choices on things to do during this full-day island escape: swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, go sightseeing around Viking Cave and Yong Kasem (Monkey Beach), and relax on a white sandy beach at Khai Island.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

  • 4-Star Accommodation: Chanalai Flora Resort, Kata Beach - Phuket
Day 11

place Phuket – Krabi

Travel onward by 3-hour drive to Krabi, a quieter beach destination abundant with idyllic isles, limestone cliffs and lush jungles. The rest of the day is yours to settle into your preferred resort and relax in your surroundings.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • 4-Star Accommodation: Panan Krabi Resort
Day 12

place Krabi, Leisure Day

Indulge in a full day of leisure on Krabi. You will have ample opportunity to participate in dynamic activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, hiking, and cave exploration.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • 4-Star Accommodation: Panan Krabi Resort
Day 13

place Krabi, Leisure Day

Free day at leisure. Your travel consultant can advise you of optional excursions, such as Full Day Hong Islands by Speed Boat and Full Day 4 Islands by Longtail Boat.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • 4-Star Accommodation: Panan Krabi Resort
Day 14

place Krabi – Bangkok

After enjoying some leisure time this morning, you will be collected from your hotel and taken to the airport in time for your flight back to Bangkok. Spend the rest of today independently, wandering around shiny skyscrapers, browsing street food stalls and picking up some last-minute souvenirs.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • 4-Star Accommodation: Maitria Hotel Sukhumvit 18 – A Chatrium Collection
Day 15

place Bangkok, Departure

Bid farewell. Enjoy breakfast and some leisure time before you are transferred to the airport in time for your homebound flight.

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Accommodation expand_less

  • Smile Lanna Hotel
  • Maitria Hotel Sukhumvit 18 – A Chatrium Collection
  • Chanalai Flora Resort, Kata Beach - Phuket
  • Panan Krabi Resort

Meals expand_less

  • Breakfast (14)
  • Lunch (5)

Transport expand_less

  • Flights: Bangkok – Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai – Phuket, Krabi – Bangkok, including airport taxes
  • All needed transfers at airport/hotel/station/ferry as per itinerary

Activities expand_less

  • Sightseeing or activities as listed in the itinerary with English-speaking guides
  • Entrance fees of the scenic spots as listed in the itinerary

Extras expand_less

  • Service charges

Not Included expand_less

  • Sightseeing / Meals or any other item NOT listed in the itinerary
  • International flights to and from Bangkok
  • Visa application & visa fee
  • Gratuities or tips
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses such as room service, internet charge, laundry, drink, fax, telephone call, etc
  • Excess baggage charge
  • Optional activities either recommended by tour guides or out of your own interests

About Alick

TEAM LEAD

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star_outline 4.88 (16 reviews)

Expertise: 

Hiking

Visit markets

Meet local people

Indigenous culture

Yoga

Meditation

Historic & cultural landmarks

Outdoors & Nature

Classic Sights

Food & Drink

Travel with Purpose

Beach & Sea

I love traveling to discover new places and try local flavors. Working in travel is an ideal choice for me, and I adore being able to travel the world while assisting clients in planning their dream vacations and creating their own lifetime memories.

Travel that Makes a Difference

By choosing to travel with us, you support local communities, wildlife, and the environment. We are dedicated to positively impacting the world through every journey we offer.

Let’s regenerate the planet together

We overcompensate your entire journey’s carbon footprint including flights - for free.

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FROM PRICE PER TRAVELER

$3,288.00 USD