Experience gorgeous countryside, rich history, amazing food, and friendly locals on this Thailand itinerary. Explore the culture, heritage, and what makes Thailand so unique.
We LOVE Thailand because it truly has it all. Thailand is all kinds of amazing and this is an eye-opening 12-day family adventure featuring some of our favourite destinations. During this Highlights of Thailand Tour, you will be introduced to a beautiful country full of startling contrasts. From the gentleness of the wai, the traditional Thai greeting of placing one’s palms together in a gesture of prayer, to the national sport of boxing—the take-no-prisoners Muay Thai—spending even one day in Thailand is the equivalent of 500 dopamine hits to the brain. Thai food alone is enough to get you amped; with ingredients like hot green chili, garlic, lemongrass, and tamarind, neither you nor your taste buds will ever be bored.
This trip is fully customizable and can be tweaked to best fit your travel-style and needs.
Contact us for a custom tour of Thailand.
Highlights
STARTS AT
USD per Person
THIS IS A CUSTOMIZABLE ITINERARY FOR GROUPS OF ALL SIZES.
DATES ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
DAY 1: WELCOME TO BANGKOK, THAILAND
Meals: none – welcome drinks
Welcome to Bangkok! Arrival in Bangkok clear immigration, collect your luggage, and exit customs. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Transfer to your hotel to spend the rest of the day at leisure. Bangkok welcomes more visitors than any other city in the world and it doesn’t take long to realise why. Bangkok is a city of contrasts with action at every turn. Marvel at the gleaming temples, catch a tuk-tuk along the bustling Chinatown, or take a longtail boat through floating markets. Food is another Bangkok highlight, from local dishes served at humble street stalls to haute cuisine at romantic rooftop restaurants.
Overnight: Riva Surya Bangkok, Deluxe Riva Room (or similar)
DAY 2: BANGKOK – FULL DAY PALACE & TEMPLE TOUR
Meals: B L
Meet with your guide after breakfast at 9:00 a.m. to begin a tour of some of the city’s highlights. The capital of Thailand for more than two centuries, modern Bangkok is still a city of temples and palaces, golden spires and orange-tiered roofs, saffron-robed monks and serene Buddha images.
We depart to the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo (The Temple of the Emerald Buddha). The former residence of Thai monarchs, the Grand Palace is closed to the public and is used today by the king for only certain ceremonial occasions. Adjacent to the Palace is the Wat Phra Kaeo, where the much revered statue of the Emerald Buddha resides. This temple is an architectural wonder of gleaming, gilded chedi (stupas) seemingly buoyed above the ground, polished orange-and-green roof tiles, mosaic-encrusted pillars and rich marble pediments. The Emerald Buddha stands just 30 inches high and first appeared in 15th Century Chiang Rai in the North. The central sanctuary, in which it is displayed, was built expressly for the purpose of housing the diminutive image.
Afterwards we visit Wat Pho, Temple of the Reclining Buddha, build in 1688 and the largest temple in Bangkok. Enshrined in the temple is the 143-foot-long and 46-foot-high gold-plated Reclining Buddha. Wat Pho is now the centre for the teaching of traditional Thai massage.
Enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant before boarding a long-tailed boat to explore the klongs, Bangkok’s maze of canals and waterways – see parts of Thai traditional life that have disappeared from most of Bangkok. Next, pay a visit Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. This is one of the best-known temples in Bangkok and dates back to the ancient Ayutthaya period. The tall, elongated central Khmer-style tower is surrounded by four minor towers, symbolizing Mount Meru, the earthly representation of the thirty-three heavens. Here, you’ll find pavilions containing statues of the Buddha at the most important stages of life. The beautiful architecture and fine craftsmanship mark Wat Arun as one of the most remarkable temples in Thailand. After the exploration, you are driven back to the hotel and enjoy your evening at leisure.
Overnight: Riva Surya Bangkok, Deluxe Riva Room (or similar)
DAY 3: BANGKOK – AYUTTHAYA – BANGKOK
Meals: B L
Full-Day Ayutthaya Historical Ruins and Temples (Private Tour)
This morning, check out from your hotel and you are then driven to Ayutthaya, the capital of Siam from the 15th-18th centuries until the Burmese sacked it in the 1770’s and the Thai moved their capital to Bangkok (Krung Thep). The drive will again take two-to-three hours depending on traffic. Known as a center of distinctive art and architecture, Ayutthaya preceded modern Thailand and is still known for its flourishing artistic community. Pay a visit to the old Royal Summer Residence (Bang Pa-In Palace), Wat Yai Chat Mongkol and some of the most impressive ruins of Ayutthaya, amongst others Wat Mahathat, Wat Sri Sanphet and Wat Chai Wattanaram.
After the exploration, you are then driven back to the hotel in Bangkok and enjoy your evening at leisure.
Overnight: Riva Surya Bangkok, Deluxe Riva Room (or similar)
DAY 4: BANGKOK to CHIANG MAI
Meals: B
Check-out from your hotel after breakfast, you will be picked up at the hotel lobby and then driven to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai.
Fly Bangkok (BKK) to Chiang Mai (CNX) on Bangkok Airways (economy class)
Half Day Doi Suthep and Temples Tour (Private Tour)
Upon arrival meet your guide and continue a visit to the most sacred temple in northern Thailand: Wat Pra That Doi Suthep. It’s the most sacred temple in Chiang Mai and contains a holy relic of the Lord Buddha. Tucked away in the mountains at an elevation of 3,520 feet. The temple compound – accessible via a 300-step staircase – offers an exhilarating view of Chiang Mai and the surrounding countryside. Drive back down to the city center to visit some of the other impressive temples of Wat Suan Dok is one of them. This temple also houses one of the most famous monk schools in all of Chiang Mai and the Wat Jedyod, also known as the Temple of Seven Spires. Please dress respectfully by not wearing sleeveless T–shirts, shorts or strapless sandals when visiting the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
After the visit, you will be driven to your hotel in Chiang Mai.
Overnight: Tamarind Village Chiang Mai, Lanna Deluxe Room (or similar)
DAY 5: CHIANG MAI to DOI INTHANON NATIONAL PARK
Meals: B L
Full-Day Explore Doi Inthanon National Park (Private Tour)
You will be picked up at 07:30 for the day trip to Doi Inthanon National Park, the highest mountain in Thailand (2776 meters). The park boasts the greatest diversity of forest types and bird species found in the entire country and has some beautiful waterfalls. Visit the Mae Ya and Vatchirathan waterfalls on a walk through this unspoiled cloud forest. On the way to the summit of Doi Inthanon learn about the agricultural techniques of the hill tribe people at the Royal Project of Baan Khun Glaang. Tour includes a scenic picnic lunch.
Return to Chiang Mai arriving back at your hotel around 18:30.
Overnight: Tamarind Village Chiang Mai, Lanna Deluxe Room
DAY 6: CHIANG MAI ELEPHANT VISIT
Meals: B L
Full Day Kanta Elephant Sanctuary (Join-in Tour)
08.30 am Pick up from your hotel and drive approximately 50 Mins North of Chiang Mai through rolling hills, forest, and local farming areas.
Arrive at Kanta Elephant Sanctuary, change into traditional clothing.
Time to ask questions and prepare fruit for our elephants. From here, spend time feeding, playing, touching the elephants. At the Sanctuary, we will allow you to spend as much time as possible interacting with the elephants.
Prepare a banana, and tamarind concoction for our elephants. Learn about the background, health care, and behavior of these elephants.
Enjoy more time roaming, feeding, and taking the elephants for a walk to the river. walk to the river and enjoy bathe, scrub elephants.
After the tea and coffee break, you will leave Kanta Elephant Sanctuary and drive approximately 50 Mins back to Chiang Mai.
Please note that the retired mature female elephants at the Kanta Elephant Sanctuary have been rescued from the logging and tourism industries and are free to roam without chains, ropes, or bull hooks. Because of their past, they can no longer live in the wild. They are treated with love. We do not condone the riding of elephants for entertainment purposes.
Overnight: Tamarind Village Chiang Mai, Lanna Deluxe Room
DAY 7: CHIANG MAI COOKING CLASS
Meals: B L
Breakfast at the hotel.
Full Day Fun Cooking Experience with a Local Family (Join-In Tour)
A 15-minute drive out of Chiang Mai leads you to a traditional Lanna family, continuing the traditions of many generations in building their homes of teak wood and maintaining the natural surroundings in a way now rarely seen in Chiang Mai. Use traditional home recipes with authentic Northern Thai flavours that are different from standard dishes offered in commercial cooking classes. Select fresh ingredients from the garden to add to today’s cooking extravaganza. Take full advantage of the opportunity to get to know a real Thai family, be their houseguest for the day and enjoy a delicious home-cooked lunch with them.
Overnight: Tamarind Village Chiang Mai, Lanna Deluxe Room (or similar
DAY 8: CHIANG MAI to PHUKET
Meals: B
Check-out from your hotel after breakfast, you will be picked up at the hotel lobby and then driven to the airport for your flight to Phuket.
Fly Chiang Mai (CNX) to Phuket (HKT) on Bangkok Airways (economy class)
Upon arrival, meet with your guide and driver at the airport and you are then driven to your hotel/resort. You are at leisure for the remainder of the day to spend some time exploring your new surroundings.
Overnight: Andaman White Beach Resort, Sea View Deluxe Room (or similar)
DAY 9: PHUKET CITY TOUR
Meals: B L
Half-Day Phuket City Tour (Private Tour)
This morning enjoy breakfast at the hotel and take some rest until 13.00 pm. Meet your guide at the hotel’s lobby and continue doing Phuket Half day city Tour. We will drive through the Town to see the Sino Portuguese Architecture style which was influenced by the Chinese during the tin mine era back to the 19th century in the day time. After that we head to Khao Rang Hill where you can see the panoramic view of Phuket City and many monkeys. Stop for lunch.
Chalong Temple is one of the most well-known temples in Phuket and is the spiritual heart of the Phuket people. After that visit Big Buddha Prothep Cape Viewpoint located in the South of Phuket.
Take the scenic route back to the resort.
Overnight: Andaman White Beach Resort, Sea View Deluxe Room (or similar)
DAY 10: PHUKET ISLAND EXPLORING
Meals: B L
Full Day Phi Phi – Maya Bay – Bamboo Islands (Join-In Tour)
At 07.30 hrs. pick up from your hotel and transfer to Royal Phuket Marina (Pier), at 10:00 speedboat departure to Phi Phi Island. First stop will be at Bamboo Islands after an hour’s journey, you can swim, snorkel, or sunbathe then we depart to Phi Phi Don Islands and lunch will be served at the restaurant on Phi Phi Don. Around 14:30, the speedboat departs for Phi Phi Ley Island, you will visit Monkey beach, Viking cave, and Pileh Cove.
And we will stop again on Maya Bay and we will return to Royal marina pier.
Around 17:30 you will reach to the pier and you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Overnight: Andaman White Beach Resort, Sea View Deluxe Room (or similar)
DAY 11: PHUKET DAY AT LEISURE
Meals: B
Free day at leisure.
Overnight: Andaman White Beach Resort, Sea View Deluxe Room
DAY 11: DEPARTURE DAY
Meals: B
You are at leisure this morning to enjoy your last few hours in Phuket. Check-out from your hotel at any time before noon today then transfer for you outgoing flight.
End of services or extend your trip to other parts of THAILAND, CAMBODIA, LAOS, VIETNAM, INDIA, or ANYWHERE!
Tour Exclusions
IMPORTANT NOTES
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change. Although we always do our best to stick to the itinerary, due to the ever-changing nature of Mother Nature, activities, hotels, and visits are subject to change due to forces beyond our control.
FLIGHTS: Please do not purchase your flights until this tour is confirmed.
PASSPORTS: Must be valid for at least 6 months upon return date to your home country. Proper documentation is the responsibility of each traveller.
VISAS & VACCINATIONS: Responsibility of the traveller. VISAS (responsibility of the traveller) – Many nationalities do need a visa to enter.
Date: Custom Departure available upon request
Prices from: $3595 USD per participant based on Double / Twin accommodation
*Please note, the hotels and routing of this tour can be altered to best suit your needs. Pricing is based on 2 travellers.
Travel Insurance
Cancellation, Travel, Flight, and Health insurance are required and are the responsibility of the participant to research and secure the appropriate coverage. Click HERE for a Travel Insurance Quote or please email nicola@finisterra.ca for a quote.
Check with your local travel agent /insurance provider/health plan for advice about traveling overseas.
Waiver Form
All participants will be required to sign a Waiver Form prior to departure.
Please note that these are just sample hotels and all accommodation is subject to change. We can upgrade hotels for an additional fee.
Bangkok: Riva Surya Bangkok, Deluxe Riva Room
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Even though we wish you a flawless trip, things can happen, especially nowadays. Make sure you are prepared with a Travel Insurance policy that is right for you. Finisterra recommends Manulife Insurance or John Hancock Please feel free to ask us about Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance, Cancel for Any Reason Policies, Travel Medical Insurance, or any other questions you may have.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR CANADIANS
Travel with confidence knowing that you’re covered with Manulife Insurance.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR AMERICANS – JOHN HANCOCK
Explore the world, stress-free, when you book travel insurance with John Hancock International.
WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
At Finisterra Travel we help you discover, push personal boundaries, and explore the unknown.
We are super passionate about sustainable, transformational, and adventure travel. Definitely not “armchair travellers”, we have firsthand experience of where you’ll be heading.No one wants to feel like a tourist which is why when we plan a custom travel experience for you, we strive to make your adventure as authentic as possible. We offer an array of Small Group Adventures & Custom Trips, and have something for every type of traveller.
Our unique itineraries are designed to best showcase some of our favourite destinations around Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, and Europe. All itineraries are fully-customizable.Not your typical online travel agency, nor are we quite a tour operator, we are international travel designers with a flair for unique experiences. We’d love to hear from you!
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