10-Day Best of Thailand New Year Countdown Tour

• Welcome to Bangkok!
• Meet your private tour guide who will greet you with a warm "Sawadee-ka" ('hello' in Thai). Transfer in a private car to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

• Start your day by exploring historical Wat Pho, one of Bangkok's oldest temples.
• Hop on a tuk-tuk through vibrant Pak Khlong Talat flower market before arriving at the magnificent Grand Palace.
• Embark on a long-tail boat ride along the ancient canals of Thonburi. Stop at iconic Wat Arun, a truly photogenic temple.
• End your day with a visit to the bustling Chinatown for a glimpse into Old Bangkok's charm.

The iconic Wat Arun graces the riverside

• Rise early to experience the lively local markets at their peak.
• Travel for about an hour southwest of Bangkok to visit Maeklong Railway Market, where vendors sometimes need to move their stalls to allow trains to pass right through!
• Continue to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, the most famous market in Thailand. Enjoy photo opportunities, delicious food, and a glimpse into a traditional way of life.
• In the late afternoon, head to Bangkok Airport for your flight to Chiang Mai. Arrive in Chiang Mai at night and transfer to your hotel for a relaxing night's sleep.

The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

• Start your day by exploring Chiang Mai's vibrant morning market, where you'll witness locals going about their daily shopping routines.
• Head to Chiang Mai's iconic Doi Suthep Mountain and visit sacred Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the most revered temple in northern Thailand.
• Take a rickshaw ride through the tranquil streets of Chiang Mai's old town to get a taste of local life and its charm.
• In the late afternoon, travel to the Chiang Mai CAD village for a premium seat experience at the Chiang Mai CAD New Year Countdown Festival.
• Immerse yourself in Lanna culture with a traditional Lanna cultural show. Savor the flavors of authentic Lanna Thai cuisine. Witness a spectacular international-class fireworks display featuring over 4,000 dazzling rockets illuminating the sky. Enjoy musical performances and marvel at the breathtaking sight of thousands of water lanterns floating on ponds, a beautiful tradition to celebrate the arrival of the new year.

• Enjoy a relaxing morning at your own pace.
• In the afternoon, your elephant experience begins with a scenic one-hour drive to the Kanta Elephant Sanctuary.
• Upon arrival, change into traditional clothing and learn about the fascinating elephants from the sanctuary staff.
• Prepare their food and participate in feeding the elephants. Next, take a walk with the elephants to the river for a refreshing bath, where you can even join in!
• Enjoy playful interactions with the elephants and capture unforgettable photos with your newfound friends.
• Afterward, relax and enjoy some tea, coffee, and seasonal fruits.
• Bid farewell to the elephants and return to Chiang Mai with lasting memories.

Have a close encounter with the elephant

• Escape the heat and chaos of Chiang Mai with a 1½-hour drive to the refreshing climate of Doi Inthanon National Park.
• Sitting at a majestic height of 2,565 meters (8,415 feet) above sea level, Doi Inthanon National Park is often referred to as "the Roof of Thailand". It is highly renowned for its numerous waterfalls, scenic hiking trails, remote villages, and picturesque mountain farms.
• During your day tour, you'll have the chance to visit the summit of the mountain, where you may encounter rare bird species. Enjoy a leisurely nature walk along the Ang Ka Trail, visit a hill tribe village (specifically the Red Hmong tribe), explore a small Hmong market, admire the scenic beauty of Wachirathan Waterfall, and appreciate the magnificent King and Queen Pagodas.

The King and Queen Pagodas

• Enjoy a leisurely morning at your own pace before your afternoon flight to Koh Samui.
• Renowned as one of the world's finest beach destinations, Koh Samui offers a remarkable balance of natural beauty, traditional lifestyles, and a tempting selection of upscale hotels and resorts.
• Check into your hotel/resort and unwind at your leisure.

• Koh Tao island is a renowned diving and snorkeling paradise in the Gulf of Thailand, teeming with diverse coral species and vibrant marine life.
• Start your day with a minivan transfer to the pier for a thrilling speedboat ride to Koh Nang Yuan.
• Upon arrival, conquer one of the small, jungle-clad hills for a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding islands.
• Savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant on neighboring Koh Tao.
• Head to a stunning snorkeling site near Koh Tao. Dive into a kaleidoscope of marine life amidst colorful soft and hard corals, and experience the beauty of one of the world's top underwater destinations.
• After the tour, cruise back to Koh Samui and transfer back to your hotel.

Spend the day soaking up the sun on Koh Samui's pristine white-sand beaches.

Relax in the wonderful beach of Koh Samui

• Catch your flight back home.
• Thank you for choosing Asia Highlights! We hope to see you again soon!