How to Plan an Incredible Family Trip to Japan in 2024/2025. Learn more.

10-Day Classic Thailand Tour

By Nora OuUpdated Mar. 11, 2024
First Touch of Thailand

With the vibrant Bangkok, historical Kanchanaburi, and northern cultural Chiang Mai plus the fabulous island of Phuket, this tour leads you to the top four destinations you can't miss for your first-time trip in Thailand.

From the celebrated palace and amazing temples in Bangkok to the famous Bridge over the River Kwai and historical railway, and from a close encounter with elephants and a local home cooking experience in Chiang Mai to the fantastic beach, you will have an opportunity to discover the charm of Thai culture and history as well as to enjoy the country's beautiful natural scenery.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Highlights

  • Walk into the magnificent Grand Palace and photogenic Wat Arun.
  • Take a historical train ride across the famous Bridge over the River Kwai.
  • Have a close encounter with elephants in the jungle of Chiang Mai.
  • Take a Thai home cooking experience and sample northern dishes.
  • Enjoy a panoramic view of Chiang Mai at the famous Doi Suthep.
  • Relax by the beautiful beach in Phuket.

Journey Route

thailand map

Itinerary in Detail

Day 1
Bangkok Arrival
Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn Bangkok(4-star)/Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel(5-star)

Your private guide will be waiting for you in the airport arrivals area. A comfortable vehicle (non-smoking) with an experienced driver will transfer you directly to your hotel. Your guide will help you to check in.
The rest of this day is free for you to spend at your leisure.

Day 2
City Exploration and Visit Bangkok's Top Attractions
breakfast and lunch

A Palace and Temples, Ancient Canal Cruising
Experience the morning chanting ritual at Wat Pho, which is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok. Take a tuk tuk ride via Pak Khlong Talat flower market to the Grand Palace. Continue with a long-tail boat ride along the ancient canals of Thonburi to get a flavor of the local life. Stop at the iconic Wat Arun, which was once the grand royal temple of King Rama II. After lunch at a local restaurant, you will cross the Chao Phraya River and be driven to Chinatown for a glance at Old Bangkok.

The Famous Wat Pho
The Famous Wat Pho
Day 3
A Day Tour to Kanchanaburi
breakfast and lunch

Visit Bridge over the River Kwai and Take a Historical Train Ride
Located in downtown Kanchanaburi, Bridge over the River Kwai was built by prisoners of war during World War II, overseen by the Japanese. Board the train and take an hour's ride along the Death Railway over the River Kwai, traveling over the original wooden viaduct (Bridge over the River Kwai) that was constructed by the Allied POWs. Pass through magnificent scenery and spend a moment reflecting on those who were forced to give their lives in the process of bending this environment to man's will.

Bridge over the River Kwai
Take a historical train ride along the Death Railway over the River Kwai
Day 4
Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Bodhi Serene (4-star)/Rati Lanna Riverside Spa Resort (5-star)
 
breakfast

Get up late, have a leisurely breakfast, then take a private transfer to the airport and fly to Chiang Mai. Upon your arrival, your private tour guide and driver will welcome you in the airport and then transfer you to your selected hotel in Chiang Mai. Enjoy a free afternoon ' you may like to consider going to a spa or visiting the local market.

Chiang Mai City Gate
The Old City Gate of Chiang Mai
Day 5
Have a Close Encounter with Elephants in the Jungle
breakfast and lunch

A Day Program at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
About one-hour drive away from Chiang Mai, located beside a Karen village in a densely forested mountainous region, Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is surrounded by a spectacular forest landscape. During a day program at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, you will get to know each of the remarkable elephants and gain a special understanding of their daily lives and behaviors. Learn how to make herbal medicine balls, feed the elephants, and then walk with the elephants to the river. Bathe and brush the elephants.

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
Have a Close Encounter with Elephants in the Jungle
Day 6
Chiang Mai Spiritual Tour and a Thai Cooking Experience
breakfast and lunch

Amazing Temples in Chiang Mai
In the morning, head out of Chiang Mai city for about 20 minutes to the famous Doi Suthep. Despite the stunning natural beauty, the main reason many visitors go to Doi Suthep Mountain is to visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Built in 1382, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of the most holy Buddhist sites in Thailand. Many Thai people go on a pilgrimage there, especially during the Buddhist holidays. Later, return to downtown Chiang Mai and visit Wat Chedi Luang. It is one of the six most important temples in Chiang Mai. It attracts a lot of Thai people who worship there each year as it was once the home of the Emerald Buddha.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Learn How to Make Thai Dishes from a Local Family

In the afternoon, visit a local family' the host will welcome you and walk you through her organic vegetable garden to collect the different kinds of herbs and vegetables that will be used in the variety of Thai food that you will be preparing. You will learn how to make some of the best home-cooked dishes that you can easily cook for your family when you return home. During the class, in addition to cooking, you will also sample dishes from the north, northeast, and central regions of Thailand.

cooking class
The Materials Preparing for a Cooking Class
Day 7
Chiang Mai to Phuket
Horizon Karon Beach Resort & Spa (4-star)/ Novotel Phuket Kata Avista Resort and Spa (5-star)
 
breakfast

After a leisurely breakfast, take a private transfer to the airport and fly to Phuket. Upon your arrival at Phuket International Airport, take a private transfer to your beautiful hotel.

Phuket
Spend your free afternoon at leisure by the beach
Day 8 - 9
Phuket
breakfast

These two days are free for you to spend at leisure by the beach. You may consider taking a speedboat trip to the many nearby tropical paradises, including the famous Phi Phi Islands, or enjoy a serene cruise around the mystical Phang Nga Bay. All of these tours can be easily booked at your hotel.

Day 10
Phuket-Bangkok Departure
breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to Phuket International Airport, take a morning flight back to Bangkok, and connect with your international departure flight.

Hand-picked Hotels

We have selected hotels with different styles and for different budgets. Let us know your preferences and we will help you find the right one.

superior sky room at eastin grand sathorn bangkok hotel
Bangkok
Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn Bangkok
hotel in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai
Bodhi Serene, Chiang Mai
hotel in Chiang Mai
Phuket Island
Novotel Phuket Kata Avista Resort and Spa

Our Service Includes:

10 days from
US$1,959
per person (based on 2 persons and 4-star hotels)
  • Private transfers and English-speaking tour guide
  • All guided sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary
  • Hotel accommodation mentioned in the itinerary
  • Flights between cities mentioned in the itinerary
  • Breakfasts at hotels and lunches for every guided day
  • Governmental taxes

Tour code: ah-57

Inquire now! Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.

How would you travel?

What's your hotel choice?

When would you travel?

I prefer to be contacted via:

Why Asia Highlights (10,000+ reviews & 98.8% 5-star rating)

  • Save Your Time:
  • Less research, more enjoyment!
  • Real-time 1V1 expert planning
  • Maximize Your Flexibility:
  • Personal local guide and ride
  • Explore at your own pace
  • Celebrate Your Journeys:
  • Specially-crafted family adventures
  • Celebrate milestones with style!

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

More reviews

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.

More Travel Ideas and Inspiration

Start planning your tailor-made tour with 1-1 help from our travel advisors. Create My Trip
4.9 ExcellentTrustPilot rating TrustPilot Logo

Sign up to Our Newsletter

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

Click to sign up

Why Asia Highlights

Save Your Time

Save Your Time

  • Less research, more enjoyment!
  • Real-time 1V1 expert planning.
  • Seamless coordination
Maximize Your Flexibility

Maximize Your Flexibility

  • Your own personal guide and ride.
  • Explore at your own pace.
  • Unparalleled flexibility, impossible on a group tour.
Ensure Your Satisfactory

Ensure Your Satisfactory

  • Well-trained elite 20% of guides.
  • 20% vacancy on vehicles.
  • 24/7 emergency support.
Celebrate Your Journey

Celebrate Your Journey

  • Family adventures
  • Celebrate milestones with style!
  • Photographer service for special moments

Where Can We Take You Today?

Rated 5 out of 5 | 98.8% Excellence
China Highlights International
Travel Service Co., LTD
Featured on
China Highlights was featured on these medias.

Address: Building 6, Chuangyi Business Park, 70 Qilidian Road, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China