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.
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
What Our Customers Said
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Three weeks encompassing Vietnam
A special shoutout to our last guide in Bangkok - Ms. Ka-Noon who spoiled us with her kindness and then got us through check in and security for our flight home in record time at that huge Bangkok airport. MoreDeby, Feb 2023
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Three weeks encompassing Vietnam
Three weeks encompassing Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Laos. Albee Ning arranged everything perfectly. Not a flaw in the whole 3 weeks. Guides, flights (7 in total), hotels, private tours…everything was excellent. Travelling on a private tour gave us so much freedom to change our day if we chose to rest or go somewhere else. MoreDeby, Feb 2023
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Three weeks encompassing Vietnam
Asia Highlights is the way to go without any question. Next overseas trip will be booked with them for sure. Thank you for a wonderful and stress free vacation experience. MoreDeby, Feb 2023
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Over the last 5 years we've used Asia…
Over the last 5 years we've used Asia highlights twice. And both times we've had fantastic vacations. Would not want to do it any different when we travel to Asia from now on. Sharon was fantastic. She was a wonderful agent who helped us nail down our trip and make everything go as smooth as possible. MoreTodd Atwell, Feb 2023
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Family Trip to Thailand
Our trip to Thailand comprised three generations of the family , ten people and an age range of 4 to 70 so a potentially difficult brief.Our itinerary over two weeks involved four locations, and a number of different trips and tours.From out arrival at an extremely busy Bangkok airport Asia Highlights were terrific.In each location we were met by a smiling , knowledgeable and professional guide who simply made everything easy and stress free for everyone.Our transportation was clean and comfortable . Transport was always ready for us at the agreed time and the drivers were excellent.There were so many highlights enjoyed by all the age groups. The floating houses , railway market and elephant sanctuary were particular favourites.We had one minor glitch with the accommodation in Phuket which was immediately dealt with by Tip. I think we would have struggled to resolve the problem by ourselves. So, thank you Asia Highlights , Cathy, Tip and tour guides Tanny, Sam and Lisa. It was a memorable holiday and we will be back. MoreRoger Pyle, Feb 2023
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Family Trip to Thailand
So, thank you Asia Highlights , Cathy, Tip and tour guides Tanny, Sam and Lisa. It was a memorable holiday and we will be back. MoreRoger Pyle, Feb 2023
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Trip of a lifetime from Asia Highlights!
I recommend highly Asia Highlights as a travel company. Our travel consultant Albee took the time to connect with us during the planning process to make sure we were comfortable with our itinerary. When we arrived, we were met by our guide and all the details were attended to. They picked great hotels and tours. I often describe our trip as the trip of a lifetime! Would definitely use them again when we come back to Asia MoreNancy Parker, Feb 2023
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Asia Highlights and Albee - highly recommended
Asia Highlights is very reliable agency and Albee is an amazing representative of the company. From the moment when we contacted her until our departure, the whole support we received was 6* level. She prepared our trip offer within few hours and afterwards she was extremely flexible to adjust as per our needs. In the period between the offer and the trip, Albee was always available for all our questions and supported us on the best possible way. During the trip she was again flexible to add new activities/transfers and this went on the smoothest possible way. Thank you, Albee and Asia Highlights. Definitely we will approach you again for our next Asian trip MoreAZ, Feb 2023
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Itinerary in Detail
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Our Service Includes:
- 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
Start planning your tailor-made tour now. Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.
Why Travel with Asia Highlights During the Pandemic
- Tailor-made experience: All of your ideas/needs will be carefully considered to create your ideal trip.
- Worry-free planning: Your 1:1 travel consultant in Asia will take all the uncertainty out of your planning, helping you navigate any travel restrictions.
- No-risk booking: 100% refund policy! (prior to 3 weeks before departure, more details)
Get Inspired with Our Sample 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.
