18-Day Thailand in Full View Tour

Step off the plane in Bangkok and into the start of your journey. We'll ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel, allowing you to settle in and overcome any jetlag before the real exploration begins.

• Board a comfortable tour boat and set sail along the iconic Chao Phraya River. As you cruise, admire the diverse cityscape.
• Your boat will then dock at the magnificent Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, once a grand royal temple under King Rama II. Disembark and immerse yourself in its intricate beauty.
• The day culminates with a visit to the majestic Grand Palace, home to Thailand's sacred Emerald Buddha (crafted from jade or jasper).

The Grand Palace of Bangkok

• Experience the unique thrill of the Mae Klong Railway Market, where you'll witness the astonishing speed and precision of vendors clearing their stalls for a passing train.
• Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the renowned Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, a classic Bangkok highlight.
• Your adventure continues with a 2-hour drive to Kanchanaburi, where you'll discover the historical significance of the Bridge over the River Kwai.
• Finally, enjoy a scenic longtail boat journey from Phutakien Pier to your hotel. Glide through untouched river landscapes, surrounded by verdant jungle and impressive mountains.

The Mae Klong Railway Market and the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

• Explore the famed Erawan National Park, home to the spectacular Erawan Falls with its distinctive emerald green ponds.
• Reach the first six tiers with ease, or challenge yourself with a slightly steeper climb to the seventh. The total trek to the top is about 1.5 kilometers.
• Enjoy leisurely forest walks, refreshing dips in the water, and the chance to spot wild monkeys in their natural habitat.

The Erawan National Park

• The journey by road from Kanchanaburi to Bangkok is approximately 250 kilometers and has an estimated duration of 4 hours.
• After arriving in Bangkok, your guide will lead you along Songwad Street to Ratchawong Road, the bustling heart of Sampheng Market, Bangkok's largest wholesale hub for dress accessories, stationery, and clothing.
• The road connects to Chinatown, where you will savor a variety of delectable treats. Indulge in succulent chicken satay accompanied by a tangy sweet and sour peanut sauce, the famous Pad Thai, flavorful seafood boiled rice, savory dried noodles with red pork, and the ever-refreshing Thai iced tea.

The street food in Bangkok's Chinatown

Today, you have the flexibility to select the perfect flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai based on your preferred arrival time, with numerous options available throughout the day. This swift journey will take approximately one hour.

• Kick off your Chiang Mai exploration with a visit to a bustling local market, a sensory experience of fresh food and vibrant flowers.
• Visit the historically rich Wat Suan Dok, the final resting place for Chiang Mai's former kings and Royal Family.
• Then, take a 30-minute drive up Doi Suthep Mountain, soaking in the breathtaking scenery of Northern Thailand's mountains and forests.
• Arrive at Wat Phra That on the top of the mountain , a highly revered temple in Northern Thailand with origins dating back to 1383 AD.
• Experience the joy of Thai cooking in the tranquil countryside in the afternoon. You'll start by selecting your own fresh vegetables and ingredients from the organic garden. Then, follow clear instructions to create a variety of delicious Thai meals.

The Wat Phra That

• Drive about 3 hours to arrive in Chiang Rai. As the first capital of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Rai is deeply rooted in this historical and cultural identity, evident in its temple architecture, local traditions, and art.
• Prepare to be enchanted by the ethereal beauty of the renowned Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple, with its breathtaking architecture and delicate details.
• The intriguing Baandam Museum, the Black Temple, where unconventional and contemporary art awaits discovery across its distinctive grounds.
• Lose yourself in the vibrant hues of the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), adorned with its captivating blue exterior and intricate artistry.

The Wat Rong Khun

• An early morning flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket, and then join an Elephant Hills Camp shared transfer from the airport.
• Arrive at Elephant Hills Camp and be greeted with a delicious, mildly spiced Thai buffet lunch at noon.
• After lunch, unwind with a tranquil jungle river canoe trip down the Sok River. Keep an eye out for hornbills soaring overhead and reptiles basking on the banks.
• Step out of your canoe and into the elephant park for an extraordinary experience. Here, you can observe, touch, and learn about the lives of Thai elephants.
• After a day immersed in nature, indulge in a refreshing hot shower in your unique luxury safari tent's bathroom. Relax and soak in the panoramic views of the surrounding jungle-clad mountains – pure, unadulterated nature.

Elephant Hills Camp

• Embark on a long-tail boat adventure across the breathtaking Cheow-Larn Lake. Cruise its emerald waters, passing rainforest-clad limestone mountains. Take your time to marvel at the sheer cliffs rising from the water and immerse yourself in nature's grandeur.
• Delve into the heart of the jungle on foot. While not a rigorous survival exercise, the trail can be steep and occasionally slippery. Immerse yourself in the ecology of one of the world's oldest rainforests, encountering an astonishing variety of exotic plants.
• Witness the spectacular sunset painting the towering limestone mountains from the comfort of your deckchair, perhaps after a refreshing swim and a revitalizing shower.

Cheow-Larn Lake

• The morning in Khao Sok whispers with the calls of gibbons in the towering trees, a natural alarm clock as the lingering mist unveils the lake's stunning panorama.
• Join your guide for a peaceful canoe safari, venturing into the intimate waterways and hidden corners of Cheow-Larn Lake.
• Or, take a kayak and silently glide through the water, your eyes scanning the canopy for the majestic hornbills or the energetic movements of primates.
• Transfer to Krabi for accommodation.

Kayaking

• Indulge in natural relaxation at the Hot Spring. Immerse yourself in the warm, mineral-rich waters nestled within a lush rainforest.
• Trek approximately 1,200 meters through the rainforest to reach the mesmerizing Emerald Lagoon, observing the diverse flora and fauna along the path.
• Explore the magnificent Tiger Cave Temple. Discover the caves with their impressive limestone formations and ancient trees.

Emerald Lagoon

• Experience the unparalleled beauty of Phra Nang Cave beach, lauded as one of the world's most stunning coastlines, characterized by its dazzlingly clear waters and unbelievably soft sand.
• Your island hopping adventure continues to the Chicken Island, Tub Island, and Talay Waek. These remarkable spots are best known for their extraordinary sandbanks that emerge like magic during low tide.
• Your exploration concludes with a visit to the breathtaking lagoon of Hong Island, a natural masterpiece surrounded by truly magnificent and unforgettable scenery.

Krabi Island Hopping on a Speed Boat

• Embrace your free day in Krabi, a perfect opportunity to unwind on its world-renowned beaches. Picture yourself sinking your toes into the soft sands of Railay, with its dramatic limestone karsts rising majestically from the turquoise waters.
• Or soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of Ao Nang, with its lively beachfront and array of shops and restaurants.

The beautiful Railay Beach

Moving on from Krabi to catch a flight to Koh Samui. It will be interesting to experience the contrast between Krabi and Koh Samui. Koh Samui presents a more laid-back ambiance, with a focus on wellness and a quieter beach experience.

• Board a shared speedboat bound for the picturesque Koh Nang Yuan. Upon arrival, take a short trek up a jungle-covered hill to a viewpoint offering breathtaking panoramic vistas of the interconnected islands and surrounding sea.
• The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the vibrant underwater world at a stunning snorkeling site near Koh Tao.
• Dive into the clear waters and discover a kaleidoscope of soft and hard corals, experiencing firsthand why this location is celebrated as one of the world's finest for marine exploration.

The beautilful Koh Tao Island

• Your free day in Koh Samui beckons with the promise of pure relaxation. The island's renowned laid-back atmosphere sets the stage for unhurried enjoyment.
• Spend your morning swimming in the crystal-clear waters of your chosen beach. Perhaps indulge in a couples' massage at a beachfront spa. Seek out a quiet corner of the island, perhaps a secluded cove accessible by a leisurely stroll.
• This is your chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and savor the peace and beauty of Koh Samui together.

Today marks the end of your amazing 18-day Thailand journey, and you'll be catching your flight home, filled with incredible memories created with Asia Highlights, and your loved ones. We truly hope you had a magical time exploring the Land of Smiles!