Private Thailand With Phuket

On arrival at Bangkok International Airport, our representative will meet and greet you before we arrange an unescorted transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free – you can start exploring this bustling city at your own pace, perhaps enjoy a traditional Thai massage, sample bold local flavours, and finish with sunset views from one of the city’s rooftop bars – all at your own expense. Overnight in Bangkok.

Today we explore three of Bangkok’s most important temples before visiting the Grand Palace. We begin at Wat Traimit – the Temple of the Golden Buddha – home to a solid gold statue standing 3 metres tall and weighing 5.5 tonnes. We then pass through Chinatown en route to Wat Pho, famed for the Reclining Buddha and the Chedis of the Kings. The statue measures 46 metres long and 15 metres high, depicting the Buddha’s passing into nirvana. Next, we continue to the Grand Palace, once the residence of the kings of Bangkok and one of the finest examples of an ancient Siamese royal court. Here we see palaces used for different occasions – the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guesthouse – and Wat Phra Kaew, the Emerald Buddha Temple. To round off the outing, we stop at a local lapidary factory and showroom, where you can browse or purchase locally made jewellery, handicrafts and silk at competitive prices. The Grand Palace may be closed to the public during special royal ceremonies and official government visits. Overnight in Bangkok.

After breakfast, we leave Bangkok for Samut Songkhram to visit Maeklong Railway Market – Talad Rom Hoop. On arrival, our guide introduces the area’s history before we take our place to watch the train pass through as vendors swiftly fold back their awnings – a brief, impressive sight. We then continue to Ratchaburi to explore Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where colourfully clad traders paddle sturdy canoes laden with fresh fruit and vegetables along lively canals – a great way to observe local life and pick up bargains. We transfer back to Bangkok.Overnight in Bangkok.

After breakfast, we transfer you to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai – domestic flight not included. On arrival, we arrange an unescorted transfer to your hotel. At 1.30 pm, we pick you up in central Chiang Mai for a guided tour of the old town’s main temples.We visit Wat Suan Dok to see its 48–metre Sri Lankan–style chedi overlooking the Royal Cemetery, continue to Wat Phra Sing – a large complex of more than 60 buildings – then explore 14th–century Wat Chedi Luang in the heart of the old city, restored after years of decay. We also take in nearby Wat Chet Yot, which shows its age, and Wat Chiang Man, noted for its numerous elephant sculptures. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

After breakfast at the hotel, we visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep for panoramic views over Chiang Mai. You can choose to climb the 309–step naga staircase or take the included cable car – both lead to a hilltop temple with striking structures. We then continue to bustling Wararot Market – a historical landmark renowned for the variety and quality of its products – before visiting the fragrant flower market. In the evening, we enjoy a khan toke dinner (included) – a traditional northern Thai feast with cultural performances inspired by the Lanna kingdom, which dominated northern Thailand for almost five centuries. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

After breakfast, we depart Chiang Mai for Elephant Jungle Sanctuary (Grand Canyon). Following a safety and orientation briefing, we take part in an ethical experience focused on elephant care, conservation and observation. We learn about the sanctuary’s mission while watching the elephants in a natural environment where their welfare and freedom of movement are prioritised – with time to take respectful photos.After lunch, we travel by road via Doi Saket and stop at Wat Rong Khun – the White Temple – a striking 1990s creation with an all white exterior set with pieces of mirror, making it one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand. We then continue to Chiang Rai, arriving in the afternoon, and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Chiang Rai.

After breakfast we check out and drive to Chiang Saen for panoramic views of the Golden Triangle, where Laos, Myanmar and Thailand meet along the Mekong. We then take a 30–minute boat ride around the area, followed by lunch at a local restaurant – included. We continue to Chiang Rai Airport, arriving at approximately 14:00 – we recommend booking flight WE 2135, departing 16:55. On arrival at Bangkok Airport, connect to your onward flight to Phuket – domestic flights from Chiang Rai to Bangkok and from Bangkok to Phuket are not included. In Phuket, enjoy a meet and greet and a transfer to your hotel. The evening is free – you can explore Phuket’s streets for handicrafts, Thai food and nightly entertainment at your own expense. Overnight in Phuket.

We start with breakfast, then you have a full free day in Phuket. You can relax by the pool or on the beach, or choose from a range of optional activities at your own expense – island hopping is straightforward from here, with Phi Phi and James Bond Island within easy reach. You could also explore Phuket’s shimmering temples and colonial mansions at your own pace. Your local representative can help you select options and make the necessary arrangements. Overnight in Phuket.

We begin with breakfast at your hotel, then the rest of the day is at leisure for unhurried rest and relaxation – you can take it easy at the hotel, head out for a gentle wander or simply enjoy some quiet time. There are no scheduled activities today, so you set the pace. Overnight in Phuket.

We begin with breakfast, then you have a full day at leisure to discover Phuket at your own pace – explore as you wish or simply unwind. Overnight in Phuket.

Enjoy your final morning with breakfast at the hotel, then we transfer you to Phuket Airport for your onward travel – this is an unescorted transfer.