Classic Thailand With Phuket

On arrival at Bangkok International Airport, we’ll meet and welcome you before arranging your unescorted transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to start exploring this buzzing city at your own pace – you could relax with a traditional Thai massage, sample the bold local flavours, and take in sunset views from one of the stylish rooftop bars, all at your own expense. Overnight in Bangkok.

Today we explore three of Bangkok’s most important Buddhist temples. We begin at Wat Traimit – the Temple of the Golden Buddha – to see the solid gold statue standing 3 metres tall and weighing 5.5 tonnes. We then pass through Chinatown en route to Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha and home to the Chedis of the Kings. The statue here measures 46 metres in length and 15 metres in height, illustrating the Buddha’s passing into nirvana. Next, we continue to the Grand Palace – once the residence of the kings of Bangkok and a remarkable example of an ancient Siamese royal court. Here we see palaces used for different occasions, including the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guesthouse, and Wat Phra Kaew – the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. To round off the outing, we stop at a local lapidary factory and showroom where you can view and 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 depart Bangkok for Samut Songkhram to visit Maeklong Railway Market – also known as Talad Rom Hoop. Our guide outlines the market’s history before we watch the train pass through as stallholders swiftly retract their awnings – the whole sequence is over in moments. We then continue to Ratchaburi to explore Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where colourfully dressed merchants paddle busy canals selling fresh fruit and vegetables from their boats. It’s a lively glimpse of local life – you can browse, take photos and bargain for snacks or souvenirs at your own expense. We transfer back to Bangkok. Overnight in Bangkok.

After breakfast, we transfer you to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai – domestic flights are 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 city and its main temples. We visit Wat Suan Dok to see its Sri Lankan–style chedi rising 48 metres above the Royal Cemetery, then continue to Wat Phra Sing to explore its extensive complex of more than 60 buildings. We proceed to Wat Chedi Luang in the heart of the old city, a temple dating from the 14th century that has been restored after decades of decay. We also take in nearby Wat Chet Yot and Wat Chiang Man – the former shows its age, while the latter is renowned for its numerous elephant sculptures. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

After breakfast, we visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep for panoramic views over Chiang Mai. The temple is accessed via the 309 steps of the naga staircase or by cable car – the cable car is included. We explore the complex and its striking structures before continuing to Warorot Market, a historic landmark known for its wide range of local products, and the nearby flower market. In the evening, we enjoy a khan toke dinner – a traditional northern Thai feast accompanied by 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 the 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 capture meaningful photos.After lunch, we continue by road via Doi Saket, stopping at Wat Rong Khun – the dazzling White Temple built in the 1990s, with an ornate all white exterior inlaid with mirrors that give it a striking, resplendent look, making it one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand. We then continue to Chiang Rai, arriving in the afternoon and transferring to our accommodation. Overnight in Chiang Rai.

After breakfast, we check out and travel to Chiang Saen for panoramic views of the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet as the Mekong flows between them. We then take a 30 minute boat ride around the Golden Triangle before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant – included. Afterwards, we drop you at Chiang Rai Airport at approximately 02:00 pm; we recommend booking flight WE 2135 with an ETD of 16:55.You then fly via Bangkok to Phuket – domestic flights are not included. On arrival in Phuket, we meet you and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure – by night, you can explore Phuket’s streets for handicrafts, delicious Thai food and nightly entertainment at your own expense. Overnight in Phuket.

After breakfast at the hotel, you have the day free to spend as you wish. Relax by the pool or on the beach, or choose from a range of optional activities at your own expense – island hopping is popular, with Phi Phi and James Bond Islands within easy reach – and you can also explore Phuket’s shimmering temples and colonial mansions. Your local representative can help you select excursions and make arrangements locally. Overnight in Phuket.

After breakfast at the hotel, we keep the day free – there are no scheduled activities. You can take it easy and unwind at your own pace throughout the day. Overnight in Phuket.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then you have a full day at leisure to discover Phuket at your own pace – explore as much or as little as you like, or simply unwind. Overnight in Phuket.

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