Arrive in Chiang Mai.
Warm welcome at the airport by our representative and transfer to the hotel.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Try a bowl of KHAO SOI, Chiang Mai’s most famous dish which combines crispy noodles and coconut curry sauce.
Thailand is world renowned for it's coffee and tea culture. Chiang Mai has some of the most authentic coffee houses in Thailand. Hit a local coffee shop to discover new interpretations on this age old drink....
Today you'll visit Ban Pong Huai Lan, a local village as part of the Royal Initiative Project, where local people live their life in a sustainable way. You'll be introduced to the community through stories about the royal initiative's project which established the forest preservation unit and built Huai Lan Reservoir. From here, a visit to the Fishery Department.
At midday, it’s time to sit down with locals to enjoy simple local dishes cooked by villagers. A short stroll after lunch will take you to Grandma Som’s Farm, a sustainable-living farm based on the inspiration of The Sufficiency Economy. After, try your hand at traditional handloom weaving, thread-spinning and all the weaving processes from a professional women's group of the village.
Research & learn about King Bhumibol’s initiatives before you arrive to make the most of your village visit.
Be sure to try a delicious local dessert, “Kanom-Khee-Maeo”, prepared with rice flour and coconut & served with fresh herbal juice.
Uncover the secrets behind Thailand’s famous dishes at the Pantawan Cooking School. During your visit, the chef will introduce local vendors and explain about Thailand’s food culture. Armed with a basic knowledge of Thai cuisine and its ingredients, it's time to start cooking! Throughout the course, the chef will share his personal story and offer tips and hints for preparing these same dishes back at home. When everything is ready, sit down and enjoy the delicious fresh dishes. You'll return to the hotel with a full belly and a better understanding of Chiang Mai’s foodie culture.
In the afternoon, enjoy an immersive tour of the Ancient Kingdom of Lanna.
Travel to the outskirts of town to visit an herb garden. From here, you'll transfer via long-tail boat for a half-hour cruise on the Mae Ping River to near the city center at Warorot Market.
From Warorot, climb into a ‘samlor’, a pedal-powered traditional rickshaw. Cruise through the streets of Chiang Mai, passing the ancient city walls and arriving at Wat Phra Singh.
Morning
Afternoon
Afternoon
Ancient Kingdom of Lannathai
Today’s tour will begin at 6:00AM to take a closer look at Chiang Mai’s rich traditions with an early morning tour with monks. Not to worry - a boxed breakfast will be provided.
Set off at first light and drive to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Arrive in time to see the monks emerge from their monasteries for the daily alms collection. This serene ceremony is the perfect introduction to Chiang Mai’s spiritual side.
You'll climb up the massive staircase to the top of Doi Suthep, and then continue along the spiritual trail with a visit to tranquil Wat Umong, dating back to the 14th century.
Late morning will find you in a popular local restaurant for a snack. You'll return to the hotel at approx. 11.00AM. Your afternoon is at leisure....
Morning
Morning
Morning
Set off after breakfast on this day trip from Chiang Mai, traveling by private vehicle to Thailand’s northern corners.
On the way, stop for a coffee break. This stop may be made at ‘Cabbages & Condoms’, a fabulous restaurant that is operated by the Population and Community Development Association. A stop here helps to support their activities in the rural communities. Alternatively, stop at Charin Garden Resort, a locally-run business that is famous for its homemade pies. (Note: food and drink are not included).
Another stop will be made to stretch your legs at Wat Rong Khun.
After exploring the site you'll continue to drive north, arriving late this afternoon.
Spend a half day exploring the Golden Triangle in North Thailand. Start with a visit to Mae Sai, the bustling trading town on the Thai-Myanmar border and get a glimpse of the differences between the two cultures. Then carry on to Sop Ruak, the site where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos converge, thus forming the ‘Golden Triangle’.
To get a closer look at the borders of these neighboring countries, you'll board a motorboat and cruise out onto the waters of the Mekong River.
You'll have a stop in Chiang Saen, with an insightful visit to Chiang Saen Museum. From the museum, you'll move on to explore Wat Pa Sak Ngam, a mid-14th century stupa that combines various architectural influences. You'll make one final stop at Wat Phra Dhat Jom Kitti, a tranquil temple overlooking the Mekong River before stopping for lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, set off from Chiang Rai for a cultural adventure in the hills. You'll be driven to Mae Chan district and into the highlands to visit villages inhabited by the Yao and Akha hilltribe groups. Walk around and learn about their traditional ways of living and hear about their unique customs. Continue higher into the hills at Doi Mae Salong to the Santikhiri Kuo Min Tang village.
These days the Kuo Min Tang descendants are successful farmers, growing tea and other produce. They also make their own wine from the village’s fruits. Visit a local store to sample some of these items or to buy some as a souvenir from this insightful excursion.
You will be transferred from Chiang Rai Hotel to Chiang Rai Airport for your flight to Bangkok.
After retrieving your luggage please continue on to the arrivals hall to find your guide holding a signboard with your name.
You will then be transferred to your hotel in a private vehicle. (30km / approximately 45 min).
After checking in, the rest of the day is yours at leisure.
Make time tonight to try one of Thailand's 8 MICHELIN STAR rated eateries:
Jay Fai is a place that both taxi drivers and foodies wax lyrical about and it’s easy to see why. Wearing her signature goggles, the local legend that is Jay Fai continues what her father started 70 years ago and makes crab omelettes, crab curries and dry congee. Reservation is mandatory.
J’aime Restaurant is a top French fine-dining experience in Bangkok. There’s a dedication to classic cuisine here and the contemporary flourishes (of which there are many) are there to reinvigorate age-old recipes rather than reimagine them completely. Although the food at J’aime Bangkok is classic French in preparation and flavour, there’s an Asian twist added in the delivery which is unique. Open: Wednesday–Monday from midday to 2.30pm and from 6pm to 10pm (closed on Tuesdays).
Start with a ride along the Chao Phraya River, also known as the ‘River of Kings’, via long-tail boat through Bangkok’s canals to discover the city’s local ways of life and iconic monuments. The highlight of this cruise will be to visit Wat Arun, a 79-metre high pagoda built in a style similar to Cambodia's Angkor Wat. Meaning ‘Temple of Dawn’, Wat Arun is one of Thailand’s most beautiful temples.
After crossing the river, you'll disembark at one of Bangkok’s busiest piers. A short walk from the pier, will be the glittering Grand Palace, which has been the seat of Thailand's revered Royal family for more than two centuries. Before leaving, pay a visit to the Emerald Buddha image, one of Thailand’s most sacred statues. You'll return to your hotel by approx. 12.00PM. Once back at the hotel, the afternoon is yours to explore or relax until your evening excursion....
At 5PM, your guide and driver will take you to learn all about one of Bangkok’s best kept secrets - the city’s Chinatown! The neighborhood is internationally renowned for the city’s longest street food stalls, and there is no better way to explore the area’s best kept food secrets than by foot. You'll start at The Hua Lamphong Railway Station, and from there, you'll explore the backstreets as well as discover the glittering and energetic Yaowarat Street where you can try many local delicacies. You'll end your food experience with a visit to a traditional teahouse.
You'll be transferred back to your hotel by approx. 9PM
Appropriate dress is required for a visit to palaces and temples. Shorts, mini-skirts, tight-fitting trousers, sleeveless shirts or vests, and sandals are NOT allowed.
Ask your guide for their recommendation for where to get Bangkok's BEST Thai Fried Chicken.
A one-hour drive takes you from high-rises to enter a land of lush landscapes and traditional wooden houses. Along the way, you'll stop at a local railway station where a bustling country market has sprouted up along the tracks. As a train pulls into the station, witness the vendors quickly clearing their stalls off the railway. Then, after the train departs, watch them set up shop and resume business as usual.
Continue to the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, which remains the best example of a traditional floating market. As you leave the floating market and enter a labyrinth of quiet canals, you'll see houses built alongside the waterways and catch glimpses of local life in this rural Thai province.
Following this insightful exploration of the countryside, return to your hotel by 1PM. Your afternoon is at leisure....
For visits falling on a Saturday or Sunday, there is an option to visit Tha Kha floating market, which is more authentic / less touristy.
You will be transferred from your hotel to Bangkok Airport for your flight to the idyllic Krabi.
After retrieving your luggage please continue on to the Arrivals hall to find your guide holding a signboard with your name.
Upon arrival in Krabi Airport, meet hotel representative in the arrivals Hall and be privately transferred to your hotel.
Check in, relax and rest of the day at your own leisure.
Embark on a shared speedboat towards Phi Phi Island, the jewel of the Andaman Sea, stopping at a variety of islands to snorkel & enjoy the beaches.
You'll stop at Bamboo Island, a paradise on earth with its white sandy beach and corals., and then at Phi Phi Don for lunch.
After lunch, you'll continue with visits to Monkey Beach, Phi Phi Ley Lagoon, Viking Cave or the Swallow Bird Nest Cave, Lohsamah Bay and Maya Bay [if it opens again when you are there...] All your stops today will feature beautiful corals and marine life and unspoiled white sandy beaches.
Days at leisure to enjoy all the islands have to offer!
After breakfast, you will be transferred from your hotel to Krabi Airport in the comfort of a private, air- conditioned vehicle for your flight home.
