Day 1 - Arrive Bangkok

Enjoy Fast Track service upon arrival at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Your guide is waiting to meet you in the arrival hall and transfer you to your preferred hotel in the heart of Bangkok.

In the evening, discover Bangkok after dark with a progressive dining experience in the trendy Talad Noi district and the backstreets of old Yaowarat town. Traveling by electric tuk tuk with a high-top roof, this exciting, environmentally-friendly and action-packed evening takes you to funky bars and after-dark venues that only locals know about. Start with drinks at a 200-year-old converted warehouse overlooking the Chao Phraya River and taste Bangkok’s best satay skewers at a popular eatery which you won’t find in any guidebook. Savor traditional Thai fare such as crispy fish with spicy tamarind paste or sticky rice with pork at an old Chinese shophouse with a jazzy, modern vibe. Then end on a high with cocktails on the rooftop of a florist’s studio which transforms into an urban rustic bar by night.

Overnight: Bangkok

Meal Plan:

Day 2 - Bangkok

Experience the real Bangkok in the city’s hidden corners, sacred temples and local neighborhoods. Visit the famous Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha complex to admire its glittering gold stupas and dazzling glass mosaics. Whiz through the old city streets by tuk tuk for a short ride to Wat Pho. The historical temple complex is best known for its large reclining Buddha statue and Thai massage school. Cool down with some coconut ice cream before crossing the Chao Phraya River by public ferry. Enjoy a close-up view of the porcelain art at Wat Arun, or the Temple of Dawn before continuing by private vehicle to the Jim Thompson House, a traditional Thai teak home with antiques and curios curated by the former magnate of Thai silk. Then, explore the silk shop and gallery. 

Overnight: Bangkok

Meal Plan: B

Day 3 - Bangkok

Experience the diversity of life in Bangkok on a cultural adventure through the city’s most dynamic and lively markets. Sample tasty local treats and refreshments at a typical morning market where all walks of life, from lawyers to merchants, can be seen enjoying breakfast – local style. Explore a chaotic wholesale market in the backstreets of the old Yaowarat district which sells everything from Thai fabrics to stationary. Cross the road into Little India for a change of vibe with the fragrant smell of exotic spices, flamboyant textiles and an array of hand-crafted goods. Continue to the city’s largest flower market, stopping at a quaint little café before wandering through the lively maze of stalls selling every color and variety of flowers imaginable, including rare orchids, sweet-smelling jasmine and bright yellow marigolds which are often used to make offerings at Buddhist temples. 

Overnight: Bangkok

Meal Plan: B

Day 4 - Bangkok - Chiang Mai

Fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom, which ruled northern Thailand from the 13th to 18th centuries. Framed by the Ping River and nearby mountainous regions, the ancient city holds many cultural and natural wonders.

Overnight: Chiang Mai

Meal Plan: B

Day 5 - Chiang Mai

Get ready for an exciting self-drive tuk tuk adventure in the remote hills of northern Thailand, exploring rural life, remote temples and an elephant home. The tuk tuks are classic-design, custom-built vehicles with added legroom and headroom for a more comfortable ride. A rollback roof allows you to feel the wind in your hair and Bluetooth speakers mean you can groove to your own tunes on the way! After a 45-minute transfer to Mae Wang district, set off on your private tuk tuk journey through scenic mountain trails, farming villages, fields and rice terraces. In the early afternoon, you arrive at a small, ethical elephant home. Learn about the relationship between elephants and the local community, the history of the home and their vision for creating a sustainable future for the elephants and their mahouts. Later, experience a different mode of travel and float down the local river on a traditional bamboo raft. This gentle and relaxing raft journey is a great way to experience local life from a different angle while your expert rafter negotiates the twists and turns of the river. 

Please note: For the self-drive tuk tuk option, drivers must be at least 18 years old and able to drive manual transmission. A valid driver's license is required. Automatic transmission tuk tuks may be requested in advance, however availability is limited and not guaranteed. Drivers will be given tuk tuk training (one hour in the morning) and must pass the on-site driving test. If the driver does not pass the test, a chauffeured-driven tuk tuk will be arranged. Travel insurance is not included in the tour cost, but is compulsory for the tuk tuk hire. Therefore, please ensure that participants are appropriately covered for all aspects of this journey.

Overnight: Chiang Mai

Meal Plan: B,L

Day 6 - Chiang Mai

Uncover the richness of northern Thai culture as you explore Chiang Mai’s historical landmarks and discover some of the untold stories of the old Lanna kingdom. Gain a sense of the scale and grandeur of the historical city as you pass through the 13th-century red-brick gate and into the old part of town. See the monument dedicated to three former kings whose great influence helped shape the city and explore a collection of photographs, maps and other historical artifacts housed in a former administrative office built in 1927. Learn more about Lanna architecture and design at a house once occupied by the city’s rulers. Stop by a busy marketplace for a taste of local specialties such as northern Thai spicy sausage before enjoying lunch at a local place known for its mouthwatering khao soi - northern Thailand’s signature noodle dish served with a delicious coconut-based soup. 

Option: VIP Northern Thai Cuisine with Chef Andy Ricker: For a northern Thai foodie experience, spend a morning with Chef Andy Ricker, the celebrated chef and owner of the Pok Pok restaurants in New York, Los Angeles and Portland. Originally from the U.S., the James Beard award-winning chef has been tasting, creating and studying Thai food culture since his first visit to Thailand in 1987 and led Anthony Bourdain on a Thai culinary adventure during the “Parts Unknown” television series. He now calls Chiang Mai his permanent home and is a cookery writer specializing in northern Thai cuisine. Gain an overview of local ingredients at the chef’s favorite local produce market followed by a demonstration and private lunch prepared by the chef at his countryside home and cooking studio.

Overnight: Chiang Mai

Meal Plan: B,L

Day 7 - Chiang Mai - Koh Samui

Lift your spirit with an early morning blessing and breakfast in the sacred mountains of northern Thailand. Experience the local almsgiving tradition and be blessed by monks at a shrine dedicated to Phra Kruba Srivichai, a highly revered monk who inspired the construction of the road you are about to take. Drive up the mountain path to visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s sacred mountaintop temple which stands proudly overlooking the city. The beauty and serenity of the temple is radiant, particularly in the quiet, early hours of the day. On the way back down, stop at a mountainside monastery nestled within the forest for a picnic breakfast beside a small creek overlooking Chiang Mai in the distance. 

Transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Koh Samui.

Overnight: Koh Samui

Meal Plan: B

Day 8 - Koh Samui

Transfer to the pier to board a Catamaran service bound for the smaller islands and coral reefs just north of Koh Samui. With clear and calm waters, this area is considered a diving and snorkeling paradise and offers a wonderful glimpse of underwater life in the Gulf of Thailand. Discover various species of coral and an abundance of tropical marine life including giant clams and colorful fish. Visit the picturesque island of Koh Nang Yuan where you can climb to the top of a hill for panoramic views of the surrounding ocean or simply relax on the beach and swim or snorkel along the coast. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant on Koh Nang Yuan, then enjoy more snorkeling around neighboring Koh Tao island.

Overnight: Koh Samui

Meal Plan: B,L

Day 9 - Koh Samui

Enjoy a day at leisure to enjoy Koh Samui your way. Spend the day lounging by the pool, walking barefoot on the beach or simply relaxing at your hotel.

Overnight: Koh Samui

Meal Plan: B

Day 10 - Depart Koh Samui

Enjoy your final morning in this beautiful island retreat. Then check out and prepare for your transfer to Samui Airport in time for your departure flight.

Overnight:

Meal Plan: B