Classic Thailand
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
A land of dazzling smiles and golden beaches, Thailand is blessed with a glowing reputation for its captivating cuisine and infectious charm. Set against the backdrop of a rural heartland that is liberally sprinkled with glittering temples, scared shrines and bustling markets, the country can boast delights to engage even the most world weary of travellers. Amongst the lively backstreets of its capital, home to some of the finest street food in the world, you'll begin the journey exploring the ...
A land of dazzling smiles and golden beaches, Thailand is blessed with a glowing reputation for its captivating cuisine and infectious charm. Set against the backdrop of a rural heartland that is liberally sprinkled with glittering temples, scared shrines and bustling markets, the country can boast delights to engage even the most world weary of travellers. Amongst the lively backstreets of its capital, home to some of the finest street food in the world, you'll begin the journey exploring the palaces, canals and markets along the Chao Phraya River. An early morning visit to a less-visited floating market then precedes a trip through the wild Mangrove Forest Conservation Centre where you can plant mangroves and even try out some mud skiing! Flying on to the northern capital of Chiang Mai you then visit an elephant conservation project and meet with local artisan weavers who will give you an insight into their traditions. An early morning visit to a local temple provides a rare opportunity to watch local monks collecting alms, before an interactive cooking lesson presents a chance to create your own culinary masterpiece under the watchful eyes of local experts. And what better way to round off the experience than with a few days enjoying the golden beaches and turquoise waters of Phuket and the Andaman Islands.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Soak up the culinary delights of Bangkok by tuk tuk, boat and Skytrain
- Discover elephants and hill-tribes around Chiang Mai
- Immerse yourself in the peace and harmony of Buddhism
- Enjoy the warm waters and golden sands of the Andaman Sea
- Explore the weaving traditions of the north as you meet local artisans
- Plant mangroves, spot monkeys and try out some mud skiing!
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
DAY 1: ARRIVE BANGKOK
DAY 1: ARRIVE BANGKOK
Arrive into Bangkok where you will be met by a Wild Frontiers representative and taken to your hotel.
DAY 2: BANGKOK: CITY TOUR
DAY 2: BANGKOK: CITY TOUR
Today you will set off on your city tour, travelling by river express boat, tuk tuk, canal boat and the exciting Skytrain which offers an elevated view of central Bangkok. Enjoy the sights and smells of Pak Klong Market, visit Wat Pho, the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, and cruise around the famous klongs, or canals, of the Chao Phraya River, enjoying the eclectic mix of this fascinating city. In the evening get ready for the Rod Fai Local Market, or Talad Rod Fai Train Night Market, an authentic open-air bazaar selling an incredible array of vintage collectables and memorabilia from yesteryear. Your guide will take you through the market where you can explore and try local snacks. After the amazing night we will head back by public transport to the hotel.
DAY 3: BANGKOK: MARKETS AND MANGROVES
DAY 3: BANGKOK: MARKETS AND MANGROVES
Today you will head to Amphawa Floating market where you will explore by long tail boat. Unlike Bangkok’s well-known Damnoen Saduak floating market, few foreigners visit Amphawa, which is frequented almost exclusively by Thais. Locals congregate to buy and sell everything from cooking pots to fresh flowers to wind-up toys, and here you can enjoy some of the most delicious meals cooked right from the boats. From here it’s then time for mangrove planting, monkey spotting and water (mud) skiing as you explore the Mangrove Forest Conservation Centre.
DAY 4: BANGKOK - CHIANG MAI
DAY 4: BANGKOK - CHIANG MAI
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for you onward flight to Chiang Mai. On arrival drive up to visit Doi Suthep, the most important Wat in Chiang Mai, and enjoy the wonderful views of the city and countryside below. Continue west to Wat Suan Dok, a stunning location from which you can enjoy the sunset and witness evening prayer as the monks and local people come together at the end of the day.
DAY 5: CHIANG MAI: ELEPHANTS
DAY 5: CHIANG MAI: ELEPHANTS
Today you will visit Elephant Nature Park, a wonderful organization dedicated to conserving and promoting the well-being of elephants. You will have an opportunity to feed and walk the elephants through the dense mountain forests, witnessing their natural behaviours and a sense of freedom, as well as helping to renew the elephant's habitat by planting trees in the forest.
DAY 6: CHIANG MAI: BUDDHISM AND WEAVING
DAY 6: CHIANG MAI: BUDDHISM AND WEAVING
Wake up early this morning and gain an insight into one of the cornerstones of life in Thailand - Buddhism. Together with your guide you will visit local temples and see the monks collecting alms, as well as enjoying their morning chanting. Meet with a monk and learn more about ancient religious traditions, his everyday life and the intricacies and dedication of different meditation practices. From here head to the market for a local breakfast and some Chai tea before returning to your hotel for some time at leisure. Later this afternoon you will then be given an in-depth insight into the famous weaving traditions of this region, with demonstrations and discussions with local expert artisans, including visits to some of the best galleries in Chiang Mai.
DAY 7: CHIANG MAI: CULINARY DELIGHTS
DAY 7: CHIANG MAI: CULINARY DELIGHTS
This morning head to the local market with your culinary specialists and shop for the freshest ingredients used in creating Thai dishes. From here you will transfer to the beautiful Lanna-style building which is the setting for your interactive cooking class. Enjoy the fruits of your labour out on the peaceful garden patio before returning to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure.
DAY 8: CHIANG MAI - PHUKET - KOH YAO YAI
DAY 8: CHIANG MAI - PHUKET - KOH YAO YAI
Fly south to Phuket today, where you will be met at the airport and transferred to the stunning white beaches of Koh Yao Yai, a small island overlooking the stunning Phang Nga bay. Here you can settle into your tropical paradise and relax to the sounds of the waves of the turquoise blue Andaman Sea.
DAY 9: KOH YAO YAI
DAY 9: KOH YAO YAI
You have today free to relax or explore on your own.
DAY 10: KOH YAO YAI - PHUKET
DAY 10: KOH YAO YAI - PHUKET
This morning you will be transferred from Kho Yao Yai to Phuket where you can relax for the rest of the day or explore this colourful island.
DAY 11: PHUKET
DAY 11: PHUKET
You have today free to relax or explore on your own.
DAY 12: DEPART PHUKET
DAY 12: DEPART PHUKET
You will be transferred to the airport in time for your onward flight.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Riva Surya Hotel Bangkok, Bangkok
The modern Riva Surya Bangkok is set on the banks of the Chao Phraya River surrounded by many of the city's top heritage sites, making it an ideal base from which to explore this exciting city. Many rooms offer river views and each is beautifully designed with contemporary bathrooms and Thai furnishings. The indoor/outdoor Babble and Rum restaurant and adjacent pool area offer guests an escape from the busy Phra Arthit Road located just outside, while the breezy deck of the Mezzanine Bar is the ideal spot from which to enjoy sunset cocktails. With a good selection of rooms and facilities the Riva Surya is a convenient base for visitors seeking a central location and comfortable stay.
Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort, Chiang Mai
The Na Nirand is a charming, romantic getaway nestled in the heart of Chiang Mai. The area is historically important as the first Royal Forestry Department was created here, preserving the forest from the influence from the west at the time of King Rama V, in the 19th century. It is thought that the first conservator of the forest planted the 100-year-old tree that towers over Na Nirand. There is also a legend associated with the area. The design of the hotel transports guests to the period when colonial and Lanna architecture were combined. The vintage decorations and traditional crafts within each room are used to display the local craftsmen's skills and provide extra income. The pool is beautiful and surrounded by indigenous trees, perfectly reflected in the water as you sip on a drink from the pool bar. In the evenings, explore Thai Lanna history in the Huan Kammung library after enjoying a delectable meal at the Riverfront Cuisine & Bar beside the Ping River.
Koh Yao Yai Village, Koh Yao
Koh Yao Village offers a true tropical island getaway in the Andaman Sea. Located on the east coast of the lesser visited Koh Yao Yai Island, the rustic hotel is only a thirty-minute boat ride from Phuket and provides a calmer and quieter alternative to the busy hotspot. The four-star hotel offers a relaxing stay with rooms decorated in a charming southern Thai style. The villas are hidden away in midst of the Koh Yao Yai rainforest, surrounded by unkept greenery for an immersive experience, and have direct access to the largely untouched beaches on the island. There are plenty of ways to explore the local culture and nature, with the hotel offering cycling through rubber plantations, sailing with local fishermen to secluded islands and snorkeling and canoeing. The eco-friendly accommodation also features a full range of facilities including infinity pools with a swim-up bar overlooking Phang-Nga Bay; the Krachange Bar & Grill serving fresh seafood and Thai cuisine; the Kao Spa specialising in traditional Thai treatments and therapies; and a small exercise room. The large rooms are all light and airy with décor largely drawing on the surrounding natural environment, further adding to the feeling you have been swept away to a deserted island.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT’S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
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