Selected: fully customisable Highlights of ThailandSmall but perfectly formed, this pocket-sized trip to Thailand packs scenic and cultural highlights into a short space: perfect for those with limited time.Encompassing big, buzzing cities and peaceful villages, lush mountains and sandy beaches, think of this itinerary as a tasting menu of what makes Thailand so enduringly popular. Don’t expect to stray far from the beaten track, but do expect to see classic destinations from a different angle: on a canal-boat tour of Bangkok’s khlongs, for instance, or on a day trip into the hilly outskirts of Chiang Mai.Read more LocationThailand Suggested Length12 days /11 nights Activity Level Fully customisable Every trip is unique Ratings LightLight mobility requirements as sightseeing activities are done predominantly by vehicle, with light walking SteadyIdeal for most fitness levels. Sightseeing involves walking and being on your feet for a couple of hours at a time, with down-time included too ActiveRequires a moderate level of fitness. Activities and sightseeing will generally involve walking and being on your foot for much of the day. Often includes light activities such as cycling, kayaking, or hands-on experiences AdventureDemands higher fitness. Most days will include a substantial amount of walking and/or activity throughout the day. EnergeticFor people who love being active. We reserve this rating for active itineraries with substantial movement and adventure activities almost every day. Trip highlights Itinerary Is this trip for you? Reviews What's included Get beneath the surface of Thai culture as you tour illuminated temples and hidden waterways in Bangkok, and explore Chiang Mai at sunset with a local guide Contrast city life with beautiful countryside on a day trip into the mountains around Chiang Mai Complement beach relaxation with an exciting snorkelling tour in Khao Lak's reefs ItineraryAll itineraries are fully customisable. Our destination experts created this trip as an example of a cultural adventure: combining remarkable sights, guided experiences and a slice of everyday local life. Choose us, and we’ll create you a custom holiday where every detail reflects your pace, passions and preferences. Take as much or as little from this trip idea as you want, talk to us when you’re ready. Plan my trip Image Image Day 1-3Bangkok Highlights: Explore Kudichin, where Portuguese bakeries and the bells of Santa Cruz church hark back to Bangkok’s earliest days Escape the city’s non-stop traffic on a solar-powered boat tour of Bangkok’s khlongs (canals) Explore the capital’s temples by night, when they come alive as community meeting-placesBangkok is one of the world’s great cities. You don’t need us to tell you that its temples are gold-encrusted masterpieces, or that the Grand Palace is really pretty neat. What’s trickier to access is the hidden side of Bangkok: the side the locals see. Begin with Portuguese pastries in Kudichin, then watch life unfold among the stilt houses of Bangkok’s waterways on a boat tour. Eat lunch among the lychee trees and coconut palms of Poomjai Garden, then discover the city’s temples come alive after the camera-clicking tourist groups have gone home. You’ll still have plenty of time for the classic sights, but this is about getting a feel for the Bangkok that exists beyond the “must-sees”. Accommodation Bangkok • Thailand Moderate The Rose ResidenceStaying at The Rose Residence will feel like you’ve stumbled upon quite the surprise in the middle of bustling Bangkok, hidden down a small soi (alley) in the Silom area of the city. Bangkok • Thailand Superior Riva SuryaThe delightful riverside Riva Surya is a contemporary-designed boutique hotel, perfectly located on the Chao Phraya River with a ferryboat jetty on the doorstep and Khao San Road a 5-minute walk away. Bangkok • Thailand Deluxe Anantara Riverside Bangkok ResortLocated in spacious, landscaped grounds on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, the Anantara provides an excellent, relaxing retreat from the busy streets of Bangkok. Bangkok • Thailand Deluxe The Siam HotelThe magnificent Siam is Bangkok’s ultimate luxury boutique hotel, with an art-deco elegance and glamour unmatched elsewhere in the city thanks to the touch of renowned architect and designer Bill Bensley. Not quite what you had in mind?We’ve plenty more to choose from, these are just a few of our favourite options. Chat with an expert to find stays that suit your style and budget. Make an enquiry TransportDay 1Car transfer Bangkok Airport to hotel (1 hour) Day 4-6Chiang Mai Highlights: Immerse yourself in local life with a night-time tour of Chiang Mai’s temples and markets Explore the farms and villages of the Chiang Mai countryside on foot and by boat Spend a day getting to know the city’s vibrant independent craft sceneLike many tropical cities, Chiang Mai comes alive after the heat of the day has dissipated, when its temples glow like beacons in the dark and its markets fill with the smell of sizzling pork knuckle and neon-coloured desserts. After an evening tuk-tuk tour of these delights (concluding with a rooftop cocktail overlooking the city), swap hustle and bustle for waterfalls and jungle in Sri Lanna National Park, where you’ll take a longtail boat past water buffalo and rice paddies to lunch at a floating restaurant. Having seen these two contrasting sides of Chiang Mai, your last day is free to spend as you choose — perhaps exploring the city’s thriving independent arts spaces. Accommodation Chiang Mai • Thailand Moderate Banthai VillageBanthai Village is modelled on a Thai village, with the 41 rooms being spread out between several low-rise buildings that centre on an outdoor pool and tropical garden. Chiang Mai • Thailand Superior Tamarind VillageTamarind Village is a unique and charming boutique property in the heart of historic Chiang Mai that takes its name from a magnificent 200-year-old tamarind tree in the grounds of the property. Chiang Mai • Thailand Superior RachamankhaSituated in Chiang Mai’s historic Old Quarter, the 24-room Rachamankha Hotel offers a peaceful and private atmosphere in the heart of the city. Chiang Mai • Thailand Deluxe 137 Pillars House Chiang MaiSteeped in history, this all-suite hotel is your quintessential luxury property. The restoration and expansion of the property has been thoughtful, and the nostalgically decorated suites have comfort at the forefront. Not quite what you had in mind?We’ve plenty more to choose from, these are just a few of our favourite options. Chat with an expert to find stays that suit your style and budget. Make an enquiry TransportDay 4Car transfer from hotel to Bangkok Airport (1 hour)Flight Bangkok to Chiang Mai (1 hour 15 minutes)Car transfer from Chiang Mai Airport to hotel (20 minutes) Day 7-12Khao Lak Highlights: Set out by longtail boat for a day of snorkelling on Khao Lak's reefs Relax and soak up the sun on the beautiful beaches of Khao LakDown in Khao Lak, life slows right down. Thailand’s southern coastline has more than enough beach to go around, and your hotel is all about food, comfort and spa indulgence. After a few beach-filled days, take a longtail boat to Khao Lak's local coral reefs, teeming with life. Snorkel in quiet coves, spot hawksbill turtles and neon nudibranchs, then return to Khao Lak for dinner and one last pre-flight beach day. Accommodation Khao Lak • Thailand Superior Eden Beach Khao Lak Resort & SpaSituated on the pristine white sands of Khao Lak, the Eden Beach Resort is a sizable property but maintains a boutique and eco character, with Mediterranean tones, earthy colours and thatched roofs. Khao Lak • Thailand Superior Bangsak VillageBangsak Village is a peaceful boutique retreat at the northern end of Khao Lak. It's fairly isolated, and with a no-under-12 policy it offers an idyllic and serene place to switch off for a few days. Khao Lak • Thailand Deluxe AVANI+ Khao LakAiming mainly at the family market, we're not kidding when we say the AVANI+ Khao Lak has something for everyone. Khao Lak • Thailand Deluxe The SarojinThe romantic Sarojin is one of the best luxury accommodations available in Khao Lak. Not forgetting their national park setting, the property manages to combine rustic boutique design with excellent service, resulting in a peaceful sanctuary on the Thai coast. Not quite what you had in mind?We’ve plenty more to choose from, these are just a few of our favourite options. Chat with an expert to find stays that suit your style and budget. Make an enquiry TransportDay 7Car transfer from hotel to Chiang Mai Airport (20 minutes)Flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket (2 hours)Car transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak hotel (1.5 hours)Day 12Car transfer from hotel to Phuket Airport (1.5 hours) Is this trip for you? What's greatA short-but-sweet trip that’ll give you a taste of Thailand’s cultural and scenic highlights in one neat packageOur included experiences give you a look at the hidden side of some of Thailand’s most popular destinations, leaving you plenty of free time to explore the classic sights under your own steamIf you have more time to spend, this itinerary makes a great addition to a longer journey through Cambodia, Laos or VietnamThings to considerThis trip focusses on classic destinations, so don’t expect to stray far from the tourist trailChiang Mai and Khao Lak are highly seasonal, so depending on when you travel we might suggest adjustments to your routeWe’ve built in plenty of free time for you to do your own thing, but if you’d like more included guiding just let us know ReviewsThese reviews come straight from our customers, sharing how their journeys played out. In some cases, we’re already helping them plan the next oneRead more reviews Everything was seamless. We had English-speaking guides and rides all set up, and always there right on time, for all the moments when we needed them. Top-notch experiences. Way better hotels than we could have found on our own. And lovely personal touches like a "happy birthday" welcome in my [...] This was a wonderful vacation and the hotel choices were perfect. The tours and tour guides were great. What's included? What's includedBreakfast every dayThree lunches: one during the Bangkok khlongs tour; one during the Chiang Mai countryside experience; one during the snorkelling tripTwo dinners: one during the evening tour of Bangkok; one during the evening tour of Chiang MaiThree full-day experiences: Bangkok’s khlongs and Portuguese district by solar-powered boat; day trip to the Chiang Mai countryside; snorkelling trip in Khao LakTwo evening experiences: evening tour of Bangkok’s illuminated temples; evening tour of Chiang MaiAll entrance fees to sites included in guided experiencesAll internal transport & accommodationNot includedInternational flightsMeals not mentionedEntrance fees to any sites not included in guided experiencesTips for guides & porters
Everything was seamless. We had English-speaking guides and rides all set up, and always there right on time, for all the moments when we needed them. Top-notch experiences. Way better hotels than we could have found on our own. And lovely personal touches like a "happy birthday" welcome in my [...]
This was a wonderful vacation and the hotel choices were perfect. The tours and tour guides were great.