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Thailand Adventure
 

Grand Tour of Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket

14 days |  17 days with Cambodia extension
14 days |  17 days with Cambodia extension
Group size1222 travelers
Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars

145
Physical activity
Phra Maha Prasat complex in The Royal Grand Palace Bangkok Thailand
Thai traditional wooden longtail boat and beautiful sand on a beach in Thailand
Golden buddhist statue in Thailand
Rescued elephant taking a bath in a sanctuary Thailand
OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsTraveler photosHotels, flights & FAQ
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Everything is an immersive moment in this vibrant country of contrasts.

If you’re wondering what it takes for a country to earn the nickname the Land of Smiles, you’ll find the answer on this small group Adventure Tour of Thailand. Go off the beaten path to discover that the locals are as nice as it gets, each regional dish hits a spicy-salty-sweet high note, and that everything from ancient sites to local fishing villages recall a history that goes back thousands of years.

Your tour package includes

  • 12 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 12 breakfasts
  • 4 lunches
  • 4 dinners with beer or wine
  • 1 cooking class
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Included highlights

  • Grand Palace
  • Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
  • Organic Thai farm visit
  • Ayutthaya Historical Park
  • Oolong tea plantation
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Start planning today

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

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Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary
Overnight Flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Bangkok today.

Bangkok3 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Bangkok

Welcome to Thailand! Settle in to your hotel tonight.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Bangkok
Included meals: Breakfast, Welcome lunch, Tasting

This morning, join your Tour Director on a sightseeing tour of Bangkok.

  • Explore the sprawling Grand Palace complex, built in 1782 for the king of Siam
  • Pass by the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)
  • Step inside the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) to see the famous 150-foot-long statue of Buddha
  • Visit the nearby flower market before taking a walking tour of the Chinatown neighborhood
  • Enjoy an included welcome lunch with your fellow travelers
  • Tour the city’s canals, called klongs, on a speedboat and converted rice barge as you sample local fruits
Day 4: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Maeklong Railway Market & organic farm
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting

Explore the region on a series of stops at local cultural sites.

  • Ride through canals and villages on a long-tail boat to arrive at the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market where you’ll see the varied stalls, where locals sell goods
  • Explore the Maeklong Railway Market, built on an active train line, where vendors regularly pick up their stalls to allow trains to pass
  • Continue on to a local organic farm to learn about the eco-friendly practices
  • Sample freshly picked fruit and a refreshing coconut drink
  • Take part in a hands-on planting workshop with the local farmers
Chiang Rai2 nights
Day 5: Ayutthaya Historical Park & flight to Chiang Rai
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Journey to Ayutthaya, Thailand’s capital from 1350 to 1767, for a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Ayutthaya Historical Park.

  • Learn about Ayutthaya’s role as the second capital of the Siam Kingdom
  • Tour the ruins of palaces and monasteries, which are decorated with beautiful statues of the Buddha draped in saffron robes
  • See the giant reclining Buddha at Wat Lokayasutharam

Then, transfer to the Bangkok airport and fly to the mountainous provincial town of Chiang Rai, where buddhist shrines and the ruins of ancient civilizations, dot the hills. Once you arrive, sit down for an included dinner with your group.

Day 6: Mekong River cruise & oolong tea plantation tour
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tasting

Spend today exploring the waterways, villages, and markets outside of Chiang Rai.

  • Board a long-tail boat and venture past hill tribe villages along the Mekong River
  • Visit the Golden Triangle, where the three countries of Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos meet on the Mekong River
  • Enjoy an included lunch overlooking the Mekong River
  • Head to an oolong tea plantation in Mae Salong for a guided tour with an expert
  • Sample three different kinds of local tea at the Choui Fong Tea shop while admiring views of the terraced tea plantation
Chiang Mai3 nights
Day 7: Chiang Mai via Wat Rong Khun, Doi Suthep & cooking class
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy the stunning scenery as you stop at some of the region’s most impressive temples and historic sites on your way to Chiang Mai.

  • Stop at Wat Rong Khun, the otherwordly “White Temple” which blends modern art with traditional Buddhist symbolism
  • Visit Doi Suthep, the regal mountain overlooking the city and home to some of the most deeply loved symbols in the kingdom
  • Take a cable car to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a major temple and pilgrimage destination during the important Buddhist holidays of Makha Bucha and Visak
  • Opt to take a one-hour hike down a well-marked trail with many stairs or ride the cable car back to the base of the mountain

Continue on to Chiang Mai and take part in a Thai cooking class this evening.

  • Prepare four Thai dishes with culinary chefs in a secluded village known for its stunning rice fields
  • Enjoy the meal you cooked for dinner alongside your fellow group members
Day 8: Chiang Mai Night Market
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting

Spend a free day in Chiang Mai or add an excursion.

Tonight, join your Tour Director to explore the Chiang Mai Night Market, just outside the ancient walls of the old city. You’re in for the best night market experience in Thailand.

  • Sample various regional cuisine specialties made by local vendors
  • Enjoy free time to shop and taste more street food at your leisure

Mae Kampong Hill Tribe: Village Visit & Hike

From $65 per person

Day 9: Sightseeing tour of ChangChill elephant sanctuary
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Drive through the countryside and visit ChangChill, an organization at the forefront of elephant welfare and responsible tourism in Chiang Mai.

  • Hear how the organization works with World Animal Protection to create a safe living environment for the elephants and an educational experience for visitors
  • Learn about Asian elephants as you watch them roam freely during a hands-off elephant exploration walk along the hillsides and through rice paddies
  • Chat with the mahouts, or elephant caretakers while you enjoy an included vegetarian meal overlooking the elephants’ natural bathing spot
  • Place prepared medicine and food for the elephants in special feeding tubes which allow for up-close viewing

Enjoy a free evening in Chiang Mai or add an excursion.

Please note: Travelers should wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to walk along uneven paths with some hills.

Lanna Family Home-Hosted Dinner

From $89 per person

Phuket Island3 nights
Day 10: Buddhist monk visit & flight to Phuket
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, visit the Wat Suan Dok Buddhist temple where you’ll meet a resident monk to discuss Buddhism, ask questions, and learn how the monks of the temple live.

This afternoon, fly to Phuket, where crystal blue water and powder white sand await you. Sit down for an included dinner with your group.

Day 11: Sightseeing tour of Ao Phang Nga Bay & Talu Island canoeing
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Depart Phuket Island and spend today boating the deep turquoise waters surrounding jungle-crowned tropical islands on a guided sightseeing tour.

  • Board a speedboat and cruise around Ao Phang Nga Bay National Park, known for its towering limestone rock formations, known as karsts, thick mangrove forests, and almost 200 bird species
  • Enjoy an included lunch aboard your boat while surrounded by the bay’s clear water bejeweled with karsts
  • Head to Talu Island and canoe through dramatically arched sea caves with experienced local paddlers as your guides
  • Visit the iconic steep shores of Khao Phing Kan, or James Bond Island, made into a popular tourist destination when it was chosen as one of the locations for The Man with the Golden Gun starring Roger Moore
Day 12: Free day on Phuket Island
Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day on Phuket Island or add an excursion.

Phi Phi Islands Cruise, Snorkeling & Lunch

From $105 per person

Bangkok1 night
Day 13: Flight to Bangkok
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Fly to Bangkok this afternoon and spend free time exploring the city at your leisure.

Tonight, celebrate your trip with your fellow travelers during a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Flight Home
Day 14: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your early morning flight home, or continue your tour in Cambodia.

Extension to Cambodia
You haven't really seen lost cities until you've been to Cambodia, where Angkor Wat astounds with out-of-this-world architecture and history. Fly to Siem Reap and get an insider's peek at this renowned religious monument and other fascinating ruins alongside your Tour Director.
Siem Reap2 nights
Day 14: Flight to Siem Reap & sunset at Angkor Wat
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia, and uncover the best of this area alongside your Tour Director.

  • Enjoy an included lunch of local Cambodian specialties
  • Set off at sunset to tour the temples of Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument and an outstanding example of Khmer architecture
  • Learn how this monument honors both Hinduism and Buddhism

Later, sit down for an included dinner.

Day 15: Angkor Thom & Ta Prohm
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Spend the day exploring temple ruins with your Tour Director.

  • Visit Angkor Thom, the ruined capital complex of the Khmer Empire that dates to the late 12th and early 13th centuries
  • View the Terrace of the Elephants, the striking, ornamental wall from which King Jayavarman VII—King of the Khmer Empire—looked out over his victorious returning army
  • Depart Angkor Thom and enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant
  • Explore the 12th-century Ta Prohm temple,  temple that has largely been reclaimed by the jungle and served as a filming location for the 2001 movie Lara Craft: Tomb Raider, starring Angelina Jolie
Bangkok1 night
Day 16: Cambodian Landmine Museum & flight to Bangkok
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Enter the Cambodian Landmine Museum, an organization dedicated to the removal of landmines and unexploded ordnance, or UXO, from Cambodia.

  • Watch a short film about Aki Ra, a former Khmer Rouge child soldier who founded the museum
  • Take a guided audio tour of the museum to learn about the organization’s de-mining projects and community development initiatives
  • Learn how the revenue from your visit supports relief projects for those harmed by landmines and UXO

Later, fly back to Bangkok for a farewell dinner with your group.

Flight home
Day 17: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your early morning flight home.

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Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars

Overall rating 4.8 out of 5

Based on 145 authentic traveler reviews
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    4 out of 5 stars

    Feedback on Recent Trip Experience
    3/1/24 by 3rd-time traveler Elsa

    I wanted to share some feedback regarding my recent trip with your company. Overall, the trip was amazing; however, I encountered some challenges at the beginning that I believe need addressing. Unfortunately, my flight was delayed, resulting in me missing my luggage upon arrival. Additionally, upo...

    Read more +
    EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 3/25/24

    Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We're...

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    3 out of 5 stars

    Amazing sights, great guides but poor schedule
    2/25/24 by 2nd-time traveler Ellen

    I loved Thailand and Cambodia Annie in Thailand and Dalign in Cambodia were amazing tour guides, 10 star ratings Thoughtful, kind, helpful and knowlegrable with our best interests at heart The food was delicious, awesome sights and learning about the culture was amazing As someone who remembers th...

    Read more +
    EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 3/22/24

    Hi Ellen, Thank you for your detailed feedback on...

    Read more +

    5 out of 5 stars

    Great Tour
    3/1/24 by 3rd-time traveler Geraldine

    If you ever decide to take this tour, Adasorn is your tour guide for the experience. He is such a great guy, and his personality is exceptional. He makes everything run so smoothly. The overall tour of Thailand was phenomenal, and Adasorn made sure of it. We miss you already. We also had a great gro...

    Read more +
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    Traveler photos

    Hotels, flights & FAQ

    Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

    Hotels

    We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.
    Doubletree by Hilton Bangkok Ploenchit
    Doubletree by Hilton Bangkok Ploenchit

    This contemporary hotel is located in the Sukhumvit district of downtown Bangkok, Thailand. Guests enjoy an outdoor saltwater pool, sun terrace, and f...

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    Phowadol Resort & Spa
    Phowadol Resort & Spa

    This countryside resort is located in the peaceful city of Chiang Rai. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool, the Bodhi Tree Spa, relaxing atmosphere. Nearby ...

    Read more +
     Mövenpick Suriwongse Chiang Mai
    Mövenpick Suriwongse Chiang Mai

    This contemporary hotel is located in downtown Chiang Mai. Guests enjoy the rooftop pool, restaurant, and convenient location. Nearby you’ll find the ...

    Read more +
    Centara Karon Resort Phuket
    Centara Karon Resort Phuket

    This modern hotel is located steps from the Karon Beach in Phuket. Guests enjoy several pools and dining options, tennis courts, and spa. Nearby you’l...

    Read more +
    Angkor Paradise Hotel
    Angkor Paradise Hotel

    This classic hotel is located in Siem Reap’s city center. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool, sun terrace, and on-site restaurant. Nearby you’ll find Angko...

    Read more +

    Flights

    Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
    Add our airfare package and you'll get:
    • Round-trip flight for your tour
    • Airport transfers at your destination
    • A great price locked in today
    • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
    • Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
    • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
    • Find out more about flights

    FAQ

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