Thailand has so much to offer, from historic palaces and temples to ancient ruins & tropical islands with white sandy beaches. Then you have jungle, Hill Tribe villages, interesting culture, stunning scenery and delicious cuisine.
11 - 23 January 2027
DAY 1 | 11 January 2027 ARRIVE BANGKOK
Welcome to Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand. You will be met by your driver at the airport and transfer Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok. The rest of the day is free at leisure. We will take our welcome dinner tonight – a great way to meet your fellow travellers in person. Kindly note if there are some late arrivals we will have our welcome group dinner on day 2.
Overnight: Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok - Grand Deluxe River View
DAY 2 | 12 January 2027 HIGHLIGHTS OF BANGKOK FULL DAY (B,L)
At 8.30am, we will meet our guide at the hotel lobby. Our journey begins at the awe-inspiring Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), a sacred site containing the 66cm Emerald Buddha. Delve into a mural depicting Buddhist cosmology and find solace in the Buddha's presence. Move on to the Grand Palace, an architectural jewel that served as the royal residence from 1782 to 1925, now an iconic symbol of Thailand. We will then take a short stroll leading to Wat Pho, a temple dating back to the late 17th century, renowned for the colossal Reclining Buddha and its role as a traditional massage school. We will immerse ourselves in Thai cuisine at a local restaurant for a delightful lunch. In the afternoon, we embark on a waterborne adventure on a longtail boat. Cruise down the Chao Phraya River, witnessing wooden stilted houses, ancient temples, and the 2023-opened giant Buddha statue. The boat docks at Wat Arun, the 'Temple of Dawn,' an iconic Buddhist marvel. Ascend the main prang and explore intricately designed pagodas showcasing Thai craftsmanship. Please Note: Dress modestly when visiting Wat Pho, the Grand Palace, and Wat Arun. Overnight: Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok
DAY 3 | 13 January 2027 DAMNOEN SADUAK FLOATING & TRAIN MARKET (B)
We will start our day at 7am for a morning tour by meeting your English-speaking guide at your hotel lobby. We will be driven to Ratchaburi Province, which is approximately a 2-hour drive away. The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is one of Thailand's most famous and picturesque markets. This bustling market paints a vivid picture of Thailand's cultural tapestry. As flowers change hands between wholesalers and locals, witness street hawkers transforming them into garlands, symbols of luck and offerings. We will have the opportunity to experience the long-tail boat and cruise along the river while trying exciting new local dishes. Next, we will be driven to the Mae Klong Railway Market. This unique market is set up right on the active railway tracks. This vibrant market is a thrilling spectacle as vendors deftly move their goods to make way for passing trains. Experience this captivating routine eight times a day, showcasing the resilience of the local community. We will return to our hotel with vivid memories, relishing the unique charm of Mae Klong. Enjoy leisure time, reflecting on the day's extraordinary moments and the unexpected wonders that make this market a must-see destination.
Overnight: Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok
DAY 4 | 14 January 2027 FLY TO CHIANG RAI (B)
INCLUDED FLIGHTS
Chiang Mai 08:25 - Chiang Rai 09:50 After checking out of our hotel, we will meet our guide at the hotel lobby for our transfer to Bangkok Airport for our flight to Chiang Rai. Upon arrival, we will proceed to the Arrival Hall to meet our guide. We will take our transfer to our accommodation. The rest of the day is free at leisure.
Overnight: The Riverie by Katathani - Deluxe Garden
DAY 5 | 15 January 2027 GOLDEN TRIANGLE & KAREN LONG NECK HILLTRIBE VILLAGES (B,L)
We will enjoy a full-day journey through Thailand’s northernmost region, where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet at the famous Golden Triangle. Known for its stunning landscapes, diverse ethnic communities, and fascinating history, the region offers a unique insight into the culture and traditions of Southeast Asia. We begin at Golden Triangle Park, where we will enjoy panoramic views across the Mekong River, with Laos on the right and Myanmar on the left. Visit Phra Buddha Nawa Lan Tue and the House of Opium Museum, where we will learn about the history of opium in the region through exhibits featuring traditional tools, pipes, local costumes, and cultural displays. Lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch we visit the Union of Hill Tribe Villages and explore the villages of the Akha, Yao, Lahu, Kayaw, and Long Neck Karen communities, learning about their unique cultures and lifestyles, and browse locally made handicrafts. Return to our hotel. Overnight: The Riverie by Katathani
DAY 6 | 16 January DRIVE TO CHIANG MAI (B,L)
After breakfast, we take our private transfer to Chiang Mai (approximately 3.5 hours). On arrival we will visit the White Temple, a white masterpiece adorned with intricate carvings and mosaics that shimmer in the sunlight. This temple combines traditional Buddhist architecture with modern artistic elements. Lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch we will visit an artisan village where we will experience the quality of Handicraft village such as silk village, Gems gallery to try to make your own design of souvenir. After our visit we will head to our hotel for check-in.Overnight: Ratilanna Riverside Resort and Spa
DAY 7 | 17 January 2027 CHIANG MAI TEMPLE & CITY TOUR + DOI SUTHEP TEMPLE (B,L)
After breakfast, we begin the tour at Tapae Gate. This was once one of five gates into the walled city, and is now the main one, having been the only gate to be fully reconstructed. This is a great spot to start our introduction to the history of Chiang Mai. From here we will have a traditional tuk tuk ride with a stop at the Three Kings Monument. After we continue to Wat Phra Singh, one of Chiang Mai’s most revered temples and a fine example of Lanna architecture. It is most well-known for its beautiful Phra Singh (Lion Buddha) image, which is housed in a small but ornate chapel, and first came to Chiang Mai in the 1360s. We will then walk to Wat Chedi Luang, a historic temple known for its impressive chedi and jade Buddha replica. This was originally one of the tallest buildings in ancient Chiang Mai, however, it was significantly damaged either in an earthquake or from cannon fire. Whilst it no longer boasts a towering spire, there has been extensive restoration work to the exterior, including new Buddha images, nagas and elephant statues. The temple was also the previous home of the Emerald Buddha, currently in Bangkok, and visitors can now see a jade replica, which was given as a royal gift in 1995 to celebrate the 700th anniversary of Chiang Mai. Lunch at local restaurant. After lunch we continue to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s iconic mountain temple and the symbol of Chiang Mai, where the holy relic of the Lord Buddha is enshrined. 2 magnificent Nagas act as guardians as we ascend up the steps to the temple we will get a splendid view of town and the surrounding countryside We then return to our hotel. Overnight: Ratilanna Riverside Resort and Spa
DAY 8 | 18 January 2027 HALF DAY ELEPHANT SANCTUARY -ELEPHANT ECO VALLEY (B,L)
At 8.30am we have our private transfer to Elephant Camp “Elephant Eco valley”, one of the best elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai including sustainable and ethical treatment. Their trained English- speaking guides give visitors insight into the behaviour and the personal history of our elephants. Here we learn about elephants in Thailand at the Elephant Culture Museum, the one and only in Thailand
Feed the elephants herb ‘n’ fruit balls, bananas, and sugar cane
Help with elephant poo paper production
Get info on herbal treatments, walk in the nature garden, and make herb ‘n’ fruit nutritional vitamin balls—the elephants love them!
Watch elephants in water and Mud Bath under waterfall
Lunch at Elephant Eco Valley - After finishing Elephant camp activity, we will be transferred to the Orchid Nursery and Butterfly Farm filled with more than 50 different varieties of gorgeous orchid blooms in a dazzling array of colours. There is a superb collection of exotic butterflies to dazzle and bewitch you. Overnight: Ratilanna Riverside Resort and Spa
DAY 9 | 19 January 2027 FLY TO KOH SAMUI (B)
INCLUDED FLIGHTS
Chiang Mai 11:35 - Samui 13:20
After checking out of our hotel, we will meet our guide for our transfer to Chiang Mai Airport for your flight to Koh Samui. On arrival in Koh Samui we will meet our English speaking tour guide at Samui airport for our transfer to our hotel. We have the rest of the day at leisure. (Note: Normal hotel check in time is 14:00 or 15:00 hrs.)
Overnight: Amari Koh Samui - Superior Pool View
DAY 10 | 20 January 2027 KOH SAMUI (B)
Day at leisure. Overnight: Amari Koh Samui
DAY 11 | 21 January 2027 KOH SAMUI (B)
Day at leisure.
DAY 12 | 22 January 2027 KOH SAMUI (B)
Day at leisure.
DAY 13 | 23 January 2027 FLY TO BANGKOK (Flight not included) After checking out at the hotel, we will be transferred to Samui Airport for our flight back to Bangkok Airport. On arrival at Bangkok airport you will take your international flight home.
10-15 Small Group
On our tour you will see some of the highlights of this fascinating country. We’ll start in the vibrant and bustling capital city of Bangkok before continuing to Kanchanaburi and seeing the famous Bridge over the River Kwai. Here we will admire the beauty of the Erawan Waterfalls and see the Hellfire Pass before arriving at Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. We’ll visit the local Karen Hill Tribe people and take a boat ride at the Golden Triangle. Our tour ends with some time to relax on the white sandy beaches of Koh Samui.
Diva Destinations hosts throughout your tour
12 night’s accommodation with breakfast included daily
Meals as specified (B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner)
English speaking guides and assistants
Transfer and Transport throughout
Domestic Flights to chiang Rai & Chiang Mai (flights to/from Koh Samui are an additional extra)
Tours and entrance fees as detailed in our itinerary
