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
We will take all our meals and excursions together
DAY 1 | 11th January 2027
ARRIVAL IN BANGKOK (D) Welcome to Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand. Meet your driver at the airport for your transfer to Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square. The rest of the day is free at leisure. In the evening, we will take our welcome group meal in the hotel restaurant
■ Bangkok Introduction - Bangkok is the capital of Thailand. While Bangkok has undoubtedly embraced westernisation and modernisation, you only need to look a little under the surface to see that it remains undeniably a Thai place at heart. In between the skyscrapers and sophisticated shopping centres there's still the remarkable Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace.
Overnight: Radisson Blu Plaza
DAY 2 | 12th January 2027
HIGHLIGHTS OF BANGKOK (B,L,D) Today we have a visit to the Royal Grand Palace, the nation’s landmark and most praised royal monument in Thailand, with the enclosed and dazzling Wat Phra Kaew is a must. Wat Phra Kaew, also called the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is well known for its Golden Chedi, its Pantheon of the Chakri Kings and its Eight Coloured Tower. In Thailand, it is considered by many to be a living example of a classical Siamese Court, being the former residence of the kings of Thailand. Wat Pho is regarded as the first centre of public education and is sometimes called ‘Thailand’s first university’. Mural paintings, inscriptions, and statues found in the temple educated people on various subjects such as literature, warfare, archaeology, astronomy, geology, meditation and is considered to be home of Thai traditional massages. after a morning sightseeing. Experience an afternoon trip along the bustling Chao Phya River and the quiet Klong (canals) in a long tail boat, in which you can enjoy scenes of Bangkok life. We will bring you to a more traditional and serene way of living around Thonburi residential areas, away from all the skyscrapers and modern buildings of Bangkok City Centre. We will also stop by the “Temple of Dawn” (officially named Wat Arun). Finally, a return to the hotel. Evening Tour: Tuk Tuk foodie - Enjoy a night spend exploring Bangkok via Tuk-Tuk, so named for the sound emitted from its small capacity, two-cycle engine. Your evening of adventure begins as you embark upon your 4 hour open-air journey that will take you past bustling markets, ancient temples and savoury street food as you witness the city come alive under a glistening stream of vibrant night lights. Continue to Wat Prayoon, standing out from the rest of the city’s temples thanks in part to its iconic red fence, fashioned out of ancient lances, swords and axes. The temple was built during the reign of King Rama III and features a low-rise Turtle Mountain housing spirits dedicated to the deceased. From there, pass by the Memorial Bridge, stretching over the Chao Phraya River. At the Giant Swing, learn about the prior influence of Brahmanism in Thailand. The nearly 70-foot swing was originally built in 1784 to serve as an integral part of Brahmin ceremonies. Travel to Yaowarat Road, home to Bangkok’s thriving Chinatown District. Here you will find an array of gold shops, exotic markets, historic buildings and colorful snacks. Visit a local restaurant where you can sample mango sticky rice. Return to your hotel.
Overnight: Radisson Blu Plaza
DAY 3 | 13th January 2027
DAMNOEN SADUAK FLOATING & TRAIN MARKET (B) - Meet our guide at the lobby, then we will proceed to the rural yet world-famous floating market of Damnern Saduak, situated around 100 kilometres west of Bangkok.(it takes about 1.5-2 hours from Bangkok to the market). It is generally known as Klong Ton Khem Floating Market or Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Damnern Saduak has officially three floating markets. A narrow canal flanked with food stalls and souvenir shops forms the principal market. Photographers at Ton Kem will get their best shots from the bridge which crosses over the canal and from the shed on the right. Nowadays, the market is bustling with activity from very early in the morning the market open until about 11.00 am. We will leave the Floating Market for the railway Market (Maeklong Market) to catch the nice scene when the train is coming through the market to stop at the station.(please stay away from the rail track for safety) What makes this market so special is that all the stalls occupy a very narrow stretch of train track. Every time a train passes, it sounds the horn, and all the sellers pick up their wares in a matter of seconds. And as soon as the train has passed, within seconds everything is back in its place, just as though nothing had happened.
Overnight: Radisson Blu Plaza
DAY 4 | 14th January 2027
DAY 4 FLY TO CHIANG RAI (B,L) - After checking out at the hotel, we meet our guide at the hotel lobby for our transfer to Bangkok Airport for our flight to Chiang Rai. After collecting our luggage, we will proceed to the Arrival Hall to meet our guide. Today we visit the Karen Long Neck Village (Kayan Lahwi tribe), famous for its cultural practice of wearing neck rings, but also for its deep connection with the natural environment and its rich cultural traditions.
■ Chiang Rai Introduction - Chiang Rai is a city in northern Thailand, in the mountainous province of the same name. They city is near the borders of Laos and Myanmar (formerly Burma). Wat Phra Kaew is a royal temple that once housed the jade Emerald Buddha and now displays a replica. Nearby, the Navel City Pillar is a monument made of more than 100 Khmer-style pillars. Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park is a museum showcasing Lanna artifacts.
Overnight: The Riverie by Katathani
DAY 5 | 15th January 2027
GOLDEN TRIANGLE TOUR (B,L) - After breakfast we will meet our Guide before continuing our journey to the Golden Triangle, the tri- border crossing between Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar, with beautiful views and an account of the history of the opium trade in the region. Cruising the Khong River on a traditional barge, visitors will travel through lush landscapes, riverside villages, that have revitalized the region. Lunch at a local restaurant cultural site. Tour the House of Opium and visit Wat Rong Suea Ten, or the Blue Temple.
Overnight: The Riverie by Katathani
DAY 6 | 16th January 2027
DAY 6 DRIVE TO CHIANG MAI (B,L) - After breakfast we have a private transfer from our hotel to Chiang Mai (approximately 3.5 hours). 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 that visit artisan village where you will experience the quality of Handicraft village such as silk village , Gems gallery to try to make your own design of souvenir, Umbrella village
■ Chiang Mai Introduction - Chiang Mai is a city in mountainous northern Thailand. Founded in 1296, it was capital of the independent Lanna Kingdom until 1558. Its Old City area still retains vestiges of walls and moats from its history as a cultural and religious center. It’s also home to hundreds of elaborate Buddhist temples, including 14th-century Wat Phra Singh and 15th-century Wat Chedi Luang, adorned with carved serpents.
Overnight: Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort
DAY 7 | 17th January 2027
CHIANG MAI TEMPLE & CITY TOUR & DOI SUTHEP TEMPLE (B,L) - After breakfast we begin our tour by heading to the centre of Chiang Mai where you will visit the 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 your introduction to the history of Chiang Mai. From here you will venture onwards by pedal-powered trishaw, stopping briefly at the Three Kings Monument before continuing to Wat Phra Singh. This is one of the city’s most revered temples and offers an excellent example of classic 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. You will then take a stroll to Wat Chedi Luang. 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. After we have a pleasant winding drives up to Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, the symbol of Chiang Mai, where the holy relic of the Lord Buddha is enshrined. 2 magnificent Nagas act as guardians as you ascend up the steps to the temple. A splendid view of town and the surrounding country -side can be seen from the temple grounds. Return to hotel
Overnight: Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort
DAY 8 | 18th January 2027
HALF DAY ELEPHANT SANCTUARY – ELEPHANT ECO VALLEY (B,L) - We have a private transfer from our hotel to Elephant Camp Half day “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 behavior and the personal history of our elephants.
· 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 our 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: Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort
DAY 9 | 19th January 2027
FLY TO KOH SAMUI (B) - After checking out of our hotel, our guide will meet us for our transfer to Chiang Mai Airport for our flight to Koh Samui where we meet our English speaking tour guide. We will be transferred to our hotel where we have the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight at Paradise Beach Resort
DAY 10 | 20th January 2027
KOH SAMUI (B) - Day at leisure.
Overnight: Paradise Beach Resort
DAY 11 | 21st January 2027
KOH SAMUI (B) - Day at leisure
Overnight: Paradise Beach Resort
DAY 12 | 22nd January 2027
KOH SAMUI (B,D) - Day at leisure. We will take our farewell meal in a local restaurant.
Overnight: Paradise Beach Resort
DAY 13 | 23rd January 2027
FLY HOME - After checking out at our hotel, we will meet our English-speaking guide at the hotel lobby for our transfer to Samui Airport for our flights home as say our fond farewells.
7-10
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
Tours and entrance fees as detailed in our itinerary
