Thailand Grand Journey - 20 Days: A curated cultural, natural, and leisure experience across Thailand

Breakfast at the hotel

Meet your guide and begin a full-day exploration of Bangkok’s most iconic cultural and historical landmarks.

Your first stop is the magnificent Grand Palace, Thailand’s most revered royal monument and former residence of the Thai Kings. Within the palace complex lies Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), home to Thailand’s most sacred Buddha image and renowned for its exquisite architecture, glittering golden chedis, and intricate decorative details.

Continue to Wat Pho, one of Bangkok’s oldest and most important temples. Often referred to as Thailand’s first university, the temple is famous for its impressive Reclining Buddha and its long-standing role as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.

After the morning sightseeing, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before embarking on a scenic long-tail boat cruise along the Chao Phraya River and the quiet canals of Thonburi. This relaxing journey offers a glimpse into traditional riverside life, where wooden houses, local communities, and peaceful waterways contrast with Bangkok’s modern skyline. Along the way, visit the iconic Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), one of the city's most recognizable landmarks.

Return to your hotel and enjoy some time at leisure before your evening adventure.

At 18:00, set out on an exciting Tuk Tuk Foodie Tour through Bangkok after dark. Travel through the city's lively streets as illuminated temples, bustling markets, and vibrant neighborhoods come to life. Visit Wat Prayoon, known for its distinctive red fence and historic significance, before passing the Memorial Bridge and the famous Giant Swing, an important symbol of Bangkok's cultural heritage.

Continue to Yaowarat Road, the heart of Bangkok’s Chinatown, where colorful street life, local delicacies, and historic shop houses create an unforgettable atmosphere. Sample some of Thailand’s most beloved local treats, including the famous mango sticky rice, before returning to your hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel

Today we will depart for a fascinating excursion to two of Thailand’s most famous local markets.

Begin your journey at the vibrant Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, one of the country’s most iconic and authentic floating markets. Cruise along the lively canals where local vendors sell fresh fruits, vegetables, snacks, and handicrafts directly from their traditional wooden boats. Wander through the bustling waterways and experience a unique glimpse into Thailand’s traditional riverside lifestyle.

Continue to the remarkable Maeklong Railway Market, a truly unique market set directly on active railway tracks. Watch in amazement as vendors swiftly pull back their awnings and move their goods moments before the train passes through the market, only to resume business as usual once it has gone by. This extraordinary daily spectacle has made the market one of Thailand’s most photographed attractions.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Bangkok. The remainder of the day is free at leisure.

Overnight in Bangkok

Breakfast at the hotel

Travel west to the historic province of Kanchanaburi, a destination closely associated with the events of World War II.

Your first stop is the iconic Bridge over the River Kwai, one of Thailand’s most famous landmarks and an important symbol of the wartime history of the region. Take a walk across the bridge and enjoy views of the river and surrounding countryside while learning about its historical significance.

Continue to the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, an informative museum dedicated to the history of the infamous Death Railway. Through exhibits and displays, gain insight into the railway’s construction and the experiences of those who worked under extremely difficult conditions during the war.

After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy a memorable journey aboard the historic Death Railway, traveling along one of the most scenic sections of the original railway line. The ride offers impressive views of cliffs, forests, and the River Kwai while providing a deeper appreciation of this important chapter in history.

Following the tour, transfer to your hotel for check-in and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Kanchanaburi.

Breakfast at the hotel

Free time to enjoy the surrounding sights or rest at your leisure. However, we highly recommend taking the time to explore Erawan Waterfall.

Erawan Waterfall. refers to the heavenly 3 headed Elephant god and that is certainly the only word that can be used to describe this waterfall, heavenly. The waterfall flows down a series of 7 steps or small ponds, as if descending from the 7 levels of heaven as traditionally believed in the local mythology. Take a refreshing walk up to the 7th level of Erawan Waterfall or stop for a swim in one of its 'swimming pools' with cool clear water. You will also be able to enjoy a natural 'Fish spa' where your skin will have the most natural and unique scrubs (by the fish!)

Enjoy lunch after waterfalls and spas before proceeding to Phra That Cave. The cave is north of Prasat Muang Sing Historical Park and is famous for its spectacular stalagmite and stalactite, naturally formed over hundreds of years.

After a full day of adventure, return to your hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel

Depart from Kanchanaburi to Ayutthaya. We’ll visit Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, a stunning royal retreat located along the Chao Phraya River. The palace features a mix of Thai, Chinese, and European-style buildings, each surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, ponds, and fountains. You can walk through the palace grounds to admire the intricate architecture, take photos of the colorful pavilions, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere that once welcomed Thai kings and their families. The combination of history, culture, and natural beauty makes it a perfect place to explore and relax. Lunch at a local restaurant

Overnight in Ayuthaya

Breakfast at the hotel

Transfer to Sukhothai province.

Discover the ruins of palaces, temples, monasteries and statues set on a 4 km wide island at the confluence of three rivers. Highlights include Wat Chaimongkol temple, a hub of the Buddhist nun community, ancient Wat Mahathat, famous for the serene Buddha image enshrined within the gnarled roots of a thousand-year-old tree and Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, originally a royal chapel and long revered as a spiritual hub by the Thai people, Wat Phananchoeng, The principal image in the Wihan called “Phrachao Phananchoeng” was built in A.D. 1325 ; it is made of stucco in the attitude of subduing evil; considered beautiful, it is most revered by the inhabitants of Ayutthaya.

Continuing to Lopburi, we make a stop at Phra Prang Sam Yod, a Khmer-style Hindu sanctuary adorned with three imposing towers. This is also renowned as a sanctuary for hundreds of long-tailed macaques. Playful and well-fed, these apes have become a leading attraction in the area. After lunch at a local restaurant, we proceed to Sukhothai

Overnight in Sukhothai

Breakfast at the hotel

Embark on a journey to explore the magnificent Sukhothai Historical Park. Nestled amidst meticulously manicured greenery, this park includes the ruins of the ancient capital that dates back to the 13th century. Sukhothai, meaning the ‘dawn of happiness’ was the golden era of Thai civilization. The remains of the kingdom can be seen in a 45 sq-km World Heritage Site containing 193 antiquities of royal palaces, temples, city gates, walls, moats and dams spread amid ponds, rice paddies and villages. The best way to explore is by bike and we use two wheels to visit the iconic White Buddha of Wat Sri Chum, known as the ‘Temple of the Sacred Tree’. This is adorned with gold leaf and it is revered by both locals and visitors. After lunch at a local restaurant, we continued our journey to Chiang Mai. Check-in hotel.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Breakfast at the hotel

Begin your 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. A pleasant winding drive 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 countryside can be seen from the temple grounds.

Lunch at a local restaurant. After the visit, return to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Breakfast at the hotel

Visit Elephant Eco Valley, beginning with a visit to the unique Elephant Culture Museum, where you will learn about the history, culture, and significance of elephants in Thailand. Continue with a series of interactive activities, including feeding the elephants with bananas, sugar cane, and nutritious herb and fruit balls. You will also gain insight into traditional herbal treatments, explore the nature gardens, and discover the fascinating process of making eco-friendly paper from elephant dung.

The highlight of the experience is the opportunity to observe the elephants enjoying their natural habitat and mud baths beneath a waterfall. Guests may also participate in bathing the elephants, creating memorable and meaningful interactions with these gentle giants.

After the elephant sanctuary visit, continue to the Orchid Nursery and Butterfly Farm, home to more than 50 species of vibrant orchids and a beautiful collection of exotic butterflies.

Return to your hotel in the afternoon and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Breakfast at the hotel

Drive 3.5-4 hours to Chiang Rai. On the way, we will visit a hot spring.

After lunch, we will visit a unique Wat Rongkhun or White Temple built by one of the best national artists, then continue to the ancient city, Blue Temple, then we continue to Chiang Saen District, to go to the famous "Golden Triangle” of the Mekhong River, the eighth longest river in the world, with 3 countries: Thai, Laos, Myanmar. Then, Take a boat along the Khong River & visit House of Opium, A privately owned museum. It exhibits the history of the opium trade and consumption in the Golden Triangle, which was introduced by the hill tribe’s immigrants from southern China. Transfer to the hotel and the rest of the day is free at leisure.

Overnight in Chiang Rai

Breakfast at the hotel

Visit Doi Tung Royal villa, Hill tribe Project at Doi Tung, which is located in the northwestern hills of Chiang Rai Province. Visit Mae Fah Luang Garden, then continue your trip to The Chui Fong Tea plantation, then after that continue to the restaurant to have lunch - food only.

After lunch, we will continue to visit the Karen Long neck hill tribe village, then return to the hotel.

Note: Times, tours, and programs are subject to change without prior notice, depending on local conditions or unforeseen circumstances.

Overnight in Chiang Rai

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Chiang Rai Airport for your flight to Phuket. Upon arrival in Phuket, meet your guide and driver and transfer to your hotel and take the rest of the day on your own

Overnight in Khao Lak

Breakfast at the hotel then free time at your leisure.

Overnight in Khao Lak

Breakfast at the hotel

Depart for Khao Sok National Park, one of Thailand’s most spectacular natural destinations.

Begin the day with a memorable elephant bathing experience, where you can observe and interact with these gentle giants in their natural environment. Watch as the elephants cool off and play in the water, an important part of their daily routine.

Continue to the Khao Sok Scenic Viewpoint, offering breathtaking panoramic views over the lush rainforest and dramatic limestone mountains of the national park. Next, visit the intriguing Monkey Cave Temple, a sacred site nestled within a limestone cave and home to numerous monkeys.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Cheow Lan Lake Pier. Board a traditional long-tail boat and cruise across the emerald waters of Cheow Lan Lake, surrounded by towering limestone karsts and pristine rainforest scenery.

Upon arrival at your floating raft house, check in and spend the afternoon relaxing amidst the tranquil beauty of the lake. This unique accommodation offers the perfect blend of comfort and nature, creating an unforgettable experience in the heart of Khao Sok.

In the evening, enjoy a Thai set dinner served at the floating restaurant while admiring the peaceful surroundings.

Overnight in Khao Sok

Breakfast box at the hotel

6:30 AM: Your guide will pick you up at your hotel for a safari tour, observing the diverse wildlife of Khaosok Forest by longtail boat in the brilliant morning mist (this activity will not be available on rainy days).

7:00 AM: Return to the raft for breakfast. Board the longtail boat for a scenic boat trip and explore Khaosok National Park. You can encounter plants, flowers, butterflies, birds, squirrels, reptiles, and more waiting for you to discover.

Afterward, take a short walk to Lake 500 Rai. After the walk, take a bamboo raft to cross Lake 500 Rai to Pakarang Cave (Coral Cave). The stalactites resemble coral, hence the cave's name. Easily accessible for children (but be careful of the slippery, wet floor). Spend 30 minutes exploring the cave (a small cave but with amazing formations).

13:00 Lunch at a floating restaurant.

15:15 - 15:30 Return to the pier. Afterwards, transfer to Phuket

Overnight in Phuket

Breakfast at the hotel then free time to explore the island on your own.  

Overnight in Phuket

Free time at your leisure

Overnight in Phuket

Free time at your leisure

Overnight in Phuket

Free at your leisure until transfer to the airport for your flight home.