Introduction
The 18-day Thailand Highlights with Phuket Beach Break tour takes you on a journey to four of the most important cities in Northern Thailand – Phitsanuloke, Sukhothai, Chiang Rai, and Chiang Mai. You’ll explore the historical and cultural highlights of these cities, including ancient temples, bustling markets, and stunning landscapes. You’ll also visit the famous Golden Triangle and an Elephant Camp, where you’ll have the opportunity to interact with these gentle giants. In Chiang Mai, you’ll visit a handicraft village and witness local artisans creating beautiful works of art.
After exploring these four cities, you’ll head to Phuket for a well-deserved beach break. You’ll have three days to swim, play on the beach, and relax, enjoying the crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches. This tour offers a perfect mix of history, culture, adventure, and relaxation, giving you a taste of the best that Northern Thailand and Phuket have to offer.
Places to be seen
Itinerary
Day 1. Bangkok: Arrival
Upon your arrival at the airport, our driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel.
The rest of the day is yours to spend at your leisure. Take this opportunity to explore the city, unwind after your journey, or simply relax and soak up the local ambiance.
- Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 2. Bangkok
A journey to Floating Market & River Kwai to discover the past and present of Bangkok. We will travel approx 100km outside of Bangkok to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, famous for its vibrant colors, diverse flavors, and exotic aromas. Glide through the picturesque riverside villages and fruit plantations on a scenic longtail-speedboat ride, capturing memorable photos of the colorful market on water.
Afterwards, proceed to Kanchanaburi province, visit the war cemetery, war museum and the notorious Bridge on the River Kwai. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Bangkok.
- Overnight in Bangkok.
- B,L
Day 3. Ayutthaya
After breakfast at hotel, depart from Bangkok and make your way to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Siam. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to some of Thailand's most significant historical landmarks, and the multitude of temple ruins is a testament to the city's former grandeur.
During the tour, you'll explore some of the most intriguing temples and nearby attractions, including Bang-Pa-In, where you can marvel at the Gothic, Renaissance, Chinese, and Thai architectural styles of King Rama V's summer palace. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant and return to Bangkok.
- Overnight in Bangkok.
- B,L
Day 4. Bangkok → Chiang Mai
Experience the spiritual heart of Bangkok by visiting some of the city's most famous temples. First, we will visit Wat Traimit, also known as the Golden Buddha Temple, and marvel at its magnificent golden Buddha statue. Then, visit Wat Pho, the temple that houses the revered reclining Buddha, and soak up the peaceful ambiance of this sacred site. Finally, we'll conclude the temple tour with a visit to Wat Benjabophit, known for its exquisite marble architecture.
ADD-ON: Pay the entrance fee to visit at The Grand Palace.
After the temple visits, savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon, flight to Chiang Mai. Arrival at airport, we transfer you to your hotel. Check-in and spend your time at leisure.
Overnight in Chiang Mai. (B,L)
Day 5. Chiang Mai → Mae Salong
Take a journey towards Chiang Rai. Stop to visit Hot Springs and the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun). Proceed to the Golden Triangle to enjoy the great landscape. Boat trip across the Mekong river to visit a local market in Laos. Visit to a Fish & Monkey Cave (Wat Tham Pla). Continue to Chinese village of Mae Salong, see the daily life of migrated inhabitants from southern China.
Overnight at guesthouse in Mae Salong. (B,L)
Day 6. Mae Salong → Doi Angkhang
Morning, visit a local Akha hilltribe morning market. Visit a tea factory and plantations. Depart Mae Salong to visit an Akha hilltribe village ‘Ban Lorcha’. A local Akha guide will demonstrate aspects of Akha life such as hunting, dancing, weaving, and traditional houses.
Continue your visit at Doi Angkhang, a rugged mountain range that borders Myanmar. Enjoy the landscapes as we drive up this mountain, enjoy the idyllic location, views, cool climate and fresh mountain air.
Visit Lahu and Palong hilltribe villages. Visit an outlook point on the mountain ridge, which overlooks the Thailand – Myanmar border. Enjoy the views as we descend Doi Angkhang mountain. Then back to Fang town for overnight accommodation.
Overnight at a local guesthouse in Fang. (B,L)
Day 7. Doi Angkhang → Pai
Depart from Fang to visit an elephant camp for elephant riding & bamboo rafting in Mae Taneng area. Afterwards continue on to Pai. In Mae Taeng area, you can visit Tiger Kingdom, Ziplining and other activities upon request that you can pay on own on sport as optional tour. Drive to Pai.
Overnight at a local guesthouse in Pai. (B,L)
Day 8. Pai → Mae Hong Son
Enjoy the scenic mountain drive and landscape views, as we travel from Pai to Mae Hong Son.
On the way we will stop for pictures at viewpoints. Visit a Lisu hilltribe village.
Overnight at hotel hotel in Mae Hong Son town. (B,L)
Day 9. Mae Hong Son
Visit a Shan village (ethnic minority) and learn about the use of buffalos for traditional sesame production. Enjoy the chance to ride bareback on a buffalo. Optionally visit to a Karen Long neck village by long tail boat.
Enjoy a local dinner and evening market by Jong Kham lake.
Overnight at local guesthouse in Mae Hong Son town. (B,L)
Day 10. Mae Hong Son → Mae La Noi
Depart Mae Hong Son for Mae La Noi. Stop off at a viewpoint and enjoy fresh local coffee. Enjoy the scenic drive to Karen & Lawa hill tribe villages nestled in mountains, 1,200m above sea level. Meet your homestay family, and enjoy a home cooked traditional evening meal together.
Overnight at a homestay in the village (or at a local resort). (B,L)
Day 11. Mae La Noi → Mae Sariang
Walk around the villages, as your guide explains to you about the hilltribe way of life. As we follow the natural rhythms of village life, sights and activities may vary. Visit a mountain temple, from the temple rooftop enjoy the panorama overlooking the mountain and villages. Enjoy last moments in the villages before heading to Mae Sariang.
Overnight in Mae Sariang town. (B,L)
Day 12. Mae Sariang → Chiang Mai
Breakfast, we will visit a local market in Mae Sariang. On the way back to Chiang Mai, visit to Doi Inthanon National park.
Rest of the day is your leisure time in Chiang Mai.
Overnight in Chiang Mai. (B,L)
Add-on: Chiang Mai
Begin the tour with an exciting transfer to Pang Chang Mae Tang, where you’ll witness the incredible intelligence and skill of majestic elephants. Enjoy a memorable elephant ride into the lush forest, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery. Next, experience the thrill of bamboo rafting down the Mae Taeng river, surrounded by pristine nature. Later, visit an orchid farm in Mae Rim and discover the beauty of Thailand’s national flower. Finally, return to your hotel.
Overnight in Chiang Mai. (B,L)
Day 13. Chiang Mai → Lam Pang
At 07.00, leave Chiang Mai for Lampang. Visit Wat Pra That Hariphunchai, the most celebrated temple in Lamphun province.
After that visit the Elephant Conservation Centre along the way & witness the show of Elephant. Arrival in Lampang, visit Wat Prathat Lampang Luang. Lunch at a local restaurant. Afternoon, Horse-cart ride through the old streets of Lampang and visit Kad Kong Ta Street Market.
Overnight in Lam Pang. (B,L)
Day 14. Sukhothai → Phuket
At 7.00am, leave Lampang for Sukhothai. Visit The World Heritage Sukhothai Historical Park. Then visit Wat Sri Chum, Tha Pha Daeng Shrine and Wat Sorasak. Bicycle (or car) tour around the park. And much more before transfer to Sukhothai Airport for flight to Phuket.
Overnight in Phuket.
(B,L)
Day 15. Phuket: Leisure
Breakfast at hotel. It's your leisure time for relaxation at beach in Phuket.
Phuket is a paradise for those who love to relax, sunbathe and swim. You can enjoy some delicious Thai food or freshly cooked seafood on the beach, or go horse riding around Phuket.
- Overnight in Phuket.
- B
Day 16. Phuket: Visit Phi Phi island
Morning, transfer to the Royal Phuket Marina, head out to Phi Phi Island. At 10:30, arrive at Bamboo Island – Relax on the white sandy beach and enjoy some snorkeling and swimming in the crystal clear blue and green water!
Enjoy a delicious lunch buffet at Phi Phi Don. Then, head to Phi Phi Le, visit Viking Cave, Monkey Beach and Pileh Lagoon. At 14:30, leave Phi Phi Le to return to the Royal Phuket Marina. Drop you off at your hotel.
- Overnight in Phuket.
- B,L
Day 17. Phuket: Leisure
Breakfast at hotel. It's your leisure time for relaxation at beach in Phuket.
Phuket is a paradise for those who love to relax, sunbathe and swim. You can enjoy some delicious Thai food or freshly cooked seafood on the beach, or go horse riding around Phuket.
- Overnight in Phuket.
- B
Add-On: Visit Phang Nga Bay
Boat trip to visit Phang Nga Bay.
Morning, transfer to the Royal Phuket Marina, head out to Phang Nga Bay. Visit Hong Island and
enjoy a relaxing canoe ride throughout the Island. Continue to Panak Island for more sightseeing of
the impressive limestone cliffs landscape.Lunch buffet at the Muslim Village of Panyee Island. Explore this village of historical and
traditional houses. At 14:00, visit James Bond Island, made famous from the 007 movie.
Afterwards, spend your leisure time relaxing or swimming at Naka or Lawa Island. At 16:30, arrive
back to the Royal Phuket Marina. Drop you off at your hotel.
Day 18. Phuket: Departure
Morning, enjoy breakfast at hotel. Spend your leisure time to relax and enjoy the beach.
When time has come, our driver picks you up and transfer you to airport for your departure flight.
B
End of the journey!
Price
$2,560
This price is based on 3 star hotels and group tour. The tour is upgradable.
Hotel upgrade | Cost |
4 star | USD540 |
5 star | USD1170 |
5 star+ | USD1710 |
Tour upgrade | Cost |
Small group 4-12 pax | USD460 |
Private Tour You only | Group of 2 USD940 Group of 8+ USD600 |
Private+ Top class | USD1450 |
PRICE INCLUDES:
All flights in the tour.
Hotel & accommodation
Meals (B,L,D = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Transfer vehicle.
English speaking guide.
Entrance and sightseeing tickets.
EXCLUDES:
Drinks.
Tips.
Personal expenses.
International flights.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:
May be applied with solo traveler.