Day 1: Bangkok

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand.
Arrival at Bangkok airport, we transfer you to hotel.
Thailand’s bustling capital, Bangkok is famous for its tuk tuks, khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious Thai food. Bangkok has so much to offer those with time to explore, so perhaps arrive a day or so early. You could take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, uncover the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road, or indulge in some Thai massage.
Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 2: Bangkok

At 6.30, leave Bangkok for Ayuthaya. Stop to visit the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace. Continue to Ayutthaya, visit Wat Maha That. We continue our visit at Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the largest and most important temple.

At 12.30, Embark a cruise, enjoy delicious buffet lunch on board and cruise back to Bangkok. Sightseeing from the boat on the way back to Bangkok city.

• Overnight in Bangkok.
• B,L

Day 3: Sukhothai

This morning, leave the current capital of Thailand and head north by local bus to one of the first ancient capitals of Siam, Sukhothai (approximately 6 hours). You’ll make a short stop midway through for a chance to stretch the legs and buy some lunch. Located on a fertile plain, Sukhothai was established in the 13th century, and the name means the ‘Dawn of Happiness’. It’s now famous for its World Heritage-listed historic park that celebrates the Golden Age of Thai civilisation. Tonight, be sure to head to the fascinating local night market and try the local dishes, like Sukhothai noodles.
Overnight in Sukhothai.

Day 4: Sukhothai

Head out to the historical ruins of Old Sukhothai, set amid beautiful lakes and gardens. The religious art and architecture of the Sukhothai era are considered to be the most classic of Thai styles, and the Sukhothai Historical Park contains the remains of 21 historic sites, with awe-inspiring Buddha images and four large ponds often filled with stunning lotus flowers in full bloom. Upon arrival at the park, hire bicycles and enjoy a few leisurely hours feeling the breeze in your hair and learning about the history of this fascinating place. Enjoy a home-cooked picnic lunch somewhere along the way. If we have enough free time, we will visit a local ceramics factory.
Overnight in Sokhothai.

Day 5: Lampang / Homestay

Travel by private minivan from Sukothai to Lampang. On the way, stop off at the Friends of the Asian Elephant Hospital located in Lampang. This is the first elephant hospital in the world established to care for sick and abused elephants, with the aim of preserving the animals’ natural habitat and lifestyle. You’ll learn more about this important initiative and perhaps become acquainted with some of its resident pachyderm patients.
Continue 1.5 hours to a small Thai village. Accommodation is multishare and basic (there will be fold-out mattresses on the floor and shared bathrooms), but there is no better way to better understand a country and its people.
In the evening, you’ll be treated to a traditional northern Thai khantohk dinner, accompanied by live music and dancing.
Overnight in Lampang.

Day 6: Chiang Mai

In the morning, we have bike and boat circuiting the homestay village. This is a great opportunity to see how the locals live, and you’ll make a few stops along the way to see small country industries in the area. Cycling past the rice fields and breathing in the fresh country air, with beautiful mountains in the distance, makes this morning a picture-postcard experience. After that, travel to Chiang Mai (approximately 45 minutes). The most vibrant city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has many famous temples and an interesting old city area. Renowned for dazzling beauty and extremely welcoming locals, the ‘Rose of the North’ will leave you spellbound. Chances are, you won’t want to leave. Your accommodation has both ensuite bathrooms and air conditioning, and is perfectly located right by the famous vibrant night markets.
Overnight in Chiang Mai

Day 7: Chiang Mai

Morning, you have a half day cycling tour around Chiang Mai. After a short safety briefing and bicycle fitting, navigate the light downtown traffic as you cycle south, a pleasant ride along the green banks of the Ping River. Make a stop at a former leper colony turned rehabilitation centre, where you’ll get to know some of the daily life of the missionaries who worked here over a hundred years ago. The trip continues along various fruit orchards, cycling down small country roads and meandering around the villages on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. Here you’ll discover the real rural Thailand and encounter the Thai way of life. Explore the temple ruins of Wiang Kum Kam, the former capital of Lanna, before you cycle back to Chiang Mai.
You’re free at leisure in the afternoon.
If you’re a foodie, join a Thai cooking class, then you’ll discover some of the secrets of Thai cuisine, learn the key ingredients, how to use them, and what to use in their place if you can’t get them at home. As well as taking your own comprehensive recipe book with you after the class, you’ll feast on the fruits of your labour for lunch.
Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Day 8: Chiang Mai

At 7.00, visit Mae Khachan hot springs, stunning Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) and Chiang Saen. Proceed to The famous Golden Triangle area of Northern Thailand.

After lunch, we visit Wat Phrathat Pukhao. We go back to Chiang Mai. On the way back, we stop to visit Akha and Yao hill tribe villages.

• Overnight in Chiang Mai.
• B,L

Day 9: Surat Thani

Morning, beakfast at hotel. After that, we trasnfer you to airport for flight to Surat Thani.
Upon arrival, transfer to pier and get on a speed boat to reach Koh Samui – one of the most beautiful island.
Overnight in Koh Samui.
(B)

Day 10: Koh Samui

Morning, breakfast at hotel. Spend your leisure time to discover the island on your own.
Koh Samui is certainly a brasher, more vibrant extrovert compared to its sister islands. If a little modern pizazz is what you’re after with your dose of sunshine exotica, look no further – this island offers a little something for everyone. Known simply as Samui by locals, Thailand’s third largest island is rich with white sandy beaches, coral reefs and coconut trees. There’s also the Big Buddha, waterfalls, markets, temples, a mummified monk, great shopping opportunities, Michelin star restaurants, luxury spas, and a lively nightlife.
Overnight in Koh Samui.
(B)

Add-On: One more night

Add-On: Island boat trip
It’s up to you what you want to do today, but if you feel like being more active, take an optional day trip to Ang Thong Marine National Park, an idyllic archipelago of around 40 islands (many uninhabited). If you choose this option you’ll take a speedboat to the Marine Park, with the island of Ko Wao or Ko Tai Plow as your first stop – here you can snorkel in the turquoise waters filled with ever changing colours of coral and fish. Sail around the steep limestone cliff islands and stop near an inland saltwater lagoon called Emerald Lake (Talay Nai), which is fed by an underground cave. Take a short walk up pathways and a wooden staircase to reach a magnificent hilltop lake viewpoint. Enjoy lunch on the island that houses the park headquarters, then chill out on the beach, climb up for a panorama of the Marine Park, and get out on to the bay for some kayaking. You’ll head back to Ko Samui in mid-afternoon.
Overnight in Koh Samui.
(B,L)

Day 11: Koh Tao

Today we travel to Koh Tao. The ferrry takes around 2 hours, and you’ll arrive on Ko Tao mid-afternoon.
Famous for its spectacular coral reefs, the delightful little island of Ko Tao is popular not only among divers but also those looking for beautiful palm-fringed beaches such as Sairee. Here you can relax or perhaps take up some optional diving. Cooking classes, aromatherapy sessions or local spa visits are also great options. Ko Tao also has a small but lively nightlife for those interested in dancing and socialising on the beach or in bars.
Overnight in Koh Tao.

Day 12: Koh Tao

Today you’ll experience the beautiful underwater world that surrounds Ko Tao with an exploratory snorkelling trip. With coral and fish a plenty and the remote chance of seeing timid reef sharks amongst mesmerising coral formations, Ko Tao is undeniably one of the jewels in southern Thailand’s crown. Sail south from Mae Haad Pier, navigating around the southern tip of the island until you reach Shark Island. You might see the occasional leopard shark. Drop by Luek Bay for one of the best swimming beaches on the island with fish-filled reefs on either side, then stop at Hin Wong Bay for lunch aboard the boat – an idyllic spot where palm trees line the sheltered inlet. The shallow waters of Muang Bay are filled with colourful fish to swim by, and then stop at Nang Yuan Island. You can pay the small entrance fee to this privately owned island and take a short hike up to a viewpoint, relax on the beach, snorkel through schools of parrotfish, or chill out on the boat.
Overnight in Koh Tao.

Day 13: Koh Tao

This wonderful Thailand beach adventure comes to an end today. Get on a speed boat to get back to mainland and transfer you straight to airport for your departure flight.
A night at hotel for your to stay on mainland can be arranged if you want it.

End of the tour!