The Grand Tour of Thailand (24 days)
An in-depth exploration of Thailand, taking in historical sites, national parks and the stunning vistas of the Andaman coast. Highlights along the way include the countryside and history along the River Kwai, the temples and ruins of Ayutthaya and central Thailand, time exploring the northern hills and an overnight stay at the Elephant Hills Bush Camp near Chiang Mai. The trip finishes with a wildlife adventure in the southern jungles, followed by a well-earned beach stay at one of our favourite beach resorts in Krabi.
Guide Price
From £4,995 per person based on a double room for departures in January.
Day by Day Itinerary
Click on each day to expand the itinerary detail. Or click on the print itinerary button above to preview the tour in full.
Flight: TG911 London Heathrow - Bangkok 11.50 - 06.10 (overnight)
Meet & Greet: On arrival at Bangkok Airport, you will be welcomed to Thailand by your private English-speaking guide and then transferred to your hotel to check in and relax for the rest of the day.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Riva Surya (Deluxe Riva Room)
City skyline, BangkokMorning at leisure: This morning is free to relax at your hotel.
Afternoon long-tail boat trip along the Khlongs to Royal Barge Museum & Wat Pho: This afternoon set off from your hotel and board a long-tailed boat for the fascinating journey to the old district of Thonburi in the heart of Bangkok to explore a network of canals to see local folk going about their daily lives. Located just across the Chao Praya River from the financial district's towering skyscrapers, these quiet waterways are a magical place that seems a world away from the frenetic pace of the city. Visit the Royal Barge Museum where you can see eight of the country's most unique and stunning vessels: the Royal Barges. These boats are reserved for auspicious ceremonies and state occasions like the very rare Royal Barge Procession and have only made an appearance on the water 16 times in the last 65 years. Disembark near Wat Pho and head into the temple complex to see the colossal 46m Reclining Buddha with feet beautifully inlaid with mother-of-pearl, and the four giant Chedis of the Kings. Wat Pho was founded in the 16th century and is considered the earliest centre for public education in Thailand due to the 1,360 marble inscriptions about medicine, history and sciences that are places all around the temple for people to read and learn. There is also an active school of medicine at the temple, which is the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Riva Surya (Deluxe Riva Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Grand Palace, BangkokGuided tour of Ayutthaya then cruise back to Bangkok: After breakfast you will be picked up from the hotel and you will set out on a morning's excursion to Ayutthaya, one of the “must see” attractions in Thailand which is situated 60 miles north of Bangkok. The drive will take around an hour and your first stop will be at Bang Pa-In, a palace complex formerly used by the Thai kings and known as the 'Summer Palace'. Afterwards you will visit the ruins of Ayutthaya, which was founded around 1350 and became the second capital of Siam after Sukhothai. With its ideal location in the heart of Asia the city flourished and become a major trading centre, with a population of over a million by 1700, until it was sacked by the Burmese in 1767. This morning you will visit the principal sights of Ayutthaya such as Wat Yai Chaimonkol, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, and Wat Chai Wattanaram. After the sightseeing head to the nearby pier to join the 'Grand Pearl' cruise boat for a buffet lunch and a leisurely river trip back to Bangkok. Relax as you watch life on the banks of the Chao Phraya River change from a rural landscape to an urban scene as you enter Bangkok. On arrival back in the city you will be met at the jetty and then transferred back to your hotel.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Riva Surya (Deluxe Riva Room)
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Morning visit to the Grand Palace & National Museum: This morning you will be taken for a tour of the Grand Palace which is one of the most beautiful examples of ancient Siamese architecture and has been the residence of the Kings of Thailand for over two centuries. Here you will see palaces which were used for different occasions: the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House and the beautiful Emerald Buddha Temple. Continue with a visit to the National Museum, home to the most extensive collection of Thai artifacts and art in the country. Located on the grounds of the Grand Palace, the museum, which was built in the late 1800s, consists of numerous buildings, each housing different types of art.
Afternoon visit to Jim Thompson's House: This afternoon pay a visit to the house of Jim Thompson who has become a Bangkok legend since his mysterious disappearance in 1967. A master of the silk trade his elegant residential enclave, comprising six traditional Thai teakwood houses transported from Ayutthaya and Bangkok’s Ban Krua community, echoes his 30-year love affair with Southeast Asian art and cultural heritage.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Riva Surya (Deluxe Riva Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Morning guided tour to the Floating Market: After an early breakfast, set off for the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market which is situated 70 miles west of Bangkok and is a very attractive place for visitors to see the old style and traditional way of selling and buying fruits & vegetables from small boats. You will also see traditional Thai houses, and get an insight into how the locals live using boats to get around. The tour includes a visit to Nakorn Pathom, site of the highest Chedi in Thailand called "Phra Patom Chedi" which is the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia.
Road journey to Kanchanaburi: After the sightseeing, set off on the two hour drive to Kanchanaburi. On arrival, check into your riverside accommodation and have the rest of the day to relax.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Oriental Kwai Resort (River View Cottage)
Meals: Breakfast
Floating market, BangkokGuided tour of Kanchanaburi: Today you will be taken on a guided tour of the site of the famous "Bridge over the River Kwai". Continue to the Kanchanaburi Allied War Cemetery, the final resting place of about 7000 prisoners who died in the area. Finish your tour with a visit to the the Death Railway Museum which tells the history of the construction of the Thailand Burma Railway by POWs in World War Two.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Oriental Kwai Resort (River View Cottage)
Meals: Breakfast
Bridge over the River Kwai, KanchanaburiTrain ride on the 'Death Railway' to Hellfire Pass: This morning board a train and travel along part of the ‘death railway’. Disembark and make a memorable visit to Hellfire Pass, one of the most dramatic remnants from the Death Railway's construction that took place during the Second World War. You will also visit The Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum, which is maintained by the Australian Government, before setting off on a light trek along the memorial trail which covers the area around the pass. After the walk you will board a longtail boat for a spectacular journey along the River Kwai to your floating resort.
Accommodation: Tonight you will stay at Float House River Kwai (Floating Villa)
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Waterfall, Si Nakharin National ParkRoad journey to Bangkok: After some time at leisure this morning you will be transferred back to the airport in Bangkok for the short flight to Sukhothai.
Flight: PG213 Bangkok - Sukhothai 15.30 - 16.50
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Sukhothai Heritage Resort (Superior Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Buddha statues, AyutthayaFull day cycling tour of Sukhothai: You will be collected from your hotel in the morning and driven to the starting point of today’s cycling tour in a small village on Sukhothai's outskirts known as Ban Kheay. We take a dirt road passing though endless rice paddies with beautiful views of the Kao Laung Mountain range in Ramkhamhang National Park. Arriving at the Southern Gate we will explore some of Sukhothai's famous ancient ruins. You will marvel at beautiful Buddhist and Hindu architecture and be exposed to some of the country's most stunning craftmanship from a period known as Thailand's Golden Era. The tour offers the visitor a guided cultural experience, learning about Sukhothai's history and complex architecture as well as the story of Buddhism in Thailand. After a delicious local lunch we will continue our journey along small irrigation canals (Klong Mae Lampan) passing through rural villages before arriving back at the hotel.
Please note that if you would prefer not to cycle we can arrange a guided tour by car as an alternative.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Sukhothai Heritage Resort (Superior Room)
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Monkey Temple, LopburiRoad journey from Sukhothai to Lampang: Set off by road north by road to the town of Lampang in northern Thailand, a journey of around three hours. Just north of Sukhothai you may want to stop at Si Satchanalai, a 12th century Khmer outpost and an important pottery-producing centre. Some of the main highlights is Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo, a mausoleum built to enshrine the remains of the ruling families, and Wat Chang Lom one of the largest and best-preserved temples in the area.
Afternoon tour of Wat Phra That Lampang Luang: After checking into your hotel drive to Ko Kah to see Wat Phra That Lampang Luang which housed an Emerald Buddha similar to the one at Wat Phra Keo in Bangkok. After lunch, visit Dhaabadee Ceramic Museum and workshop. Dhanabadee claims to be the first producer of the emblematic ‘chicken bowls’ used across Thailand. In 2013 the company opened its doors to visitors and began running guided tours that span the history of the chicken bowl in Thailand and explain the various steps involved in making them. Then, proceed to visit Wat Chedi Sao, Wat Pra Kaeo Don Tao and Lampang’s clock tower.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Lampang River Lodge (Lanna Deluxe Room)
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Lampang Luang, LampangRoad journey to Chiang Rai with sightseeing en route: After breakfast this morning set off on the drive to Chiang Rai, a drive of between 3-4 hours. En route there is the option of stopping at Phayao, a unique rural town with a royal history that can be seen from Wat Sri Kom Kam, the temple located on the bank of Kwan Phayao which houses the largest Buddha statue of Lanna Thai.
Afternoon tour of Chiang Rai: After checking in to your hotel head off to see Wat Rong Khun, or the White Temple, which is a modern creation, and which symbolizes the purity of Buddhism with its bright white colour and ornamental mirrors. Continue the tour with a visit to Wat Rong Suea Tean, also known as the Blue Temple, another unusual modern Buddhist temple distinguished by its vivid blue colouring and elaborate carvings. Finish at Baan Dam Estate, an impressive art installation with intricately carved wooden buildings that was created by Thai artist ThawanDuchanee. Often referred to as the “Black Temple”, the building was constructed with a blend of traditional Thai architecture with a contemporary and unorthodox flair. The name comes from the dark interior, which houses a collection of taxidermied animals made into furniture and art.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Legend Chiang Rai (Superior Studio)
Meals: Breakfast
The Golden TriangleFull day guided tour in the Golden Triangle region: After breakfast drive northwards to the mountainous area of Mae Salong (Santikhiri), which was originally settled by the renegade KMT 93rd regiment that fled to Myanmar from China in 1949. The mountain is also home to numerous hill tribe settlements, and you will visit both Yao and Akha minority villages. Near the peak of the mountain you will find several tea plantations as well as tea houses. There are stunning views from the top overlooking Thailand, Burma and Laos along the Mekong Valley. Continue to the northern-most point of Thailand at the Thai-Burmese border and visit the border town Mae Sai where lunch will be served in a local restaurant. After lunch, drive to the Golden Triangle area on the bank of the Mekong River where the three borders meet. Visit the House of Opium, a museum that tells the story of how this illicit cash crop shaped the history and culture of the Golden Triangle region. There are many antique items on display such as opium harvesting knives, scales, weights, pipes, mats and pillows. You will then embark on an hour’s cruise along the Mekong River and soak up the riverbank scenery, before returning by road to your hotel in Chiang Rai.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the The Legend Chiang Rai (Superior Studio)
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Akha lady, Chiang RaiJourney from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai with sightseeing: After breakfast, you will be taken to board a simple long-tail boat for a 3 hour journey up the Kok River, passing tiny hill tribe villages, bamboo huts and jungle scenery. Disembark at Ban Pha Tai and continue by road to visit Ban Lorcha, a Phami Akha hill tribe community centre. This community-based tourism development project promotes sustainable, self-reliant development to improve the quality of life of villagers in this Akha Community, and is a model for tourism in hill tribe villages. Lunch will be taken at a local restaurant. After lunch, you will set off by road to Chiang Mai via the towns of Fang and Chiang Dao. On arrival in Chiang Mai, you will be transferred to your hotel to check in and relax for the rest of the day.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Rimping Village (Deluxe Room)
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Umbrellas, Chiang MaiFull day guided tour of Chiang Mai: After breakfast, you will set out to explore the local fresh market before taking a short "samlor" (tricycle) ride to Wat Phra Singh. This 14th century Lanna style temple has been one of Chiang Mai's most important sanctuaries. Opposite is Wat Prasat, one of the oldest unreconstructed temples in the city, and after looking around here, you will visit Wat Suan Dok where the ashes of former kings of Chiang Mai and the Royal Family are kept. Your last stop of the day will be at Wat Gate (or Wat Gatekaram) which dates back to the mid 15th century and sits in a great location in the historic district on the east bank of the River Ping. Later this afternoon visit Wat Doi Suthep, which is tucked away in the mountains at an elevation of 1,056m. The temple is reached using a 290 step staircase and the monastery at the top was built by King Gue-Na in 1383. At its centre is a big Chedi (spiral pagoda) which contains relics of the Lord Buddha.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Rimping Village (Deluxe Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Wat Doi Suthep, Chiang MaiRoad journey to the Bush Camp: After breakfast this morning you will be met by a representative from the lodge for the journey to the Bush Camp. Travel south from the city for a couple of hours and arrive at the camp around mid-morning.
Afternoon & evening activities at the Bush Camp: Upon arrival at the Bush Camp you will be welcomed by the staff and shown to your luxury tent to settle in. A delicious Thai lunch will then be served to prepare you for the afternoon and evening experiences. You’ll get to interact with the free-roaming herd, by helping feed them, while also discovering more about the mahouts who care for these majestic creatures. You’ll observe traditional practices and learn about how the mahout’s family pound rice, weave clothes and make paper from dung. There’ll be time to observe the elephants from the camp’s café and enjoy a sundowner with jaw-dropping river and mountain views at a local look-out point. End the day with a buffet dinner that’s packed with both Thai and western dishes.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the The Bush Camp (Luxury Tent)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Morning activities at the Bush Camp: The day begins with a fresh buffet breakfast followed by a visit to the forest where the elephants roam. You’ll be served a traditional coffee and snack known as kafee and boran and kanom krok, the breakfast of choice for the mahouts. Watch the elephants have their morning wash and find out how they are cared for, including animal husbandry techniques and veterinary attention. Return to your camp to start packing up, then have lunch in the open-air restaurant.
Road journey to Chiang Mai: After lunch set off by road back to Chiang Mai in a shared vehicle. Arrive back in the city by mid-afternoon.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Rimping Village (Deluxe Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Private transfer: After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for the flight to Surat Thani.
Flight: FD5420 Chiang Mai - Surat Thani 10.20 - 12.15
Road journey to Khao Sok: Upon arrival you will be met by a driver and transferred to Khao Sok National Park to check in at your jungle resort.
Afternoon Bamboo rafting: Take a leisurely tour of the Sok River on a traditional bamboo raft, one of the oldest forms of transport in Thailand. Each Raft can support a maximum of two people plus the raft steerer, and whilst handmade from natural materials, they are surprisingly stable and manoeuvrable. On this slow-paced rafting adventure sit back and soak in the scenery of towering limestone cliffs and towering jungle canopies whilst on the lookout for wildlife.
If you would prefer a more active excursion there is the option of kayaking down the Sok River as an alternative.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Our Jungle Camp (Earth House)
Meals: Breakfast
Rainforest, Khao SokMorning jungle walk: Set off from your lodge at 8am and drive into the National Park to the start point of this morning's nature walk. Your guide will point out some of the interesting plants that drow in this area, and help spot any wildlife and birds that you might come across. The trail leads to a small cave that you can explore if you wish.
Road & boat journey to Cheow Lan Lake: Continue by road for around 30m minutes until reaching Ratchaprapha Dam. Here you will board a longtail boat for the 1.5 hour journey to your rafthouse, passing through spectacular scnery of jungle clad limestone peaks.
Evening wildlife cruise: At 5pm this evening set off on a sunset wildlife cruise to spot animals and birds that come down to the waters edge at dusk. Return to your floating resort by 6.30pm in time for dinner and time to relax.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the 500 Rai Floating Resort (Deluxe Room)
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Scenery, Khao Sok National ParkGuided tour of Chiew Laan Lake: Early this morning set out on a long-tail boat for a cruise in search of wildlife and birds which are at their most active at dawn. Returning to the raft house for a delicious breakfast and then you will have time for a final swim before saying goodbye to your temporary oasis and heading for the beach.
Boat & road journey to Krabi: You will be transferred by boat back to Chiew Laan Pier and then by road to Krabi. Today's journey time is around four hours in total.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Tubkaak Boutique Resort (Deluxe Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Floating Raft Houses, Chiew Laan LakeAt leisure: You are free to do as much or as little as you like. Krabi offers a wide variety of activities and this is also a great opportunity to arrange an island hopping trip in the magnificent surroundings of Phang Nha Bay.
Accommodation: Stay these nights at the Tubkaak Boutique Resort (Deluxe Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Private transfer: After an early breakfast you will be transferred by car to the airport in Krabi, where you will check in for the Thai Airways flight to London Heathrow, via Bangkok.
Flight: TG242 Krabi - Bangkok 09.25 - 10.50
Flight: TG916 Bangkok - London Heathrow 13.20 - 19.35
