Grand Tour of Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket
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Everything is an immersive moment in this vibrant country of contrasts.
If you’re wondering what it takes for a country to earn the nickname the Land of Smiles, you’ll find the answer on this small group Adventure Tour of Thailand. Go off the beaten path to discover that the locals are as nice as it gets, each regional dish hits a spicy-salty-sweet high note, and that everything from ancient sites to local fishing villages recall a history that goes back thousands of years.
Your tour package includes
- 12 nights in handpicked hotels
- 12 breakfasts
- 4 lunches
- 4 dinners with beer or wine
- 1 cooking class
Included highlights
- Grand Palace
- Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
- Organic Thai farm visit
- Ayutthaya Historical Park
- Oolong tea plantation
An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.
Day-by-day itinerary
Print itineraryBoard your overnight flight to Bangkok today.
Welcome to Thailand! Settle in to your hotel tonight.
This morning, join your Tour Director on a sightseeing tour of Bangkok.
- Explore the sprawling Grand Palace complex, built in 1782 for the king of Siam
- Pass by the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)
- Step inside the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) to see the famous 150-foot-long statue of Buddha
- Visit the nearby flower market before taking a walking tour of the Chinatown neighborhood
- Enjoy an included welcome lunch with your fellow travelers
- Tour the city’s canals, called klongs, on a speedboat and converted rice barge as you sample local fruits
Explore the region on a series of stops at local cultural sites.
- Ride through canals and villages on a long-tail boat to arrive at the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market where you’ll see the varied stalls, where locals sell goods
- Explore the Maeklong Railway Market, built on an active train line, where vendors regularly pick up their stalls to allow trains to pass
- Continue on to a local organic farm to learn about the eco-friendly practices
- Sample freshly picked fruit and a refreshing coconut drink
- Take part in a hands-on planting workshop with the local farmers
Journey to Ayutthaya, Thailand’s capital from 1350 to 1767, for a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Ayutthaya Historical Park.
- Learn about Ayutthaya’s role as the second capital of the Siam Kingdom
- Tour the ruins of palaces and monasteries, which are decorated with beautiful statues of the Buddha draped in saffron robes
- See the giant reclining Buddha at Wat Lokayasutharam
Then, transfer to the Bangkok airport and fly to the mountainous provincial town of Chiang Rai, where buddhist shrines and the ruins of ancient civilizations, dot the hills. Once you arrive, sit down for an included dinner with your group.
Spend today exploring the waterways, villages, and markets outside of Chiang Rai.
- Board a long-tail boat and venture past hill tribe villages along the Mekong River
- Visit the Golden Triangle, where the three countries of Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos meet on the Mekong River
- Enjoy an included lunch overlooking the Mekong River
- Head to an oolong tea plantation in Mae Salong for a guided tour with an expert
- Sample three different kinds of local tea at the Choui Fong Tea shop while admiring views of the terraced tea plantation
Enjoy the stunning scenery as you stop at some of the region’s most impressive temples and historic sites on your way to Chiang Mai.
- Stop at Wat Rong Khun, the otherwordly “White Temple” which blends modern art with traditional Buddhist symbolism
- Visit Doi Suthep, the regal mountain overlooking the city and home to some of the most deeply loved symbols in the kingdom
- Take a cable car to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a major temple and pilgrimage destination during the important Buddhist holidays of Makha Bucha and Visak
- Opt to take a one-hour hike down a well-marked trail with many stairs or ride the cable car back to the base of the mountain
Continue on to Chiang Mai and take part in a Thai cooking class this evening.
- Prepare four Thai dishes with culinary chefs in a secluded village known for its stunning rice fields
- Enjoy the meal you cooked for dinner alongside your fellow group members
Spend a free day in Chiang Mai or add an excursion.
Tonight, join your Tour Director to explore the Chiang Mai Night Market, just outside the ancient walls of the old city. You’re in for the best night market experience in Thailand.
- Sample various regional cuisine specialties made by local vendors
- Enjoy free time to shop and taste more street food at your leisure
Mae Kampong Hill Tribe: Village Visit & Hike
From $89 per person
Drive through the countryside and visit ChangChill, an organization at the forefront of elephant welfare and responsible tourism in Chiang Mai.
- Hear how the organization works with World Animal Protection to create a safe living environment for the elephants and an educational experience for visitors
- Learn about Asian elephants as you watch them roam freely during a hands-off elephant exploration walk along the hillsides and through rice paddies
- Chat with the mahouts, or elephant caretakers while you enjoy an included vegetarian meal overlooking the elephants’ natural bathing spot
- Place prepared medicine and food for the elephants in special feeding tubes which allow for up-close viewing
Enjoy a free evening in Chiang Mai or add an excursion.
Please note: Travelers should wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to walk along uneven paths with some hills.
Lanna Family Home-Hosted Dinner
From $125 per person
This morning, visit the Wat Suan Dok Buddhist temple where you’ll meet a resident monk to discuss Buddhism, ask questions, and learn how the monks of the temple live.
This afternoon, fly to Phuket, where crystal blue water and powder white sand await you. Sit down for an included dinner with your group.
Depart Phuket Island and spend today boating the deep turquoise waters surrounding jungle-crowned tropical islands on a guided sightseeing tour.
- Board a speedboat and cruise around Ao Phang Nga Bay National Park, known for its towering limestone rock formations, known as karsts, thick mangrove forests, and almost 200 bird species
- Enjoy an included lunch aboard your boat while surrounded by the bay’s clear water bejeweled with karsts
- Head to Talu Island and canoe through dramatically arched sea caves with experienced local paddlers as your guides
- Visit the iconic steep shores of Khao Phing Kan, or James Bond Island, made into a popular tourist destination when it was chosen as one of the locations for The Man with the Golden Gun starring Roger Moore
Enjoy a free day on Phuket Island or add an excursion.
Phi Phi Islands Cruise, Snorkeling & Lunch
From $145 per person
Fly to Bangkok this afternoon and spend free time exploring the city at your leisure.
Tonight, celebrate your trip with your fellow travelers during a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Transfer to the airport for your early morning flight home, or continue your tour in Cambodia.
Fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia, and uncover the best of this area alongside your Tour Director.
- Enjoy an included lunch of local Cambodian specialties
- Set off at sunset to tour the temples of Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument and an outstanding example of Khmer architecture
- Learn how this monument honors both Hinduism and Buddhism
Later, sit down for an included dinner.
Spend the day exploring temple ruins with your Tour Director.
- Visit Angkor Thom, the ruined capital complex of the Khmer Empire that dates to the late 12th and early 13th centuries
- View the Terrace of the Elephants, the striking, ornamental wall from which King Jayavarman VII—King of the Khmer Empire—looked out over his victorious returning army
- Depart Angkor Thom and enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant
- Explore the 12th-century Ta Prohm temple, temple that has largely been reclaimed by the jungle and served as a filming location for the 2001 movie Lara Craft: Tomb Raider, starring Angelina Jolie
Enter the Cambodian Landmine Museum, an organization dedicated to the removal of landmines and unexploded ordnance, or UXO, from Cambodia.
- Watch a short film about Aki Ra, a former Khmer Rouge child soldier who founded the museum
- Take a guided audio tour of the museum to learn about the organization’s de-mining projects and community development initiatives
- Learn how the revenue from your visit supports relief projects for those harmed by landmines and UXO
Later, fly back to Bangkok for a farewell dinner with your group.
Transfer to the airport for your early morning flight home.
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Reviews
4.8 out of 5 stars
Overall rating 4.8 out of 5
5 out of 5 stars
I absolutely enjoyed every minute of this tour. It was informative, fun, exciting, interesting, a foodies paradise. Our tour guide Mr. Tony was exceptional, he showered us with an array of fruits and samplings of snacks along our journey. Continually shared Thailand's history and current events a...
5 out of 5 stars
This 14-day trip to Thailand is a great overview of Bangkok and its surrounding area, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. The activities were wonderful, and the optional excursions are a must. My favorite was cooking with a Lanna family and learning about their home life. I also loved the boat ride ...
Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We'...
5 out of 5 stars
I had a fabulous time on the Thailand/Cambodia. Having a great tour guide made it 10/10 shout out to Chi & Bunny. They were professional, knowledgeable, fun and made everyone feel included. Be prepared to do a lot of walking, the days are packed with sightseeing and participating in cultural experi...
Traveler photos
Hotels, flights & FAQ
Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.Hotels
We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.This contemporary hotel is located in the Sukhumvit district of downtown Bangkok, Thailand. Guests enjoy an outdoor saltwater pool, sun terrace, and f...
This countryside resort is located in the peaceful city of Chiang Rai. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool, the Bodhi Tree Spa, relaxing atmosphere. Nearby ...
This contemporary hotel is located in downtown Chiang Mai. Guests enjoy the rooftop pool, restaurant, and convenient location. Nearby you’ll find the ...
This modern hotel is located steps from the Karon Beach in Phuket. Guests enjoy several pools and dining options, tennis courts, and spa. Nearby you’l...
This classic hotel is located in Siem Reap’s city center. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool, sun terrace, and on-site restaurant. Nearby you’ll find Angko...
Flights
- Round-trip flight for your tour
- Airport transfers at your destination
- A great price locked in today
- 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
- Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
- Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
- Find out more about flights
FAQ
Print FAQ- In order to enter Thailand (and Cambodia on the tour extension), U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
- We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
- There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens traveling to Thailand.
- U.S. and Canadian passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Cambodia on the tour extension. You may choose to obtain your Cambodia visa at the port of entry (you will need $30USD and two passport-sized photos), by purchasing an electronic visa on the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, by applying directly to the Cambodian consulate, or by using a visa provider, such as our partner company, VisaCentral.
- If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code TAT.
- Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in and depart from Bangkok.
- Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost if they are arriving or departing on the standard day.
- When you arrive in Bangkok, a Go Ahead representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a Go Ahead sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.
Physical Activity Level
This is a high physical activity-level tour. You can expect to be on the move on a regular basis throughout the course of the tour.
Tour Pacing
This is a very fast-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:
- One 1-night stay
- Most days full of included activities (more if you add excursions)
- Most transportation by private motor coach
- Some transportation by boat and commercial flight
- Daily bus time varies and can be lengthy
Walking, Terrain & Physical Requirements
- Travelers should be prepared to walk 2-3 miles per day- this includes city streets, cobblestones, and uneven stone and dirt paths.
- Stone pathways and archaeological sights can become slick when wet.
- To get in and out of the canal boats in Bangkok, travelers should be prepared to crouch down and slide through tight quarters.
- Travelers can expect a minimum 2 mile hike over dirt paths, including steep inclines and declines, when visiting the elephant sanctuary.
- Travelers can expect to walk 2 miles over uneven paths, cobblestones, and steep stairs when visiting Angkor Wat on the extension to Cambodia.
- Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
- Please Note: Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
Climate Considerations
- Temperatures are consistent year round, often in the high 90sF.
- In the wet season (July-October), travelers can expect high levels of humidity and short, intense bursts of rainfall.
Physical Activity & Tour Pace Questions
- Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
- Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers will be difficult to use and are not recommended. Please notify Go Ahead Tours before your departure if you plan to bring these on tour with you.
- If you have mobility concerns or tour pace questions, please visit our Help Center or send a message to our Customer Experience Team. We’re here to help!
- This tour includes various modes of transportation including private motor coach, plane, long-boat, covered pick-up truck, cable car, speed boat, and canoe. Some modes of transportation will have raised platforms or steps and often not provide access to ramps or lifts. Boats may also require travelers to stoop to get in and out of their seats.
- Small boat rides and a flight from Bangkok to Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai to Phuket and Phuket to Bangkok are included in the price of your tour (the tour extension also includes one round-trip flight between Bangkok and Siem Reap).
- All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
- To get in and out of the canal boats in Bangkok, travelers should be prepared to crouch down and slide through tight quarters.
- Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and included flights.
- Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
- Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
- Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
- Travelers must manage their own luggage throughout tour as porters are not guaranteed. This includes at hotel and airports.
- We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
- A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing. Please note that you will be required to remove your shoes at all Buddhist religious sites.
- You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
- It is preferable not to visit temples or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
- Waterproof shoes or sandals, a swimsuit, sunscreen, and insect repellent are recommended for outdoor activities.
- Binoculars are handy for a closer look at local wildlife and scenery.
- We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
- We recommend packing your Insurance Card (from your primary insurance provider) in your carry on luggage.
- Go Ahead handpicks every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm.
- Accommodations are typically three and four star hotels.
- All accommodations include a private bathroom.
- Most rooms will include a safe for valuables.
- Your hotels will have Wifi, but it may be limited to common areas.
- Elevators in hotels are not guaranteed.
- Some hotels on this tour require travelers to walk with their luggage a few blocks as buses cannot drop travelers off right out front.
- We cannot guarantee that your hotel accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with the hotel once they are confirmed about 30 days prior to departure.
- Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date.
- Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app for an additional $10 USD.
- We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
- Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled by Go Ahead Tours, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
- Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).
- At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
- If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
- If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour and any possible delays encountered.
- Please be sure to take proper care with sun exposure as the sun can be especially strong in some of the areas you are visiting.
- Drink bottled water only. Refrain from drinking tap water, including when brushing your teeth.
- Avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables unless they are cooked or washed in clean water and peeled.
- Bring a small first aid kit, including antacids, anti-diarrhea medication, motion sickness medication, and any prescription medications in your carry-on bag.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code TAT.
- This tour includes 4 lunches and 4 dinners. Included meals may be plated set menus, buffet or family style depending on the location. Dinners include one glass of beer, wine, or soft drink and water, coffee and tea.
- Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
- The lunch at the elephant sanctuary is typically a vegetarian buffet, including water, coffee, and tea.
- At the Thai Cooking Class & Dinner, some dishes may include sour and spicy prawn soup, Thai green curry with chicken, mango sweet sticky rice and stri fried chicken with cashew (seasonal and subject to change).
- Traditional Thai cooking uses market-fresh ingredients seasoned with a mix of herbs, spices, and condiments such as chili peppers and fish sauce. The main staple is rice. Most meals include a soup, a curry, a steamed or fried dish, and a salad.
- On the tour extension, international influence is evident in the Khmer cuisine of Cambodia, where full flavor is created through the mix of herbs and spices such as sweet basil, Asian coriander, mint, lemongrass, and pepper. The base of almost all Cambodian dishes is rice or noodles, served with a curry, soup, or vegetable stir-fry. Grilled freshwater fish is popular, and the fermented fish paste known as prahok is a traditional seasoning.
- At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
- We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
- If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
- Tips can only be paid in cash.
- The cost of porterage is included in your tour price, and it is not necessary to tip baggage handlers.
- You will use the Thai baht in Thailand (plus the Cambodian riel on the tour extension).
- On the tour extension in Cambodia, U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere, though change may be given in riel. Most hotels, restaurants, shops, taxis, buses, and airlines list their prices in U.S. dollars, but small transactions (less than a dollar) are usually conducted in riel. Always carry small amounts of riel for motorcycle taxis, snacks, and other small purchases.
- Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
- We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
- You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
- Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
- International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
- Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your tour director, local guides, and bus drivers.
- To ensure you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend you download the EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app. The app is free and provides important deadlines, entry requirements, your detailed itinerary, packing tips and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the chat feature in the app.
- Wifi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
- There is no Wifi on any of the motor coaches.
- Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
- Your Tour Director will be leading your group throughout your journey in Thailand.
- You will have a different Tour Director for your tour extension in Cambodia than on your main tour.
- The role of the Tour Director is not only to provide information and context on the destinations you visit, but also to confirm services, coordinate inclusions, prepare each days’ activities and support travelers while on tour. As such, they must focus on the success of the group, and cannot provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- One of the benefits of traveling with EF Go Ahead Tours is our on tour emergency support team.
- Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
- This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
- As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.
- When you travel with EF Go Ahead Tours, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit, and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
- Travel, when done responsibly, can make an enormous socio-economic impact to communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at local businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
- Prepare for your trip: be aware of the monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market, learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette, and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
- When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
- EF Go Ahead Tours encourages our travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single use plastics. You can avoid single use plastics by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.
- Environment: When visiting national parks, reserves, or other protected areas, please do not remove anything from the natural environment or leave any litter. Carry out what you carried in.
- Animal Welfare: Take the philosophies of World Animal Protection to heart during included tour activities and your free time. Do not touch, do not feed, and maintain a respectful distance from wild animals. Wild animals encountered on tour should be able to exhibit natural forms of behavior. If you feel we are not meeting these commitments, please share your feedback with us.
- Animal Welfare: Avoid buying any exploitative wildlife products such as tortoise shell or shark fin soup.