Leisure's Legendary 14-Day Thailand Tour

Day 1: Arrive Bangkok

Welcome to Bangkok, the City of Angels! Since 1782, Bangkok has been Thailands capital city and royal residence. This exhilarating city dazzles visitors with its exquisite temples, lively nightlife, world-beloved cuisine, and the best shopping from street level to high-tech shopping malls.
 

On arrival at Bangkoks Suvarnabhumi Airport, an airport representative will greet you for fast-track service through immigration, baggage collection, and customs. In the arrivals hall, meet your private guide for the transfer to your hotel. Relax from your journey this evening.

Luxury hotel options in Bangkok: The Four Seasons, The Siam, Muse Hotel, The Peninsula, Ariyasom Villa, Waldorf Astoria Bangkok.

Day 2: Legendary Bangkok

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby this morning for a private introduction to Bangkok, via its many forms of transportation. Move through the city like the locals do, by Sky Train, speed boat and tuk-tuk. 

Todays tour starts with a walk up the Golden Mount to see Wat Saket temple. From here, look out over historic Rattanakosin Island, where you will find many of Bangkoks best temples, monuments, and museums. Enter the temple complex nearby at Wat Pho, which shelters an impressive 151-foot-long Reclining Buddha statue and has a long-running Thai massage school.

At lunch time, cross the Chao Phraya River by boat, and join locals eating lunch at Wang Lang Market. This busy bazaar is a treat for foodies with famous stuffed breads at Wang Lang Bakery and authentic Thai-style chicken noodle soup, classic, pad Thai, and fried oyster omelets. Try khanom krok for dessert. These freshly grilled coconut dumplings melt in your mouth!

Stroll through the colorful and fragrant Flower Market in the afternoon. Then visit the spectacular Grand Palace. Here at Wat Phra Kaew, you can see the Emerald Buddha, a national treasure. (While this is a major attraction, it can get extremely busy; you may wish to skip the palace to enjoy more time at other sites).

End the tour with a refreshing drink on the balcony of a riverside bar with views of the extraordinary Wat Arun lit up at twilight. After the tour, you'll be returned to your hotel, or the restaurant of your choice.

Day 3: Bangkok: Thai Art & Style

Today's guided tour delves into Thai design, architecture, history, and culture. Depart early to visit the Marble Temple, to see monks practicing their morning chants; you will have the opportunity to make them a ceremonial offering.

Tour the lovely traditional-style teak home of the legendary Jim Thompson, an American entrepreneur credited with reviving the Thai silk industry in the 1940s. This art-filled home is a must for admirers of Thai antiques and interior design.

For a more modern look at the Thai art scene, visit the collection and browse the trendy shops of the nearby BACC (Bangkok Art and Cultural Center). The rest of the afternoon can be tailored to your interests with more sight-seeing or shopping. Or, head to Chinatown for a foodie tour.

Bangkok After Dark

Hit the town with your guide tonight on a One Night in Bangkok tour by multi-transport. Depending on your interests, explore secret nooks and crannies, shop night markets, stroll through Little Lebanon, or take in some live jazz music. If you like, the evening can have a foodie focus, or go "Hi-So" at one of the city's glamorous rooftop bars. Tonight, discover why Bangkok is one of the most fascinating cities in the world after the sun sets!

Day 4: Ayutthaya Excursion

Depart early this morning with your guide and driver for the journey to the historic capital of Ayutthaya (about 90 minutes). As the capital of Siam from 1350-1767, the Ayutthaya era saw the kingdom grow to its largest, occupying much of modern day Southeast Asia. Today, Ayutthaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with gorgeous stone palaces, some fully restored and others in disrepair. 

Enjoy an authentic Isaan (northeastern Thai) lunch during your tour. If you like, you can tour the Ayutthaya ruins by bicycle. Return to Bangkok in the evening.

Day 5: Fly to Chiang Mai

Your guide will transfer you to the airport this morning for the short flight to Chiang Mai. After landing, your local guide will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall to transfer you to your hotel.
 

The rest of the day is free for flexible private touring in Chiang Mai. This quaint city is an immediate contrast with busy Bangkok; it is smaller, more relaxed, and usually a bit cooler and breezier, too. There are numerous Lanna temples (wats) to explore as you stroll the Old Citys charming streets. Visit Wat Chedi Luang, the original seat of the Emerald Buddha, and the beautifully renovated Wat Phrah Singh.  

Discover the citys vibrant art scene on the stylish Nimmanhemin Road. This neighborhood is a hot spot for locals and students who like to browse art galleries, shop at trendy boutiques, and sip coffee at the many cafes.

Later visit the mountaintop temple of Doi Suthep. Three hundred intricately carved steps will take you up from the base of the temple to the gate. (Or a cable car is available if you want to skip the stairs). Doi Suthep offers a beautiful panoramic view over Chiang Mai and a lovely temple complex. Return to your hotel after touring.

Luxury hotel options in Chiang Mai: The Anantara, 137 Pillars House, Rachamankha Boutique HotelThe Four Seasons Chiang Mai

Day 6: Chiang Mai Countryside Cycling

Explore lush Northern Thailands valleys, mountain vistas, rice paddies, and Lanna countryside charm today. Cycle as much or as little as you like, the route along the Ping River is mostly flat with some gentle hills. A support van will be on hand when you are ready to hop off the bikes. For an authentic lunch, try the local favorite Khao Soi from a street side stall.
 

In the afternoon, you may choose a leisurely float on a covered bamboo raft fitted out with seats. Enjoy tea and Thai snacks while drifting down river through the jungle. For a more active choice, grab a paddle and kayak down the river. 

Back in Chiang Mai this evening, visit a night market with your guide.

Day 7: Chiang Mai Elephant Experience

This morning, head to the countryside to visit Elephant Nature Park, about 90 minutes from Chiang Mai. The park proudly cares for rescued and orphaned elephants of all ages. Hear about their journeys from dire conditions to living in a sanctuary where they are loved and cared for. Help the staff feed these majestic creatures before enjoying your own vegetarian buffet meal. Later in the day, its bath time! Watch the staff as they take the elephants to the river and bathe these gentle giants as they splash and play. Many cats, dogs, and other animals also find sanctuary in the Park.

Day 8: Overland to Chiang Rai

This morning depart early for the overland journey to Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle region. The drive without stops is just under 4 hours, but you will take the scenic route to make the most of the journey. Stop in Mae Sai, Thailands northernmost town, filled with many markets. If you like, cross the border to neighboring Myanmar (Burma) to visit the market town of Tachilek. Stop at the actual Golden Triangle, the geographical point where Thailand, Laos, and Burma meet. Continuing along the Mekong River, arrive at the ancient ruins of Chiang Saen and finally visit Wat Rong Khun, better known as the striking White Temple. Continue to your hotel and check in for a two-night stay.

Chiang Rai Luxury hotel options: Anantara Golden Triangle, Four Seasons Tented Camp, Pa Sak Tong, Le Meridien Resort

Day 9: Chiang Rai, relax in nature

Today is yours to enjoy spa treatments, take a Thai cooking class, or choose more activities. Depending on your resort, you may have the opportunity to participate in an elephant program today; there are several sanctuaries in the area if you would like to spend more quality time with elephants. We also recommend the Hall of Opium, a fascinating modern museum dedicated to the history of this drug and its infamous role in the region. 

Another option today is a nature hike through the Doi Mae Salong region, home to Thailands Oolong tea industry. Trails pass through terraced tea and rice plantations,  hill tribe villages, and scenic rolling mountains.

Day 10: Fly to Phuket

Transfer to Chiang Rais airport for the flight to Phuket. Upon arrival, a representative will transfer you to your resort for a four-night stay.

Sitting off the west coast in the Andaman Sea, Phuket is Thailands largest and most famous island. Its beaches are famously beautiful, and many smaller islands dot the surrounding sea. Your experience will depend on where you stay (either on Phuket or another island), some areas are serene and relaxing, while others are known for their raucous night life. Talk to your travel advisor about your preferences. There are luxury hotels to suit every style!

Spend the rest of the day relaxing at your resort.

Phuket luxury hotel options: Trisara, Rosewood Phuket, Amanpuri, The Nai Harn,

Six Senses Yao Noi, Como Point Yamu, The Sarojin, The Slate, Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas

Days 11-13: At leisure in Phuket

Your time in Phuket can be as relaxing or active as you like. You can lounge by the pool, walk on the beach, or indulge in spa treatments. Or, head out for snorkeling, island-hopping, kayaking, or Phuket tours.

Day 14: Depart Phuket

You will have a private transfer to the airport today for your international departure flight.

Embark on a Luxurious Thai Getaway

Get ready to embark on an opulent 14-day journey through the enchanting beauty and vibrant culture of Thailand. From the bustling markets of Bangkok to the serene beaches of Phuket, immerse yourself in a world of unparalleled experiences that will leave you captivated. Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Thai cuisine, marvel at the ancient temples of Ayutthaya, and relax in luxurious accommodations fit for royalty. Don't miss out on this extraordinary adventure secure your spot now and gain exclusive access to insider tips and offers. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and special deals. Let's create unforgettable memories amidst Thailand's breathtaking landscapes!

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