Tailor-made Thailand's islands and highlands trip

Begin your Thailand travel in Bangkok, a city that comes alive after dark. Explore the historic Rattanakosin district, where the floodlit Grand Palace and Wat Pho shimmer with golden spires against the night sky.

Savor an exquisite Thai dinner on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, with views across to the majestic Wat Arun. Then wander through the vibrant Flower Market, filled with color and fragrance, before crossing Memorial Bridge to browse handicrafts and souvenirs at a lively night market.

Begin your day at the Grand Palace, exploring glittering throne halls and the revered Emerald Buddha. Continue to Wat Pho to admire the Reclining Buddha and discover Thailand’s first traditional massage school.

Enjoy lunch at Supatra River House, with sweeping views of the Chao Phraya River. Then take a tuk-tuk to Chinatown for a guided walk from Wat Leng Nei Yi to Ratchawong Pier, stopping for Chinese tea and browsing the lively Talad Kao market.

End the day with a public ferry ride to Saphan Taksin, followed by the skytrain to Siam Paragon for world-class shopping and a taste of Bangkok’s vibrant city life.

Experience the playful side of Bangkok on a full-day exploration of Thailand’s most charismatic markets. Begin at the famous railway market, where vendors expertly pull back their stalls as the train rolls through, restoring everything to normal in moments once it passes.

Continue to Samut Songkhram and the Tha Kha floating market, where wooden boats brim with tropical fruit and local snacks. Glide along peaceful canals by boat, pause for a fresh coconut with a welcoming family, then visit a tranquil Buddhist temple and King Rama II Memorial Park.

Discover one of the best places to visit in Thailand as you explore the ancient capital of Ayutthaya, traveling by train, tuk tuk, and long tail boat. Ride the morning train from Bangkok to this UNESCO World Heritage site, watching lush rice fields drift past.

Explore temple-studded ruins by tuk tuk, then stroll through the Muslim Quarter to sample candy floss roti and see traditional handicrafts. Savor lunch at a bustling local market before cruising the Chao Phraya River to Bang Pa In Summer Palace, and the Gothic-inspired Wat Niwet Thammaprawat.

Experience a relaxed side of your Thailand trip as you travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, the heart of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, by a short domestic flight or scenic rail journey through the countryside.

Begin just outside the city in a fragrant Thai herb garden, learning about local plants and their traditional uses. Cruise the rural Mae Ping River by long tail boat, passing wooden riverside homes and glimpses of everyday village life before arriving at Waroros fresh food market, alive with Northern Thai flavors and color.

Conclude with a ride in a traditional samlor rickshaw through the old city, passing ancient walls to the revered Wat Phra Singh temple.

Enjoy a free day in Chiang Mai at your own pace, with time to explore the city’s relaxed charm and rich cultural heritage. Wander through the old town’s quiet lanes, discovering hidden temples, artisan boutiques, and inviting cafés. Visit a local market to sample Northern Thai specialties or unwind with a traditional Thai massage.

For a deeper experience, choose an optional excursion into the surrounding countryside, from visiting ethical elephant sanctuaries to exploring mountain villages or lush national parks. As evening falls, browse the vibrant night markets, where street food, handicrafts, and live music bring the city to life.

Begin your day before sunrise, departing Chiang Mai at 6 am for the foothills of Doi Suthep. Join locals in a tranquil alms-giving ceremony as monks walk barefoot to receive offerings, then continue to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, climbing the 309-step Golden Naga staircase to its gleaming pagodas.

Next, explore the forested, moss-covered grounds and hidden tunnels of the 14th-century Wat Umong, where a private blessing offers a moment of quiet reflection. Conclude this soulful day with an authentic bowl of khao soi, Northern Thailand’s rich coconut curry noodle specialty.

Leave Chiang Mai and continue your Thailand itinerary with a journey to Mae Kampong village, set among lush mountain countryside. Pause at a lively local market to pick up fresh ingredients for your lunch.

Walk with friendly villagers and your guide through the community forest, passing tea and coffee fields, before sharing a simple home-cooked meal with your host. Enjoy a soothing traditional Thai massage, then wander through the village to observe fermented tea leaf processing in season and browse charming handmade products.

Return to Chiang Mai in the late afternoon, enriched by a deeper connection to rural life in northern Thailand.

Travel from Chiang Mai to Phuket by a short domestic flight, arriving on Thailand’s southern shores ready to discover a lively new side of your journey.

Explore Phuket’s historic quarters, where colorful Sino Portuguese shophouses and the island’s tin mining past come to life. Sample exotic tropical fruits at the bustling downtown market, then visit Phuket’s oldest Chinese shrine for a glimpse into enduring local traditions shaped by Chinese migrants.

Continue to the summit of Rang Hill to enjoy a cocktail and snacks with sweeping views over Phuket Town, and finish with flavorful Phuket cuisine at the characterful Natural Restaurant.

Explore another side of Phuket, where diverse cultures and traditions reveal the island’s rich heritage. Begin on Siray Island, meeting the Moken sea gypsies, an animist community whose lives remain closely tied to the sea.

Continue along the east coast to a Muslim village and its mosque, pausing to taste Phuket’s famous roti and kopi. In Kathu district, visit the island’s oldest Chinese shrine and learn how tin mining shaped waves of Chinese migration in the 18th century.

End the day with a steaming bowl of Hokkien noodle soup, a beloved local specialty and a perfect reflection of Phuket’s cultural blend.

Spend a day in Phuket at your own pace, choosing between relaxation and exploration. Unwind on soft sandy beaches, swim in the Andaman Sea, or take full advantage of your resort’s facilities. For a more active experience, optional excursions include island hopping by long tail boat or discovering hidden coves and limestone cliffs in nearby Phang Nga Bay.

Alternatively, explore local markets, indulge in a traditional spa treatment, or sample southern Thai cuisine at a beachfront restaurant. As evening approaches, watch the sun set over the ocean, a memorable highlight of your time in Phuket.

Your final day in Phuket is yours to savor, with time for a leisurely breakfast, a last swim, or a quiet walk along the beach. Depending on your flight schedule, there may be an opportunity for some last-minute shopping or simply to relax and take in the island atmosphere.

At the appropriate time, meet your driver for a private transfer to Phuket International Airport for your onward journey. Leave with lasting memories of your Thailand trip, from vibrant cities and cultural encounters to serene landscapes and tropical shores.