Spirit of Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket
An exciting tour of Thailand's treasures. Discover the magic of Bangkok, the energy of Chiang Mai and the natural beauty of Phuket, one of Southeast Asia's most beautiful islands.
Discover Thailand on an unforgettable journey through the country's most iconic destinations. From the traditional temples of Bangkok, with its unique night markets and vibrant culture, to the green oasis of mountainous Chiang Mai. Explore the natural biodiversity on the mainland before relaxing on the island paradise of Phuket.
1st Day: UK/Ireland - Night on board
Arrival at your UK/Ireland departure airport* ready to check-in for an overnight flight to Bangkok. Night on board.
*If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
2nd Day: Bangkok
Touch down in the buzzing capital of Thailand, where you’ll be welcomed by an airport representative. Then, transfer to the hotel.
Bangkok is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, located in the heart of the country. It offers a variety of unique experiences, from its impressive temples and lively culture to its exciting night markets and world-renowned cuisine. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure and begin discovering this fascinating city. Overnight stay in Bangkok.
3rd Day: Bangkok
Breakfast at the hotel. Head to the meeting point* and discover the city and its temples on an exciting guided tour!
Your first stop is Thailand’s most sacred Buddhist temple, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, commonly referred to as Wat Phra Kaew. Along the way, stroll through the amulet market, Rattanakosin Island’s famed spiritual marketplace. Next, explore the Grand Palace complex, a symbol of the city and the former official residence of the Kings of Thailand from the late 18th century until the mid-20th century.
Afterwards, pass through Tha Thien Market, a riverside market known for its dried seafood, traditional shophouses, and vibrant local atmosphere. Continue to Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha), home to one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in the world, measuring over 46 metres (150 feet) in length.
To finish the tour, visit Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn), one of Bangkok’s most iconic riverside landmarks, known for its towering spires adorned with intricate decorations. Return to the hotel. Overnight stay in Bangkok.
*Meeting point: Big Country Vacation office, ground floor of River City Bangkok (23 Soi Charoen Krung 24, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100).
**Optional Michelin Guide Street Food Tour by Tuk Tuk: Bangkok’s food scene is calling, and it’s ready to show you its very best on this group tour. Your guide will take you to some of the city’s most iconic local street food stalls, where you’ll discover beloved dishes such as fishball egg noodles, Chinese-style Pa Tong Go Savoey doughnuts, and the flavour-packed rolled noodles at Nai Ek — a truly otherworldly experience.
Travelling by Tuk Tuk from stop to stop, you’ll also enjoy crab fried rice served with lime and chillies, and visit the legendary Jay Fai, the only Thai street food vendor awarded a Michelin star.
4th Day: Bangkok
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy the day at your leisure to continue exploring the capital. We recommend an unforgettable optional excursion to Ayutthaya.* Overnight stay in Bangkok.
*Optional Full-Day Ayutthaya Historical Park Tour with Lunch: The former capital of the Kingdom of Siam, Ayutthaya is a historic city waiting to be discovered. Your first stop is Wat Lokayasutha, a temple known for its giant reclining Buddha image. Next, visit Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, one of the most important landmarks in Ayutthaya, where you can explore the ancient ruins of the Grand Palace and its temples.
You’ll then continue to Wat Mahathat, famed for the iconic Buddha head entwined in tree roots and inscriptions dating back over 600 years.
The tour includes lunch at a local Thai restaurant, with your guide on hand to recommend regional specialities. Finish the unforgettable experience at Wat Chaiwatthanaram, a striking historical site. Drop off at the hotel is not included, tour ends at MBK Mall city center.
Please wear smart casual summer attire and comfortable walking shoes. For cultural respect, women are advised to wear short-sleeved tops with full-length trousers or knee-length skirts, and men are advised to wear trousers with short-sleeved shirts. Remember to remove your shoes before entering any temple.
5th Day: Bangkok – Chiang Mai
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival in the mountainous city—one of the gems of Thailand—you’ll transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to begin exploring this magical destination. Overnight in Chiang Mai.
6th Day: Chiang Mai
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, visit a fascinating museum and some of Chiang Mai’s most incredible temples. Begin at the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre, where multimedia exhibits, artefacts, and models capture the city’s cultural evolution. It’s a perfect introduction before exploring its sacred temples.
Start your temple tour at Wat Chiang Man, the city’s oldest temple. Then continue to the centuries-old Wat Chedi Luang, believed to be the first temple to house the famous Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew). Finally, visit Wat Phra Singh, built in 1345 and home to a Buddha image over 1,500 years old.
After the tour, transfer to the hotel and enjoy free time to continue exploring the city. Overnight stay in Chiang Mai.
7th Day: Chiang Mai
Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day exploring Chiang Mai at your own pace. Surrounded by mountains, Chiang Mai is an ideal place to enjoy lush natural beauty. We also recommend an optional visit to the temple of Doi Suthep.*
In the evening, explore a local market followed by a traditional Khan Toke dinner**. Begin at Mueang Mai Market, one of the city’s largest fresh markets, a haven of flowers and local produce.
Then enjoy a tasting dinner at the Old Chiang Mai Cultural Centre, served at a small round table called a Khan Toke, featuring traditional Northern Thai dishes. The meal is accompanied by a Khan Toke show with dances from the ancient Lanna Kingdom, including Thai Sword to Ramwong folk dance. Overnight stay in Chiang Mai.
*Optional Visit to Doi Suthep Temple & White Hmong Hill Tribe: Visit the magnificent Doi Suthep Temple, perched atop the mountain of the same name, where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of Chiang Mai. Afterwards, explore the ancient settlement of the White Hmong hill tribe, learning about their rituals and daily life.
**Important note: Please note that the Khantoke Dinner is not available on Mondays. In these cases, the activity will take place the day before or another alternative will be provided.
8th Day: Chiang Mai - Phuket
Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Phuket. Arrive in beautiful Phuket, a paradise island of rainforests and mountains known as the ultimate escape in Thailand. After getting comfortable at your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to lounge by the pool or search for the most idyllic paradise coves. Overnight stay in Phuket.
9th Day: Phuket
Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to enjoy the magnificent beaches of the island, either sunbathing, strolling around or cooling off in its crystal clear waters. Why not visit the old part of Phuket Town, the beautiful Buddhist and Chinese temples on the island or the great bazaars of Karon Beach and Patong Beach? We recommend an exciting optional excursion to Phi Phi & Bamboo Island.* Overnight stay in Phuket.
*Optional Excursion to Phi Phi & Bamboo Island by Speedboat: Check-in and light breakfast (toast and refreshments) at the pier. You’ll depart from Panwa Harbour by speedboat, enjoying extraordinary views en route to Phi Phi Leh. At Puleh Lagoon, you can swim in the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs.
You can rent a traditional long-tailed boat to experience the local culture while cruising past the famous Viking Cave. Next, stop for lunch at a hotel on Phi Phi Don Island. After lunch, head to Bamboo Island to swim, snorkel, and relax on its beautiful sandy crescent beach. Finally, return to Panwa Harbour, where a van will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel.
10th Day: Phuket
Breakfast at the hotel. Make the most of another free day to relax, explore and enjoy Phuket. We recommend our optional excursion to the James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay.* Overnight stay in Phuket.
*Optional Excursion to James Bond Island & Beyond: An unforgettable adventure awaits! Transfer to a private departure lounge at Royal Phuket Marina, where you’ll enjoy coffee and a snack with your expert tour guide. Then set off to discover a stunning landscape shaped by towering cliffs, limestone formations, and hidden caves.
Arrive at Panak Island for a walk-in cave exploration featuring tranquil lagoons and mystical hongs (limestone caves with water channels). Next, visit the famous James Bond Island, made iconic by The Man with the Golden Gun—a truly cinematic and picturesque destination. The adventure continues with canoeing at Siam Adventure World, Tam Lod. Paddle through caves and mangroves in this secluded area of Phang Nga Bay.
Next, explore Koh Panyee village, a unique fishing village built on stilts. Savour delicious dishes at a local restaurant for lunch. In the afternoon, relax on a tropical beach, soaking up the sun while admiring the incredible natural backdrop.
Finally, return to Royal Phuket Marina for a seamless transfer back to your hotel.
11th Day: Phuket - Night on board
After breakfast* at the hotel, say goodbye to beautiful Thailand as you transfer to the airport for a flight back to the UK/Ireland. Night on board.**
*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.
**If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.), you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
12th Day: UK/Ireland
Arrival in the UK/Ireland and end your trip.
Contact further for all accommodation information and extra services available.
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