Thailand

Depart for overnight flight, arriving in Bangkok the next morning.

Arrive in Bangkok and transfer to the hotel – the 5✩ Grande Centre Point Ploenchit.  In the evening we’ll have a welcome reception followed by a group dinner. Overnight: Bangkok. Included: welcome reception and dinner.

5 hour private guided tour: Immerse yourself in Bangkok’s rich history and spiritual heritage on this guided tour to some of the city’s most famous temples. From the majestic Grand Palace to the stunning Wat Pho and Wat Arun, this guided walking tour takes you on a journey through centuries of Thai art, culture, and religion.

Start your day by visiting the iconic Grand Palace, a symbol of Thailand’s royal family and an architectural masterpiece. Wander through its ornate buildings, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), home to one of the most sacred Buddha images in Thailand. Admire the intricate details of the palace’s golden spires and murals, learning about its historical significance from your guide.

Continue to Wat Pho, where you’ll encounter the massive 46-meter-long Reclining Buddha, draped in gold leaf. This temple is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage and is a must-visit for its tranquil atmosphere and rich cultural history.

After that, cross the Chao Phraya River to Wat Arun, one of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks. Known for its towering prang (spire) beautifully decorated with colorful porcelain, Wat Arun offers breathtaking river views and cityscape. Climb the steep steps of the temple to admire the intricate designs up close and enjoy the stunning panoramic views.

After resting up, in the evening we’ll take a food tour of Bangkok street food: Enjoy a feasting tour of 15+ tastings that invites guests on a culinary experience around the backstreets of old Bangkok, with 8-9 stops over 4 hours, including 2 Michelin-listed street food venues.

In small groups of up to 8 exclusive guests, our passionate foodie guides take you on a journey around the alleyways of Yaowarat, Bangkok’s Chinatown – the mecca of street food in the city.

Many are unaware of China’s centuries-long influence on Thailand that has permeated much of Thai cuisine. From noodles to stir fries, it’s time to feast on the history of this culinary marriage.

We don’t want to spoil the surprises, but prepare to drool over crispy chive dumplings with nam jim jaew sauce, mop up rich satay with charcoal-grilled meat, work chopsticks over slow-braised pork, and delve into fragrant steamy bowls of shrimp dumplings and poh taek seafood soup.

The tour concludes back at the start point along Yaowarat Road in all its neon glory. Enjoy local hospitality and meet new friends along the way. End the tour armed with the knowledge you’ll need to continue eating street food across Thailand.

7 hour private tour: See a market located on the railway tracks, the Maeklong Railway Market, and a market that floats on the canals at the Damnoen Saduak Market.

After pickup, arrive at the Maeklong Railway Market, also known as Talad Rom Hup (“Umbrella Pulldown Market”). Maeklong is one of the largest fresh seafood markets in Thailand and hugs the track of the Maeklong Railway.

Gain fascinating insights into how the market is run and what products are sold here from your local guide. Marvel at how market stalls and awnings are pulled back from the tracks every time a train approaches to let the train pass through.
Next, head to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, one of the most famous floating markets in Thailand. To reach the market, take a short ride in a paddleboat. Enjoy plenty of time to meander around the colorful market, where friendly vendors sell directly from their boats.

Take in the sights and sounds, and try local specialties like mango sticky rice. Your guide will give you advice on what not to miss. Return to Bangkok in time for the mid afternoon. Balance of the day is open.

Today you take an 8:40 AM flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. The flight takes about 1:15. Upon arrival you’ll transfer to the Luxury 5✩ Chino@Nimman Resort Hotel.

After lunch you’ll take a guided tour of Chiang Mai city and its temples. This includes transportation and some portion walking tour.

This tour you will give you a memorable spiritual experiences. Food offering to monks is one good way to gain good Karma. I will teach you how to do it, how to use a special word to ask monk to stop receive the food packet. Watch hundreds of monks and novices walking down the hill to received food from local people.

Stop to have picnic breakfast. Most 3-5 stars hotels that include breakfast can pack breakfast box for you. If you are adventurous, we can get local breakfast at the market or I can take you to a place where they serve breakfast.

Continue driving uphill to visit What Prathat Doi Suthep, one of the most holy temples in Northern Thailand. Fascinated with the myth and legend how the temple was established.
Drive down to visit the meditation forest temple, Wat Umong. Let’s me show you the tunnels, once was collapsed by a bomb. The original beautiful painting inside painting inside and purpose of these unusual tunnels.

Afternoon continue to visit area of Thailand’s famous Handcrafts.

In the morning you’ll have free time. At 12:45 pm you’ll take the 2 hour flight to Phuket. There you’ll transfer to the Clarion Hotel Beach Patong located 3 min walk to the beach.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy.

Since this is Christmas Eve we are leaving this day open to relax on the beach or to explore. There will be plenty of Christmas-oriented activities if you wish. We can also research a party room if you like.

As this is Christmas day, we have no activities planned. Enjoy the beach. Alternatively, there’s plenty of free time to relax on the beautiful beaches and get into the spirit of southern Thailand. We may want to take advantage of some of the optional activities on offer, like a cycling trip on back country tracks, that gets close to local culture, and rewards with a lovely afternoon dip in a beautiful waterfall. Otherwise, we can consider a relaxing massage on the beach (no kidding!), or just sit back with a good book and a cool cocktail to watch the sun slip beneath the horizon.

After breakfast we take the ferry from Phuket to the nearby island of Koh Phi Phi – a completely different Thai beach vibe. Ferrys depart throughout the day and take about 90 minutes. We recommend an 8:30 departure.

Upon arrival you’ll transfer to the PP Charlie Beach Resort, directly on the water for 2 nights. The balance of the day is yours.

After breakfast you’re off to a day long cruise to James Bond Island to relax, swim, and enjoy the weather. As you set sail aboard a catamaran, enjoy a welcome drink and delicious buffet lunch. Afterward, swim off Lawa island then kayak into a cave at the Hongs of Phang Nga. After exploring James Bond Island by longboat you’ll enjoy a sunset dinner on the way back.

• Swap the crowded boats for a luxurious catamaran experience
• Includes lunch and dinner on board, plus soft drinks and water
• Boat features free on-board Wi-Fi and a DJ spinning tunes
• Activities include kayaking, paddleboarding, and a water slide

Read more about – Luxury Boat to James Bond Islands with Lunch and Sunset Dinner

Today we take a ferry from Phi Phi to Krabi in the heart of elephant lands. After arrival, we’ll transfer to the 3✩ Blue Orchid Beach Hotel, directly on the beach for 2 nights. The rest of the day is yours to explore.

Today you’ll Have a fun day out in the jungle at Khao Nor Chu Chi National Park with this group tour that takes you to visit elephants, a tiger cave, and provides transfers to keep things easy. Your guide will make all the arrangements, so you can enjoy the day out. You’ll keep costs down by booking this group trip, and also make a few new friends along the way.

• Check out the elephants, tiger cave, and much more
• Keep costs down with this group tour
• Relax in the Emerald Pool in between activities
• Enjoy a picnic lunch to keep you energized

Read more about – Full Day Krabi Jungle Tour With Elephant Trekking Transfers

Today we take a 90 minute flight to Bangkok. After arrival and transfer to our hotel near the airport, you’ll have time to do some shopping! Alternatively we can arrange a day trip to Ayutthaya, World Heritage site and former capital to see the ancient city, and Erawan National Park.

In the evening we’ll enjoy our included farewell dinner for some more great Thai food!

Note: if you’d prefer to stay downtown, this can be included. However, the airport is likely to be very busy and the airport is only about 2 miles from city center. Your call.

Today we have a lot to celebrate. Bangkok is famous for it’s New Years Eve celebrations. The link below will give you an inkling. https://www.newyearevebangkok.com/index.html

You will be picked up and transferred to airport for your flight home!