Thailand Icons Express: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket – Classic - 10 Days

In Bangkok, you can expect a vibrant mix of modern city life and rich cultural heritage. The tour includes visits to iconic landmarks such as the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, as well as a boat trip through the bustling Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and the unique Mae Klong Railway Market. You'll also have the opportunity to savour authentic Thai street food, like the famous crispy Pad Thai, and experience the city's riverside charm.

Chiang Mai offers a deep dive into Thai culture and tradition. Highlights include a hands-on Thai cooking class at Grandma’s Home Cooking School, where you'll learn to prepare classic Northern Thai dishes. You'll also visit the sacred Wat Chedi Luang temple in the ancient Old City, explore a local market, and have a heartfelt encounter at the Chiang Mai Elephant Home, where you can interact ethically with these gentle giants through feeding and bathing activities. A visit to a Hmong hill tribe village near Doi Pui provides a glimpse into the local way of life.

The tour dedicates a significant portion to exploring Thailand's stunning natural landscapes and coastal areas. In Chiang Mai, you'll visit Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand's highest peak and cascading Wachirathan Waterfall. The Phuket leg of the journey focuses on island adventures, including a speedboat trip to the breathtaking Phi Phi Islands, with opportunities for snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, visiting Maya Bay (of "The Beach" fame), and relaxing on pristine beaches. You'll also explore Phang Nga Bay, including the famous James Bond Island, and enjoy sunset views over the Andaman Sea.

The tour includes handpicked 3-star accommodations in each location: Tinidee Trendy Bangkok Khao San in Bangkok, Sabai Sabai Hotel in Chiang Mai, and Proud Phuket Hotel in Phuket. All transportation is included, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey. This includes private airport transfers upon arrival and departure at each location, domestic flights between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, and Chiang Mai and Phuket, as well as private vehicles and speedboats for excursions within each region.

The tour includes a generous selection of meals to allow you to experience the diverse flavours of Thai cuisine. Specifically, it includes 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 4 dinners. You can expect to savour regional specialties such as Pad Thai in Bangkok, Khao Soi in Chiang Mai, and fresh seafood in Phuket. The itinerary also highlights specific culinary experiences, such as trying crispy Pad Thai at a local favourite in Bangkok, learning to cook Northern Thai dishes in Chiang Mai, and enjoying a fresh seafood dinner in Rawai, Phuket, as well as a farewell Thai BBQ buffet.

The tour is described as an "action-packed adventure" but also includes elements of relaxation. It involves a moderate level of activity, including walking tours of cities and temples, boat trips, some light hiking (e.g., at waterfalls and viewpoints), and opportunities for swimming and snorkeling. It's well-suited for first-time visitors to Thailand who want to experience a comprehensive overview of the country's key attractions, culture, and natural beauty in a structured and comfortable way. The pace is designed to be engaging but also allows for downtime.

The tour offers several exclusive cultural experiences designed to provide a deeper understanding of Thai traditions and local life. These include attending a traditional Thai dance show (though not explicitly detailed in the excerpts, it's mentioned in the overview), participating in a hands-on Thai cooking class to learn the art of Thai cuisine, and visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary (Chiang Mai Elephant Home) for a meaningful interaction with rescued elephants. Additionally, visits to local markets and hill tribe villages offer authentic glimpses into everyday Thai life and cultural heritage.