The Best of Thailand In 12 Days – Private Tour

Have breakfast at the hotel and meet your guide. Today you will visit the Grand Palace, which is the most important and impressive Royal Palace in Thailand. We will show you the palaces used for different occasions - the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, and of course the mysterious Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand. 

Overnight in Bangkok

Have breakfast at the hotel and get ready for the transfer to Kanchanaburi. Upon arrival, we will visit the World War II memorial including the Jeath War Museum, and Cemetery, where you will learn about a hard time during the war. We continue to Wang Pho to board a train for riding along the beautiful river for around 30 minutes to Ban Kao station and transfer to the city to visit the River Kwai bridge. 

Overnight in Kanchanaburi

Get your hiking shoes and swimsuit ready to explore some of Erawan National Park's 212 square miles (550 square km) of caves, trails, and waterfalls today. Visit the most well-known waterfall, Erawan, named for the multi-headed elephant that is said to carry the god Indra in Hindu myths. 

Overnight in Kanchanaburi

In the morning, we will depart for Ayutthaya, it takes more than an hour to reach the former Thai capital. Witness the glory of the ancient capital through its temple and palace ruins. First, you will catch Kermit tuk tuk. These ‘cute’ tuk tuks are found in only two of Thailand’s provinces: Ayutthaya, and Trang. Along the ride, explore the temple highlights of the city from Wat Yai Chaimongkol, and Wat Mahathat (with a Buddha face emerging from a tree), and stroll through a local market en route to Wat Phra Srisanphet. And after that we visit will the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, built during the Ayutthaya era. The palace showcases an eclectic collection of buildings that blend European, Khmer, Thai, and Chinese architectural styles. It’s the favorite summer palace of the King. And transfer to the Bang Pain Train station for your train night to Chiang Mai. 

Overnight on train without guide.

Upon arrival at the train station, our driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel to check-in. The rest of the day is free to explore the city on your own. We recommend you explore the art galleries on the east side of the Ping River, wander around the markets and sample tasty street food, or visit the Silver Pagoda. Also known as Wat Sri Suphan, this temple is one of the less crowded ones in the area, but is a sight to behold with its intricate silver paneling. There are also several temples, where you can stop in for a "monk chat" and have a conversation with a monk about religion, life, or anything you like while giving them a chance to practice their English. Alternatively, indulge in a spa day or book a Thai massage.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

This morning, we will drive through the beautiful scenery and paddy fields to visit the pagodas of the King and the Queen built by the Royal Thai air force to commemorate their 60th birthdays. At the pagodas, you will admire the beautiful scenery of the mountains in the park from the viewpoints there. Then continue to the Karen hill tribe village, where you will see the life of locals. On the way, we will stop at Hill tribe market and, on the way back, visit Wachiratharn waterfall. 

In the afternoon, we will take the Mae Klang Luang Nature trail. This trail will get you well away from the main tourist route and allow you to see a very interesting cross-section of this stunning national park. The trail will first follow a forested route downhill before it meets the river. You will spend some time following the river. Then pass Pa Dok Siew Waterfall where at the base if you want to cool off please feel free to take a dip in the cool waters. The trail will eventually open out into agricultural land which surrounds Mae Klang Luang Karen village. you will see coffee bushes and rice paddies. We will make a stop at a local coffee house where they roast, hand grind, and prepare freshly brewed coffee from the hills surrounding the village.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Get up early in the morning and get picked up around 7:00 am. Then we will drive approximately 1.5 hours South of Chiang Mai through rolling hills, forests, and local farming areas to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. 

Upon arrival at the sanctuary, you will walk around and learn about the elephants, change into traditional Karen clothing, and make medicine for the elephants. Around 9:00 is the time to meet the elephants. Feed, give medicine, interact, and play with the elephants in a natural environment as you learn about their behavior and history. Take photos with the elephants. 

Then walk with the elephants to have the mud spa and bath in the river. After that, enjoy the traditional Thai lunch and say goodbye to the elephants. You will be back at the hotel around 13:30. 

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Note: We suggest bringing a swimming suite if you want to swim with the elephants.

Relish the remaining moment in Chiang Mai before your private driver escorts you to the airport to take the flight to Phuket. When you arrive at Phuket Airport, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to your accommodation. The rest of the day is free for leisure and exploring the beautiful beaches.

Overnight in Phuket

Set on the Andaman Coast, Phuket is known for its beaches, nightlife, and beautiful resorts. Its diverse landscapes range from tropical rainforests to palm-fringed beaches and craggy limestone cliffs. Today is free to explore Phuket, either with a day of relaxation, or adventure. 

Head for the beach to sunbathe and sit back with a cold drink, go for a swim, or try snorkeling. To see more of Phuket from its underwater angle, visit an aquarium in Cape Panwa. If you're feeling adventurous, visit Hanuman World Phuket to soar through the jungle on its ziplines. In the evening, eat seafood for dinner, browse a night market, or go for a drink on lively Bangla Road.

Overnight on Phuket

Enjoy one more day swimming and relaxing on Phuket island. 

Overnight in Phuket.

Relish a healthy breakfast on the final day of your trip. Complete the hotel check-out formalities after which you can visit the local markets and buy souvenirs for your loved ones.  Later, proceed for departure and board your flight back home. Trip Ends.