Depart your home country on your flight to Bangkok, Thailand.
Most suited for
Couples, Families
Ideal time to visit
November – April
If you really want to get to the heart of Thailand, food is the way in — along with the people and the places that make it so special.
You’ll go from Bangkok’s buzzing street stalls and gilded temples to the quiet hills of Chiang Mai and the tropical shores of Phuket, soaking up the flavours, culture and character along the way.
You’ll meet local chefs, wander through hidden neighbourhoods, and share meals that show just how incredibly diverse Thai food really is — every dish has a story, and it’s always worth hearing.
A Flavourful Journey Through Thailand
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
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Day 1
Your adventure begins
Days 2 - 4
Bangkok
On arrival, your guide and driver will welcome you to Bangkok, Thailand’s captivating capital of glittering temples, bustling markets, and irresistible aromas.
You’ll be whisked to your first characterful heritage hotel, a tranquil refuge, and begin your culinary exploration. Start with a tuk-tuk tour through Chinatown, tasting wok-fried noodles and sweet dumplings stalls. Another evening contrasts the lively pulse of local eateries with refined Royal Thai cuisine at Suan Thip.
By day, explore both classic and hidden corners: wander through the Flower Market, then visit Kudi Jeen, the Portuguese Quarter, where cultures and cuisines blend beautifully. Drift along the canals by solar-powered boat to a hidden garden restaurant for lunch and a hands-on coconut-dessert lesson.
Back at your hotel, dine at Na Aroon, a celebrated vegetarian restaurant surrounded by tropical gardens.
Day 5
Ayutthaya
Today, if you’ll allow us the cliché, you’ll step back in time to Ayutthaya, the former Siamese capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travel north through lush countryside to reach this city of crumbling stupas, tree-wrapped Buddhas, and riverside charm.
Explore by tuk-tuk and riverboat, drifting along the Chao Phraya River as your guide shares stories of Ayutthaya’s golden age. Between temple visits, enjoy a leisurely lunch by the water — the highlight is the city’s famed grilled giant freshwater prawns, a local delicacy prized for their sweet, smoky flavour.
Return to Bangkok this evening.
Days 6 - 9
Chiang Mai
Next, it’s on to Chiang Mai, where ancient temples and lantern-lit streets glow beneath the hills. Your boutique hotel in the Old City places you at the centre of its charm.
Spend a morning exploring neighbourhoods by electric tuk-tuk, tasting handmade dumplings, noodles, and sweet treats from family-run kitchens.
A real highlight here is joining Chef Gee in her serene countryside kitchen for a Thai cooking experience or private dinner. Pick ingredients from her organic garden, learn traditional techniques, and share an unforgettable meal surrounded by lush greenery.
Venture deeper into rural life on a Farm-to-Fork Cooperative Day — walk through a community forest, share a bamboo-cooked picnic, and visit organic farms that showcase Thailand’s growing passion for sustainability.
Days 10 - 14
Phuket
Travel to Phuket, where turquoise waters, lush hills, and powder-soft sands set the tone for the final chapter of your adventure. Check in at The Nai Harn, an elegant beachfront hideaway overlooking one of the island’s most beautiful bays.
Spend a day exploring Phuket’s cultural side on an Old Town Food & Heritage Tour — sample Hokkien noodles and the refreshing O-Aew dessert, wander streets lined with pastel Sino-Portuguese shophouses, and step into a hidden Hokkien family home for a taste of local history.
Another day brings a visit to the Chalong Bay Distillery, where sustainable sugarcane rum is crafted by hand — enjoy a tasting or cocktail as the sun does down.
Round off your holiday with a farewell dinner at One Chun, a Michelin-recommended restaurant serving authentic southern dishes, before one last evening stroll along Nai Harn’s beach.
Day 15
Fly home
Today, it’s sadly time to wave goodbye to Thailand. Your driver will drop you off at the airport to catch your flight home.
ETG look outside the box
They always come up with things that no one else seems to, that's why they are so good. They are original and trying their best to show you the real country and people and not the facade. Great listeners, always a smile and a good banter... exceptional service and insight.
Susan
25 July 2025Excellent
850 Reviews
850 Reviews
What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transfers
Tips
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Bespoke Holidays £4,500 - £8,500pp
Bespoke Luxury Holidays £8,500 - £14,500pp
Bespoke Family Holidays from £4,000 - £7,500pp
Meet Our Thailand Experts
Ella’s first trip to ‘The Land of Smiles’ sealed the deal. She fell instantly for the effortlessly friendly people and the banging food. Now, she spends her time helping travellers experience the Thailand she loves – from Bangkok’s hidden gardens with secret restaurants to quiet islands where you won’t be part of a pack of tourists. Phew.
“If you’re even just a little bit into your food, then this trip will blow you away…”
Ella
Thailand Specialist
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the spirit of the destination. Here are the hotels you’ll stay in:
The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
Experiences in Thailand
Crafting bespoke packages is the heart of what we do. Each holiday is specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, and truly exceptional experiences.
Important FAQs about Thailand
At Experience Travel Group, we’ve been crafting immersive holidays in Thailand for around 20 years and some of our team live there. Our in-depth local knowledge, long-standing partnerships and network of specialist local guides, we can really help you under the skin of the country and discover her secret sides.
Over the years, we’ve developed enriching experiences that bring together cultural depth and give you the freedom to explore. Think hands-on food adventures in Bangkok’s backstreets, access to peaceful beaches, countryside stays where local life still ticks to its own rhythm, or journeys into the mountainous north to meet the hill tribes – all bespoke to you.
With our expert planning and on-the-ground support, you can get into holiday mode knowing everything’s covered – while still having the freedom to discover Thailand your way. We don’t do cookie-cutter trips. Every holiday is personal, every route considered, and every detail designed to show you a side of Thailand that most visitors miss.
So come with us, to the Thailand we know and love.
In general, November to April is the most popular time, with warm, dry weather across most of the country – ideal for both exploring and beach time. But Thailand’s seasons aren’t as simple as they look, and with a little know-how, there’s somewhere worth visiting year-round.
The Andaman Coast (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta) is at its sunniest between November and April, while the Gulf of Thailand (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao) comes into its own from February to August when the west coast monsoon winds bring in rain to the west coast. With its mountains and cooler breezes, Northern Thailand is best for trekking and outdoor adventures from November to February.
Travelling during the “green season” (roughly May to October) can be rewarding: fewer crowds, greener landscapes, and lower hotel rates. Rain tends to arrive in short, heavy bursts rather than all day, leaving plenty of sunshine in between. National parks are glorious at this time, with waterfalls in full flow. During late August and September, Thailand often experiences flooding, so this time is usually best avoided, though even then, you can still visit many of the beach destinations very happily.
The months of April and October are the turning points worth considering for great-value travel, with fairly reliable weather. In April, the Songkran New Year festival is a joy to be part of, if you don’t mind getting a soaking from a water pistol (or water blaster!). The rates fall dramatically compared with March. While Songkran marks the start of the rainy season, it has not fully kicked in. It can be a good time to travel throughout the country for those who can put up with some serious heat and humidity. In October, the rains tend to fall away as Thailand returns towards the settled November weather.
So while November to March might be the sweet spot for most of Thailand, there’s always a way to plan a Thailand holiday that fits your timing – and often, going slightly against the grain can mean quieter beaches, great value and a richer experience.
Every ETG holiday is designed to feel seamless, immersive and stress free. We’ll arrange international flights (if you’d like us to), your drivers and guides, and stays in characterful hotels we know and trust.
You’ll experience the country in a way that’s completely bespoke to you – from quiet moments to big adventures – all planned by our specialists. And while you’re away, our local team is on hand 24/7, so you’ll always feel well looked after.
The Curious Traveller’s Guide to Thailand
Tempted to discover the very best of Thailand, far from the tourist traps?
Our experts spill their secrets in The Curious Traveller’s Guide to Thailand.
Download your complimentary copy for an insight into the country’s highlights, hot hotels and unusual experiences to inspire your next great adventure.
