Deluxe Classic Thailand
Bespoke Holiday Itinerary / Experience Tour

This two-week tour is ideal for a first visit to Thailand. It has been carefully crafted to show you the must-see sights of this beautiful country whilst dodging the main crowds. Your privately guided tours of Bangkok and Chiang Mai will give you an insider’s perspective and for the beach you’ll stay in paradise on one of our favourite hidden Thai islands.

Highlights include:

• Getting a taste of typical local life in Bangkok as you travel through the waterways, visit the morning flower markets and drinking fresh coconut juice 
• Rising early in Chiang Mai to watch the monks ascend the Golden Naga staircase to the glittering pagodas of Doi Suthep Mountain
• Discovering Thai cuisine on an evening food tour; your guide will introduce you to kanom jin (rice noodles with curry soup), kanom krok (Thai coconut pudding) and more
• Interacting with Asian elephants at the Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai
• Marvelling at the picture-postcard views out to the "Hong" islands from your beachside hammock on Koh Yao Noi

As with all of our suggested itineraries, we can tailor-make your holiday to suit your budget, style and expectations. Find out about our exclusive ‘Journey Planner’ here.

Your personalised quotation with Experience Travel Group will include:

• International Flights (which can be omitted from your quotation if you prefer)
• Accommodation as described
• Privately guided tours and transfers
• Original Experience Travel Group "Signature" experiences
• Full financial protection (full ABTA and ATOL bonding)
• Meals as described
• 24 hour in-country backup whilst away
• Your own dedicated travel expert in the UK

For more on our pricing policy read here.

DAY 1 Depart the UK

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Bangkok.

DAY 2-4 BANGKOK   exploring the highlights and beyond

On arrival in Bangkok you’ll be met by your guide and driver for the transfer to your hotel. A quiet haven in the heart of the city, in a unique traditional setting.

During your stay you’ll enjoy a selection of activities tailored to your interests. Typically you guide will walk you through the colourful flower markets before taking you on a small boat to whizz through the city's labyrinth of klongs (canals) - a great way to get a flavour of typical local life. The route will bring you to the opulent Grand Palace and Wat Po temple before a few hours back at the hotel to relax. In the evening you’ll embark on a fascinating tuk-tuk tour that will take you to corners of the city that many visitors miss; en route you’ll taste some of Bangkok's most delicious dishes.

Further adventures in the city could include a cycle or walking tour around some of the most interesting landmarks, or dinner and cocktails with panoramic views at one of the best rooftop bars.

DAYS 5 - 8 CHIANG MAI   food, culture and elephants!

It's a one hour flight to Chiang Mai where your guide and driver will be waiting for your arrival. During your stay you’ll have a chance to explore the city sights with our Chiang Mai signature tour. Taking in the surrounding countryside, tasting the local street food and observing Buddhist monks collecting their alms at dawn, you’ll get a strong sense of Thai culture and tradition. During your stay you’ll also visit the nearby Elephant Nature Park, a sanctuary for rescued elephants.  

This part of the holiday can be tailored to incorporate a camping adventure with the Elephant Mahout Programme which will take you further afield to observe elephants in a their natural jungle habitat. Talk to your travel expert to find out more about the “elephant friendly” experiences available.

DAYS 9-14 KOH YAO NOI   discover the real thailand 

Board a direct flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket where you’ll transfer by boat  to the peaceful island of Koh Yao. Koyao Island Resort is a beach retreat in beautiful surroundings. This is the perfect place to experience the famous beaches of Thailand and the picture postcard image of limestone cliffs rising out of the sea. Your time here is simply for relaxing and enjoying beach life; you can enjoy traditional Thai massage in the outdoor Sala, take a canoe to hidden coves or swim and snorkel in the Andaman Sea.

DAY 15  fly home

Depart Thailand on your flight back to the UK.