Tour features
This classic 9-day Thailand tour is specially designed for first-time visitors, covering Thailand’s most iconic highlights. The journey begins in Bangkok, where you will visit royal landmarks, major temples, and traditional canal areas, learning about the capital’s history and local daily life. You will then travel north to Chiang Mai to explore Lanna culture and time-honored traditions, before concluding your trip in Phuket, where you can unwind on the beach and enjoy laid-back island life.
Overall itinerary
Travel
9 days, 3 cities (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket)
Accommodation
8 nights in premium hotels
Meals
Breakfast and lunch as listed (B/L per itinerary); special dietary needs accommodated upon request
Accommodation Details
Day by day itinerary
Upon arrival in Thailand, you will be met by your private driver at the airport for a transfer to your hotel. After checking in and settling in, the rest of the day is yours to explore Bangkok's historic streets, admire architectural landmarks, and browse local shops before returning to your hotel to rest.
This morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the Royal Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, home to the Emerald Buddha. Next, you will visit Wat Pho, one of Thailand's oldest and largest temples, to see the massive Reclining Buddha. The day concludes at Wat Benchamabopit (the Marble Temple), a beautiful fusion of Italian marble and classical Thai design.
Gallery: Royal Grand Palace 1
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Enjoy your last morning in Bangkok before your driver transfers you to the airport for a domestic flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, your driver will meet you for a transfer to your hotel. After settling in, the evening is yours to relax and adjust.
Depart early around 7:00 AM for a full-day group tour exploring northern Thailand's highlights. The route includes a stop at Maekhachan Hot Springs, followed by the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), renowned for its white and mirrored mosaics. Next, visit the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) with its intricate murals. After lunch, explore the Black House (Baan Dam Museum), showcasing Lanna architecture and contemporary art, before returning to Chiang Mai by 5:00 PM.
Gallery: Wat Rong Khun 1
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Pickup from your hotel is arranged between 7:00 to 7:30 AM for a full-day group tour to Thailand's highest peak. You will drive approximately 2 hours to Doi Inthanon National Park, enjoying summit views and exploring nature trails where you may spot diverse birds and flowers. The tour includes visits to the twin pagodas honoring King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit. After lunch, embark on a 2-hour trek through the jungle to discover a hidden waterfall, passing coffee plantations, flower farms, and rice terraces. You will also visit the Pagagayaw Karen hill tribe village, sample local ground coffee, and admire Vachirathern waterfall (70 meters high) before returning around 6:30 PM.
Gallery: Inthanon National Park 1
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An optional morning group tour is available: a half-day Elephant Sanctuary experience for USD 85 per person. This includes a 1.5-hour drive, ethical elephant interaction in natural settings, a mud spa, river bathing, and a traditional meal. If you join this optional tour, you will take a late evening flight; otherwise, you will fly out earlier. Your driver will transfer you to Chiang Mai Airport and meet you at Phuket Airport for your transfer to your hotel.
Gallery: Elephant Jungle Sanctuary 1
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Enjoy a free day to explore Phuket at your own pace. This island on the Andaman Coast boasts beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, lush tropical rainforests, and dramatic limestone cliffs. Relax and swim on the beach, try snorkeling, visit the Cape Panwa aquarium to discover underwater life, or seek adventure with ziplining at Hanuman World Phuket. In the evening, savor fresh seafood at local restaurants, browse the night markets, or immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Bangla Road.
Gallery: Phuket 1
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Enjoy another free day in Phuket. An optional group speedboat tour is available for USD 75 per person, visiting Phi Phi Islands, Maya Bay, and Bamboo Island, including snorkeling, swimming, and lunch. The tour includes hotel pickup at 7:30 AM, departure from the pier at 9:00 AM with snorkeling gear provided, a visit to Bamboo Island, a beachside lunch on Phi Phi Don, exploration of Pileh Lagoon and its emerald waters, and sightseeing at Monkey Beach and Viking Cave, returning to the pier by 5:15 PM.
Gallery: Phi Phi Don 1
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Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel before checking out. You'll have time to visit local markets for souvenirs for loved ones before heading to the airport for your departure flight home.
What’s included
Included
- Accommodation
- 3-star hotel
- Bangkok: True Siam Rangnam or similar
- Chiang Mai: De Charme Chiang Mai or similar
- Phuket: Kata Sea Breeze Resort or similar
- 4-star hotel
- Bangkok: JC Kevin Sathon Bangkok Hotel or similar
- Chiang Mai: Empress Chiang Mai Hotel or similar
- Phuket: The Old Phuket Resort or similar
- 5-star hotel
- Bangkok: Sukosol Hotel Bangkok or similar
- Chiang Mai: NA NIRAND Romantic Boutique Resort or similar
- Phuket: Avista Hideaway Phuket Patong - MGallery or similar
- Flights
- Domestic flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (includes 20 kg luggage allowance)
- Domestic flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket (includes 20 kg luggage allowance)
- ** Based on each airline’s policy, the price for children will be applied at the time of booking. If you have more than one child, please contact us directly for a quote.
- ** The cost of internal airfares is paid separately upon arrival to Realistic Asia as a local payment. Airfare fees are separated from the main tour cost because prices can vary based on travel period, flight availability, and fuel taxes. This local payment method benefits our travelers by keeping tour costs lower, providing more booking flexibility, and ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience.
- Guide
- Experienced English-speaking guide
- French, German, Spanish, or Dutch-speaking guides are available upon request (surcharge applies).
- Additional Services
- - Private door-to-door pick-up & drop-off services
- - All sightseeing tickets as per itinerary
- - Bottled water and tissues on coach
- Transport
- Private airport transfers (pick-up/drop-off, excursions)
- Private transfers throughout the tour
- Domestic flights
Not included
- Insurance
- Travel insurance is not included in the tour price. We recommend organizing it with your preferred insurance company. World Nomads is a recommended provider (details available here).
- Additional Services
- * International flights and departure taxes
- Beverages, personal expenses, tips, and gratuities
- Early check-in and late check-out (unless specified)
- Visa stamping fee on arrival
- Surcharge for airport transfers between 12:00 AM – 5:00 AM
- Services not mentioned above
- Compulsory Gala Dinner on December 24th and 31st
- Public holiday surcharges (if applicable)
- Flights
- Domestic flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and Chiang Mai to Phuket are not included in the main tour cost and are paid separately as a local payment. Please refer to the 'What's Included' section for details on luggage allowance and the rationale for this payment method.
- ** Based on each airline’s policy, the price for children will be applied at the time of booking. If you have more than one child, please contact us directly for a quote.