Epic Thailand Odyssey

📍 Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport – Salil Riverside (40.8 km): approx. 45 min  Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport – Avani+ Riverside (43.5 km): approx. 55 min   Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport – Capella (45.3 km): approx. 45 min

Arrive at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and meet a representative who will fast-track the immigration procedure. They will assist with your luggage and introduce you to the EXO travel guide. Hop into the air-conditioned vehicle to go to your hotel. On the way, the guide will provide some information about Bangkok, its rich history, and Thai culture in general.
This evening, traveling by tuk tuk and accompanied by an English-speaking guide, venture into Bangkok's bustling Chinatown. Soak up the buzzing atmosphere and the cacophony of sights, sounds, and smells, stopping to sample delicious dishes along the way.
Chinatown is one of Bangkok's most vibrant neighborhoods. There is a wide variety of dishes on offer, making this a great opportunity for first-time visitors to try street food or for Asian cuisine experts to discover new flavors.
Your experience will usually start at around 5 pm. Chinatown is easiest to navigate on foot or by tuk tuk, so you will be dropped off by vehicle at a meeting point near Hua Lamphong Railway Station, where your guide will introduce you to your tuk tuk driver for the evening. The tour usually lasts around three to three and a half hours, after which your tuk tuk driver will return you to your awaiting vehicle. (Note: The Chinatown excursion is not available on Mondays.)

Overnight in Bangkok

Inclusions:

🍗 Dinner

After breakfast at your hotel, meet your guide and head out. Transfer by taxi to the nearest BTS Station and take the Skytrain for a short ride to the terminal station of Saphan Taksin on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Continue by public boat to Tha Thien Pier, where you will disembark to visit Wat Pho in time to experience the monks’ early morning chanting ritual (chanting starts at 09:00). Wat Pho, Thailand’s oldest temple, is home to the magnificent reclining Buddha as well as the first school of traditional medicine and Thai massage, and is also regarded as Thailand’s first university. You can enjoy a 30-minute foot massage here.Continue on foot to visit the Grand Palace. The Royal Grand Palace is the nation’s landmark and the most revered royal monument, housing the mysterious Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most revered Buddha image. Appropriate dress is required. Transfer by tuk tuk to Eat Side Story for lunch.
After lunch, continue your afternoon and discover why Bangkok is often referred to as the ‘Venice of the East.’ Travel to the banks of the Chao Phraya River and board a colorful longtail boat. Cruise up the river, admiring the Bangkok skyline from a unique perspective. See glimmering modern skyscrapers standing alongside traditional wooden houses and fading colonial buildings.
After passing the iconic Wat Arun, veer off the main channel and enter the ‘khlongs’ (canals). Zigzag through the Thonburi khlongs, an intricate network of waterways full of charm. Catch glimpses of traditional teak houses and modern mansions, highlighting how Bangkok's waterside communities have evolved over the years.
Stop to explore Wat Khun Chan, an interesting temple area rarely visited by tourists. Then cross a small footbridge to wander through old alleys. Grab a refreshing cold drink and take a seat, enjoying the tranquil surroundings while watching local life. Continue to Wat Paknam, another rarely visited temple, and admire its beautiful white stupa.
Return to the boat and continue cruising through Khlong Bang Khuntien until reaching an authentic natural garden and restaurant called “Poomjai Garden,” quietly nestled on the banks of the canal.
Owned by a local Thai family, this beautiful garden has a history of over 100 years. The family renovated the land into an organic permaculture garden while preserving rare plants and trees, including a century-old lychee tree. They also work closely with the nearby local community to source fresh ingredients for the restaurant.
Take a walk around the garden and relax by the canal with a locally inspired signature drink before transferring back to the hotel.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Bangkok – Samut Songkram (81.1km): 1.15 hr

Breakfast at the hotel. 
You will be picked up at 07:00. Experience a more traditional side of Thailand with an insightful excursion to the capital’s outskirts. Drive away from Bangkok, watching the city’s towering high-rises and busy streets fade into the distance. After just an hour’s drive, arrive in Samut Songkhram province. Venture to a rural railway market, where vendors set up stalls along the train tracks. One of the most unique markets near Bangkok, watch as vendors quickly pack up when trains arrive and then resume business once the trains have passed.
Continue through the countryside to Damnoen Saduak. Although one of the most touristy markets near Bangkok, Damnoen Saduak offers excellent photo opportunities and a unique chance to experience this traditional style of marketplace. See boats laden with fresh fruit, traditional snacks, and other items being sold along the canals. Imagine a time, not too long ago, when residents would paddle up to these floating stalls to buy their daily wares. (*Note: Depending on the day, there may be the option of visiting the less-touristy Tha Kha floating market.) For a closer look, hop aboard a paddle boat and explore the labyrinth of canals. Pass by houses and small villages set along the water’s edge and observe the ways of life of the people in this part of rural Thailand.
Return to the floating market for lunch and enjoy people-watching while dining on delicious local dishes.
Continue through the remarkable waterways by longtail boat, stopping to visit a local Buddhist temple that is off the typical tourist trail, and then continue onwards to the King Rama II Memorial Park. Explore the ornate Thai-style pavilions of the park and learn about the life of the beloved former king. For visits falling on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, the end of the tour includes an exploration of the weekend floating market at Amphawa.
After this insightful day in the Thai countryside, return to Bangkok filled with fabulous memories.

Overnight in Bangkok
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Salil Riverside – Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (40.8 km): approx. 45 min Avani+ Riverside– Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (43.5 km): approx. 55 min Capella– Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (45.3 km): approx. 45 min Chiang Mai Airport – Phra Singh Village (4.8 km):  approx. 15 min Chiang Mai Airport – Na Nirand (8.2 km): approx. 15 min Chiang Mai Airport – 137 Pillars House (8.2km): approx. 20 min

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Bangkok Airport to catch a domestic flight to Chiang Mai.
Upon arrival at Chiang Mai Airport, collect your luggage and be greeted by an EXO Travel guide. They will then introduce the guide/driver who will facilitate your transfer via private vehicle.
Arrive at your hotel and check in. This evening, be picked up at 18:30 to enjoy a lively night in Chiang Mai town, wandering from the South Gate of the old city to the traditional street food market that opens every evening.
During the walk, guests will be tempted by the heady aromas emanating from the various food stalls and simple carts. The guide will be on hand to introduce the many local dishes on offer, and guests will have the opportunity to try any dishes they fancy. Some of the most delicious options include deep-fried pancakes, deep-fried taro, kanom jeen (rice noodles with curry soup), kanom krok (Thai coconut pudding), noodle soup, pad Thai, and the summer favorite, sweet mango with sticky rice. Guests can also sample the local rice whisky.
After the evening’s gastronomic adventure, guests return to their hotel, their stomachs filled with delight.
Overnight in Chiang Mai
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel. 
You will be picked up at 08:30. Uncover the secrets behind famous Thai dishes at Grandma’s Home Cooking School. Travel south of the city center to a traditional sala (open-air) house to meet a local chef. After a short introduction on the day’s activities, head to a nearby fresh market to collect your ingredients.
The chef will introduce the ingredients, exotic herbs and spices, and their uses, while explaining Thailand’s food culture.
Armed with new knowledge of Thai cuisine and its ingredients, start cooking! Chop vegetables, create spicy sauces, and fry up sizzling plates. Throughout the course, the chef will share their personal story and offer tips and hints for preparing these same dishes in your own kitchen.
When everything is ready, sit down and enjoy the delicious fresh dishes. Savour the delicate flavours of home-cooked Thai cuisine and the results of the day’s activities. Return to the hotel with a full belly and a deeper understanding of Chiang Mai’s foodie culture.
This afternoon, you will be picked up at 15:00. Take a journey of spiritual discovery in Chiang Mai, starting with a visit to the city’s old town. Venture through the crumbling city walls and admire a blend of old and new buildings, catching glimpses of glittering pagoda spires illuminated by the late afternoon sun.
Then step into the secret jungle temple, Wat Phalad. One of the most peaceful and beautifully crafted temples in Chiang Mai, it has a fascinating history, having been built to enshrine a piece of bone said to be from the historical Buddha. Here, visit one of the monks and receive a blessing for good health and good fortune.
Continue on the spiritual trail, leaving the city center and taking a winding drive into the hills. Climb the staircase of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, admiring the intricate naga carvings along the way. Upon reaching the top, explore the 14th-century pagoda and learn about its origins. Wander around the towering gilded stupa and take a moment to enjoy the panoramic views of Chiang Mai in the distance.
Before the sun sets, witness the magical evening chanting of the monks, a serene way to conclude the day’s spiritual tour.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Pick up from your hotel and drive approximately 50 minutes north of Chiang Mai through rolling hills, forests, and local farming areas. Arrive at Kanta Elephant Sanctuary. Walk through the sanctuary and learn about the elephants, change into traditional clothing, and prepare fruits for them.
Meet the elephants and enjoy feeding, interacting, and playing with them in their natural environment. Get muddy as you learn about their behavior and history, and take photos with the elephants. Walk with them to a river and bathe them. Afterward, enjoy some tea, coffee, and seasonal fruit before saying goodbye to the elephants.
Leave Kanta Elephant Sanctuary and drive approximately 50 minutes back to Chiang Mai, with drop-off at your hotel or accommodation. Please note: At the sanctuary, you will be allowed to spend as much time as possible with the elephants. Therefore, there is no formal schedule, and aside from pick-up times, the times shown here are approximate.
Spend the afternoon at leisure.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Phuket Airport - Katathani (47.7km): approx. 1.15 hrs Phuket Airport - Anantara Mai Khao  (14.2km): approx. 15 min Phuket Airport – Rosewood (40.9km): approx. 1.10 hrs

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Chiang Mai Airport and take a flight to Phuket. Upon arrival at Phuket Airport, collect your luggage and be greeted by an EXO Travel guide, who will facilitate your transfer by private vehicle to your hotel.
The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight in Phuket

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up at 08:30. Spend a day in paradise. Leave the crowded beaches of Phuket aboard a private longtail boat, customized for ultimate comfort. Cast off and head to the turquoise waters on this full-day boat trip to Phang Nga Bay. 
First, make a stop at a natural cave in the bay, spending some time exploring the area, although the stop may not be possible during high water levels. Then, pass by ‘James Bond’ Island, locally called Khao Phing Kan, which is part of Phang Nga Bay, slowing down for photos of this beautiful but touristy site. Venture further to discover dramatic limestone karsts jutting out of the water. Disembark on one of Phang Nga Bay's beaches, relax, and enjoy the views as the boat glides across the bay.
The day continues with a visit to a privately owned island. Go ashore at this tropical paradise and explore the tranquil beaches. A barbecue of fresh seafood will be prepared for lunch in this incredible setting.
Spend the rest of the day swimming and lounging, soaking up the sun’s rays and the serene atmosphere. Return to Phuket by boat, arriving just as the sun begins to dip low in the sky.

 Overnight in Phuket
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel and spend the day at the resort.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel and spend the days at leisure.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel and spend the days at leisure.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Katathani– Phuket Airport (47.7km): approx. 1.15 hrs Anantara Mai Khao - Phuket Airport (14.2 km): approx. 15 min Rosewood- Phuket Airport (40.9 km): approx. 1.10 hrs

Breakfast at the hotel and check out of the hotel.

Transfer to Phuket airport for departure.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast