Essential Thailand

📍 Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport - Bangkok city (approx. 40 km): 40 min

Upon arrival in Bangkok, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Evening Glittering Bangkok

Pick up at 18:00, when the sun begins to set, Bangkok - a city known for its bustling streets and vibrant atmosphere - truly comes to life after dark. The sights, sounds, and smells associated with the city’s iconic street life are amplified under the glow of its streetlights. Meanwhile, as the late afternoon light gives way to the glimmer of early evening, the city’s ancient temples and palaces take on a whole new beauty.

Transportation will be provided to the Rattanakosin area of the Old City, meandering along the floodlit Grand Palace and Wat Pho.

After a cool, relaxing cocktail at the boutique riverside Riva Arun Hotel, take a short walk to where an exquisite dinner awaits. Indulge in a delicious Thai-style meal at Supanniga Tha Tien Restaurant on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, with the majestic Wat Arun glowing across the river. Following dinner, take a stroll to the temple grounds of Wat Pho to soak in the beauty of its glittering chedi at night—an incredible photo opportunity.

Afterwards, drive to the final stop of the evening: the bustling Khao San Road area. A famous backpacker haunt, this eclectic region comes to life at night with various activities, night markets, and entertainment venues to choose from. Enjoy a wander through the streets of Khao San to experience the unmistakable energy of this area.(D)

Time:              18:00 – 22:00 
Departure:       Daily
Blackout dates for dinner are 31 Dec – 01 Jan, 14 Feb, and Loy Krathong (date TBA), as the hotel offers only gala dinners on these occasions.

Note:
- The rooftop bar at Riva Arun is located on the 5th floor. Guests take the elevator up to the 4th floor and use the stairs to reach the rooftop. 
- Traffic can be heavy during rush hour (17:00–20:00), so this tour is not recommended for guests staying at hotels in the Sukhumvit area.
- The table will be pre-booked for outdoor seating; however, in case of rain, indoor seating will be arranged.
- Children aged 2 to 11 years at the time of travel will receive a 15% discount.
- One glass of cocktail is included at Riva Arun.
- Although only the temple grounds will be visited, appropriate attire is required.

Overnight in Bangkok

Inclusions:

Breakfast at the hotel.

An early start will get you to Wat Pho in time to experience the monks’ early morning chanting ritual (chanting starts at 09:00 hrs). After this uplifting and often private experience, explore the temple grounds and see the famous 45-metre Reclining Buddha.

Continue to the Grand Palace, Thailand’s most important landmark, where you will be awed by the grandeur and majesty of its buildings and throne halls. Then, marvel at the mysterious Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand.

Note: The Grand Palace is one of the most popular destinations in Bangkok and receives millions of visitors annually. To help you get the best experience and avoid crowds, your guide will have the flexibility to schedule the temple visit either early in the morning or late in the afternoon, depending on your itinerary. If the crowds become overwhelming, your guide can take you to an alternative temple in the area, such as Wat Saket or Wat Suthat. This decision must be made before entering the Grand Palace.

A delicious lunch will be served at Never Ending Summer, a Thai restaurant situated by the Chao Phraya River.

Note: Lunch at Never Ending Summer includes one main dish and drinking water.

After lunch, board a private Thai retro solar boat and sail up the majestic Chao Phraya River before entering a khlong (canal) that takes you away from the typical tourist trail. While the boat’s appearance may seem modest, it operates in an eco-friendly way using solar power harnessed directly from the sun - a rare and impressive feat of engineering. Sit back and relax on a soft cushion as the boat slowly cruises along the riverbanks and through Bangkok’s historic and charming khlongs.

Inside the khlong network, you will stop at Wat Khun Chan, an intriguing temple rarely visited by tourists. A short walk across a footbridge leads you into old alleyways where you can enjoy a cold coffee before visiting Wat Paknam, known for its white stupa and big sitting buddha.

Return to the boat and continue cruising through Khlong Bang Khuntien, eventually arriving at Poomjai Garden, a hidden natural garden and restaurant nestled along the canal’s edge.

Owned by a local Thai family, this beautiful garden has a history of over 100 years. The family transformed their land into an organic permaculture site, preserving rare plants and trees - such as a century-old lychee tree. They also work with the surrounding 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 your hotel.

Overnight in Bangkok

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Bangkok – Samut Songkhram (approx. 80 km): 1 hr  Mae Klong Market – Tha Kha Floating Market (10 km): 20 min Tha Kha Floating Market – Amphawa District (10km): 20 min

After breakfast at the hotel, take a short drive from the bustling streets of Bangkok, where the high-rise urban landscape quickly gives way to a lush, green rural idyll. This full-day trip to Samut Songkhram Province - just an hour outside the capital - allows guests to experience the traditional charms of the Thai countryside.

The day begins with a visit to a local railway station, where a bustling country market has sprung up along the tracks. When a train pulls in or out of the station, vendors quickly clear their stalls - only to set them up again moments later once the train has passed!

From here, the journey continues to the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Although it is quite touristy today, it remains the best example of what a traditional floating market was like decades ago.

A relaxing paddle boat ride through the labyrinth of canals offers the chance to see the older parts of the market and observe the local lifestyle along the canal banks. Off the boat, enjoy a stroll around the colorful floating marketplace, bustling with boats and vendors selling tropical fruits and other local delights.

For tours falling on a Saturday or Sunday, guests have the option to choose between visiting Damnoen Saduak or the smaller, less touristy Tha Kha Floating Market, where a short paddle boat trip through the backwaters includes a visit to a traditional Thai house that produces coconut palm sugar. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant near the floating market.

The tour continues by long-tail boat to a local Buddhist temple and the King Rama II Memorial Park, known for its ornate collection of traditional Thai-style pavilions. For tours on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, the day concludes with a visit to the weekend floating market at Amphawa, providing a final highlight to the experience.

Overnight at Bangkok

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Bangkok – Ayutthaya (83.3 km): 1.20 hr Ayutthaya Historical Park – Bang Pa-In Summer Palace (21.9 km): 30 min

Breakfast at the hotel.

The day begins with an approximately one-and-a-half-hour drive from Bangkok to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Ayutthaya, passing through verdant countryside and lush paddy fields.

Upon arrival in Ayutthaya, which dates back to the 14th century, the morning is spent exploring the breathtaking, temple-studded landscape. You’ll visit several of the city’s most iconic temples, including Wat Yai Chaimongkol and Wat Mahathat - where the famous Buddha face is naturally entwined within the roots of a tree - before strolling through a local market en route to Wat Phra Si Sanphet.

Next, continue to the town's Muslim Quarter, where you’ll have the opportunity to sample a unique local delicacy: candy floss roti. After lunch at a local restaurant, the tour continues with a leisurely one-hour long-tail boat ride along the Chao Phraya River. The journey begins at Wat Niwet Thammaprawat, one of the area’s most distinctive Buddhist temples, known for its remarkable Gothic-style architecture and stained-glass windows.

From there, take a short cable car ride across the river and continue by golf cart to explore the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, home to the majestic mansions of Thailand’s Royal Family.

After your visit to Bang Pa-In, return to Bangkok by van - a drive of approximately one hour.

Overnight in Bangkok

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Chiang Mai Airport – Chiang Mai Town (5 km): 10 min

After breakfast at the hotel, check out.

Transfer to the airport with your guide (time to be confirmed the day before) for your flight to Thailand’s northern capital, Chiang Mai.

Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, you will be met by your guide, who will assist with your transfer to the hotel.

After checking in, travel approximately 30 minutes by vehicle to a long-tail boat dock north of Chiang Mai city. Board a long-tail boat and enjoy a 30-minute cruise along the rural Mae Ping River. Along the riverbanks, you will see a mix of traditional wooden houses and modern residences.

Disembark at a boat landing and walk for about 10 minutes to Waroros Market, a lively fresh food market where you can experience the Northern Thai way of life.

After the tour, transfer back to your hotel or to a local restaurant for dinner on your own.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Chiang Mai City – Elephant Discovery Camp (50 km): 1 hr

After breakfast at the hotel, head toward Elephant Discovery Camp, traveling along one of the most scenic routes in Chiang Mai, with fantastic local roads and panoramic views. Arrive at the meeting point near the Mae Wang River, where you will embark on a bamboo raft. Enjoy a fun and memorable short cruise on the raft to reach Elephant Discovery Camp, located in a natural area on a hill in the Mae Wang district.

Upon arrival at the camp, meet an elephant mahout, be introduced to the elephants, and learn about their stories and daily routines. Interact with the elephants under the supervision of their mahouts, forming a meaningful bond. Walk alongside them and watch them play in the mud pond. Learn how to communicate with them and prepare nutritious food and treats using various natural ingredients. You will also enjoy bathing and soaking the elephants in a large pond. Lunch will be served at the camp. (Note: The elephant activity is join-in.)

In the late afternoon, return to Chiang Mai.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Chiang Mai City – Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (17 km): 40 min Wat Phra That Doi Suthep – Wat Umong (15 km): 30 min

Depart your hotel at 6:00 AM (Note: Takeaway breakfast from the hotel) and arrive at the foothills of Doi Suthep Mountain in time to buy offerings and join the locals for the daily alms-giving ceremony. This serene Buddhist ritual involves dozens of monks walking barefoot through the streets to collect food and daily necessities.

Continue up the mountain to Wat Doi Suthep and climb the 309 steps of the Golden Naga staircase to reach the temple’s golden pagodas. After visiting Doi Suthep, continue to discover one of Chiang Mai’s best-kept secrets: Wat Palad, also known as the "Temple Below the Temple." With temple grounds over 650 years old, Wat Palad holds deep historical and spiritual significance in the region.

Next, proceed to Wat Umong, a 14th-century forest temple covered in moss and small plants, offering a unique and charming sense of natural decay. Walk through its mysterious tunnels to reach the Viharn, where you will experience a private blessing ceremony.

After that, enjoy a delicious bowl of Khao Soy, a famous Northern Thai dish made with coconut cream, crispy noodles, and bold spices — sure to delight your taste buds!
Afternoon at leisure.

This evening, be picked up at 6:30 PM from the hotel by a local tuk-tuk, one of Thailand’s iconic symbols. Experience the evening charm of Chiang Mai on a night tour. Accompanied by a local guide, enjoy a night out embracing the spiritual traditions and rich heritage that make the city so special.

Begin by visiting local temples at sunset. Exploring temples between 18:00 and 20:00 offers a completely different experience compared to daytime visits. Without the crowds, and with the temples illuminated as the sun sets, the atmosphere becomes peaceful and magical. The glittering structures shine like diamonds in the dark. Visit a variety of temples — from modest sanctuaries to ornate architectural marvels that feel otherworldly when lit at night.

After witnessing these stunning sights, head to the Three Kings Monument to learn about the history of Chiang Mai, back when Northern Thailand was a separate kingdom known as Lanna.

Then, hop back into your tuk-tuk and ride to Warorot Market. Bustling from morning until late at night, this market is a vibrant hub of local life. Browse stalls overflowing with fresh food, flowers, clothing, and more, soaking up the lively atmosphere.

Next, cross the river via the pedestrian bridge, locally called Kua Khaek (Indian Bridge), to reach Sai Ping Restaurant for dinner. The name translates to “the flow of the Ping”—Ping being the river that runs through the center of Chiang Mai. The restaurant sits right on the riverbank and serves beautifully presented traditional Northern Thai dishes made from local ingredients. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner accompanied by live music.

To top off a great evening, head to the rooftop bar of the Meliá Hotel for a cocktail.

Return to the hotel by private, air-conditioned vehicle — or continue your evening independently, with directions provided by your guide.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Chiang Mai City – Mae On District (32 km): 50 min

Breakfast at the hotel.

Depart for Mae Kampong Village in the Mae On district, driving through the picturesque countryside of Chiang Mai. En route, stop at a local market to select ingredients for your lunch.

Continue to Mae Kampong Village, where you will be greeted by villagers upon arrival before beginning a stroll through the community forest, passing tea and coffee fields. Return to the village in time to watch lunch being prepared by your host family and see how Thai food is made in the countryside.

After lunch, take a walk around the village to observe the processing of fermented tea leaves and explore various handmade village products. In the late afternoon, drive back through the mountains to Chiang Mai.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Phuket Airport – Phuket Town (30 km): 30 min

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free at leisure in Chiang Mai city until your guide picks you up from the hotel for transfer to the airport for your flight to Phuket. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel.

Enjoy a free afternoon at leisure to relax on the beach.

Overnight in Phuket

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a free morning at leisure.

Pick-up is at 13:00 by private van to the meeting point. Explore Phuket’s Old Town on a traditional Tuk-Tuk tour - an authentic and charming way to experience the island’s cultural heritage.

Your journey begins at Saphan Hin Park, a peaceful seaside park built on reclaimed land along the east coast of Phuket Town. Enjoy the refreshing ocean breeze, open green spaces, and scenic waterfront views while learning about Phuket’s historic tin-mining era.

Continue to Thavorn Museum, located within the historic Thavorn Hotel. The museum showcases a fascinating collection of vintage items including old calculators, typewriters, tin toys, and nostalgic memorabilia - offering a glimpse into Phuket’s past.

Proceed to explore the charming streets of Phuket Old Town, where colorful Sino-Portuguese buildings reflect the island’s multicultural heritage. Wander through lively streets filled with local shops, cafés, and vibrant Chinese shrines while discovering the unique architectural style influenced by 19th-century tin traders.

Next, visit Thai Hua Museum, a former Chinese school transformed into a museum. Here, you’ll gain deeper insight into the history of Chinese immigrants and their significant role in shaping Phuket’s cultural identity.

The tour concludes with dinner at one of the restaurants atop Rang Hill, offering breathtaking views of Phuket town. Set amid terraced gardens, this local spot is an atmospheric place to enjoy a typical Thai dinner while soaking up the views.

Overnight in Phuket

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a full day at leisure to relax on the beach, or choose to book optional excursions with Exo Travel.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Chalong Bay Distillery Experience.

This tour introduces you to top-quality rums, where you will discover an original handcrafted fine spirit that brings the French Caribbean heritage of rum distillation back to the birthplace of sugarcane.

The experience begins in the afternoon with a transfer from your hotel to Chalong Bay around 1:00 p.m. Upon arrival, you’ll dive right into crafting your first cocktail—a great opportunity to create your own signature drink while learning the fascinating story behind the rum in your glass. You'll also pick up some secret tricks used in popular cocktails.

Next, visit the distillery to observe the production process. Learn how award-winning rum is made from sustainably-grown Thai sugarcane, and see the French copper still and on-site bottling facility in action. After the tour, return to the bar to taste various rum flavors and homemade ingredients before making another delicious cocktail.

Following your second cocktail, it’s time for the blind taste test competition. Each guest will participate in identifying the mysterious flavors of three unreleased Chalong Bay rums. The winner will walk away with a prize! After the competition, enjoy your third cocktail along with a tasty tapas dish selected from the menu.

Before the tour ends, you’ll have the opportunity to shop. Chalong Bay rums are beautifully packaged, making the perfect souvenir to bring home! 

Time:         13:00 - 18:00
Departure:     Daily
Note:     
- A fully stocked cocktail station is provided for each participant.
- Timing may vary slightly due to ongoing road construction at the Chalong intersection.
- Chalong Bay Rum Join-In Activity.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Community Connection at Koh Yao Noi

Pick up at 07:00 - 08:00 (depending on your hotel location). Help spread the benefits of tourism to rural communities. Venture beyond the busy hubs of Phuket and Krabi for a day on a small island, supporting family-run businesses and learning about the traditional lifestyles of the locals.

After breakfast, board a shared public speedboat and leave behind the crowded beaches of the mainland, heading toward Koh Yao Noi. Unlike Phuket and Krabi, Koh Yao Noi is a tranquil island where the locals rely on fishing, farming, and small-scale businesses for their livelihood.

Spend a full day on Koh Yao Noi, meeting the warm and welcoming residents.

Your first stop is a visit to a cloth dyeing and batik painting center. Learn about these ancient crafts and enjoy a hands-on experience creating your own batik painting as a souvenir. If you’d like to take your artwork home, a local delivery service to your hotel is available for an additional fee.

Next, walk through a rubber plantation to see how the trees are tapped for sap—a process still done entirely by hand. Then visit a small workshop to observe the meticulous batik-making process in more detail.

Around midday, arrive at a local family’s home for a special home-cooked lunch. Join in the cooking experience and learn how to prepare traditional Southern Thai dishes alongside your hosts. This is a meaningful opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal while gaining unique insight into local life.

In the afternoon, wander through rice fields and village lanes, where buffaloes and cows roam peacefully. Stop by the local market to browse the day’s fresh catch and other local goods.

After a fulfilling day on the island, it’s time to bid farewell to Koh Yao Noi and return to Phuket by boat. (L)

Time:                   08:30 - 18:00 
Departure:          Daily
Note:           
- Private transfers to and from the hotel
- Join-in public speedboat transfer between the mainland and the island
- Private local truck transportation on the island (maximum 6 passengers per truck)
- Activity programs may be subject to slight changes depending on the availability of local residents at home
- Children between 2 and 11 years old at the time of travel will receive a 15% discount
- Not suitable for infants (under 1 year old), pregnant women, individuals with back problems or hypertension, or anyone with a history of surgery

Overnight at Phuket

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Phuket Hotel – Phuket Town (between 20 and 50 km): 20 - 50 min

Your guide will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight to your onward destination.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast