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Thailand, Thailand

Thailand

First Encounter with Thailand

Limited spots available

Ten days between Bangkok and Chiang Mai: Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Chinatown, the train and floating markets, Doi Suthep, an elephant sanctuary and the White and Blue Temples.

Dates
7 – 16 May 2027
Duration
10 days
Group size
Max 12 travellers
Difficulty
Moderate
Trip type
Temples, markets & street food
Booking deadline
Book by 7 Apr 2027

Overview

In 2017, I visited Thailand for the first time and it completely stole my heart. Its incredible food, rich culture, vibrant streets, tropical islands, and welcoming people make it a destination I never get tired of visiting.

Thailand is one of my favorite countries in the world, and now I want to share this unforgettable experience with you.

In Bangkok we take on Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Chinatown, ride out to the train market and the floating market, dig through Chatuchak Weekend Market and explore the city's vibrant mall scene.

Then we head north to Chiang Mai for Doi Suthep, 24 hours at an ethical elephant sanctuary, and a day trip to Chiang Rai for the White Temple and the Blue Temple.

Destination highlights

  • Wat Arun, ThailandWat ArunThe Temple of Dawn, best seen from the Chao Phraya at sunset.
  • The Grand Palace, ThailandThe Grand PalaceGold, glass mosaic and the Emerald Buddha.
  • Wat Pho, ThailandWat PhoThe reclining Buddha and the oldest massage school in Thailand.
  • Chinatown, ThailandChinatownBangkok's Yaowarat after dark — neon, noodles and grilled everything.
  • Train market & floating market, ThailandTrain market & floating marketThe market that folds away for the train, then breakfast bought from a boat.
  • Chatuchak Weekend Market, ThailandChatuchak Weekend MarketThousands of stalls, and one of the biggest markets in the world.
  • Bangkok's mall scene, ThailandBangkok's mall sceneThe city's vibrant malls, air-conditioned and enormous.
  • Doi Suthep, ThailandDoi SuthepChiang Mai's golden temple, above the city in the mountains.
  • Elephant sanctuary, ThailandElephant sanctuary24 hours at an ethical sanctuary — no riding, no shows.
  • Chiang Rai day trip, ThailandChiang Rai day tripNorth through the mountains for the day.
  • White Temple & Blue Temple, ThailandWhite Temple & Blue TempleWat Rong Khun and Wat Rong Suea Ten, unlike anything else in Thailand.

Gallery

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Arrival in Bangkok

    Airport transfers, check-in and a welcome Thai dinner to meet the group.

  2. Day 2

    Wat Arun & Wat Pho

    The Temple of Dawn from the river, the reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, and the Chao Phraya as the light drops.

  3. Day 3

    The Grand Palace

    The Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha, then Chinatown after dark for street food on Yaowarat.

  4. Day 4

    Train market & floating market

    The market that folds away for the passing train, then breakfast bought from a boat at the floating market.

  5. Day 5

    Chatuchak & Bangkok's mall scene

    Thousands of stalls at Chatuchak Weekend Market, then the city's vibrant mall scene and a rooftop finish.

  6. Day 6

    North to Chiang Mai

    Travel north, old-city temples in the afternoon and the night bazaar after dark.

  7. Day 7

    Doi Suthep

    Up into the mountains to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, with Chiang Mai spread out below.

  8. Day 8

    24 hours at an elephant sanctuary

    A full day and night at an ethical sanctuary — no riding, no shows, just elephants in the water.

  9. Day 9

    Day trip to Chiang Rai

    North to Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple, and Wat Rong Suea Ten, the Blue Temple.

  10. Day 10

    Departure

    Breakfast together and transfers to the airport.

Accommodation

  • 9 nights in boutique hotels in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, including a night at the elephant sanctuary
  • Twin-share as standard, single supplement available
  • Breakfast included every morning

What's included

  • 9 nights accommodation in Bangkok and Chiang Mai
  • Airport transfers, internal flight to Chiang Mai and all group transport
  • Entrances for the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Doi Suthep, the White Temple and the Blue Temple
  • Train market and floating market excursion, the Chiang Rai day trip, and 24 hours at the ethical elephant sanctuary
  • Daily breakfast, one Thai cooking class and 3 group dinners
  • Photography guidance with Christopher throughout

What's not included

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Thailand visa if required for your nationality
  • Most lunches and personal expenses

Who this trip is for

  • Solo travellers welcome — most of the group travels alone
  • Comfortable with heat and humidity, early starts and a lot of walking around temples and markets
  • Curious about food, culture and photography, no experience required

Frequently asked

Cancellation policy

  • First payments are non-refundable but transferable to another departure up to 90 days before the start date.
  • Cancellations more than 60 days before departure receive a full refund of payments beyond the first installment.
  • Cancellations within 60 days of departure are non-refundable; travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Read the full policy →

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From

$4,200

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