12-Day Highlights of Thailand Tour

View of Karon beach in Phuket, Thailand

What to expect on this itinerary

Pearl-white beaches line crystal clear waters, magnificent mountains tower up from the earth, golden palaces glimmer under the sun, and grand temples share a wealth of insight. Award-winning restaurants cover the vibrant city streets, and coral reefs yearn to be explored. Thailand boasts many enchanting experiences across its diverse and tropical landscape. On this specially-curated, 12-day tour, you will explore some of the best sights and attractions that this country has to offer. Journey to the Land of Smiles and create memories that will last a lifetime as you uncover what makes this destination truly special and unique.

Countries Visited

Thailand

Places Visited

Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Bangkok, Koh Samui, Phuket, Phang Nga Bay

Suggested Duration

12 Days

Customizable Itinerary

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Day 1

Chiang Mai – A Tranquil Arrival Amidst Nature

Thailand’s secluded beauty is best experienced in the Northern capital of Chiang Mai. The diverse landscape and isolated experiences make for an incredibly immersive and captivating stay. Upon your arrival, you will comfortably transfer to your lavish boutique resort that will be nestled at the base of Doi Suthep Mountain. Built into the mountain, your private will villa offer exceptional tranquility within nature. Picture-perfect vistas of the greater Chiang Mai area and first-class amenities make this your ideal destination to rest your head after your long flight into Thailand. You can relax in the private pool before fine dining at the distinguished resort restaurant to let the afternoon slowly slip into the evening.

What's Included:

Transfer
Accommodation
Breakfast
Day 2

Chiang Mai – A Soaring Tour in a Private Hot-Air Balloon

Day 3

Chiang Mai – Share Stories with the Locals

Day 4

Bangkok – Rise to the Clouds

Day 5

Bangkok – Delve into a Cuisine of Tremendous Depth

Day 6

Bangkok – Trace Back Thailand’s Cultural Roots

Day 7

Koh Samui – Experience Luxury on Sand and Sea

Day 8

Koh Samui – Island Hop to Idyllic Hideaway Spots

Day 9

Koh Samui – Absorb an Island Steeped in Heritage

Day 10

Phuket – Cherish an Evening Supper on the Lagoon

Day 11

Phuket – Glide Across Phuket Island as a VIP

Day 12

Phuket – The Best of Phuket’s Allure

Trip Highlights

  • Uncover the country’s iconic landscapes from the unique perspectives of a private hot-air balloon flight over Chiang Mai and a VIP helicopter tour over Phuket
  • Immerse yourself into the culture of an ethnic hill tribe in the less-traveled city of Chiang Rai to uncover the age-old traditions of Thailand’s local inhabitants
  • Learn more about the country’s diverse wildlife and sustainable eco-practices while caring for elephants and an ethical sanctuary
  • Discover the tastes of Thailand as you sample dishes prepared by award-winning chefs and revered local cooks on an exclusive food tour of Bangkok
  • Craft and master Thai cuisine yourselves as you learn the secrets behind their most coveted dishes at a prestigious culinary school
  • Indulge in visits to premier landmarks and ancient temples in Bangkok to learn more about the country’s rich heritage
  • Experience a luxurious island-hop to immaculate seaside destinations off the coast of Koh Samui
  • Luxuriate at Phuket’s best-kept beach secrets as you traverse the Andaman Sea via the comfort of a lavish private vessel

Detailed Description

Chiang Mai, the first destination on your Thailand highlights tour, is a wonderfully rugged region that is complete with striking mountain ranges and sprawling jungles. Nestled at the base of the renowned Doi Suthep Mountain lies an immaculate resort that you will have the luxury of calling home for a few days. With some time to unwind, you can enjoy the first-class amenities and divine Thai cuisine before your adventurous exploits begin the following day. During your stay, you will check off iconic experiences in the Land of Smiles. A sunrise spectacle from the unique perspective of a private hot-air balloon will take your breath away. Shortly after landing, you will journey to an ethical elephant sanctuary that is set amid a luscious, jungle setting. You will enjoy more of Northern Thailand’s diverse cultural heritage and landscape the following day as you are accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who will help you discover the traditional living of an ethnic hill tribe before visiting the magnificent temple atop the Doi Suthep cave complex.

You will journey to Bangkok after your immersive stay in Northern Thailand. Here, you will delve into the rich tastes of Thailand with an enthralling food tour of the most authentic and luxurious culinary destinations that the country has to offer. You will further your knowledge of Thai cuisine at a prestigious culinary school, where you will learn the age-old traditions of their most coveted meals. The following day, you will revel in revered landmarks and uncover the sheer beauty of the glimmering golden temples. A stop at the Jim Thompson House will conclude your inspiring stay in Bangkok. Then, you will then make your way to Koh Samui, which is a magical island that shares tranquil experiences for a truly pleasurable stay. A private speed boat will transfer you to the pivotal neighboring islands as you hop your way around this paradise. You will dine on world-class cuisine and visit immaculate cultural destinations throughout your serene exploration.

Next, you will make your way to the tropical island of Phuket. Boasting a collection of pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, you will be whisked away to paradise, where you will stay in an ultra-luxurious resort that will provide you with an enchanting spa treatment at its leading wellness center. The next day, you will capture unforgettable vistas of the greater Phuket region as you soar across the sky in a VIP helicopter. You will witness more of the picturesque seascape from the comfort of a luxurious private speed boat as you tour hideaway beaches and snorkel the vibrant coral reefs. Your Thailand trip will culminate with a private tour of Phuket’s most significant cultural and heritage sites. If the beautiful sights and attractions were not enough, you will share in exquisite, award-winning meals alongside marvelous sunset views to finish off your vacation in absolute style. Consider learning more about our travelers’ best Thailand travel experiences by reading their Thailand travel reviews.

Starting Price

$4,300 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

4.9

Verified Traveler Reviews

Based on 77 reviews

Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam Vacation Review: Elephant Sanctuary, Private Tours, Local Culture, Cuisine, Angkor Wat, Cu Chi Tunnels, Trekking, Biking, Boating, 10-Night Trip

Our Zicasso travel agent did a wonderful job taking our requests and styling a complex, detailed itinerary. Everything worked perfectly. The guides all communicated with each other and the drivers were always at the expected locations. All accommodations were awesome and well-located. 

Beginning in Chiang Mai, Thailand, we visited Doi Inthanon National Park, the Doi Suthep mountain temple, and had an absolutely awesome time visiting with elephants at the elephant sanctuary, among other things. We even got to play with a two-week-old elephant. All our dining recommendations were awesome and we particularly enjoyed our time with the guides.

Next, we flew to Krabi for unforgettable views and relaxing beach time. Again, the resort was awesome. We even went mountain climbing on Railay Beach. My son got engaged at the New Year's gala at our hotel, which was spectacular; an unbelievable stay. We particularly enjoyed our time with the guide!

Next, we finished in Bangkok, where the highlight was riding in the tuk-tuks and doing a city food tour. Our guide was so awesome and knowledgeable.

Unfortunately, eight of the 10 of us then flew home, while my wife and I continued to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Our guide was such a good travel companion and we left Cambodia with a true knowledge of Cambodian life/history/temples. He was very forthcoming about his life growing up under the Khmer Rouge. Although a long day, the temple tour was unbelievable, culminating in Angkor Wat. Our hotel was awesome and blocks from the nightlife on Pub Street. It was such a great stay.

Next, we flew to Saigon. We were met by our guide, who noticed we were hungry and immediately stopped at a local street food vendor for our first foray into bun bo. It was so good. The mix of history, countryside visits, and city tours with our guide was awesome and she even left us with a customized pictorial of our visit. The other excursion that needs mention is the Vespa city and food tour. Our main guide was delightful, giving us a true taste of Saigon culture and food. The drivers were so great.  This tour finished with a surprise visit to a local bar/club, where we had front-row seats to an awesome Latin band for a nightcap. It was truly unforgettable. Also, we cannot forget our visit to the Cu Chi tunnels, where our guide did a great job educating and touring us through this unbelievable history.

Then, we flew to Hanoi to another awesome location. Highlights in Hanoi would be visiting the Hoa Lo prison, having dinner in a local family's home, and especially the Minsk backstreet tour. Our tour drivers were so awesome. This excursion really gave us a feel for the city/backstreets, as well as an idea of the frightening life of riding a motorbike through the city and back alleys of Hanoi. It was truly unforgettable. This tour finished with my knees about a foot away from the speeding train at Hanoi train station, another can't-miss site!

Next, we visited Ninh Binh for trekking, biking, and bamboo boating. The scenery was awesome and it was definitely a nice break from the busy city.

The trip finished with a two-night, three-day cruise on Hạ Long Bay. The scenery was unbelievable and the staff were excellent; so attentive and informative.

This trip truly was spectacular and we are so happy that Zicasso connected us with our agent to make all of this happen. We couldn't be happier with the entire trip!

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Thailand Trip Review: Chiang Mai, 8 Nights

Zicasso's travel expert addressed our one issue with our bed instantly and helped with navigating having to potentially go home because of health issues. Aside from that, our tour guide in Chiang Mai was the best we have ever had and to top it, he was a photographer, so took the most amazing photos for us.

I felt Bangkok was tough to rate because it was a very busy, dirty city, but we had an amazing guide one evening. We had issues with the driver showing up at the right time a few times, but mostly in Bangkok. Our agent was the best at addressing our needs.

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Thailand Travel Review: Bangkok, Koh Samui, Temples, Elephant Experience, Cooking Class, Scenery, Markets, Boat Ride, 9 Days

We had a great trip to Thailand with our Zicasso trip planner. They set us up with a very helpful guide in Bangkok, who made it easy from the time we stepped off the plane, through all the temples, activities, night markets, tuk-tuks, and boats. 

Our hotel in Bangkok was great, with nice views and a nice breakfast buffet. We took the free hotel ferry to the shopping mall and it was a lot of fun. 

Our resort in Koh Samui was incredible. It had a great beach and pool. The elephant sanctuary and the cooking class were highlights. We would probably pass on Pig Island next time as it was very dirty and we saw pigs getting attacked.

Overall, we had a great time and the tour guide took care of us completely, from start to finish. 

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Thailand Vacation Review: Temples, Chang Mai, Elephant Sanctuary, Islands, Floating Markets, Boat Ride, 1-Week Tour

We loved our trip to Thailand with our Zicasso agent, who provided expertise and details that fulfilled our goals. We had a short time period with a busy up-front schedule.  Thankfully, we could relax in sheer natural beauty at the end. 

Highlights: Our Bangkok guide, who kept in touch throughout our trip, was a wonderful surprise, and is now a friend! He wore an unsung hero cape as he juggled changes seamlessly! Some major highlights that we loved were the temples, temples, temples, train market, floating market, canal boat ride, Chiang Mai's mountain village, and the elephant sanctuary – that was a beautiful experience we will never forget. And the speedboat island tour was fantastic!! Those were the major Zicasso highlights and we are happy to provide more details too.  

Areas to change: Given this was our first Zicasso trip and we are now true fans (sharing with our friends), this one tweak is really for our family preferences. For us, it was hard to get back into the car once we hit the ocean. On our next Zicasso vacation, we know to ask how much driving will be involved in seeing the sites for awareness. We may have kept the same itinerary, it just would have been great to know ahead of time.

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Indonesia, Thailand Trip Review: 8 Nights

Everything was very well arranged by Zicasso's travel specialists. It was a smooth and pleasant experience. The tour guides were always on time. Airport pick-ups and drop-offs were very helpful. The hotels where we stayed were amazing. It was a great experience!

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Cambodia, Thailand Vacation Review: Bangkok, Siem Reap, Phuket, Khao Sok, Angkor Wat, 3-Week Trip

During the trip, our Zicasso travel agent promptly responded to issues/inconveniences. Our guides in Bangkok and in Siem Reap were the best tour guides of them all, as were the foodie tour guides in Bangkok and Phuket. We truly enjoyed this trip.

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist.

30,000+ Verified Traveler Reviews