Compare Discovery Thailand The Golden Chersonese by Thai Marano Travel vs Thailand In-Depth Exploration by Odynovo

Day 1: Bangkok Arrival

Welcome to Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. You will be met at Bangkok International airport by our tour guide and taken to the hotel for a two-night stay. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon and take the opportunity to visit Chatuchak market — one of the largest in Thailand.

Day 2: Bangkok Discovery and Canal Tour

Breakfast at the hotel. The tour of Bangkok begins with a visit to the Royal Grand Palace — one of the most beautiful examples of an ancient Siamese court, and the residence of previous Kings of Thailand. Experience the Funeral Palace, Reception Palace, Throne Hall, Coronation Hall, Royal Guest House, and beautiful Emerald Buddha Temple. Lunch is served in one of Bangkok’s delightful riverside restaurants. After lunch, sail through the canals of Thonburi on a long-tailed boat as it passes by the imposing temples, wooden houses built on stilts, coconut groves, decorated shrines, spirit houses, and canal vendors. Bangkok is known as the “Venice of the East”. Life along the river has become an integral part of the Thai lifestyle, and a boat cruise allows visitors to see the traditional Thai way of life along the riverbank — despite the passing years, it remains much the same. • Step off the boat and visit Wat Pho — the temple of the reclining Buddha — top of a list of six first-class royal temples in Thailand and recognized by UNESCO in its Memory of the World Programme. The afternoon ends with a visit to Wat Traimit — Bangkok's most famous temple with the Golden Buddha made with 5.5 tons of solid gold. Return to the hotel for a second night in Bangkok.

Day 3: Floating Market — Kanchanaburi

Have a nice breakfast at the hotel. You will be picked up to Ratchaburi Province. At the pier, absorb the scenery of rural life with a long-tail speedboat ride to the floating market. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market seems barely touched by modern life. Take the opportunity to buy food, fruits, flowers, and other local products from the boat vendors. Experience the Thai lifestyle of ancient times, still widely practiced in this area as the boat sails into the side market, offering various kinds of exotic Thai fruits and handicrafts. Continue on the long-tail boat to Kanchanaburi and the famous Bridge over the River Kwai — now a memorial to World War II. After that, we will visit the nearby war cemetery. Overnight Stay in Kanchanaburi

Day 4: Kanchanaburi — Erawan Waterfall — Ayutthaya

Have a breakfast at the hotel. We will check out and take the one-hour drive to the Erawan National Park. you will experience the spectacular Erawan Waterfalls, and spend about three hours walking around the park and swim in the seven layers of falls. Lunch at a local restaurant (not included in the price), and we continue on to Ayutthaya, and check in at the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight Stay in Ayutthaya

Day 5: Ayutthaya City Discovery — Chiang Mai by Train

Breakfast at the hotel. We will visit the fascinating city of Ayuthaya, along the Chao Phraya River. You will experience the past glory of the Ayutthaya Empire (1350–1767A.D.) and explore the remains of temples such as Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, Wat Chai Wattanaram, and Wat Yai Chai Mongkol. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Bang Pa-In Royal Summer Palace. Return to the hotel in Ayutthaya and spend some free time relaxing until your ride to Ayutthaya Train Station. Overnight Train to Chiang Mai

Day 6: Chiang Mai Tour

Arrive in Chiang Mai. Have road trip to the famous Doi Suthep Mountain and follow the path to the Wat Prathat Temple near the summit (1,000 meters high), and savor the amazing panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. We will visit the contrasting old and new parts of the town. As Thailand’s “Rose of the North”, Chiang Mai is noted for its exquisite handicrafts, and with a range of traditional offerings from the hill tribe people, it present a fantastic shopping opportunity. In the afternoon, you will be driven to the neighboring villages of San Kampaeng and Borsang to take in the various cottage industries — silk weaving, wood carving, silverware, and umbrella-making. Overnight Stay in Chiang Mai

Day 7: Trekking in the Samoeng Area

Breakfast at the hotel. You will be picked up at the hotel to the Samoeng area. We will stop on the way to visit a local market and to pick up supplies for the trip into the hills. Lunch will be in the hill tribe village with the Shan people to get ready for the trek. We will be trekking through the jungle and visit a Hmong hill tribe village. You will explore the village and learn about the local lifestyle, and we will trek deeper into the jungle to a village of Karen people, where your accommodation is a local homestay. We will take a stroll around the village for a spot of sightseeing and social interaction with the locals before dinner. Overnight — enjoy the cozy local atmosphere of the homestay.

Day 8: Trekking — Elephant Ride — Rafting

Breakfast in the fresh morning air, before saying goodbye to your hosts. We will set off for a short trek to the meeting point and experience a one-hour elephant ride through the jungle, and will trek to a waterfall and swim in the wonderful natural environment. You can enjoy a picnic lunch at the waterfall. Afterward, we will trek out of the jungle towards the riverbank where a bamboo raft will take you down the river. You can relax and savor the beautiful scenery or test your rafting skills. We will have road trip back to Chiang Mai. You can pend the evening roaming around the lovely city at your leisure or simply just relax. Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Chiang Mai

Day 9: Thai Cooking Class

Breakfast at the hotel. You will be picked up for the half-day cooking class. We will visit an organic farm and then off to the market to learn about Thai cooking ingredients. Arrive at the class and immerse yourself in the cooking course guided by a professional chef. Relish the lunch you have prepared and receive a cookbook and souvenir of your cooking experience. At the end of the course, you will be returned to the hotel. The afternoon is free for exploring the town or enjoying an optional Thai massage and spa (on our recommendation). Overnight Stay at the Hotel in Chiang Mai

Day 10: Chiang Mai — Chiang Rai — Golden Triangle — Chiang Mai

Have an early breakfast at the hotel. We will depart Chiang Mai for a day-long tour to the Golden Triangle border areas. Our first stop is at Mae Kachan Natural Hot Springs in the Wieng Pa Pao District to visit the springs and wander around the local market. Afterward, we will visit to the Wat Rong Khun (WhiteTemple) at Chiang Rai — a unique Hindu and Buddhist temple with amazing white architecture. Arrive at around noon in Chiang Saen — formerly Wiang Hiran Nakhon Ngoen Yang, and the capital until 1262. We will have lunch, and a brief stop at the ancient Wat Chedi Luang. We will head toward the famous Golden Triangle where the countries of Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand meet. All three countries can be seen here. Next, we will visit the Opium Museum and learn more about the name “Golden Triangle”, and have another stop at Mae Sai, the northernmost Thai town on the Myanmar border. You will be delighted in the local market and interact with the locals. After enjoying the market, we will continue to Chiang Mai. You will have free time to rest in the evening.

Day 11: Chiang Mai — Krabi — Railay Beach

Have a breakfast at the hotel. You will have free time in the morning. Our guide will pick you up to the airport for the flight to Phuket. Upon arrival at Krabi airport, you will be taken to Phuket Pier to take ferry to Railay beach. You will have fun and relax time at Railay beach. Overnight Stay on Railay Beach(Four stars resort).

*Please kindly prepare separated small luggages, or backpack bag for your stay in Railay Beach, Phi Phi Island since we need to commute to the hotel by a long tail boat. Your big luggage will be transferred from Krabi International Airport to the hotel in Phuket.

Day 12: Railay Beach — PhiPhi Island — Free Day for Activities of Your Choice

Have breakfast at the hotel. We will take a ferry ride from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi Islands. After arriving the island, we will check in at the hotel, and you can have your free day to spend on activities of your choice. Please note: lunch and dinner are at your own expense. Overnight Stay on Phi Phi IslandOur first stop is the Viking Cave to see the ancient wall art and watch the thousands of swallows on the high ridges. You can swim and snorkel among the colorful fish and coral at Lohsamah Bay. Our next stop is Maya Bay to see the stunning location of the Hollywood movie “The Beach”. You can feed wild monkeys in the hidden cove of Ao Ling or Monkey Bay. After that, we will have lunch on Phi Phi Don Island. We will sail across to Hin Klang for an open-sea snorkeling experience. You can swim off the spectacular beaches of Bamboo Island. We will return to the hotel to check in and enjoy some relaxation. Overnight Stay on Phi Phi Island.

*Please kindly prepare separated small luggages, or backpack bag for your stay in Railay Beach, Phi Phi Island since we need to commute to the hotel by a long tail boat. Your big luggage will be transferred from Krabi International Airport to the hotel in Phuket.

Day 13: Phi Phi — Phi Phi Island Tour by Boat

Have breakfast at the hotel. We will have an island tour(including snorkeling) so that you can see see the beautiful scenery of Andaman sea. The itineraries are below: Due to recent National Park regulations, MAYA BEACH is closed INDEFINITELY for preservation but MAYA BAY is open : All boats will be able to stop at the entrance of the bay to watch an unspoiled, empty and beautiful Maya Bay, to take a picture or swim and snorkel but nobody will be allowed to go on the beach - All tours are still running. Please find detailed itinerary below for both options

Itinerary when may a bay is open:

09h30: We will depart the hotel to the snorkeling rental shop

10h30: Arrive the snorkelling rental shop, and chose and try your snorkelling equipment.

10h50: Move to the boat

11h00: Monkey Beach, Shark Point and Rantee Bay : Discover the wildlife of Phi Phi and enjoy snorkelling with the harmless blacktip reef sharks

12h30: Bamboo Island : Enjoy a crystal clear water and relax on the beach

14h00: Lunch Time : Fried Rice and Fruits

14h30: Passing through Mosquito Island, Hin Klang and Phaknam Bay : Swim and Snorkelling

15h30: Nui Bay and Wang Long Bay : Discover these 2 magnificent bays which are include only in limited trips in Phi Phi.

16h30: Phi Phi Ley : Stop in front of Viking Cave (listen the story of our guide), then the wonderful Pi-Leh Lagoon and Loh Samah for a last snorkeling stop.

17h30: MAYA BAY : Relax on MAYA BAY outside rush hour times (The Beach), chill on this mythical beach or discover the backside jungle.

18h30: Sunset : Enjoy a wonderful sunset on the Andaman sea

19h00: Come back to Phi Phi Don

19h30: Come back to the hotel

Itinerary when Maya Bay is CLOSED

09h30: We will depart the hotel to the snorkeling rental shop

10h30: Meet at the snorkeling rental shop. Chose and try your snorkeling equipment.

10h50: Move to the boat

11h00: Monkey Beach, Shark Point and Rantee Bay : Discover the wildlife of Phi Phi and enjoy snorkelling with the harmless blacktip reef sharks

12h30: Bamboo Island : Enjoy a crystal clear water and relax on the beach

14h00: Lunch Time : Fried Rice and Fruits

15h30: Passing through Mosquito Island, Hin Klang and Phaknam Bay : Swim and Snorkeling

16h00: Nui Bay and Wang Long Bay : Discover these 2 magnificent bays which are include only in limited trips in Phi Phi.

17h00: Phi Phi Ley : Stop in front of Viking Cave (listen the story of our guide), then the wonderful Pi-Leh Lagoon and Loh Samah for a last snorkeling stop.

18h00: MAYA BAY : Take a picture of an unspoiled, empty and beautiful Maya Bay from outside and swim and snorkel at the entrance of this mythic bay

18h30: Sunset : Enjoy a wonderful sunset on the Andaman sea

19h00: Come back to Phi Phi Don

19h30: Come back to the hotel

Please kindly prepare separated small luggages, or backpack bag for your stay in Railay Beach, Phi Phi Island since we need to commute to the hotel by a long tail boat. Your big luggage will be transferred from Krabi International Airport to the hotel in Phuket.

Day 14: Phi Phi

Phuket by Boat: Have breakfast at the hotel. We will take a boat trip from Phi Phi Island to Phuket and on to the hotel. You will check in and spend free time for the remainder of the day. Overnight Stay in Phuket

Day 15: Phuket — Bangkok — Departure

Have breakfast at the hotel. You can relax until check out time. Hotel pick up for your flight to Bangkok and your onward flight home. Have a safe journey — we hope to see you again!

Day 1 Arrival - Bangkok

Welcome to the Land of Smiles! Touch down in Thailand's massive capital - Bangkok, and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Have the rest of the day to relax and recover from the long flight.
Overnight: Bangkok

Day 2 Bangkok (B, L)

Start by visiting a colorful flower and vegetable market, where tons of fresh flowers on sale fill the air with an intoxicating scent. Continue on to the highlight of today's tour - the glittering Grand Palace, the most spectacular of all Thai monuments. Wander through the sprawling complex containing 100-plus royal heritage buildings, including the sacred Wat Phra Kaew. Appropriate dress is required. After lunch, take a long-tail boat ride through the canals, known locally as khlongs, to see Thai houses on stilts and the typical rural life of the local people. Before ending the boat ride, admire the photogenic Wat Arun from the boat on the river. Disembark and transfer back to your hotel, with the rest of the day to relax.
Overnight: Bangkok

Day 3 Bangkok - Kanchanaburi (B, L)

Depart from energetic Bangkok in the morning and set off on a 3-hour drive to Kanchanaburi, a land awash in WWII history and natural beauty. You will spot significant sites related to the infamous "Death Railway" built by Allied prisoners of war during World War II, including the museum sitting above Hellfire Pass, Krasae cave with its adjoining wooden railway bridge, Hollywood-famous Bridge on the River Kwai, before ending your trip at Don Rak War Cemetery. During the journey, soak up the natural beauty and take a relaxing boat ride on the Kwai River to dispel the gloomy moods. Finally, settle into your comfortable hotel for the night.

Overnight: Kanchanaburi

Day 4 Kanchanaburi - Ayutthaya (B, L)

After breakfast, leave the sombre yet scenic Kanchanaburi behind and travel onward to Ayutthaya, the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom from the 14th to the 18th centuries. Pause on route to visit Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, which was used by the Thai Kings as a summer retreat and continue driving to the UNESCO-designated Ayutthaya Historical Park. Within, you will then be guided through the journey back in time to explore some important ruined temples, like Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, Wat Mongkhon Bophit, and Wat Maha That.
Overnight: Ayutthaya

Day 5 Ayutthaya - Lopburi - Sukhothai (B, L) 

Start off with a morning visit to  active Wat Phutthaisawan, with many sacred things for people to worship. If you like, head over to meet and even feed the friendly monkeys living in Wat Kai. Afterwards, continue the 6-hour road transfer departing Ayutthaya for Sukhothai via Lopburi. Lunch at a local restaurant on the way. You will reach Sukhothai in the late afternoon. Check in to your hotel and enjoy some leisure time to go around by yourself.
Overnight: Sukhothai

Day 6 Sukhothai - Lampang (B, L)

Today, the UNESCO-recognized Sukhothai invites you to explore two historical parks for a fascinating insight into its royal past. Once the first Siamese capital before Ayutthaya, Sukhothai Historical Park comprises the remains of royal palaces, twenty-six temples, city gates, walls, and moats. Proceed with a one-hour drive northwards across some 50 kilometers to the serene Si Satchanalai Historical Park, an open green space dotted with ancient temples and ruins. After your visit, drive for about 2.5 hours in a northerly direction and you'll come to Lampang, meaning "horse carriage city", which boasts numerous temples in various architectural styles. The rest of the day is on your own to settle into your hotel and relax in your surroundings.

Overnight: Lampang

Day 7 Lampang - Chiang Rai (B, L)

After breakfast, head out to the highly revered Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, a great example of early Lanna architecture, before hopping on a traditional horse-drawn carriage for sightseeing around the old city. You will then visit the Shan-style Wat Si Rong Mueang with impressive teak wood design and Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao - Lampang's most important temple with a mix of Mon, Shan, Burmese and Lanna styles. Continue for your onward destination to Chiang Rai, overland past the scenic Kwan Phayao.
Overnight: Chiang Rai

Day 8 Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai (B, L)

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and hit the road for a 1-hour drive to the northernmost point of Thailand - Mae Sai, where you will embark on a brief border exploration into Myanmar. You can even do a one-day crossing with a migration fee on your own. A 30-minute drive afterward will take you to spot the Golden Triangle, the intersection of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. After that, continue on to the sought-after Chiang Mai, with en-route visits to Long Neck Karen Village and White Temple. Upon arriving in the evening, check into your hotel and get rested up after one day's adventure.

Overnight: Chiang Mai

Day 9 Chiang Mai (B, L)

Historically, Chiang Mai was built to be the capital city of the Lanna Kingdom (1292-1775). This morning is reserved for a cooking class at a Lanna family for an immersive dose of local traditional flavor. Characterized by a salty and sour taste, Lanna food - commonly known as northern Thai food - is different from other Thai dishes. You will be shown around the host family's graceful teak wood houses, pick up fresh ingredients from the orchard, and try your hands at making authentic dishes under the host's guidance. After cooking, enjoy your own creations for lunch. Finish off the day trip to the sacred mountain of Doi Suthep, where you will climb up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep on the top for fantastic views overlooking the whole city and its surroundings.
Overnight: Chiang Mai

Day 10 Chiang Mai (B, L) 

Asian elephants have been a symbol of Thailand since ancient times. Today, drive out of the city into the lush countryside to Baan Chang Elephant Park for a close-up experience with these magnificent creatures. You'll dress in traditional mahout attire, help care for the elephants, roam with them in the jungle, and aid in their feeding and bathing routine. Finally, transfer back to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Chiang Mai

Day 11 Chiang Mai - Phuket (B)

After several days' exploration in central and northern Thailand, the beach part of your vacation in the southern island paradise starts today. Enjoy some leisure time before taking a late morning flight to the world-renowned Phuket. Upon arrival, a private transfer will whisk you to your resort for the next three days' vacation. For the rest of today, relax thoroughly in your room, cool down in the swimming pool or enjoy the sunshine on the beach.
Overnight: Phuket

Day 12 Phuket (B)

The day is truly yours to enjoy as you wish. Optionally, hop from Phuket to other islands like Phi Phi Island, Similan Islands and James Bond Island on daily excursions to fully enjoy the great seascape with great water activities around Phuket.
Overnight: Phuket

Day 13 Phuket (B)

Indulge in another day of leisure in Phuket. You may like to take a walking tour around Phuket's old town to see Sino-Portuguese-style shophouses and sample fresh seafood while exploring its open markets and bustling streets.
Overnight: Phuket

Day 14 Phuket - Bangkok, Departure (B)

Enjoy the final morning in Phuket at leisure, before flying back to Bangkok to connect your international flight back home.