Epic Thailand Adventure Journey 16 days

Arrive at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and transfer to your centrally located hotel. Dive into Thailand’s vibrant capital with an evening walk through the lively Asiatique Riverfront night market, tasting street food like pad thai and coconut ice cream. Settle in and relax, ready for your adventure. Overnight in Bangkok.

After breakfast, embark on a morning bike ride (12 km, easy) through Bangkok’s historic Rattanakosin Island, visiting the dazzling Grand Palace and the sacred Wat Phra Kaew, home to the Emerald Buddha. Pedal to Wat Pho, marveling at the 45-meter Reclining Buddha with its intricate mother-of-pearl feet. After lunch (own expense), stroll through Chinatown’s Yaowarat Road, savoring fresh street eats. End with a long-tail boat tour along the Chao Phraya River and Thonburi canals, stopping at the stunning Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). Overnight in Bangkok.

Drive (1 hour) to Samut Songkhram to visit the unique Mae Klong Railway Market, where stalls part for passing trains. Continue to the vibrant Damnoen Saduak Floating Market (or Tha Kha Floating Market on weekends for a quieter experience), exploring canals by paddle boat. After lunch (own expense), head to Kanchanaburi (1.5 hours) to kayak (1 hour, easy) along the River Kwai, passing the historic Bridge over the River Kwai. Visit the Allied War Cemetery and enjoy a 30-minute train ride along the Death Railway. Overnight in Kanchanaburi.

After breakfast, trek (2 hours, moderate) through Erawan National Park to the breathtaking Erawan Waterfall, a seven-tiered wonder ideal for swimming (bring a swimsuit). After lunch (own expense), drive (3 hours) to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital dubbed the “Venice of the East.” Take an evening walk through the Ayutthaya Historical Park, admiring its illuminated ruins. Overnight in Ayutthaya.

Ride a Kermit tuk tuk through Ayutthaya’s ancient temples, including Wat Yai Chaimongkol, Wat Mahathat (with its iconic Buddha head in tree roots), and Wat Phra Srisanphet. Stroll through a bustling local market, sampling Thai snacks. After lunch (own expense), drive (4 hours) via Uthai Thani and Phitsanulok to Sukhothai, the cradle of Thai culture. Check into your hotel for a relaxing evening. Overnight in Sukhothai.

After breakfast, cycle (10 km, easy) through the Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO site with nearly 200 ancient chedis. Visit the majestic Ajana Buddha at Wat Srichum, the historic Wat Prapailuang, and the serene Wat Sri Sawai, Wat Sra Sri, and Wat Trapang Ngoen. After lunch (own expense), drive (2 hours) to Lampang, a charming northern town. Enjoy a free evening to explore. Overnight in Lampang.

Visit the historic Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, a 13th-century Lanna-style temple with open-sided viharns and authentic architecture. Take a 30-minute horse-drawn carriage ride through Lampang’s traditional villages. After lunch (own expense), drive (3 hours) to Chiang Rai, stopping at Phayao Lake for a scenic coffee break. Arrive and settle into your hotel. Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Start with a visit to the vibrant Chiang Rai morning market, exploring local produce. Tour the revered Wat Phra Kaew, once home to the Emerald Buddha, and Wat Phra Singha, with its stunning Buddha image. After lunch (own expense), cruise (1 hour, easy) along the Mae Kok River to a Karen village, learning about local traditions. End at the eccentric Black House (Baan Dam), an art museum by Thawan Duchanee. Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Drive to Chiang Saen to explore the ancient Khong River ruins. Visit the Opium Museum, uncovering the region’s opium trade history. After lunch (own expense), take a boat trip along the Mekong River at the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge. Drive (3 hours) to Chiang Mai, the cultural heart of northern Thailand. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Take a rickshaw tour through Chiang Mai’s old town, visiting Wat Phra Singh, Wat Phan Tao, and Wat Chedi Luang. Wander through the bustling Warorot Market, tasting local delicacies. After lunch (own expense), hike (1.5 hours, moderate) to Doi Suthep, home to the golden Wat Phra That Doi Suthep with panoramic city views. Browse the Chiang Mai Night Market in the evening. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Drive (2 hours) to Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand’s highest peak. Trek (2-3 hours, moderate) through jungle trails to a hidden waterfall, passing coffee plantations and rice terraces. Visit the Pagagayaw Karen hill tribe village for a locally grown coffee tasting. Admire the thunderous Vachiratharn Waterfall and the twin pagodas Napamaytanidol Chedi and Phra Mahatat Napaphon Bhumisiri. Return to Chiang Mai. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Embark on a ziplining adventure (2 hours, beginner-friendly) through Chiang Mai’s jungle canopy, soaring over lush forests. After lunch, visit the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary (join-in program):

08:00–08:30: Pick up from hotel.

08:30: Drive 1.5 hours through scenic hills.

10:30: Arrive, change into Karen clothing, and learn about elephant care.

11:00: Feed and interact with elephants, taking photos.

12:00: Enjoy a Thai lunch with fresh fruit.

13:00: Make herbal medicine balls and walk elephants to the river for bathing.

14:00: Join a mud spa with the elephants and swim in the river.

15:00: Say goodbye and depart.

17:00–17:30: Return to Chiang Mai.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Enjoy a free morning before transferring to Chiang Mai Airport for a flight to Krabi. Upon arrival, transfer to Ao Nang pier and take a ferry to Koh Lanta, a stunning island off Krabi’s coast. Check into your beachfront hotel and relax on the pristine beaches of Koh Lanta, known for their tranquil charm. Overnight in Koh Lanta.

Kayak (2 hours, easy) along Koh Lanta’s mangrove forests and turquoise bays, spotting marine life and hidden coves. Visit Klong Dao Beach or Long Beach for swimming and relaxation. After lunch (own expense), explore the Lanta Old Town market for local crafts. Optional: Join a Phi Phi Island speedboat tour ($69/adult, $49/child, 08:30–15:00), visiting Viking Cave, Maya Bay, and Bamboo Island for snorkeling and swimming (lunch included). Overnight in Koh Lanta.

Spend a full day free on Koh Lanta, lounging on Phra Ae Beach or hiking to Khlong Chak Waterfall. Optional activities include snorkeling or a cooking class (own expense). Enjoy the island’s laid-back vibe and stunning sunsets. Overnight in Koh Lanta.

After breakfast, transfer to Krabi Airport via ferry and van for your flight to Bangkok. Connect to your international departure from Suvarnabhumi Airport or extend your Thailand adventure.