Discover Thailand: Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Chiang Mai & Ko Samui - 13 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok, Explore

Welcome to Bangkok! Upon your arrival at the airport, meet your local assistant and driver, who will help you with your luggage and transfer you to your hotel. There, you can take some time to freshen up and relax before exploring the surrounding neighborhoods. Bangkok is known for its vibrant street life, canals, and many ornate temples—some of which you'll explore tomorrow on a guided tour.  

Day 2: Visit Bangkok Temples & Evening Tuk-Tuk Food Tour

Meet your guide in the lobby today and head out to visit Bangkok's most remarkable historical sites. The first stop will be at Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace, both in the same area. Wat Phra Kaew is the most important temple for Thais because it is home to the much-admired Emerald Buddha Statue. After that, move on to Wat Pho, home to more than one thousand Buddha images and the impressive Reclining Buddha. Wat Pho is also known to be the first massage school in Thailand.

Then, return to your hotel and prepare for your evening tuk-tuk tour. Your guide will provide an overview of Thailand's capital and insights into local life as you take in the beauty of Bangkok by night and explore its markets, temples, and food. Go back to Wat Pho to admire it at night and enjoy the vivid colors of the famous 24-hour flower market under fluorescent lights. At nightfall, Bangkok comes alive with food vendors, and you'll stop to sample some of the best food in the city in Chinatown before finishing with a delicious dessert at a mystery stop. 

Day 3: Bang Krachao Cycling Tour

Enjoy a half-day cycling trip to Bang Krachao, a green and peaceful paradise just a few minutes across the Chaopraya River and one of the best ways to escape from chaotic Bangkok. Bang Krachao is known as the "Green Lung of Bangkok" as it has the highest concentration of afforestation in the city. A ride around the lush gardens of this charming district will give you the feeling of being on a remote island. On the way, stop at the famous Bang Nampueng weekend market for local foods (pad thai) and products. 

Day 4: Explore the Railway Market, Transfer to Kanchanaburi

Today, visit the Mae Klong Railway Market that runs between Mahachai and Maeklong stations in Samut Songkhram. A long row of retractable umbrellas and awnings have been erected by vendors, extending over the tracks. When the vendors hear the loud horn of a train, they quickly fold up their awnings and clear away from the line as the train slides through. They then set up the market again after the train has passed. 

Head to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market from the railway market, which features small wooden boats filled with fresh fruits, flowers, and local food floating along the narrow canals. Next, drive to Kanchanaburi to visit Hellfire Pass, constructed by prisoners of war during World War II. A fascinating museum here explains more about the site's tragic history. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant along the way. Then, take a leisurely long-tail boat ride to a floating house resort, where you'll stay for two nights. Finally, enjoy a 45-minute traditional Moon Dance performance followed by dinner.

Day 5: Free Day at Float House River Khwae

Spend today relaxing at your resort on the River Khwae. You can enjoy many activities here, including a long-tail boat trip, canoeing, a visit to Tham Lawa Cave, mountain biking, and standup paddleboarding. You can also go ziplining at Tree Top Adventure Park, wander the Hellfire Pass Walking Trail, or explore Mon Village and Mon Temple. In the evening, savor a pleasant dinner at the resort. 

Day 6: Transfer to Chiang Mai, Free Time

After breakfast, get ready for a four-hour drive to Bangkok Airport, followed by a flight to Chiang Mai, Thailand's second-largest city. When you arrive, a driver will meet you at the airport and bring you to your hotel. Check in, and then spend some time exploring the city independently. Chiang Mai is known for its temples, mountain views, and handicrafts, and is an excellent place for shopping, enjoying street food, and relaxing in cafés.  

Day 7: Cooking Experience & Thai Massage

A driver will pick you up today and take you to a cooking class at Love Chiang Mai Cooking School. First, go shopping at the local market for about 30-45 minutes, and learn about the ingredients used in modern Thai cuisine. Then, discover the ingredients from the organic garden before preparing for the cooking stage. Your experienced instructor will show you the ambience of traditional Thailand as you cook and then enjoy your delicious meal.

Return to your hotel around midafternoon, and feel free to relax and enjoy a spa treatment if you'd like. For a Thai massage at a reasonable price and a good cause, check out the Women's Massage Center By Ex-Prisoners. 

Day 8: Private Tour of Doi Inthanon National Park

Depart from Chiang Mai and travel 53 miles (85 km) southwest to Doi Inthanon National Park, one of northern Thailand's most famous national parks. From there, visit the highest summit rising 8,415 feet (2,565 m) above sea level, where you can walk along Michael's Nature Trail. This trail is home to a host of wildlife and birds, such as the green-tailed sunbird, native to this part of Thailand. Then, continue by van to visit the Twin Chedis (Twin Pagodas), which the Thai Airforce built to honor His Majesty King Rama IX and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.

Next, make a short visit to a small Hmong fresh market, and then stop to enjoy a local lunch. Finish the day with a trip to the scenic Wachirathan Waterfall before returning to your hotel in Chiang Mai. 

Day 9: Fly to Ko Samui, Free Day

Fly to Ko Samui today, a journey of about an hour and 45 minutes. Upon arrival, meet your local driver and head to your hotel, where you can check in and relax. Spend the day exploring the island on your own. You can go to the beach to soak up the sun, visit an elephant sanctuary, or check out Wat Phra Yai Temple.

Day 10: Visit Ang Thong Marine Park by Speedboat

Take today to explore the Ang Thong National Marine Park, a pristine archipelago of 42 islands in the Gulf of Thailand, on a relaxing boat trip with a small group. The park features thick jungle, waterfalls, white-sand beaches, towering limestone mountains, and scenic hidden coves and lakes. This protected area of more than 39 square miles (100 sq km) of land and sea has a rich biodiversity. It's a great place to enjoy hiking, snorkeling, diving, sea kayaking, or simply relaxing.

Day 11: Free Day in Ko Samui

Explore Ko Samui today at your own pace, seeing whatever interests you. The island is known for its palm trees, white-golden sands, sunshine, and tropical warmth almost all year round. Enjoy its low-key natural attractions, go for a relaxing walk, sprawl out on the beach, or soak in the beauty of the island's historical, cultural, and religious sites. 

Day 12: Ko Tao & Ko Nang Yuan Snorkeling by Speedboat

Spend today sightseeing on the beautiful island of Ko Tao. Start by transferring from your hotel to the pier, from where you'll travel by speedboat to Ko Tao and Ko Nang Yuan. Your first stop will be at Muang Bay on Ko Tao, a shallow dive site with lots of colorful fish, where you can go snorkeling. Next, stop for lunch at a restaurant on another Ko Tao beach. After lunch, the speedboat will take you to the picture-postcard island of Ko Nang Yuan. Here, you can take some time to relax on the white-sand beach or snorkel in the clear waters before speeding back to Ko Samui. 

Day 13: Depart Ko Samui