Thailand Active Adventure: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket- 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok, Chinatown Food Tour

Sawadika, welcome to Bangkok! Upon arrival, a driver will be waiting for you at the airport, ready to take you to your hotel. You'll have the rest of the day to spend at leisure, relaxing in your hotel or exploring Thailand's vibrant capital. You could start by heading to the Golden Mount, also known as Wat Saket, where you'll climb 320 steps to reach the top but will be rewarded with fabulous views over the city. Afterward, try the famous crab omelet at Jay Fai, the first street food stall in Bangkok to be awarded a Michelin star, and then grab a cold drink on the lively Khao San Road.

In the evening, you'll head to Chinatown, a foodie favorite, where you can try different Thai snacks, desserts, and drinks. You'll visit five or six vendors with your group, passing street vendors selling fried insects such as scorpions and bamboo worms, rice noodle soups, pad thai, fried rice noodles, grilled chicken or boiled pork, and raw prawns with lime (which are super spicy). You'll be able to choose different drinks to sample too, such as Thai tea or coffee, fresh orange or pomelo juice, and different local desserts, such as sweet rice balls with coconut milk.

Day 2: Rocket Boat Ride on Bangkok's Canals, Afternoon Tea 

Discover Bangkok in high-adrenaline style on today's tour. Your journey begins as you board a Chao Phraya River express boat taking you on a relaxing cruise north to Nonthaburi. Here, a long-tail boat leads you through a system of scenic canals into a rural area. After an hour, you'll change vessels to board a rocket boat, so prepare yourself for a dramatic change of pace as you maneuver through narrow canals at high speed. For a return to the city, you'll board another long-tail boat that takes you back to Chinatown.

In the afternoon, switch gears and visit Dusit Thani, Bangkok's signature coffee shop, for a relaxing afternoon tea experience. Indulge in an array of mouth-watering treats and premium tea blends amid a stunning backdrop— the perfect way to spoil yourself and relax after an exhilarating morning on the canals. 

Day 3: Fly to Chiang Mai, Explore Chiang Mai's Nightlife by Vespa

Say goodbye to the capital as you catch a short flight north to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, a driver will transfer you to the hotel, and you'll have the afternoon free to explore. From 1296 to 1558, this northern Thai city was the capital of the independent Lanna Kingdom, evidenced by the ancient walls, moats, and Buddhist temples found throughout the Old City. Visit landmarks like Wat Phra Singh, a 14th-century Buddhist temple, and the Handicraft Highway, which runs 11 miles (18 km) and is the place to buy locally-made crafts and ceramics. 

This evening you'll have the chance to take a tour of Chiang Mai by scooter. Start with a welcome drink and street snacks, then hop on the back of a Vespa with your driver. You'll zoom through Chiang Mai's various neighborhoods and back streets to soak up the city's nightlife. Discover the cuisine and urban culture as you browse night markets and street food stalls. Stop at a small restaurant to learn how to make som tum (papaya salad), one of the town's signature dishes. Ride over an old iron bridge and have dinner at a popular restaurant, then wrap up the evening with drinks at a live music bar. 

Day 4: Elephant Encounter at a Local Sanctuary

Today is a special treat for animal lovers, as you'll get the chance to spend an unforgettable day at one of the region's elephant sanctuaries. This family-run organization cares for elephants that are rescued from the tourist trade, rehabilitating them while making them available to visitors in an eco-friendly way rather than for entertainment. 

The center is about a 90-minute drive north of Chiang Mai. After your arrival, change into traditional clothing, which will be provided. Your guide will explain the habits and history of the elephants and the way to communicate with them. Then, gather the elephants' food: sugar cane, grass, and banana plants, all grown on the farm. Feed them by hand and get to know them personally. After a simple traditional lunch, walk with the elephants and lead them to their bath. It'll be hard to say goodbye after spending the day caring for them, but after this, you'll head back to Chiang Mai.

Day 5: Fly to Phuket, Muay Thai Match

Get your swimsuit ready as you say goodbye to northern Thailand and hit the beach. A driver will take you to the airport to catch a flight south to Phuket. Upon arrival, a driver will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel, and you'll have the rest of the day to explore. Phuket is more than just a busy tourist destination—you'll also find plenty of culture, history, and adventure here. Get your bearings with a stroll along Thalang Road in the Old Town area, lined with colorful 19th-century shophouses and Sino-Portuguese buildings, or head straight to one of the area's many white-sand beaches.

Later this evening, witness a dramatic display of Muay Thai, or Thai boxing. Thailand's national sport and cultural martial art was developed several centuries ago as a form of close combat that utilizes the entire body as a weapon. Most local Muay Thai competitions start around 6 pm, and your driver will pick you up at the hotel and wait for you until the match ends at the stadium.

Day 6: Rafting, Off-Roading & Ziplining in Phuket

End your Thailand vacation on a high with several thrilling outdoor activities: whitewater rafting, ATV riding, and ziplining. Start with a morning transfer to a whitewater rafting camp, an exhilarating activity made even more enjoyable in Phuket's warm waters. You'll receive training and instruction before starting the 3-mile (5 km) course. 

Next is a 30-minute ride on an ATV quad bike through Phuket's mountains, rubber plantations, and lush forests. Make an optional stop at the must-see hilltop Big Buddha Temple. Then, drive to the Monkey Cave at Suwan Kuha Temple to admire the 49-foot (15 m) long reclining Buddha. Finally, head to the zipline site to follow a course through the treetops along 500-foot (150 m) long lines. Take a break for lunch at the camp and recover from all this excitement, and stop at a scenic waterfall before heading back to your hotel. 

Day 7: Depart Phuket

It is time to say goodbye to Thailand! A driver will be waiting for you in the lobby this morning to transfer you to Phuket International Airport for your departing flight.

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