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Best of Thailand

12 days
Suggested Length
Private
Tour

Overview

  • Day 1 - 3: Bangkok - Damnoen Saduak Floating Market - Ayutthaya
    • Arrive in Bangkok and explore its iconic landmarks, including the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.
    • Experience a serene voyage through Bangkok’s klongs by longtail boat.
    • Discover vibrant markets like the Train Market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, along with historic wonders in Ayutthaya.
  • Day 4 - 6: Chiang Mai
    • Fly to Chiang Mai. Visit the city’s attractions: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Silver Temple & the Night Market, etc.
    • Spend a day to visit the local Tea Plantation and play with the elephants at the Kanta Elephant Sanctuary.
  • Day 7 - 12: Phuket - Phang Nga Bay - Departure
    • Fly to Phuket for beach relaxation and city exploration.
    • Take a day trip to Phang Nga Bay.
    • Explore local markets and food stalls with a chef.

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Customizable Itinerary

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Day 1

Bangkok Arrival

Welcome to Bangkok, the City of Angels.
Your guide awaits you at arrivals for a private ride to your city center hotel. This vibrant metropolis is ready to enchant you with its unique blend of tradition and modernity. Take the day to relax, and consider trying a Thai traditional massage to kickstart your holiday after your long flight.

Overnight in Bangkok

Day 2

Bangkok Highlights

Begin your exploration in Bangkok with a visit to the iconic Wat Pho, home to the magnificent 45m (148ft) reclining Buddha and the esteemed original Thai massage school. Hop into a tuk-tuk for a thrilling ride to the Grand Palace, a place of great reverence housing the famous Emerald Buddha, meticulously crafted from jade or jasper.

Savor lunch at a local restaurant, delighting in Thai cuisine. Then, embark on a tranquil long-tailed boat ride through Thonburi’s charming canals, immersing yourself in local life and pausing at the scenic Wat Arun temple.

Be sure to explore the vibrant atmosphere of  the lively Talad Kao Market, where you’ll find an abundance of culinary delights, fresh and dried fruits, and Chinese herbs. Then, return to your hotel for relaxation.

In the evening, embark on an enchanting Tuk Tuk food journey through Bangkok. Led by expert guides and Tuk Tuk drivers, savor Northeastern Thai cuisine, including spicy delicacies like papaya salad and crispy catfish. A charming detour to the flower market and Wat Pho adds a touch of magic to your evening.

Overnight in Bangkok

BreakfastLunchDinner
Day 3

Bangkok – Floating Market & the Ayutthaya Ancient City

After breakfast, leave Bangkok and head to Mae Klong to witness the captivating Amazing Railway Market, where vendors swiftly fold stalls for passing trains.

Hop on a traditional longtail boat to reach the renowned Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, immersed in a bustling scene of tropical fruits and more. Explore the vibrant Damnoen Saduak market at your leisure, engaging with vendors and soaking in the cultural charm.

Next, journey to Ayutthaya, the capital of the Thai Kingdom for 417 years. Founded in 1350 by King U-Thong, its destruction by the Burmese army in 1767 resulted in the collapse of the kingdom.

Stop en route to enjoy a delicious lunch at the Michelin Suggested Pa Lek Boat Noodles. This third-generation family shop offers delightful boat noodles with various flavors, including pork or beef boat noodle soup and dry tom yum-style egg noodles with pork.

The afternoon unfolds with an exploration of Ayuthaya Historical Park. Visit around the ruins of Wat Phra Si Sanphet, a former royal temple during Ayutthaya’s days of glory, and Wat Mahathat, best known for a stone Buddha head entwined in tree roots, before returning to Bangkok for your free time.

Overnight in Bangkok

BreakfastLunch
Day 4

Bangkok – Flight to Chiang Mai

After breakfast, depart from Bangkok on a short flight to Chiang Mai, the largest city in northern Thailand, known for its profound history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural landscapes.

Upon your arrival, your local guide will welcome you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. You’ll have the rest of the day to unwind at your own pace. Whether you opt for a leisurely neighborhood walk, indulge in an authentic Thai massage, or venture out to explore the vibrant night market, the choice is yours to embrace the charm of Chiang Mai at your leisure.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

Breakfast
Day 5

Chiang Mai: Tea Plantation & Kanta Elephant Sanctuary

Morning
After breakfast, we’ll depart from Chiang Mai for an approximately one-hour drive to Kanta Elephant Sanctuary.

On our way, we’ll make a brief stop at Araksa’s Tea House. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the intricate processes involved in nurturing young tea plants. You’ll even try your hand at picking tea leaves and witness the art of tea processing, from kneading to roasting.

Following the demonstration, you can savor a refreshing cup of iced or hot tea along with a delightful Thai snack.

Lunch will be a delightful affair featuring home-style Thai cuisine prepared with locally sourced and organic ingredients.

Afternoon Our adventure continues as we embark on a short drive to Kanta Elephant Sanctuary. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted by the staff. We’ll take a stroll through the sanctuary to understand the elephants’ environment and history. Don traditional clothing and prepare some delicious fruits for our gentle giants.

The highlight of the day is meeting with the elephants. You’ll have the chance to feed, interact, and play with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat while learning about their behavior and background. Don’t forget to capture memorable moments with the elephants through photography.

We’ll then accompany the elephants to a serene water pond, where they can cool off, and you can observe them in their element.

As our day comes to a close, we’ll take a break for tea, coffee, and seasonal fruit, and bid a fond farewell to the elephants. Afterward, we’ll make our way back to Chiang Mai, approximately a 50-minute drive.

The tour concludes at your hotel, leaving you with cherished memories of this unforgettable experience.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

BreakfastLunch
Day 6

Chiang Mai: Monks,Temples & Local life

Begin your day with an early start, heading to Doi Suthep Temple to witness monks descending from the mountain for their daily alms, a visually captivating ritual.

Next, journey up the mountain to Wat Doi Suthep, founded in 1383 AD and among Northern Thailand’s most sacred temples. Explore its pagodas, statues, and enjoy panoramic city views before returning for lunch.

In the afternoon, start at the iconic Tha Phae Gate, then ride through the old city’s narrow lanes to picturesque forest-lined roads. Pause by Wat Phra That Doi Khama, serene 7th Century Buddha and visit an artisan craft village. Immerse in the bustling Chiang Mai market scene before concluding with a visit to Wat SrisuphanSilver Temple”, Thailand’s most stunning temple, offering incredible photo ops and a local snack.

Overnight in Chiang Mai

BreakfastLunch
Day 7

Chiang Mai – Phuket: The Beach Paradise & the evening Show

After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your flight to Phuket, Thailand’s beach paradise, known as the pearl of the Andaman Sea.

Upon arrival, your local guide will escort you to your resort. Later in the evening, prepare for a dazzling experience at Simon’s Cabaret, where glamorous “ladyboys” will enthrall you with non-stop musical and dance performances amid stunning costumes and lights.

Overnight at Phuket

Breakfast
Day 8

Day trip to Phang Nga Bay by Sea Canoe

Today you will embark on a thrilling full-day adventure to uncover the beauty of Phang Nga Bay Marine National Park, celebrated for its stunning rock formations rising from the sea.

Upon arrival, glide through captivating caves by inflatable canoe, expertly guided. Explore Hong Island, Dark Cave, leading to a mangrove-lined lagoon, and Diamond Cave, renowned for its shimmering flowstone.

Next, set sail to James Bond Island (Khao Tapu), famously featured in “The Man with the Golden Gun.” Continue your journey to Panyi Island, known for its picturesque village built on stilts, extending over the water and predominantly inhabited by Muslim fishermen.

Following a delectable Thai set lunch at a local restaurant, take a refreshing swim at Lawa or Naka Island before returning to your hotel where the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Overnight in Phuket

BreakfastLunch
Day 9

Phuket: A Chef's Tour

10:00 – 14:00: Culinary Exploration

Embark on a mouthwatering food adventure, uncovering Phuket’s hidden culinary gems beloved by locals. Immerse yourself in the flavors of Burmese curries accompanied by wood-fired naans, savor aromatic chai at a hidden teashop, perfect your chopstick skills with exceptional Hokkien noodles, and indulge in succulent grilled pork – a symphony of tastes awaiting your discovery.

Overnight in Phuket

BreakfastLunch
Day 10

Phuket: Beach time

Today is your free day to relish the renowned Thai beaches and savor local delicacies. Unwind under the sun, discover charming restaurants, cozy cafes, and unique boutiques. Above all, make sure to catch the breathtaking sunset!

Overnight in Phuket

Breakfast
Day 11

Phuket Free Day

Spend another leisurely day in Phuket and relish the freedom to enjoy it to the fullest.

Overnight in Phuket

Breakfast
Day 12

Phuket Departure

Savor your morning on the beach before it’s time to check out. Later, your guide will accompany you to the airport for your departure flight. If necessary, we can arrange a local flight back to Bangkok, where you will connect to your outbound flight. Wishing you a pleasant journey home.

Breakfast

Useful information

This tour is built upon our firsthand knowledge & experience, offering you the best choices available. The price of this trip varies depending on the number of people in your party, dates of departure, and availability of ground services. Please click on Design your trip (above) and supply the required information, enabling us to send you your personalized quote within 24 hours!

Note: Amendments CAN be made to this tour to suit your requirements.

IncludesExcludes
Accommodation with daily breakfastTravel insurance
Meals, drinks, and items specifically mentioned in the itineraryAny bank or transaction fees
Private, air-conditioned vehicles for all tours and airport transfersInternational flight tickets to/from the region
Private English-speaking tour guides in each destinationEntry visas
Entrance fees to all sites listed in the itineraryMeals, drinks, and items not mentioned in the itinerary
Internal flightsLaundry, phone calls, and other personal expenses
All operational service charges and government taxesTips and gratuities

Reviews On Our Service

We are committed to giving our customers unforgettable experiences in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and beyond, not just something staged for tourists. Read reviews written by our customers about their experiences in Asia after they have returned home. These include the ratings and comments on attractions, guides, activities, hotels and food.

Excellent
4.98/5
Based on 2339 reviews

Yaniv F

Sep 8, 2026
Exceptional 2-Week Journey in North Vietnam
​We just returned from an unforgettable two-week trip to Northern Vietnam, perfectly curated by Asia Pioneer Travel, and we couldn't be happier with our choice. ​A massive thank you to our incredible travel specialist, Rachel. While Asia Pioneer Travel was...

Dean B

Sep 8, 2026
Fond memories of Vietnam
Hello Rachel🥰 thank you for a flawless and memorable holiday in Vietnam. The following staff that took care of us were remarkable. Mr Larry Mr Cu Ong Ms Doyen Mr Fong And most notably, yourself. Your professionalism was very much...

Amanda L

Sep 8, 2026
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Our family of five had an incredible journey through Vietnam, and we are deeply grateful to Asia Pioneer Travel for making it such a seamless, memorable, and enriching experience. With only 17 days to explore the country, we wanted a...

Camper64093327672

Sep 8, 2026
Voyage de rêve
Fabuleux! It was our first visit to Indochine (I’m 80 and my wife is 76) but we never felt even slightly uncomfortable. We spent four weeks in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand and everywhere and all the time Asia Pioneer...

Explorer19986583821

Sep 8, 2026
Best trip!
I had a great experience with Pioneer Travel. Everything was well organized, and Elly was very helpful, responsive, and made the whole trip smooth and stress-free. Thank you for the excellent service. Highly recommended!

Janet G

Sep 8, 2026
Vietnam & Cambodia – a holiday to remember & cherish
We had a great experience both in Vietnam & Cambodia. The trip was meticulously planned by Rachel from Asia Pioneer Travel and every experience was organized with great care and attention to details. All the hotels and cars in the...

KATIA C

Sep 8, 2026
Amazon trip, Amazing attention, amazing hotels.
It was a spectacular trip. We took a private family tour—just the three of us—and the service was outstanding; the guides and drivers were always attentive, and everything was perfect. We ran into a setback during the trip, but the...

Laura A

Sep 8, 2026
Incredible Unique trip using Lizzie Pham & Asia Pioneer Travek
We spent 11 weeks in Southeast Asia ….Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam. I knew I was going to need assistance with this trip and connected with Lizzie Pham of Asia Pioneer Travel. She was incredible. We wanted a truly authentic trip...

Mark L

Jul 23, 2026
Outstanding Experience, Great Value, Great people
My wife and I had an incredible experience. Going with Asia Pioneer made it so easy, convenient, and fun. We went for three weeks, visiting Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. Working with Lizzie was the best. She is very quick to...

Ranjan G

Jul 23, 2026
An Unforgettable Vietnam and Cambodia Adventure
Our trip through Vietnam and Cambodia with Asia Pioneer Travel was exceptional from start to finish. The itinerary was thoughtfully tailored to our interests and balanced iconic attractions with authentic local experiences. Every transfer, hotel, tour, and activity was organized...

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Unforgettable Memories

Thank you for trusting Asia Pioneer Travel.
The beautiful memories we shared during that time are truly precious, and we will cherish them forever.

Best of Thailand

12 days

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Note for solo travelers

At Asia Pioneer Travel, we specialize in private, custom tours, offering premium travel experiences tailored to your individual preferences. While we don’t provide set-departure group tours, our personalized itineraries are perfect for solo travelers seeking a truly unique and one-of-a-kind adventure.

Please kindly note that the cost of a private solo tour will be significantly higher, as it is not shared with other travelers. In return, this ensures you receive the highest level of service, flexibility, and attention to detail.

Continue planning to help us tailor your perfect journey.