Best of Thailand
Tour Overview
100% Customisable Private Tour
6 Activities | 16 Meals | 13 Days
Get ready for a grand Thai escape: where every day bursts with fantastic flavours, captivating sights and awesome adventures! Over the next 13 days, you’ll explore Bangkok’s buzzing streets, soak up the serene vibes of Chiang Mai’s temples and bask in the sun on Phuket’s golden beaches. Think guided tours, cooking classes that turn you into a culinary wizard, plus plenty of free time to dive into local culture. Buckle up for a journey that promises unforgettable moments and plenty of fun!
Highlights
- Bangkok city tour
- Bridge Over the River Kwai
- Chiang Mai temples
- Island-hopping
- Food tour
Tour includes & excludes
What’s included…
- 3-star hotels (12 nights)
- 16 meals (12 x breakfasts, 3 x lunches & 1 x dinner)
- Bangkok city tour
- Kanchanaburi full-day tour
- Angkor Wat temple tour
- Cooking class
- Island boat trip
- Food tour
- English-speaking local guides, entrance tickets & all transport
What’s not…
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Visa – also compulsory: contact us to arrange this at an extra cost.
- Spending money, tips & all drinks
- Meals not listed
- Activities not listed
- International departure taxes / international flights
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok
Welcome to your Best Of Thailand itinerary! When you arrive at the airport, your private transfer will take you through the colourful and lively streets of Bangkok to your hotel.
- Hotel: 3-star – contact us to upgrade
- Transfer: Private airport transfer
Day 2: Highlights of Bangkok tour
Experience the magic of Bangkok on a guided tour, beginning with the quaint shops of Chinatown. Explore the 24/7 flower market at Pak Klong Talat before tucking into Thai cuisine for lunch. Next, check out the Temple of Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho before cruising the Chao Phraya River on a private long-tail boat. Complete your journey with a visit to the stunning Wat Arun for photo ops. Remember to adhere to a modest dress code for all temples and places of worship.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Hotel: 3-star – contact us to upgrade
- Activities: Day tour in Bangkok
Day 3: Kanchanaburi Full Day Tour
Your guide will collect you for a 3-hour drive to Kanchanaburi. Explore the War Cemetery and Museum, visit the iconic bridge over the River Kwai, and take a 1.5-hour train ride on the Death Railway. Enjoy a buffet lunch and explore the historic Krasae Cave, once a dwelling for prisoners of war during the railway’s construction, before settling in at your hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
- Hotel: 3-star – contact us to upgrade
- Activities: Kanchanaburi full day tour
Days 4 & 5: Bangkok free day and Chiang Mai
Enjoy a leisurely day in Bangkok on Day 4 – unwind with shopping, indulge in a Thai massage, or explore the temples at your own pace. Then, on Day 5, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai: where the cultural heart of northern Thailand awaits!
- Meals: Breakfast
- Hotel: 3-star – contact us to upgrade
- Transfer: Domestic flight to Chiang Mai & airport transfers
Day 6: Chiang Mai temple tour
You’ll be picked up from your Chiang Mai hotel and taken to the city centre to explore Wat Phra Singh, an important religious site dating back to the reign of Phra Chao Kham Fu. Next, visit Wat Chedi Luang, home to the city’s largest Chedi: originally 90m high before an earthquake reduced it to 40m. Nearby, you’ll see Wat Chiang Man: the oldest temple in the city, built by King Mengrai.
After the temples, drive around the old city to view the moat and ruins of the city gates, then head to Worarot Market, the largest central market, where you can shop for exotic fresh fruit, local delicacies, clothing and more – all at great prices!
- Meals: Breakfast
- Hotel: 3-star – contact us to upgrade
- Activities: Temple tour & market shopping
Day 7: Cooking class
Embark on a culinary adventure with a visit to a local market for fresh ingredients, followed by a four-course Thai cooking class. Under the guidance of a master chef, you’ll learn to perfect your cooking skills and indulge in the dishes you've prepared afterwards. You'll also receive an apron, chef hat, and a cookbook with colourful pictures to recreate the magic at home.
- Meals: Breakfast & lunch
- Hotel: 3-star – contact us to upgrade
- Activities: Cooking class
Days 8 & 9: Chiang Mai to Phuket
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Phuket – where you’ll have the following day at your leisure to take full advantage of the beach and other island activities.
- Meals: 2 x breakfasts
- Hotel: 3-star – contact us to upgrade
- Transfer: Private airport transfer & domestic flight to Phuket
Day 10: Island-hopping
Experience a thrilling day at sea with our expert guide, starting from Chalong Bay. You'll travel by high-speed boat to Raya Yai Island, where you can enjoy snorkelling in crystal-clear waters and a delicious Thai set lunch. The adventure continues with swimming and snorkelling at Koh Hae Island and Koh Aeo.
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
- Hotel: 3-star – contact us to upgrade
- Activities: Island boat tour
Day 11: Evening food tour
In the evening, enjoy a guided tour of the Old Town’s vibrant food scene. This area offers a variety of cuisine: including Southern Thai, Chinese, Muslim and a unique blend known as Baba or Peranakan. Indulge in Southern Thai specialties such as crab & betel leaf curry and cumin-fried fish. Yum!
- Meals: Breakfast & dinner
- Hotel: 3-star – contact us to upgrade
- Activities: Evening food tour
Days 12 & 13: Free day & departure
Spend your final day checking your last-minute “things to do” and “things to buy” from your list – or just enjoy a lazy beach day! – before your departure the following day.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Transfer: Private airport transfer
Map Journey
Book your dream holiday…
- 100% Customisable
- Extend & combine tours
- Upgrade accommodation
- Change locations
- Adjust for your budget
Travel Tips
- Visit local night markets for an authentic taste of Thailand’s diverse street food offerings.
- Wear modest clothing when visiting temples to show respect for local customs and traditions.
- Don’t miss classic dishes like Pad Thai, Som Tum (papaya salad), and mango sticky rice for a true culinary experience.
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Why choose Wide Eyed Tours & Travel?
Expert Local Knowledge
Ditch the stress, with a trip that’s been crafted by locals. Our team is built of on-the-ground travel experts who can’t wait to share their country’s spoils – from their hometowns, beyond.
Customisable Experiences
We’ve offered custom-made tours to Southeast Asia for over 20 years, with every ‘type’ of traveller. We know how their tastes and needs change – so our flexible tours can change with them.
More Freedom
We don’t believe in rigid itineraries. Our customers can set the scene to go at their own pace, and choose the activities that interest them – with the chance to mix things up as they go.
Frequently asked questions about Thailand
Is it safe to visit Thailand now?
Although Thailand is very safe – and a pleasure to travel through as part of a group, couple or solo – this paradise setting can come with a shady side. Scams, though not common, can happen, the roads can be dangerous and, if you’re carrying even a small amount of illegal substances, laws are incredibly strict and quickly enforced. So keep your wits about you:
- Have your belongings close by at all times. And if travelling on an overnight train or bus, keep your valuables on you.
- If driving a motorbike, go slowly, pay attention to the traffic around you and don’t drink and drive.
- Approach any street dogs with caution – and make sure you’ve had your shots before travelling.
- Don’t offer to carry any goods in your bags for anyone, no matter how friendly they may appear!
Follow these tips, and make your trip to Thailand memorable for all the right reasons. Psst…You can also count on our team to help you plan a trip that’s both authentic and tourist-friendly, adventurous and safe. Your safety and comfort is our priority.
Is Thailand cheap or expensive?
By Western standards, Thailand is relatively cheap – cheaper in many ways than Cambodia though not as cheap as as Vietnam or Laos. Still, you can enjoy a delicious Pad Thai and a can of cold beer for 90 baht (around $2.50). And although hotels and transport options might be a little more expensive here than in some other countries in Southeast Asia, standards are high, too – even $20 will go a long way.
If you’re new to this part of the world, you may wonder, is Thailand considered a rich or poor country? Well, it’s classed as an “upper-middle income economy”, according to the World Bank: and you’ll see evidence of its new money status everywhere, from hipster breweries and cafes to opulent shopping malls. The good side of this is that you can get pretty much whatever you’re after in terms of food, clothes, or even cosmetic work – but the downside is that, sometimes, well…you may as well be anywhere. (If that’s what you’re after, great…if not, our team can help you to access the more authentic side of Thailand!)
What is Thailand so famous for?
Whether it’s the physical activities – like Muay Thai boxing, scuba diving or a vigorous Thai massage – or something altogether more relaxing, like tropical beaches, beautiful resorts and luxury spas, Thailand is a beloved travel destination for plenty of reasons.
Local cuisine is another reason why Thailand is so famous for a range of travellers – from cheap street eats to five-star restaurants. When visiting Thailand, we’d encourage you to try a Thai cooking class, if that’s your kind of thing – the ingredients aren’t all that difficult to source at home and you can bring a taste of this special country back into your kitchen, whenever you’re missing its flavours!
What makes Thailand a top travel destination?
Thailand is renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. Visitors flock to Bangkok for its bustling markets and ornate temples, while islands like Phuket and Koh Samui offer breathtaking scenery and crystal-clear waters. The country is also famous for its delicious street food, diverse culinary experiences, and warm hospitality. Additionally, Thailand hosts numerous festivals, such as Songkran (the water festival) and Loy Krathong (the festival of lights), providing travelers with unique cultural insights. With its mix of adventure, relaxation, and vibrant culture, Thailand offers something for every type of traveler.