Thailand Tour Package: Bangkok to Koh Samui Highlights

Welcome to Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand! Upon your arrival at International Airports in Bangkok, our tour guide/driver will welcome you at the exit and then escort you to the hotel in downtown Bangkok for check-in. Rest of your day will be free time for relaxation to get ready to explore Bangkok with your guide the next day.

Bangkok city means the “City of Angels” in translation from Thai name, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon. It is a vibrant metropolis, and known for its bustling markets, ornate temples, and delicious street food. You can indulge in diverse culinary scene of the city, from street eateries to upscale dining. Enjoy the lively nightlife of the city with rooftop bars, and live music venues. Bangkok city offers a blend of tradition and modernity, making it an exciting and captivating destination.

After breakfast, we start our tour with a visit to Wat Phra Kaew, built in 1782 and located in the northeast corner of the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Occupied one-fourth of the Grand Palace’s area, Wat Phra Kaew is known as the most famous royal Buddhist temple in Thailand. This temple is well-known for enshrining one of three national treasures of Thailand, the Emerald Buddha, which is carved from a single block of Emerald.

After visiting Wat Phra Kaew, we continue to visit the Grand Palace. This was first established in 1782, constructed as a replica of the old palace built in the former capital city of Ayutthaya. It serves as a symbol of the Bangkok Dynasty and is the most well-preserved, largest, and most distinctive palace in Thailand. The Grand Palace is currently used for coronation ceremonies, royal celebrations, and hosting foreign dignitaries.

Continuing our tour to visit Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok. Wat Pho is regarded as the first university in Thailand and is considered the birthplace of Thai medicine and traditional Thai massage. It still houses a private school established in 1957 that teaches traditional Thai medicine and offers authentic Thai massages (optional, self-pay). Temple also houses the largest reclining Buddha and the highest number of Buddha images and stupas in the city.

We then head to Chinatown of Bangkok, renowned as one of Bangkok’s liveliest and most bustling commercial areas, for lunch. It is also home to Wat Traimit, the world’s largest solid gold Buddha statue. The entire street of Chinatown stretches for about 2 km, lined with numerous shops, and thousands of businesses proudly displaying eye-catching Chinese signs.

After lunch, we will visit Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha), built in 1785. This is renowned for housing the world’s largest gold Buddha weighs 5.5 tons and stands at a height of 3 meters. It was constructed with the contributions of 3 Chinese individuals; hence it is also known as the Three Chinese Temple or Three Friends Temple. The royal family usually holds annual ceremonies here to welcome the New Year.

In the afternoon, we can take a Tuk-Tuk ride to the pier via a quick stop at Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market, also known as Bangkok Flower Market, which is one of the top 9 flower markets in the world. Then, we will visit Wat Arun, built in 1809 and established to honor King Taksin, the 41st monarch of Thailand (1767-1782) and a national hero. Then, rest of the day will be free time for your own leisure.

• Travel Tips: Please dress up in decent clothes for visiting Temples and Royal Palace.

After breakfast, we will drive from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, founded in 1350, the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom. It flourished from the 14th to the 18th centuries, during which time it grew to be one of the world’s largest and most cosmopolitan urban areas and a center of global diplomacy and commerce. Nowadays, the Ayutthaya Historical Park is a sprawling archaeological site with the ruins of temples, monasteries, and palaces offering a glimpse into the city’s glorious past.

Upon arrival in Ayutthaya, we’ll enjoy an amazing exploration with a visit to Wat Chaiwattanara, a temple known for its unique row of prang towers lining the banks of the majestic Chao Phraya River. The temple’s design is said to be influenced by Khmer architecture, and it boasts breathtaking river views.

Our journey continues with a visit to Wat Phra Sri Sanpet, the largest temple ruin in Ayutthaya and its most recognizable landmark. This former grand royal temple complex is now a powerful symbol of the city’s past glory, dominated by three ruined prang towers.

Continue to Wat Maha That, where there is one of the most photographed sights awaits: the head of a stone Buddha image embraced by the roots of a fig tree. This evocative image stands as a testament to the enduring presence of Buddhism despite the passage of time. After the tour, drive 1,5 hour back to Bangkok. Rest of your day will be free time for your own discovery and leisure.

After breakfast, head to Bangkok Airport to take the flight to Chiang Mai (about 1h 20m). Upon arrival to Chiang Mai Airport, our guide/driver will welcome you and escort you to your hotel for check-in. Rest of the day will be free time for your own discovery and relaxation.

Chiang Mai is the second biggest city in Thailand. This was the capital of the independent Lanna Kingdom (the first kingdom in Thai history) until 1558. It is renowned for its rich history, numerous Buddhist temples, and unique culture. Chiang Mai is also renowned as the “Rose of the North” and the city offers a slower pace of life. Visitors from all over the world come here to get close to elephants through various Elephant Sanctuaries, experience local life of Thai people, and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere through its Walking Street Market and Night Bazaars around Chiang Mai Old City.

Chiang Mai is a very popular destination to see elephants up close in a wide open space. Today, we will have a half-day morning visit to Elephant Nature Park. This is a sanctuary and rescue centre for elephants in Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai province. In 2013, Erawan Elephant Retirement Park opened in western Thailand as an offshoot. By 2016, there were branch parks in Surin and in Cambodia, and there were plans to open a fifth park in Phuket. By then, the work was coordinated by the Save Elephant Foundation.

Afterward, you can have rest of the day for relaxation. Recommendation for Free Time: If you are interested, you can try out Lila Thai Massage near the Tha Pae Gate (optional). This offers a delightful opportunity to experience the real local life in Chiang Mai.

On this day, we will go for a half-day foodie adventure by participating in a Thai  Cooking Class and learn the secrets behind some of Thailand’s most beloved dishes. Most of Thai Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai offer a hands-on learning experience, allowing you to actively participate in the creation of your flavorful dishes. You’ll typically be guided by a local experienced chef who will introduce you to essential Thai ingredients, their unique flavors, and traditional cooking techniques.

In this afternoon, you will spend half day City Walking in Chiang Mai Old City exploring the most stunning Buddhist Temples in Chiang Mai (in cluding Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phan Tao), vibrant culture, and a laid-back atmosphere of the city. It’s a place for architecture and culture lover. Then go back to your hotel for relaxation and overnight.

Today, you’ll be escorted to airport in Chiang Mai for your flight to Koh Samui (about 1hour and 45 minutes), located in the Gulf of Thailand. Upon arrival on Koh Samui, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free time for your relaxation and to explore at your own pace.

While not as famous as Phuket Island, Koh Samui offers a more relaxed and peaceful atmosphere, a stark contrast to Phuket’s hustle and bustle. It boasts some of the most beautiful beaches, fringed with lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and swaying coconut groves. The soft, white sand and crystal-clear waters are truly idyllic. Less crowded and much quieter compared to Phuket, Koh Samui caters to luxurious vacations with a wide range of high-end resorts and spas, making it an ideal destination for honeymoons and couples.

After breakfast, enjoy your free time exploring Koh Samui at your own pace. Consider dedicating a day trip to explore the wonders beyond Koh Samui! Here are some captivating islands reachable via some island hopping tours.

• Koh Phangan (about 30 minutes’ boat trip from Koh Samui): Known for its vibrant Full Moon Parties, Koh Phangan offers not just that, but also beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and a laid-back atmosphere. Enjoy snorkeling, diving, hiking, or explore the island’s waterfalls and viewpoints.
• Ang Thong Marine Park (about 1-hour boat trip from Koh Samui): This archipelago of 42 islands stuns visitors with its breathtaking scenery. Kayak, snorkel, or take a boat tour to discover the emerald lagoons, hidden caves, and pristine beaches. Don’t miss the viewpoint hike for panoramic vistas of the park.
• Koh Tao & Koh Nang Yuan (about 1.5-hour boat trip from Koh Samui): A haven for underwater enthusiasts, Koh Tao is famed for its world-class diving and snorkeling. Explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with diverse marine life in crystal-clear waters. Relax on the island’s beaches and soak in the laid-back atmosphere. A short hop (10 minutes’ boat trip) from Koh Tao, Koh Nang Yuan is a picturesque island renowned for its stunning viewpoint offering a panoramic vista of three connected beaches. Ideal for relaxation, this island is perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing.
• Dan Island & Madsum Island Half-Day Boat Trip: Take a half-day adventure and discover the hidden gem of Dan Island. Known for its pristine beaches and serene atmosphere, this island is perfect for relaxation and a true escape. Next stop: Pig Paradise! Madsum Island, also known as “Pig Island,” offers a unique encounter with adorable pigs that roam freely on the beach. It’s a fun and unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.

After breakfast, enjoy your free time exploring Koh Samui at your own pace. Suggested Itinerary to take you on a journey through Koh Samui’s diverse landscape, from serene temples to hidden wonders:

• Uncover the Secret Buddha Garden: Nestled in the mountains, this enchanting garden features a collection of statues, temples, and cascading waterfalls. Explore the moss-covered ruins and abandoned houses, letting your imagination run wild.
• Savor Culture at Guan Yu Temple: Located on Lamai Beach, this temple was built by Chinese merchants. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and don’t miss the delicious Hainanese chicken rice at the nearby restaurant.
• Visit Thousand-Handed Buddha Temple: This relatively new temple boasts colorful Buddha statues overlooking a serene artificial lake. Witness the impressive architecture and experience a traditional blessing ceremony performed by the resident monks.
• Witness the Majestic Big Buddha Temple: Prepare to be awestruck by the colossal 12-meter Buddha statue at this temple. Visible from kilometers away, it’s a truly magnificent sight.
• Chase Adventure at Namuang Waterfalls: Choose between the cascading No. 1 and No. 2 waterfalls, both offering refreshing dips and stunning scenery. If you’re feeling adventurous, elephant rides are available nearby.
• Discover a Natural Wonder Hin Ta Hin Yai: This unique rock formation consists of two curiously shaped rocks resembling male and female genitalia. While Hin Ta stands tall and proud, Hin Yai is only visible during low tide.

After breakfast, enjoy some free time exploring Koh Samui at your own pace. Suggested Itinerary for the Day of Relaxation and Fun on Koh Samui

Spend the morning at a yoga or meditation class. Koh Samui has a thriving wellness scene, and there are many studios offering classes for all levels. Or soak up the sun on the soft sand, take a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters, or try your hand at some water sports like kayaking or jet skiing.

It is time to end your 11-day Thailand Highlights Tour Package. You will have some free time in Koh Samui and explore more on your own till your guide/driver escorts you to the airport for your flight to your next destination.