Compare Amazing Thailand by SmarTours vs Off The Beaten Tracks of Southern Thailand In 14 Days by Realistic Asia

Day 1: Depart USA.

Your exotic journey to Thailand begins as you depart today aboard your wide-body jet.

Day 2: Arrive Bangkok.

Accommodation: Menam Riverside Hotel

Welcome to Thailand, the “Land of Smiles”. Evening arrival in Bangkok, the breathtaking capital. You’ll be met by your Tour Director and escorted to your upscale hotel located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.

Day 3: Bangkok.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Menam Riverside Hotel

Special “orientation breakfast”, then embark on an included tour introducing you to some of the outstanding Buddhist temples in Bangkok. Visit Wat Trimitr with its invaluable 5-tons solid gold statue of Buddha and Wat Po, featuring the colossal 150 foot long “Reclining Buddha”. See the White Marble Temple representing the finest example of Thai architecture. Afternoon at leisure or join an optional canal boat ride across the river for a glimpse of local daily life ($30). This evening enjoy a welcome dinner.

Day 4: Bangkok.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Menam Riverside Hotel

Two days at leisure to discover Thailand’s vibrant and exotic capital at your own pace. Your Tour Director can make suggestions for independent exploration. Join an optional excursion to the colorful Damnoen Saduak floating market, reached by a rice barge followed by a visit to Phra Pathom Chedi, the tallest stupa in the world ($45). A tour of the spectacular Grand Palace, former residence of the Kings ($40) is also available. Both tours can be on either days 4 or 5 depending on the departure date.

Day 5: Bangkok Continued.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Menam Riverside Hotel

Continue to enjoy your independent exploration of one of the world’s greatest cities!

Day 6: Bangkok/Ayutthaya/Phitsanulok.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Topland Plaza Hotel

Over the next few days venture into some of Thailand’s most fascinating regions, rich with culture, history and stunning landscape. In Ayutthaya, the ancient capital, see the giant bronze statue of Wat Mongkol Borpith and the three ancient pagodas at Wat Phra Sri. Continue to Lopburi to view the magnificent stone carvings of Phra Prang Sam Yod as well as the Monkey Temple. Drive via beautiful scenery of rice paddies to Phitsanulok, the gateway to Northern Thailand, visit the Bronze Case Factory and view how Buddha Images are made in an authentic way.

Day 7: Phitsanulok/Sukhothai/Lampang.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Lampang Wianglakorn Hotel

Today travel to Sukhothai to see the famous ruins of this 13th century first capital of Siam. Visit the Textile Museum, a unique private collection. Continue to Sri Satchanalai, the northern outpost town of the Kingdom of Sukhothai, built by King Ramkamhaeng where you’ll visit an ancient Ceramic Kiln before proceeding to Lampang for overnight.

Day 8: Golden Triangle/Chiang Rai.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Phowadol Resort & Spa

Lampang is famous for its narrow streets and traditional horse-drawn carriages. Visit a local paper and ceramic making village. Depart for Phayao, a rural lakeside town and once princely state. Proceed to Chiang Saen, situated on the border with Laos. Enjoy a short boat trip on the Mekong River towards the Golden Triangle – the meeting point of Thailand, Burma and Laos. Visit Mae Sai, the Northern-most point of Thailand, stroll through the colorful local market and shop for Burmese handicrafts before arriving in charming Chiang Rai. Phowadol Resort & Spa

Day 9: Chiang Rai.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Phowadol Resort & Spa

Day at leisure. Your hotel is located within easy access to the Mae Kok River. Today join an optional boat trip down the river and visit the fascinating local hilltribe villages, learn about their culture and observe the colorful costumes ($35).

Day 10: Chiang Rai / Chiang Mai.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Centara Duang Tawan Hotel Chiang Mai

Morning drive to Chiang Mai, the “Rose of the North.” Your hotel is centrally located within a short walking distance to the renowned night market. Afternoon at leisure. Tonight we suggest an optional “Kantoke Dinner” featuring local specialties as well as breathtaking performance of songs and dances by a local hilltribe dressed in traditional costumes ($35, dinner included).

Day 11: Chiang Mai.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Centara Duang Tawan Hotel Chiang Mai

Today visit an elephant camp and see a demonstration of the role of the elephant in Thai agriculture, commerce and culture. Later visit an Orchid Farm. Afternoon at leisure to discover the charm and beauty of this ancient city.

Day 12: Chiang Mai.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Centara Duang Tawan Hotel Chiang Mai

Morning optional city tour visits Chiang Mai’s most interesting temples as well as fascinating Wat Doi Suthep located high in the mountains ($30). Tonight, why not celebrate with your fellow travelers in an optional farewell dinner at a famous riverside restaurant ($30).

Day 13: Chiang Mai/Bangkok.

Meals: Breakfast

Final day at leisure for shopping or independent pursuits. Late today, fly back to Bangkok

Day 14: Bangkok/USA.

Connect in Bangkok for your flight home. Your magical journey ends as you arrive the USA later today.

Day 1 Welcome to Thailand - Bangkok Arrival

Your Thailand adventure begins with your arrival in Bangkok. Your private driver will meet you at the airport, holding a signboard with your name. He will escort you to your accommodation right in the heart of the city. You can easily explore the city at your own pace or relax at the hotel after the flight.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 2 Bangkok Free Day (B)

Have a free day at your leisure to discover Bangkok, the city which combines old and new and where everyone could find something interesting. You could visit China Town and try the delicious street food there. The shopping lovers could spend the entire day at Siam Paragon. If you are visiting Bangkok during the weekend, don't miss don't of the largest outdoor market in the world Chatuchak. For sports lovers, we advise seeing the kickboxing fights, which is the signature sport for this country. For cultural immersion, you could see the puppet show or visit Warehouse 30 for modern art exhibitions. And of course, wrap up your day with a traditional Thai massage.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 3 Bangkok Free Day (B)

Spend another day exploring Bangkok at your own pace or take the optional tour.

OPTIONAL TOUR

Explore Bangkok As The Locals Do

Today, we'll experience the many modes of transportation including BTS/MRT, public boats, and local buses that locals use to travel across the city. The highlights of the itinerary include a visit to Wat Po Temple, also known as the center of traditional massage and medicine, and famous for a giant Reclining Buddha statue. Then continue to the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Keo, where you will see the Emerald Buddha.

Try the lunch as the locals do. Then, take a tuk-tuk to the Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall followed by a boat ride along the canal to Hua Chang Pier for a short walk to the area of shopping complexes and return by BTS to the hotel.
Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 4 Travel from Bangkok to Cha Am with Visiting Petchburi (B/L)

Have breakfast and complete the check-out formalities. Your guide and driver will wait for you at the hotel lobby from where you will depart to the South. Stop at the Mae Klong Railway Market to see the train passing through the local market. Continue along the scenic route to Petchburi, passing salt fields and fisheries. Spend some time exploring Petchburi by visiting the Khao Luang temple. This temple is located right inside the spectacular cave, enjoy the magical atmosphere of this place and admire the beauty of the Buddha statues inside. Stop in the city center at Rabiang Rim Nam Restaurant to enjoy authentic local meals and the provincial atmosphere. In the afternoon, visit the Nang Yai Museum, where you can learn about the history and the process of making the Mang Yai puppets for the Thai shadow performance. Then continue to the teak pavilion of Wat Yai Suwannaram with intricate woodcarvings. Get back to the road and drive the scenic route along the once locally popular beach of Had Puek Tian, where the statue of a giant sea ogress may catch your eyes. Arrive at Cha Am Beach and check in.

Overnight in Cha Am.

Day 5 Explore the Wildlife of Cha Am (B-L)

After a delicious breakfast, meet your guide and head to the Wildlife Friends Foundation. This place is a wildlife refuge, where you will learn about the over 600 rescued animals at the rescue center and why they live here.

Have lunch at the rescue centre and spend the afternoon following the volunteers in their daily tasks. Drive around the whole site, watch the animals and get to see the bears and monkeys enjoying their meal.

In the evening, your guide will take you for a walk in Hua Hin town to visit the local market and feel the bustling atmosphere of this town.

Overnight in Cha Am.

Day 6 Take a Train Ride to Khao Sok (B)

This morning we will take you to Hua Hin station, one of Thailand's most beautiful train stations built in a unique Thai architectural style. It is also one of the oldest train stations in the country. Hop on the local train (11:29-16:45) and have a ride to Surat Thani (no guide on board).

Upon arrival at Surat Thani station, your guide will meet you there and transfer you to Khao Sok National Park. The trip will take about 1,5 hours drive. Check-in at the resort and evening at leisure.

Overnight in Khao Sok.

Day 7 Discover The Magnificent Chiew Lan Lake (B/L)

In the morning join the group for a day trip to Chiew Lan Lake, the most remarkable landmark of Khao Sok. Upon arrival at the pier, hop on the motorized boat for a cruise on the lake to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the lush green forest.

Hop off the boat and hike through the jungles to the Pakbarang cave, also known as the Coral Cave. Be amazed by the beautiful view of the limestone rocks, stalactites and stalagmites inside the cave.

Have lunch on a floating raft enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the lake. Then have a relaxing time swimming or kayaking in the lake before returning to the pier and transferring back to your hotel.

Overnight in Khao Sok.

Day 8 Travel From Khao Sok To Krabi (B)

After breakfast at the hotel enjoy a 1-hour tubing or kayaking on the Sok River (please select one). Then freshen up and pack for your next trip. You will be transferred to Krabi by private car, the trip will take about 3 hours.

Upon arrival in Krabi, check in at the hotel and have free time for relaxing and swimming at the beach.

Overnight in Krabi.

Day 9 Explore the Hidden Gems Of Krabi (B/L)

Today you will explore Krabi in a different way, far from the ordinary tourist route. In the early morning meet your guide and head to Krabi town, where you will visit the Maharaj morning market. It is a huge wholesale market which takes time only in the morning and where you can find all the kinds of fresh fruits and meals and feel the bustling local life.

Enjoy some dim sum snacks before hopping on the longtail boat to Koh Klang (Middle Island), a traditional Southern village. Here we take the three-wheeled tuk-tuk to visit the various local workshops. Stroll around the village and meet the boat builders, rice farmers, and batik artists living the conventional lifestyle.

Enjoy local lunch at a floating restaurant. And head back to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Overnight in Krabi.

Day 10 Afternoon Swimming and Snorkeling on The Islands (B)

Spend a relaxing morning at your resort or visit some interesting places in Krabi. At 1:30 p.m., you will be transferred to the pier and hop on the long tail boat. This afternoon you will visit four beautiful islands for swimming and snorkelling. Your first stop will be the islands of Poda, which is ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches on the coast. Spend some time relaxing and swimming here and head to Chicken island. Here you will spend time snorkelling and exploring the underwater world from the boat. Your next stop is Tub, and Mor Island, also known as Talay Week. Depending on the tide, these two islands are either one island or separated by the sea. And last, relax and enjoy the sunset at Phra Nang Beach. From here, you will return to the pier and get transferred back to your hotel.

Overnight in Krabi.

Day 11 Travel From Krabi To Phuket (B)

Have breakfast and check out the hotel. At 9:30 your driver will meet you and take you for a scenic drive to Phuket. On the way, you will make a stop at Khao Thong hill for a panoramic view of Phang Nga Bay. Make a walk through the mangroves in Tha Pom to reach Klong Song Nam Park enjoying the beauty of nature on the way. After the hike, you will continue your trip to Phuket. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and have free time to explore the beautiful beaches nearby.

Overnight in Phuket.

Day 12 Phuket Leisure (B)

Free at your leisure to discover Phuket by yourself. The largest island in Thailand, Phuket is a beautiful destination for sightseeing and adventures. The island itself is rife with diverse landscapes, from its famous sandy beaches to forested hills, mountains, limestone cliffs, low plains, lagoons, and lush tropical forests. Today you can just have a relaxing time at the beach, go swimming or snorkeling. You also could visit the Aquarium in Cape Panwa to see the diversity of the sea life on this island. If you are into adventures, challenge yourself with the zipline at Flying Hanuman. In the evening don't miss the night markets and visit the busy Bangla Road for a drink.

Overnight in Phuket.

Day 13 Phuket Leisure (B)

Spend one more day exploring the beaches of Phuket.

Overnight in Phuket.

Day 14 Time to Say Goodbye - Phuket Departure (B)

Relish a healthy breakfast on the final day of your trip to Thailand. Complete the hotel check-out formalities, after which you can visit the local markets to buy souvenirs for your loved ones. Later your private driver will transfer you to the airport to take your flight back home.