An unforgettable New Year's holiday in Thailand

Give your family an unforgettable adventure this Christmas season with a magical trip through Thailand! From sparkling city lights to sun-drenched beaches and vibrant cultural festivals – every day is full of fun, wonder, and unforgettable memories.

Begin your journey in Bangkok, where the city is aglow with Christmas lights. Then continue to the tropical paradise of Koh Samui, where sun, sea, and family fun await. Finally, experience the cultural diversity of Chiang Mai, where the CAD New Year festival illuminates the city with dazzling performances and exuberant celebrations.

We look forward to hearing your ideas for your festive holiday! Together we will put together a holiday that guarantees a joyful and unforgettable celebration for every member of your family.

"To experience the New Year's Eve countdown at Thai Way, you have to be in Chiang Mai. Standing there at midnight and watching thousands of lanterns slowly light up the sky as the fireworks begin – honestly, it's so incredibly beautiful that it almost brought tears to my eyes. To top it all off, you should dress up in a traditional Thai costume beforehand and get professionally styled. Arriving at the venue like that is simply an unforgettable experience."

Travel Highlights

Travel Moments

A travel itinerary for inspiration

This daily itinerary is an excellent starting point and has been put together by our experts to present you with the best of Thailand at a comfortable pace.

December 22: Arrival in Bangkok

  • Meet your private guide, who will greet you with a warm "Sawadee-ka" ("hello" in Thai). Afterwards, transfer by private car to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

    • December 23: Colors of Bangkok

  • Stroll through Thailand's largest flower market, overflowing with orchids, roses, and marigolds. Make your own garlands and decorate lotus flowers – just like local families do before visiting the temple.
  • Explore Thailand's most spectacular landmark, the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, full of golden temples and dazzling details.
  • Visit the riverside Temple of Dawn, once the royal temple of King Rama II. Treat your children to a fun 3D ice cream.
  • Escape the heat in a playful museum designed specifically for curious visitors. Discover Thailand's history and culture through interactive exhibits that will delight children and adults alike.

    • December 24: Bangkok's hidden charms and Christmas lights

  • Explore the peaceful royal temple Wat Pak Nam, founded in 1610 and known for its calming atmosphere and beautiful architecture. You will be amazed by the enormous, gleaming stupa and the tranquil meditation halls.
  • Step aboard a traditional longboat and glide through tranquil canals lined with wooden houses and the bustling life of the locals. You'll reach a charming artists' village on the riverbank, where you can paint or draw and create your own souvenir masterpiece.
  • Try a selection of local specialties: crispy noodles, braised beef soup, fried bananas. A delicious way to discover everyday flavors that locals have enjoyed for generations.
  • Spend a magical Christmas Eve aboard the Sawasdee Chaophraya Cruise and glide along the Chao Phraya River. Enjoy a festive international seafood buffet and be entertained by traditional Thai dances, Khon performances, and live music.

    • December 25: Flight to Koh Samui

  • Enjoy a relaxing morning at your own pace before your afternoon flight to Koh Samui.
  • Koh Samui is known as one of the most beautiful beach destinations in the world, offering a remarkable balance of natural beauty, traditional lifestyle and an enticing selection of upscale hotels and resorts.
  • Your tour guide will pick you up at Koh Samui airport and accompany you to your hotel.

    • December 26: Snorkeling & Landscape Adventure

  • The island of Koh Tao is a well-known diving and snorkeling paradise in the Gulf of Thailand, teeming with diverse coral species and vibrant marine fauna.
  • Start your day with a minivan transfer to the pier and an exciting speedboat ride to Koh Nang Yuan. Climb one of the small, jungle-covered hills and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding islands.
  • Visit a breathtaking snorkeling spot. Dive into a kaleidoscope of marine life amidst vibrant soft and hard corals and experience the beauty of one of the world's best underwater destinations.

    • December 27–28: Relaxing together and recharging your batteries

  • It's time to slow down and relax with loved ones.
  • Your resort will typically offer numerous free activities – kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, relaxing in beach cabins, or swimming in the huge pools overlooking the ocean.
  • Treat yourself to a Thai massage, soothing spa treatments, or a refreshing yoga session. Afterwards, feel rested and full of energy.

    • December 29: Departure for Chiang Mai

    Fly from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai for the grand finale of your trip – celebrate New Year's Eve at the Chiang Mai New Year Countdown Festival.

    December 30: Encounter with gentle elephants

  • A family day trip to the Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai is a heartwarming, educational, and gentle adventure.
  • Travel through picturesque landscapes and meet rescued elephants in a safe, open environment where you can feed them fruit, observe their natural behavior and watch them playfully bathe in the river.
  • Your guide will tell you stories about the rescue and the personality of each individual elephant, making the tour both inspiring and child-friendly.
  • Enjoy a lunch buffet overlooking roaming elephants and in the afternoon you can meet rescued dogs and cats.

    • December 31: New Year's celebration

  • Start your tour in the late afternoon, as the New Year's celebrations in Chiang Mai don't end until after midnight.
  • To fully immerse yourself in the festival, you should wear traditional Thai clothing.
  • Experience the Lanna culture with a fascinating cultural show and enjoy the flavors of authentic Lanna Thai cuisine.
  • Experience a fireworks display of international caliber with over 4,000 sky lanterns illuminating the sky – a beautiful tradition to welcome the new year.

    • January 1st: A taste of Chiang Mai

  • Take it easy today and enjoy a relaxing morning at your hotel. After lunch, stroll through the colorful stalls overflowing with fresh fruit, fragrant herbs, and vibrant flowers.
  • Explore the peaceful and historically significant Wat Suan Dok temple and learn that it serves as the resting place of former kings of Chiang Mai and members of the royal family.
  • Take a scenic drive up Doi Suthep and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Northern Thailand. Climb the 309 dragon-flanked steps to the summit, where golden pagodas and an unparalleled city panorama await.
  • Discover the culinary secrets of Chiang Mai on an exclusive food tour that will take you to hidden restaurants and authentic street stalls to taste the region's most unique flavors.

    • Flight home

  • We hope you enjoyed a trip filled with vibrant markets, tranquil temples, pristine islands and the delicious flavors of Thailand.
  • Thank you for exploring this beautiful country with Highlights Travel. We look forward to welcoming you back soon and providing you with more unforgettable experiences!

    • Make it your very own unique piece

    This is where the magic happens. Enhance your offerings with experiences that will inspire you – be it a private cooking class, a jungle hike, or a special celebration.

    Your stay is part of history

    Your choice of accommodation shapes your trip. We carefully select hotels based on their unique character – from boutique hotels in the city to beachfront hotels.

    What is included in the delivery?

    No surprises, no hidden costs. Our prices are transparent and tailored to your individual plan. Here you can see clearly what is typically included.

    Price guide

    Their inclusions

  • Modern, spacious vehicle with air conditioning and driver
  • Dedicated, English-speaking local tour guide
  • All admission prices and listed activities
  • All nights in hand-picked hotels
  • Domestic flights between cities
  • Daily breakfast and set meals
  • ALL local taxes and fees (no hidden costs)

    • Good to know

  • Based on two people, traveling in the off-season.
  • The final price will be individually tailored to your group, travel dates and your wishes.
  • Want to combine different hotels? Absolutely. We'll put together a trip that fits your budget.
  • International flight (we are happy to help you with booking)
  • Most lunches and dinners (for more flexibility)
  • Visas and travel insurance
  • Discounts for children under 8 years old.
  • We accept USD, GBP, AUD, CAD, EUR and other currencies.

    • Let's plan your trip together.

    It's very simple. Here's how it works: 1. Share your ideas with us using the plan below. 2. Your travel consultant will contact you within 24 hours.

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