Discover Thailand's hidden treasures

This intensive Thailand trip was designed for travelers who yearn for nature, culture and meaningful experiences, and goes far beyond the usual tourist routes.

Discover Bangkok's hidden canals and temples, Kanchanaburi's historic river valleys, and Chiang Mai's elephant sanctuaries. Experience traditional morning rituals at the temples and an interactive elephant carving workshop led by a local craftsman. Your journey concludes in Krabi with island hopping, snorkeling, and a magical night swim amidst glowing bioluminescent plankton.

Thanks to our professional planning, you are guaranteed an exceptional Thailand holiday that you will remember for a long time.

"I have visited many beautiful temples in Thailand, but Wat Chedi Luang is the one I can recommend if you want to experience life in a temple and not just admire it from the outside. Listen to the morning chants and then take the opportunity to talk to a monk and ask him about whatever you've always wanted to know."

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.

Arrival in Bangkok

Upon your arrival in Bangkok, the charismatic capital of Thailand, you will be met at the airport by your private guide and driver and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Life along the canals of Thonburi

  • Leave the bustling metropolis of Bangkok and head to the peaceful countryside of Thonburi, the former capital of Thailand.
  • Discover Tonburi's preserved traditional way of life, where locals live along the canals and travel by longboat.
  • Board a longboat and enjoy a relaxing ride through the canal, past wooden stilt houses.
  • Visit Wat Pak Nam, a famous temple known for its giant seated Buddha statue, which is visible from many parts of Bangkok.
  • Explore an artists' village, a creative community on the riverbank with artists' studios and galleries.
  • Step into a charming, local house by the canal. A warm and welcoming host awaits you and will show you how to prepare traditional Thai home cooking.

    • Explore Kanchanaburi and the River Kwai

  • Take a scenic transfer to Kanchanaburi Province. Explore the moving Thailand-Burma Railway Centre and pay your respects to the fallen at the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery.
  • Don't miss the legendary bridge over the River Kwai, a symbol of resilience and history.
  • In the afternoon, you can take a journey back in time at the Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre, where the stories of the prisoners who endured the toughest section of the Thailand-Burma Railway come to life.
  • Finally, you can relax while we take you to Phu Takien Pier, from where you will enjoy a scenic longboat ride on the River Kwai and reach the tranquil Float House River Kwai – your peaceful riverside retreat.

    • Cultural Trails & Historical Routes; Back to Bangkok

  • Take a longboat trip to the Mon village, where the Mon people have lived for generations. There, visit the Golden Rock, the Buddha Cave, and the village school.
  • After a short walk on an easy jungle path along the riverbank, you will reach a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking the River Kwai.
  • Return to Float House River Kwai and check out to prepare for a historic ride on a Death Railway train, which travels over an original wooden viaduct built by Allied prisoners of war.
  • We will then bring you comfortably back to your hotel in Bangkok.

    • Hidden Flavors of Thailand; Flight to Chiang Mai

  • Start your morning in Bangkok's historic old town district, where a stroll through the lively streets will immerse you in the five essential flavors of Thailand – from spicy Som Tum and silky Thai sweets to bitter herbal juices, fiery Isaan soups and hearty street food noodles.
  • Hop into a tuk-tuk that will take you to Silom's bustling wet market and glide past fragrant herbs and colorful produce as your guide explains how the locals shop, cook, and balance bold flavors.
  • The journey continues with a lively lunch from the Isaan region at a popular local restaurant – an unforgettable introduction to the heat, heart and heritage of Thai cuisine.
  • After your culinary adventure, you'll head to Bangkok Airport for your onward flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, your tour guide will transfer you to your hotel.

    • The Elephant's Journey: From Nature to Craft

  • Start your day at Elephant Rescue Park, located in a peaceful valley about an hour outside of Chiang Mai. Spend time with the rescued elephants, feeding them and helping with bathing to get up close to these gentle animals.
  • After encountering the elephants, you'll learn how they inspired a local artisan to create his works. Hear his story, watch him bring a wooden elephant to life, and try carving one yourself under his guidance.
  • When you leave the workshop, the little elephant you carved will hold more than just the memory of its creation. It will connect your morning with elephants and your afternoon with an artisan who has dedicated much of his life to carving elephants. Through his story and the time you spent together, you will take home a deeper, more personal connection to Chiang Mai.

    • A spiritual and culinary journey through Chiang Mai

  • Begin your morning at Wat Chiang Man, where Chiang Mai's early history comes alive through its temples and Lanna traditions. From there, continue to Wat Chedi Luang, where you can listen to the morning chants – an opportunity to experience the temple as a place of living faith, not just a historical landmark.
  • Beyond the history and architecture of the temples, a personal encounter with a monk offers another way to understand the Buddhist traditions of Chiang Mai – and the place they still occupy in everyday life.
  • In the afternoon, continue your culinary journey through the city. From hidden restaurants to local street stalls – sample authentic Thai flavors and discover a different side of everyday life in Chiang Mai.
  • By the end of the day, you will have come to know Chiang Mai through the people who live here – first through the perspective of a monk on the city's traditions, then through the flavors you enjoy at the tables of the locals.

    • Nature and cultural adventures

  • We embark on a scenic two-hour drive north of Chiang Mai to explore the magnificent Chiang Dao Cave. This limestone wonder holds hidden beauties.
  • Next, we will travel to a village inhabited by a Kayan longneck tribe, descendants of immigrants who have preserved their unique cultural traditions.
  • In the afternoon we will visit the impressive Great Blue Temple (Wat Ban Den). This architectural masterpiece captivates visitors with its breathtaking buildings, which are famous throughout Chiang Mai.
  • Our last stop is Sticky Waterfall, a unique natural wonder. Unlike other waterfalls, its special rock formations allow for safe climbing and exploration.

    • From Chiang Mai to Krabi

    They are flying to southern Thailand to visit one of the best tourist destinations on the west coast of Thailand – Krabi.

    Both airport transfers are included in our private tour service. Spend the rest of the day exploring your idyllic beachfront hotel in Ao Nang.

    Snorkeling, sunset & swimming at night with bioluminescence

  • Take a cruise to Tangming Island, where your adventure begins with an unforgettable snorkeling experience in crystal-clear waters, framed by dramatic 300-meter-high limestone cliffs and stunning surrounding islands.
  • Next, we'll head to Chicken Island for your second snorkeling stop, where you'll explore the shallow eastern reef teeming with colorful marine life and vibrant corals.
  • Afterwards, relax on the pristine white sand beach of Poda Island. Enjoy the tranquility, swim, or simply soak up the tropical atmosphere before indulging in a delicious barbecue dinner with breathtaking island views.
  • At sunset, you sail past Railay Beach and take spectacular landscape photos from the boat.
  • The evening ends with a truly magical experience at a secret location nearby – bioluminescent swimming, where luminous plankton illuminates the water with every movement, creating a unique memory.

    • Enjoy a tropical coastal getaway in Krabi, tailored to your wishes.

  • You have a free day to experience the natural charm of Krabi and enjoy various activities.
  • Krabi's pristine tropical beaches are the perfect destination for relaxed or adventurous couples and families. Enjoy the tranquility of paradise or choose your own activities and attractions.
  • Ao Nang Center Point is famous for its vibrant nightlife, the Tiger Cave Temple offers visitors the opportunity to pay homage to Buddha, and the beautiful mangrove forest is the perfect place to relax in nature.
  • Krabi's coastal landscape is famous for its steep limestone cliffs. If you enjoy climbing, you'll love Krabi – it's one of the best climbing spots in the world.

    • Krabi departure

    We offer an airport transfer to ensure a warm farewell and a smooth transition from Thailand to your flight home.

    Thank you for traveling with Thailand Highlights. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon!

    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 price for a child under 8 years old is approximately 80% of the price for adults.
  • 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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