An off-the-beaten-path Thailand Tour – Bangkok, Mae Hong Son, Pai, Chiang Mai, Krabi

Day 1 (Welcome to the Land of Smiles): Arrive in Thailand’s dazzling capital, where you’ll be greeted by your private guide and transferred in comfort to your luxury hotel. Settle in for a three-night stay where refined hospitality ensures every detail is tended to with care.

Day 2 (Temples by Day, Flavors by Night): This morning, your guide reveals Bangkok’s most revered sites—wander the jeweled halls of the Grand Palace, see the Emerald Buddha, admire the Golden Buddha at Wat Trimit, and marvel at Wat Pho’s Reclining Buddha. The afternoon is yours to indulge, whether shopping, sipping a riverside cocktail, or indulging in a spa ritual.

By evening, board a tuk tuk for a lively guided food tour—sample local favorites such as Khao Man Gai, Pad Thai, and Guay Tiew Kua Gai, explore the Flower Market, and pause at a quiet temple before returning to your hotel. (B,D)

Day 3 (Floating & Train Market): Escape the bustle on an exclusive journey to the countryside. Drift by private boat through Damnoen Saduak’s canals, where colorful boats brim with fruit, flowers, and spices. Continue to the famed Train Market, where stalls fold and unfold in sync with the passing train—a rare glimpse of tradition alive. Return to Bangkok with the afternoon free to enjoy the city at your own rhythm. (B)

Day 4 (From Skyscrapers to Mountain Hideaway): Fly north into the emerald mountains, where a slower rhythm of life awaits. With your private guide, wander unhurried through a peaceful town and discover distinctive Burmese-style temples before settling into your eco-lodge retreat amid rice fields and sweeping mountain scenery. As night falls, a charming market beckons with sizzling street food, handmade crafts, and a warm, convivial spirit. (B,L)

Day 5 (River Journey & Hilltribe Traditions): Awaken to crisp mountain air before drifting down the Pai River, its waters winding through lush jungle and quiet villages. Step ashore into one of Thailand’s few remaining Long Neck Karen communities, where you’ll walk through the village, observe daily life, and engage with locals as you learn about the remarkable long-neck tradition that has endured for generations. Return to your resort for an afternoon at leisure—whether trekking forest trails or simply savoring the mountain calm. (B)

Day 6 (From Majestic Caves to Charming Mountain Town): After a gentle morning immersed in nature, journey south along winding mountain roads. Explore the magnificent Tham Lod caves, where stalactites glimmer in torchlight and an underground river echoes through ancient chambers. Visit a hillside Lahu village before arriving in a laid-back mountain town—once a backpackers’ refuge, now a vibrant retreat—where evening brings a lively night market filled with music, street food, and colorful artisan stalls. (B,L)

Day 7 (From Whitewater Thrills to Night Market Fun): Begin your day with a pulse-quickening rafting expedition on the Mae Tang River, tackling 14 rapids as jungle scenery rushes past. After lunch, continue overland to Chiang Mai, winding through orchards, valleys, and rice fields before checking into your resort. As night falls, the city comes alive—lantern-lit stalls, sizzling street food, and treasures waiting at the famous Night Bazaar. (B,L)

Day 8 (Temples & Mountain Vistas): This morning, immerse yourself in the soul of Chiang Mai. Visit bustling markets and historic temples before ascending to Wat Phra Doi Suthep, where gilded stupas gleam and sweeping views stretch across the valley. The afternoon is yours—relax by the pool, wander the Old City’s winding lanes, or taste the northern cuisine that gives this region its distinctive flavor. (B)

Day 9 (A Day With Elephants): Step into one of Thailand’s most unique experiences: caring for your very own elephant for a day. In the forested hills, you’ll feed, bathe, and walk beside these gentle giants, forging a bond that feels both humbling and unforgettable. More than an excursion, it’s a rare privilege—an intimate window into Thailand’s heritage of elephant care and conservation. (B)

**Note: Today’s program is on a join/shared basis with your fellow animal lovers

Day 10 (Head for the Beach): Fly south to the Andaman coast, where warm breezes and dramatic seascapes welcome you to Krabi. Upon arrival, settle into your beachfront resort, a sanctuary of comfort set against palm-fringed shores. The evening is yours to unwind and embrace the slower rhythm of island life. (B)

Day 11 (Island-Hopping In Style): Embark on a private longtail boat for a day of discovery among Krabi’s unspoiled islands. Swim in crystalline lagoons at Koh Tub, marvel at Chicken Island’s dramatic limestone formations, and step ashore at Railay Beach, famed for its soaring cliffs and laid-back spirit. A light picnic lunch on the sand completes this unforgettable excursion before returning to your resort for an afternoon at leisure. (B,L)

Day 12 (Seaside Serenity): Savor a day entirely at your own pace. Lounge by the sea, indulge in a spa treatment, or simply let the horizon guide you as you soak in the essence of your beach escape. (B)

Day 13 (Farewell Thailand): Transfer to Krabi or Phuket airport for your departure onward. (B)

****END OF PROGRAM****

• Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
• Price includes all entrance fees, domestic air taxes, hotel taxes & service charges
• Price excludes transpacific flights, personal expenses, beverages, gratuities to guides, drivers & bell persons
• Blackout dates, holiday Surcharges and/or compulsory Gala dinners at hotels apply Dec. 20-Jan. 10
• All flights, hotels and land services are subject to availability at time of reservation