Christmas and New Year Tour in Thailand

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival, Bangkok

  Welcome to Thailand! Upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, get ready for a warm welcome from your private tour guide. You'll then be transferred to your hotel in the city center for check-in. The rest of the day is free time: you can either rest or get out to explore Bangkok on your own.

  • Bangkok

• Day 2: Bangkok City Highlights & Longtail Boat Cruise

  Begin the day with a mesmerizing morning chanting ritual by Buddhist monks at Wat Pho. Next, a tuk-tuk ride through Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market will take you to the country's most majestic royal monument - Grand Palace. Within it, follow your guide to explore sparkling gilded structures, including the highly-revered Wat Phra Kaew.

  After lunch at a local restaurant, jump aboard a traditional long-tailed boat sailing along Bangkok's crisscrossing canals, locally known as Klongs, for an up-close glimpse of local riverine life. The boat trip will be spiced up with a shore excursion to the Instagram-worthy Wat Arun, iconic for its imposing 82-meter-high Khmer-style tower. After crossing the river, you will drive to the bustling Chinatown and take a stroll along Yaowarat Road and Talat Kao Market in search of regional treats.

  The highlight of this holiday season is seeing the fireworks display during the New Year's countdown. We can arrange a place for you based on your preferences, such as a rooftop bar or a cruise ship, with dinner included. Furthermore, some shopping centers will feature celebration activities that you can attend on your own.

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  • Bangkok

• Day 3: Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Bangkok

  Today, embark on a journey back in time to discover Thailand's rich and compelling history at the Historic City of Ayutthaya – the second Siamese capital found in 1350. Once an important center of global diplomacy and commerce, now an archaeological ruin and a World Heritage Site, Ayutthaya is reasonably compact with most of the must-see sights contained within the west side of the moated island area, including the Wat Chaiwatthanaram, the Wat Ratchaburana, the Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and the most impressive Wat Mahathat which is famous for the face of a stone Buddha peeking out from the roots of a Banyan tree. Though destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th century, its remains, characterized by the prang (reliquary towers) and gigantic monasteries, still offer a fascinating glimpse into the city's past size and splendor of its heyday.

  En route to Ayutthaya, stop at the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, once used by the Thai kings as a summer retreat in the 17th century.

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  • Bangkok

• Day 4: Bangkok - Chiang Mai

  After breakfast, check out of your Bangkok hotel and take a morning flight to Chiang Mai. As you touch down, your private tour guide and driver will meet you and take you to the hotel for a well-earned rest.

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  • Chiang Mai

• Day 5: Lanna Family Cooking Class

  Today, join-in a small group and enjoy a unique, immersive culinary journey at a local Lanna family. Before cooking, the hospitable host will introduce the family's history and traditions to you and walk you through exploring his garden full of fresh vegetables and herbs. Afterward, follow an experienced chef to learn how to prepare popular Thai dishes using locally sourced ingredients. Finally, enjoy what you have cooked as lunch.

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  • Chiang Mai

• Day 6: Chiang Mai Heritage

  Chiang Mai is a great place to dig deeper and connect with the local culture. After breakfast, head to the riverfront Warorot Market (Kad Luang) to get a real shopping experience with the locals. Some unique celebrations, such as street performances and live music, might be happening here.

  Next, go to the eastern Thapae Gate and take a samlor (three-wheeled bike) or rickshaw to pass through the Old City and its narrow streets lined with historic buildings, beautiful temples, and old shops. At the nearby Wat Suan Dok Temple, sit down with a Buddhist monk to talk about his spiritual life, gaining a deeper understanding of Thailand's cultural beliefs.

  After lunch, drive up to the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, admire ornate statues, intricate carvings, and colorful murals, and learn about the white elephant legend from your knowledgeable guide. Before returning to your hotel, experience a private blessing ceremony to witness magical evening chanting by the monks.

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  • Chiang Mai

• Day 7: Chiang Mai - Phuket

  After metropolitan Bangkok and mountainous Chiang Mai, it's finally time to bliss out on the beach. Enjoy some leisure time this morning before taking a private transfer to the airport for your flight to the southern island paradise of Phuket.

  Be collected from the airport on arrival by your new guide and transferred to your lavish beachside resort. The rest of today is yours to relax in your surroundings.

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  • Phuket

• Day 8: Phuket, Leisure Day

  Today is truly yours to enjoy as you wish at the country's most famous beach destination. For relaxation, you might like to sunbathe on the white-sandy beach, cool down in the swimming pool, experience a traditional Thai massage for a full stretch of your body, and sample fresh-caught seafood with sunset views at a seaside restaurant.

  For tourists celebrating their holiday, the hotel may provide special cuisine. We will give you additional information and assist you in making a reservation based on your requirements.

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  • Phuket

• Day 9: Phuket, Leisure Day

  Full day at leisure. If you fancy getting more active, we suggest a day out to explore nearby areas of Phuket, such as Phi Phi Islands, Similan Islands, Phang Nga Bay, and Khao Sok National Park. Please ask your personal travel consultant for more details.

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  • Phuket

• Day 10: Phuket - Krabi

  After a leisurely breakfast, check out of your hotel and continue on the 3-hour road transfer to Krabi. Once arriving, settle into your preferred resort and enjoy the remainder of today at leisure.

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  • Krabi

• Day 11: Krabi, Leisure Day

  Have a free day to enjoy and explore the surroundings of Krabi.

  Through an island-hopping tour, you can discover fantastic seascapes, snorkel with colorful fishes, and enjoy a picnic lunch on a deserted beach. Optional excursions include Full Day Hong Islands by speed boat and Full Day 4 Islands by Longtail Boat. If land adventures are more your style, be sure to go rock climbing on the surrounding limestone cliffs or hike through mangrove forests.

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  • Krabi

• Day 12: Krabi, Departure

  Bid farewell to the Thai paradise today. After a final morning of relaxing at your hotel, you will be taken to the airport in time for your homebound flight.

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