Best of Thailand
- 2025/2026
- 2026/2027
Bustling Bangkok, historic Kanchanaburi & ancient Ayutthaya, then explore the wild north in Chiang Rai & the Buddhist temples of Chiang Mai; optional extensions to Phnom Penh & Angkor Wat and Phuket
| Style | Small Group Tour Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout | ||
| Departures | September 2026 – March 2027 | Group Size | 16 travelers max |
| Themes | History & Culture, Grand Tours | ||
| Activity Level | |||
| What to Expect | This moderately-paced, escorted Thailand tour includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness. Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols. | ||
| Already booked? | Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more. | ||
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Embark on a captivating journey through Thailand, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern life. Begin your adventure in Bangkok, a city of contrasts where bustling street markets and towering skyscrapers coexist with serene temples and quiet canals. From there, venture out to the lively Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, explore the poignant history surrounding the River Kwai, and wander the ruins of Ayutthaya, the ancient capital that whispers tales of a bygone era. Fly north to Chiang Rai, a gateway to remote hill tribe villages and breathtaking landscapes, before traveling onward to Chiang Mai, the “Rose of the North.” Here, explore centuries-old temples and mysterious ruins tucked away in lush surroundings. One of the journey’s most memorable highlights awaits just outside the city: a visit to Elephant Nature Park, a renowned sanctuary where you’ll learn about elephant rescue and rehabilitation while observing these gentle giants in a safe, ethical environment.
Along the way, you’ll meet warm-hearted locals, savor authentic flavors, and discover peaceful countrysides as well as energetic cities, each with its own unique rhythm and charm. This is more than a tour; it’s an invitation to experience the diverse beauty and timeless culture that make Thailand truly unforgettable.
For those wanting to extend the journey, a pre-tour option offers a chance to visit Phnom Penh and the legendary Angkor Wat in Cambodia, delving into the awe-inspiring temple complex before your Thailand adventure begins. After your time in Thailand, you can continue with a post-tour escape to the sun-soaked beaches of Phuket, perfect for relaxation and tropical indulgence.
Package includes
- Flights
- Coach
- Transfers
- Hotel
- Meals
- Guides
- Round-trip flights from Los Angeles including taxes & fees
- All intra-Thailand flights and ground transportation
- 9 nights at superior first-class & deluxe hotels
- 17 Meals: 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 3 dinners, including a farewell dinner
- Comprehensive touring program including entrance fees
- Professional English-speaking tour directors and local guides
Optional add-ons
- Flights from other select cities are available. Request pricing when making your reservation.
- Optional Excursions in Bangkok and Chiang Mai
- Optional Cambodia Pre-tour Extension
- Optional Phuket post-tour Extension
Why you'll love it
- For each traveler visiting, Friendly Planet contributes to a carbon-neutral program which supports reforestation, clean water, replenishing mangroves, and seeding coral reefs.
- Visit Bangkok’s must-see attractions, including the Royal Grand Palace, Emerald Buddha & Wat Pho.
- Discover the mouth-watering flavors and fragrant aromas of Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.
- Immerse yourself in Thailand's rich history with visits to the famous Bridge on the River Kwai, Hellfire Pass Museum, and Memorial Walking Trail.
- Explore the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya, once the capital city of King U-Thong’s Kingdom of Siam.
- Witness ancient traditions at the Santikhiri Kuo Min Tang village and "Hloyo Village," a small community of Akha hill tribes.
- Ascend the Golden Naga staircase to admire the golden pagodas of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
- Experience the Thai lifestyle in Chiang Mai by spending the day with a local family.
- Observe rescued elephants at Elephant Nature Park.
- Savor local cuisine and admire riverside views during a farewell dinner cruise with your fellow travelers.
Itinerary at a Glance
- 1 Depart USA
- 2 En route
- 3 Bangkok
- 4 Bangkok
- Optional Excursion: Evening Flavor of Nighttime Chinatown (purchased locally) , $79
- Optional Excursion: The Silk Route of Jim Thompson (purchased locally) , $57
- 5 Bangkok
- Optional Excursion: Bites & Sites in the "Village of Love" (purchased locally) , $126
- 6 Bangkok, Damnoen Saduak & Kanchanaburi
- 7 Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Bangkok & Chiang Rai
- 8 Chiang Rai
- 9 Chiang Rai & Chiang Mai
- 10 Chiang Mai
- Optional Excursion: Fah Lanna Spa (purchased locally) , $57
- 11 Chiang Mai
- Optional Excursion: Morning Yoga (purchased locally) , $34
- 12 Chiang Mai & Depart Bangkok/Arrive USA
Cambodia Pre-tour Extension
- 1 Depart USA
- 2 En Route
- 3 Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- 4 Phnom Penh & Siem Reap
- Optional Excursion: Cambodian Street Food Discovery (purchased locally) , $68
- 5 Angkor Explorations
- 6 Angkor Explorations
- Optional Excursion: Gondola Boat at Angkor Thom (purchased locally) , $26
- 7 Siem Reap/Bangkok, Thailand
Phuket Island Post-tour Extension
- 12 Chiang Mai & Phuket
- 13 Phuket
- Optional Excursion: Full-day Phi Phi Island by Speedboat with Lunch (purchased locally) , $139
- 14 Phuket
- Optional Excursion: Half-day Southern Community and Cultural Experience (purchased locally) , $134
- 15 Depart Phuket/Arrive USA
Videos
Dates & Prices
Detailed Itinerary
To see full details, click the button to the right.
Day 1 Depart USA
- Check-in for your overnight flight to Bangkok, Thailand via Taipei
Day 2 En route
- Cross the International Dateline and lose a day (which you will recover on the return leg of your trip)
Day 3 Bangkok
- Upon arrival in Bangkok, transfer to your hotel for check-in
- Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers
Grande Centre Point Surawong Bangkok or similarDinner
Day 4 Bangkok
- Visit the Flower Market and learn how to create your own Thai garland
- Tour the Royal Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha
- See the mysterious Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho
- Spend the balance of the afternoon at leisure or enjoy an optional excursion
Grande Centre Point Surawong Bangkok or similarBreakfast
Day 5 Bangkok
- Board a long-tail boat and cruise the peaceful Klong Bang Luang
- Visit the Royal Barge Museum to see the ceremonial barges of the Royal family
- Marvel at the Temple of Dawn, also known as Wat Arun
- Explore Poomjai Garden, a 100-year-old family estate now flourishing as an organic permaculture haven
- Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure or join an optional excursion
Grande Centre Point Surawong Bangkok or similarBreakfast
Day 6 Bangkok, Damnoen Saduak & Kanchanaburi
- Discover the colorful Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
- Continue to Kanchanaburi and visit the famous Bridge on the River Kwai and the World War II cemetery
- Visit the Hellfire Pass Museum and walk along the Memorial Walking Trail
U Inchantree Kanchanaburi or similarBreakfast & dinner
Day 7 Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Bangkok & Chiang Rai
- Depart Kanchanaburi and travel to the ancient city of Ayutthaya
- Discover the sculpture of a Buddha head woven in tree roots
- Visit Wat Yai Chaimongkol and see the statue of the Reclining Buddha
- After lunch, return to Bangkok for your flight to Chiang Rai
Imperial River House Resort & Spa or similarBreakfast & lunch
Day 8 Chiang Rai
- Witness ancient traditions at the Santikhiri Kuo Min Tang village
- Visit the “Hloyo Village”, a small community of Akha hill tribes
- Stop at the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos converge
- Embark on a long-tail boat ride and see the area from the majestic Mekong River's perspective
Imperial River House Resort & Spa or similarBreakfast & lunch
Day 9 Chiang Rai & Chiang Mai
- Depart from Chiang Rai and continue to Chiang Mai
- En route, visit Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple
- Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant en route to Chiang Mai
- In the evening, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
- Arrive in Chiang Mai late this evening
Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort or similarBreakfast & lunch
Day 10 Chiang Mai
- Spend the day with a local family and experience the Thai lifestyle
- Enjoy the evening at leisure
Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort or similarBreakfast & lunch
Day 11 Chiang Mai
- Join the locals during an optional early morning Almsgiving
- Observe elephants at Elephant Nature Park
- Spend the afternoon at leisure
- Enjoy a farewell dinner cruise with your fellow travelers
Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort or similarBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 12 Chiang Mai & Depart Bangkok/Arrive USA
- Bid farewell to Thailand as you transfer to the airport to board your flight to Bangkok, and then your return flight to the USA via Taipei
- Or, take advantage of your already-included international airfare and join our optional post-tour extension to Phuket Island!
Breakfast
Important Notes
- Due to high water levels during and closely following monsoon season (summer into early winter), select sites among the canals may have restricted access. If any sites are temporarily restricted, equally enjoyable visits will be substituted.
Cambodia Pre-tour Extension
Take advantage of your already-included international airfare by joining our pre-tour extension to Phnom Penh and Angkor Wat! Passengers taking the pre-tour extension will depart the U.S. 4 days before the departure dates shown and join the main tour on Day 3 of the itinerary above.
To see full details, click the button to the right.
Day 1 Depart USA
- Check-in for your overnight flight to Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Day 2 En Route
- Cross the International Dateline and lose a day (which you will recover on the return leg of your trip)
Day 3 Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, transfer to your hotel for check-in
- Wander through the grounds of the Royal Palace
Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra or similar
Day 4 Phnom Penh & Siem Reap
- Board your flight to Siem Reap
- Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check in
- Spend the evening at leisure or join an optional excursion
Borei Angkor Resort & Spa or similarBreakfast
Day 5 Angkor Explorations
- Explore Banteay Srey, known as the "Citadel of Women," Cambodia’s best-preserved temple famed for its intricate pink sandstone carvings and craftsmanship.
- Learn about mine awareness at the Landmine Museum
- Discover the famous Angkor Wat archaeological site
- Visit Satcha, a place where Cambodian artisans preserve traditional crafts and grow as independent artists in a community-driven environment
- Spend the evening at leisure
Borei Angkor Resort & Spa or similarBreakfast
Day 6 Angkor Explorations
- Tour the Roluos Group: Preah Ko, Bakong, and Lolei temples
- Explore the temples of the Small Circuit
- Tour the royal walled city of Angkor Thom
- Visit the Bayon Temple in the exact center of the city
- Enjoy dinner at a local NGO-run restaurant
Borei Angkor Resort & Spa or similarBreakfast & dinner
Day 7 Siem Reap/Bangkok, Thailand
- Transfer to the airport for the short flight to Bangkok
Breakfast
Phuket Island Post-tour Extension
Take advantage of your already-included international airfare and enjoy a luxurious and relaxing stay on Phuket Island, Thailand's most famous resort. Passengers taking the post-tour extension will return to the USA 3 days after the return dates listed.
To see full details, click the button to the right.
Day 12 Chiang Mai & Phuket
- Fly to Phuket and transfer to your hotel upon arrival
- Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure
Amari Phuket or similarBreakfast
Day 13 Phuket
- Enjoy a full day at leisure or join an optional excursion
Amari Phuket or similarBreakfast
Day 14 Phuket
- Enjoy a full day at leisure on the island or join an optional excursion
Amari Phuket or similarBreakfast
Day 15 Depart Phuket/Arrive USA
- Transfer to the airport for the short flight to Bangkok, then continue to the USA via Taipei
- Passengers returning to JFK must leave Phuket early in the morning before breakfast is served at the hotel
Breakfast
Hotels
In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.
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Trip Details
- What should I know before I go?We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
- Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements?Travel visas are required for this package. Please review the visa & entry requirements.
- Can I make changes to my trip?Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
- Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions?To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
- Should I purchase travel insurance?Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
- What's the fine print?Review the terms & conditions for this package.
What should I know about Cambodia?Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
What should I know about Thailand?Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
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