Tour of Central, Northern Thailand and Phuket

This tour of Thailand connects bustling cities, spiritual temples and unspoiled nature with authentic experiences that linger. You start in vibrant Bangkok, where golden Buddha statues and colorful markets define your first impressions. Along the Chao Phraya you cruise toward Ayutthaya, once the heart of a powerful kingdom, now a place of serene ruins and local rituals. In the north, you'll meet the inhabitants of the Golden Triangle - not just the people, but the elephants who are surrounded with care here. You conclude in the tropical south, where the days pass slowly between sea, jungle and colorful streets full of smells and tastes. A trip for those who like to look deeper than the surface, and open themselves to the real Thailand.

Important information:

An international passport is required, valid for at least 6 months after the return trip, with at least 2 blank pages.
As of May 1, 2025, it is mandatory for all foreign travelers, including Belgians, to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) prior to arrival in Thailand. The TDAC must be submitted within 3 days prior to arrival in Thailand.
No special vaccinations are required, but are recommended. When traveling to Thailand, we recommend vaccination against Hepatitis A, DTP and typhoid fever. The malaria risk is low, but we recommend using mosquito repellent outside major cities from dusk to dawn. We do recommend seeking advice from your family doctor or the Tropical Institute

Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok

After your landing at Suvarnabhumi, you will be met by your guide. After a brief introduction, you depart on an orientation drive. There you will catch your first glimpse of this bustling metropolis: golden temple roofs glisten in the sun, colorful tuktuks zigzag between traffic and on the Chao Phraya, boats full of vegetables, flowers sail by. After your first impressions, check into your hotel, a stylish Caractère address where you can completely unwind. The rest of the day is up to you: relax by the pool, enjoy a Thai massage or head out for a first evening stroll along the atmospheric streets and food stalls.

Day 2: Bangkok

Today you'll dive deeper into Bangkok. Your guide will take you to three of the city's most iconic temples, each with its own story. You start at Wat Traimit, where you come face-to-face with an impressive Buddha statue of five tons of solid gold - hidden for centuries under a layer of plaster and only accidentally rediscovered in the 1950s. Then you hike on to Wat Pho, famous for its reclining Buddha measuring a whopping 46 meters long. At the Grand Palace, you'll walk through gold-leafed halls and elegant courtyards. The rest of the day you choose your own activities.

Day 3: Cruise Ayutthaya

You embark on a comfortable boat and sail north on the Chao Phraya. Along its banks, traditional stilt houses and colorful temples glide by. After lunch, the boat docks at Koh Kret, a peaceful island known for its ancient Mon culture and refined pottery. You will visit a local workshop, where potters still work as their ancestors did. During a workshop, given by locals, you will have the chance to make your own pottery creation. You will end the day with a visit to the Gothic temple Wat Niwet Worawihan and dinner on board.

Day 4: Cruise Ayutthaya

Start your morning with a walk through Bang Pa-In Palace, a sprawling estate with ornate gardens, ponds and pavilions. You'll see a mix of Thai, Chinese and European architectural styles - from a classic Italian-looking residence to a Chinese tea house full of red-lacquered pillars. After lunch, board a traditional longtail boat and cruise along the canals of Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the Siamese Empire. You'll stop at Wat Phanan Choeng temple. You finish the day with a Thai dessert workshop, where you prepare your own simple, traditional sweets and a leisurely walk through Ayutthaya's historic park.

Day 5: Ayutthaya - Bangkok

You begin the morning with a quiet meditation on deck. After this short relaxing activity, you set foot at Wat Bot, where you join the local community in an almsgiving ceremony. You donate rice to the monks, bread to the fish - a small, symbolic ritual that revolves around giving and good karma. After this understated experience, you sail back to Bangkok, where you get one last taste of the vibrant city life during your last evening in the Thai capital.

Day 6: Chiang Saen - Golden Triangle

After breakfast you fly to Chiang Rai, where your guide takes you to a quiet elephant camp in the Golden Triangle. In the afternoon you will meet the elephants who live here in peace and quiet, away from big tourism. You'll learn about their habits and care and experience a subdued, respectful encounter.

Day 7: Chiang Saen - Golden Triangle

Today you set your own pace. Trek out to the tri-border point, attend a cooking workshop with local ingredients, or unwind during yoga or pilates in nature. You will stay in a luxurious resort surrounded by greenery.

Day 8: Chiang Rai

After a relaxing morning, your driver will take you to Chiang Rai. You'll stay at a stylish Caractère hotel overlooking the water. Explore the town, stroll along the river or take a seat on a terrace. The rest of the day is all about your pace.

Day 9: Chiang Rai

Today you explore the icons of Chiang Rai. You begin with the enchanting Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple, which welcomes you with its pure white and extraordinary architecture. Then you'll explore the soothing Blue Temple, a serene place in intense shades of blue. Your last stop is the Baan Dam, also called the Black House, a special place that uniquely combines art and nature. In the afternoon, it's time for an iconic Rickshaw ride, ideal for charmingly exploring downtown Chiang Rai. You admire the clock tower, the monument of the Lanna king and the lively fresh market. Finish with a visit to Wat Phra Kaew, the former home of the famous Emerald Buddha.

Day 10: Chiang Mai

After breakfast, your driver will pick you up for the drive to Chiang Mai. Once you arrive, you immediately set out to explore. You begin with a visit to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a temple that towers over the city on a wooded hill. After the visit you continue on to other temples in the center.

Day 11: Chiang Mai

Today an adventurous day is scheduled. You will drive by 4x4 all-terrain vehicle into the mountains, on your way to Doi Pu Muen. Here you will meet the Lahu mountain tribe and their traditional way of life. Take time to attend a cooking workshop with the locals and learn the secrets of Thai cuisine. Afterwards, briefly visit a tea forest and, depending on time, stop at the enchanting Pu Muen waterfall for a refreshing swim.

Day 12: Doi Inthanon National Park

After a leisurely morning, you head out into nature to Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand's highest point. You start with a refreshing hike along the Ang Ka Nature Trail. While hiking, you'll discover the impressive chedis, erected in honor of the 60th birthdays of King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit. End your adventure with a visit to the breathtaking Mae-Ya Waterfall, Thailand's most beautiful waterfall.

Day 13: Phuket

After a leisurely breakfast, you are ready for your departure to Phuket. Your driver will take you to the airport and upon arrival in Kamala you will be welcomed by the tranquility and nature of the rainforest. Here you will spend the next three nights in a luxury resort, the perfect place to completely unwind and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Day 14: Phuket

Today a culinary exploration of Old Town is scheduled. During this tour, you will discover local markets and taste delicious traditional delicacies. In the afternoon, dive deeper into Phuket's history with a visit to the Thai Hua Museum, one of the island's most beautiful and best-preserved historic buildings.

Day 15 - 16: Phuket

Your final days in Phuket are spent entirely as you see fit. Explore the nearby beaches around your resort or opt for a private boat ride or helicopter flight over the enchanting Phang Nga Bay. Prefer something more active? Then you can go on a snorkeling expedition along colorful coral reefs or join a cooking workshop to master Thai flavors for yourself. These final days are the perfect end to your trip.

Day 17: Return home

After breakfast, you will be picked up for transfer to Phuket airport. Time to say goodbye to Thailand, with a suitcase full of memories.

What is the guide price for this trip?

Dream trip in sight? For this unique experience, you may assume a price from 10,000 euros per person, including flights. Exact costs vary based on your preferences and the period in which you travel.