Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi & Phuket – 10 Days Across Thailand

After breakfast you set off on a city tour of Bangkok's top sights. The Golden Buddha at Wat Traimit is five and a half tonnes of solid gold, hidden under plaster for centuries until it was found by chance. Wat Phruettharam is a quieter temple nearby, and the Gems Gallery shows how Thai jewellery is made and sold.

Later you head up to the Mahanakhon SkyWalk at the top of King Power Mahanakhon Tower, Thailand's highest observation deck, with a 360-degree view of the city. Brave the Glass Tray, a transparent floor on the 78th floor that lets you look straight down at the streets below, and walk out on the indoor and outdoor decks. The tour runs about five hours, with entrance tickets covered.

At a glance: Time needed: ~5 hrs tour · Travel: Short city drives · Pace: Moderate

Schedule

• Morning (around 9:00 AM): Breakfast and hotel pick-up. Golden Buddha at Wat Traimit, about 45 min.

• Late morning: Wat Phruettharam, about 30–45 min, and the Gems Gallery, about 45 min.

• Noon: Lunch on your own.

• Afternoon: Mahanakhon SkyWalk, about 1–1.5 hrs: Glass Tray (Sky Glass Walk) on the 78th floor and the indoor and outdoor observation decks.

• Evening / Night: Drop at your hotel. Free for dinner on your own.

Travel for the day

• City tour by comfortable transport with pick-up and drop-off from your hotel.

• Expect slow traffic in the city centre; drives between stops take 20–40 min.

Tips & what to carry

• Temple dress code: shoulders and knees covered, for men and women; shoes off inside the halls.

• At the Glass Tray you wear fabric shoe covers provided at the deck; bags are not allowed on the glass.

• Visit the SkyWalk close to sunset if the tour timing allows; the views are best in the golden hour.

• There is no obligation to buy at the Gems Gallery.

Included today

• Tour Duration: 5 Hour Tour with Entrance Ticket Covered

• Entry fees to attractions

• Pick-up & drop-off from your hotel

• Comfortable transportation

Overnight: Bangkok

After breakfast you check out and are transferred to the airport in a private vehicle for your flight to Chiang Mai, a little over an hour. On arrival you are met and taken to your hotel to check in.

The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city on your own. Chiang Mai's old city sits inside a square moat, and its lanes are full of temples, cafés and craft shops. In the evening the Night Bazaar is a good place to start, or catch the Sunday or Saturday Walking Street if your dates fall right.

At a glance: Time needed: Free afternoon · Travel: ~1.25 hr flight, plus airport transfers · Pace: Easy

Schedule

• Morning: Breakfast and check out. Private transfer to Bangkok Airport, about 1 hr.

• Noon: Flight to Chiang Mai, about 1.25 hrs.

• Afternoon: Transfer to your Chiang Mai hotel, about 30 min, and check in.

• Evening / Night: Free to explore the old city or the Night Bazaar; dinner on your own.

Travel for the day

• Bangkok hotel → airport ~1 hr; Bangkok → Chiang Mai ~1.25 hrs by flight.

• Chiang Mai Airport → hotel ~30 min. Airport transfers included.

Tips & what to carry

• Domestic flights often have a smaller checked baggage allowance; check yours.

• Carry a light jacket from November to February; evenings in the north are cool.

• Songthaews (red trucks) and Grab are the easiest way to get around the city.

Included today

• Airport transfers included

Overnight: Chiang Mai

A full-day nature trip to Doi Inthanon National Park, home to the highest peak in Thailand at about 2,565 metres. The drive climbs through forest to the waterfalls first: Wachirathan, which thunders down a wide rock face, and Sirithan, quieter and set in thick green. Higher up, the Twin Pagodas built for the King and Queen sit among flower gardens, with views over the hills when the mist lifts.

There is a short nature trail through the cloud forest near the summit, with mossy trees and birdlife, and a visit to a Karen hill tribe village to see local farming and weaving. An English-speaking guide is with you through the day, with round-trip transfers from Chiang Mai, and lunch is included.

At a glance: Time needed: ~8 hrs tour · Travel: ~1.5–2 hrs each way by road · Pace: Full

Schedule

• Morning (around 7:30–8:00 AM): Breakfast and pickup. Drive to Doi Inthanon, about 1.5–2 hrs.

• Late morning: Wachirathan and Sirithan waterfalls, about 1 hr together; summit area, about 30 min.

• Noon: Lunch, included.

• Afternoon: Twin Pagodas with scenic viewpoints, about 1 hr; nature trail walk, about 45 min; Karen hill tribe village, about 45 min.

• Evening: Drive back to Chiang Mai, arriving around 6:00 PM. Dinner on your own.

Travel for the day

• Round-trip transfers from Chiang Mai, about 1.5–2 hrs each way.

• Short drives between stops inside the park.

Tips & what to carry

• National park entrance fees are to be paid to the guide; carry cash in baht.

• The summit is much colder than Chiang Mai, often under 10°C in winter mornings; carry a warm layer.

• Waterfall paths are wet and slippery; wear shoes with grip.

• The Twin Pagodas have steps or an escalator up; cover shoulders and knees.

Included today

• Round-trip transfers from Chiang Mai

• Visit to Doi Inthanon – Thailand’s highest peak

• Entry to waterfalls like Wachirathan & Sirithan

• Twin Pagodas visit with scenic viewpoints

• Nature trail walk experience

• Visit to Karen hill tribe village

• English-speaking guide

Overnight: Chiang Mai

After breakfast you check out and are transferred to Chiang Mai Airport for your flight to Krabi. On arrival your driver takes you to your hotel, and the rest of the day is yours to rest.

Krabi feels very different from the north: tall limestone cliffs rise out of the sea and the jungle, and Ao Nang's beach promenade comes alive at sunset with longtail boats pulling in and restaurants filling up.

At a glance: Time needed: Free afternoon · Travel: Flight day, plus airport transfers · Pace: Easy

Schedule

• Morning: Breakfast and check out. Private transfer to Chiang Mai Airport, about 30 min.

• Noon / Afternoon: Flight to Krabi (direct or via Bangkok, depending on schedules).

• Late afternoon: Private transfer from Krabi Airport to your hotel, about 1 hr. Check in.

• Evening / Night: At leisure. Sunset on Ao Nang beach and dinner on your own.

Travel for the day

• Chiang Mai hotel → airport ~30 min; flight to Krabi.

• Krabi Airport → hotel ~1 hr. Airport Transfers are in Private.

Tips & what to carry

• Pack a separate beach bag tonight for tomorrow's island tour.

• Ao Nang has plenty of Indian and vegetarian restaurants.

• Check the baggage allowance on each domestic flight sector.

Included today

• Airport Transfers are in Private

Overnight: Krabi

After breakfast you set off on Krabi's classic island day, a tour of four iconic islands by traditional longtail boat in less than seven hours. Ko Kai, or Chicken Island, gets its name from the rock that looks like a chicken's head, and the water around it is good for snorkelling.

The other stops usually include Poda Island, with its long white beach and a single limestone stack offshore, Tup Island, where a sandbar joins two small islands at low tide, and Phra Nang Cave Beach under the cliffs. Lunch is included today, and you return to your hotel in the afternoon for a peaceful evening.

At a glance: Time needed: ~7 hrs tour · Travel: Short longtail rides between islands · Pace: Moderate

Schedule

• Morning (around 8:00 AM): Breakfast and shared pickup to the boat.

• Late morning: Chicken Island (Ko Kai) with a snorkelling stop, then Tup Island and its sandbar, about 1 hr.

• Noon: Lunch, included, usually on Poda Island, with beach time.

• Afternoon: Phra Nang Cave Beach, about 1 hr, then return to your hotel.

• Evening / Night: Free. Dinner on your own.

Travel for the day

• Hotel ↔ pier by shared transfer.

• Longtail boat between the islands, about 15–20 min between stops.

Tips & what to carry

• The island fee is excluded and paid on site, in cash.

• Longtail boats are open to sun and spray; carry a cap, sunglasses and a dry bag.

• Walking out to Tup Island depends on the tide; the crew will tell you when.

• Water shoes help on the rocky landings.

Included today

• Longtail Boat (Ex. Island Fee)

• Transfers in Shared Basis

Overnight: Krabi

Today you travel from Krabi to Phuket, with two of Krabi's inland sights on the way. The Emerald Pool, in the Thung Teao forest, is a clear, spring-fed pool reached along a boardwalk and rainforest trail, and a cool, refreshing dip in the early morning before the crowds arrive.

Next is the Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea), known for its spiritual significance and its climb of around 1,260 steps to a golden Buddha and panoramic views over Krabi's karst hills. The cave shrines at the base are an easy alternative to the climb. Then you continue to Phuket, about three hours, and in the evening explore local markets, cafés and nightlife at your own pace.

At a glance: Time needed: ~4 hrs sightseeing · Travel: ~4 hrs driving in total · Pace: Full

Schedule

• Morning (around 8:00 AM): Breakfast and check out. Drive to the Emerald Pool, about 1 hr; allow 1.5 hrs for the trail and a swim.

• Late morning: Tiger Cave Temple, about 1.5–2 hrs if you climb, less if you stay at the base.

• Noon: Lunch on your own on the way.

• Afternoon: Transfer to Phuket, about 3 hrs, and check in.

• Evening / Night: Free to explore Phuket's markets, cafés and nightlife; dinner on your own.

Travel for the day

• Krabi hotel → Emerald Pool ~1 hr; Emerald Pool → Tiger Cave Temple ~1 hr.

• Krabi → Phuket ~3 hrs by Krabi - Phuket InterCity Transfer.

Tips & what to carry

• Wear swimwear under your clothes and carry a towel and slippers for the Emerald Pool.

• Start the Tiger Cave climb before midday heat, carry water, and keep bags closed; monkeys grab food.

• Cover shoulders and knees at the temple.

• Pack wet clothes in a separate bag for the long drive.

Included today

• Emerald Pool & Tiger Cave Tour with Tickets

• Room Type: Superior Balcony with Bathtub

Overnight: Phuket

Hotel pick-up is at 7:45 AM for a full day in Phang Nga Bay, where hundreds of limestone islands rise out of calm, emerald water. You cruise on a comfortable big boat and switch to canoes at Hong Island, where your paddler takes you through sea caves into hidden lagoons fringed by mangroves.

At Koh Panak you see more of the bay's strange rock formations and caves, and then step onto James Bond Island (Koh Tapu), famous from The Man with the Golden Gun, with its thin rock pillar standing in the sea. Lunch, soft drinks and refreshments are served on board, with an English-speaking guide through the day.

At a glance: Time needed: ~8 hrs tour · Travel: ~1 hr each way by road, plus the boat · Pace: Moderate

Schedule

• Morning (7:45 AM): Hotel pick-up and transfer to the pier, about 1 hr. Board the big boat for Phang Nga Bay.

• Late morning: Hong Island canoeing through caves and lagoons, about 1 hr.

• Noon: Lunch on board, included.

• Afternoon: Koh Panak sea caves and lagoons, about 45 min; James Bond Island (Koh Tapu), about 45 min.

• Late afternoon: Cruise back to the pier and transfer to your hotel. Dinner on your own.

Travel for the day

• Round-trip hotel transfers (selected areas), about 1 hr each way.

• Big boat, with canoe or longtail transfers at the islands.

Tips & what to carry

• National park entrance fees are to be paid to the guide; carry cash.

• Wear clothes that can get wet for canoeing, and lie back when the paddler tells you in low caves.

• James Bond Island is crowded around midday; be patient for a clear photo.

• Carry sunscreen, a cap and a dry bag.

Included today

• Round-trip hotel transfers (selected areas)

• Big boat / speedboat / longtail boat experience

• Visit to James Bond Island (Koh Tapu)

• Canoeing / kayaking at Hong Island & caves

• Visit to Koh Panak / sea caves & lagoons

• Lunch, soft drinks & refreshments

• English-speaking guide

• Life jacket & basic insurance

Overnight: Phuket

A slightly later start today, with hotel pick-up at 8:45 AM for a full-day speedboat trip. The route covers the Phi Phi Islands, with Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon and Viking Cave set among sheer limestone cliffs, and Monkey Beach, where macaques gather along the shore.

There is snorkelling over coral reefs, with equipment and life jackets provided, and time on the white sand of the Khai Islands on the way back. A buffet lunch and refreshments are included, with an English-speaking guide, and you are dropped back at the hotel in the evening.

At a glance: Time needed: ~8 hrs tour · Travel: Speedboat between islands · Pace: Full

Schedule

• Morning (8:45 AM): Hotel pick-up and transfer to the pier. Speedboat to the Phi Phi Islands, about 1 hr.

• Late morning: Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon and Viking Cave; time at each stop is set by the crew.

• Noon: Buffet lunch, included.

• Afternoon: Monkey Beach and a snorkelling stop, then the Khai Islands for beach time, about 1 hr.

• Evening: Return to your hotel. Dinner on your own.

Travel for the day

• Round-trip hotel transfers.

• Speedboat island hopping, about 1 hr each way to Phi Phi.

Tips & what to carry

• National park entrance fees are to be paid to the guide; carry cash.

• At Monkey Beach do not feed the monkeys and keep bags out of reach.

• Take a seasickness tablet before boarding if you need one.

• Maya Bay closes for a few weeks each year (usually around August and September).

Included today

• Round-trip hotel transfers

• Speedboat island hopping experience

• Visit to Phi Phi Islands & Khai Islands

• Stops at Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave & Monkey Beach

• Snorkeling equipment & life jackets

• Buffet lunch & refreshments

• English-speaking guide

Overnight: Phuket

After breakfast you check out of your hotel and proceed for your private departure transfer to Phuket Airport, for your flight home or onward journey.

If your flight is later in the day, take one more swim or a walk along the beach before you leave.

At a glance: Time needed: Free time, flight permitting · Travel: ~1 hr airport transfer · Pace: Easy

Schedule

• Morning: Breakfast at the hotel. Free for the pool or the beach.

• Noon: Check out (usually by 12:00 noon).

• Departure: Private transfer to Phuket Airport, about 1 hr, reaching at least 3 hrs before an international flight.

Travel for the day

• Phuket hotel → Phuket Airport ~1 hr by private transfer.

Tips & what to carry

• Keep your passport and flight details in your day bag.

• Phuket's airport road can be slow in the afternoon; leave a margin.

• Spend or change your remaining baht before security.

Included today

• Airport transfers are in Private