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Splendors of Thailand – Koh Lanta Extension

Thailand
16 days
Classic
Beach Extension

Overview

Here is a diverse itinerary designed to appeal to everyone!

Over 16 days, you will discover the highlights: Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai… and finish with a beach stay on the famous island of Koh Lanta. The program strikes a perfect balance between cultural and historical visits, exploring local markets and authentic sites around Chiang Mai, while ending with a relaxing beach retreat.

For most of the itinerary, a French-speaking guide and private transport are included, with the exception of the island stay.

Practical Information

Duration
16 days
Start / End
Bangkok
Guide Language
English
Regions Visited
Northern – Central – Southern Thailand
Best Time To Go
november to march
Ideal For
Couples / Friends / Families / Seniors
Difficulty Level
Easy
Accommodation
Hotels

Photo Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Bangkok

Upon arrival at Bangkok airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Check-in and enjoy some free time to relax. Overnight in Bangkok.

Included for the day: Private transfer, overnight at the hotel.

Day 2
Bangkok Visit (B)

After breakfast, we visit the Grand Royal Palace, dedicated to the ceremonial events of the Thai royal family. Within the same complex is the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew, known for the Emerald Buddha statue. After exploring this complex, we continue to Wat Pho, a giant hall housing the Reclining Buddha.

Next, enjoy a stroll through Chinatown, considered the liveliest district in Bangkok, famous for its diverse regional specialties prepared with the freshest ingredients of the day. We then visit Wat Traimit, known as the Golden Buddha. Afterwards, embark on a long-tail boat for a cruise along the Chao Phraya River and its bustling inner canals, offering fantastic views of local life. Along the way, we stop at Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. Return to the hotel for free time to relax.

Included for the day: Private transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance tickets, breakfast at the hotel, overnight at the hotel.

Day 3
Bangkok – Damnoen Sudak floating market – Kanchanaburi (B)

Early in the morning at 7:00, we drive southwest of Bangkok to visit the Maeklong Market, which is unique for being located on a railway track. You will have the opportunity to enjoy a local snack at the market before heading to Damnoen Saduak, a rural floating market. Stop for a long-tail boat ride along the waterways at the picturesque Damnoen Saduak floating market.

Next, we continue the journey to the city of Kanchanaburi. Upon arrival, visit the World War II memorial, including the JEATH War Museum. Lunch will be served at a local floating restaurant near the River Kwai Bridge (free choice). Visit the Kwai Bridge, followed by a short train ride on the “Death Railway,” which runs along the Kwai River. Free dinner and overnight at the hotel in Kanchanaburi.

Included for the day: Private transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance tickets, breakfast, overnight at the hotel.

Day 4
Kanchanaburi – Erawan Park - Ayutthaya (B)

Breakfast and departure for Erawan Waterfall, located in the national park of the same name. You will explore on foot this beautiful seven-tiered waterfall (it is recommended to bring good walking shoes). Don’t forget your swimsuit if you wish to swim in the natural pools. In the afternoon, after lunch, continue the journey to Ayutthaya. The ancient city of Ayutthaya is known as the “Venice of the East” because it is situated along the Chao Phraya River and its tributaries. Many monuments and historical ruins can be visited in this city, founded in 1350 by King Uthong when the Thai people had to migrate south under pressure from northern neighbors. Dinner on your own and overnight in Ayutthaya.

Included for the day: Breakfast, English-speaking guide, entrance tickets, private transportation, overnight at the hotel.

Day 5
Ayutthaya – Sukhothai (B)

Breakfast and departure for Erawan Waterfall, located in the national park of the same name. You will explore this beautiful seven-tiered waterfall on foot (sturdy walking shoes are recommended). Don’t forget your swimsuit if you wish to swim in the natural pools. In the afternoon, after lunch, continue your journey to Ayutthaya. The ancient city of Ayutthaya, founded in 1350 by King Uthong, is known as the “Venice of the East” because it lies along the Chao Phraya River and its tributaries. Numerous monuments and historical ruins can be visited throughout the city. Dinner is on your own, followed by an overnight stay in Ayutthaya.

Included: Breakfast, English-speaking guide, entrance fees, private transportation, overnight at the hotel.

Day 6
Sukhothai - Lampang (B)

After breakfast, you will be welcomed and transferred to the bicycle parking area, where you will pick up your bike to explore the Sukhothai Historical Park. The park contains nearly 200 remarkably preserved chedis. First, you will visit the Ajana Buddha image and learn the legend of the Buddha at Wat Srichum. Next, you will cycle to Wat Prapailuang, which was the community center at the beginning of the Sukhothai Kingdom. The following temples on the route are Wat Sri Sawai, Wat Sra Sri, and Wat Trapang Ngoen. Lunch is on your own, and in the afternoon, you will be transferred to Lampang. Arrival in Lampang, followed by free time and overnight stay.

Included: Private transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance tickets, overnight at the hotel.

Day 7
Lampang – Chiang Rai (B)

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After breakfast, we will visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, one of the finest examples of Lanna-style architecture in Thailand. Its viharns, open on all sides, are typical of the Lanna style. While some temples have been restored using modern materials and construction techniques, Wat Phra That Lampang Luang has been preserved in its original state. The temple was built in the 13th century. Its name translates to “Temple of the Great Relic of the Buddha of Lampang.” The architecture is a mix of Lanna and Thai Lü styles.

Afterwards, we will take a 30-minute carriage ride through the town and surrounding villages. Lunch is on your own at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we continue to Chiang Rai, with a stop at Phayao Lake along the way to enjoy a coffee and take in the view of the lake. Arrival in Chiang Rai at the end of the day. Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Included for the day: Private transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance tickets, overnight at the hotel.

Day 8
Chiang Rai (B)

After breakfast, we will visit the local market to discover local products. Next, we visit the famous Wat Phra Kaew, where the Emerald Buddha was once enshrined. Then, we continue to Wat Phra Sing, where one of Thailand’s most beautiful Buddha images is now enshrined.

Next, visit the astonishing Wat Rongkhun (White Temple). This temple, a masterpiece of Thai architecture, was founded in 2000 by the renowned Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. It is made of white concrete and thousands of small mirrors.

Lunch is on your own. In the afternoon, we will take a cruise along the Mae Kok River from Chiang Rai to a Karen village, where you can observe elephants and even feed them. Return to Chiang Rai for the night.

Included for the day: Private transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance tickets, overnight at the hotel.

Day 9
Chiang Rai – Golden Triangle - Chiang Mai (B)

After breakfast, take a tour to visit Chiang Saen, the ancient city located on the banks of the Mekong River. Then, visit the Opium Museum, where you can learn about the history of opium in Thailand.

Lunch is on your own at a local restaurant in the Golden Triangle. In the afternoon, take a boat excursion along the Mekong River to see where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet at the Golden Triangle.

In the afternoon, transfer directly to Chiang Mai. Arrival at the hotel and overnight in Chiang Mai.

Included for the day: Private transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance tickets, overnight at the hotel.

Day 10
Chiang Mai (B)

The morning will be mainly dedicated to a walking tour of the old city, with stops at the old city wall, moat, and a gate. You will see the most beautiful temples of Chiang Mai: Wat Prah Singh, Wat Phan Tao, and Wat Chedi Luang.

Next, stroll along small streets lined with traditional houses, where you will take a rickshaw ride. Then, walk through the central Warorot Market before visiting Doi Suthep Hill and the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s most iconic pagoda. Access is via a staircase of 290 steps, whose railings represent two gigantic nagas. From the terrace, you can admire the panoramic view of the entire Chiang Mai valley.

In the evening, explore the night market at your leisure. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Included for the day: Private transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance tickets, overnight at the hotel.

Day 11
Chiang Mai – Doi Inthanon – Chiang Mai (B)

In the morning, we will take about 2 hours to reach the highest peak of Thailand – Doi Inthanon National Park. Upon arrival, we will enjoy 2–3 hours of trekking through the jungle along a narrow mountain trail that leads to a magnificent hidden waterfall in the lush jungle.

Along the way, before reaching the Pagagayaw Karen hill tribe village, we will pass through agricultural lands where you can see coffee plantations, flower farms, and beautiful terraced rice fields. Discover the Pagagayaw Karen village and taste a locally grown cup of coffee. Then head to the Vachiratharn Waterfall, a 70-meter-high cascading waterfall. Enjoy the fresh air at the waterfall before continuing down.

Next, explore the beautiful architecture of Nopamaytanidol Chedi and Phra Mahatat Nopaphon Bhumisiri, built to honor the 60th anniversary of King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit. Afterwards, return to Chiang Mai.

Included for the day: Private transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance tickets, overnight at the hotel.

Day 12
Chiang Mai – Elephant Jungle Sanctuary (B, L) – Shared Transfer

  • 08:00 – 08:30: Pickup from your hotel or accommodation.
    08:30: Drive about 1.5 hours south of Chiang Mai through hills, forests, and local agricultural areas.
    10:30: Arrival at the sanctuary. Meet your guide and walk 10–15 minutes through the jungle to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. Put on traditional Karen clothing and enjoy an introductory lesson on elephant anatomy, history, and behavior.
    11:00: Meet the elephants. Feed, interact, and play with them in their natural environment while learning about their behavior and history. Take photos with the elephants.
    12:00: Enjoy a Thai-style lunch with fresh fruits.
    13:00: Learn to make herbal balls, feed the elephants, and walk with them to the river. Bathe and brush the elephants.
    14:00: Join the elephants for a therapeutic mud spa. Swim in the river and take photos with the elephants.
    15:00: Change clothes and say goodbye to the elephants.
    15:30: Leave the sanctuary and drive about 1.5 hours back to Chiang Mai.
    17:00 – 17:30: Return to your hotel or accommodation.

    Dinner on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

    Included for the day: Private transport, English-speaking guide, entrance tickets, overnight at the hotel.

Day 13
Chiang Mai - Flight to Krabi - Koh Lanta island (B) No guide in Krabi/Koh Lanta

Morning free until transfer to the airport for your flight to Krabi. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to Koh Lanta. Check in at the hotel. Free time to relax and enjoy the island. Ko Lanta is one of Thailand’s most beautiful islands, located just off the coast of Krabi. Its long coastline features nearly a dozen beaches, some considered among the best in the country, each with its own charm and atmosphere.

Included for the day: Breakfast, transfers, overnight at the hotel.

Day 14
Koh Lanta free day (B) without a guide or driver

Full day free at Koh Lanta to enjoy the island and participate in activities around it.

Optional Excursion: Phi Phi Island Day Trip by speedboat (Lunch included) – Shared tour – English-speaking guide.
Price: USD 72/adult; USD 62/child
Duration: 08:30 – 15:00

Itinerary:

  • 08:00–08:30: Pick-up from your hotel. Board a speedboat to Phi Phi Leh and visit Viking Cave and the lagoon of Phi Phi Leh, one of the most beautiful lagoons.
  • Stop at Loh Sa Ma Bay for swimming and snorkeling.
  • Continue to Maya Bay, famous for the movie The Beach (2000).
  • Visit Monkey Bay, greeted by many small monkeys.
  • Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch and relax at the restaurant on Phi Phi Island.
  • Afternoon snorkeling at Hin Klang to explore colorful coral gardens and exotic fish.
  • Stop at Bamboo Island for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation.
  • Return to the pier and transfer back to your hotel.

Notes: Program may change depending on tides or weather conditions.
What to bring: Sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, hat, towels, swimsuit, fins; in low season, a raincoat is recommended.

Price includes: Hotel transfers, entrance fees, accident insurance, mask and snorkel, life jacket, first aid kit, water and soft drinks, fruits, lunch (halal or vegetarian options available upon request), and English-speaking guide.

Meals are on your own and overnight at Koh Lanta.

Day 15
Koh Lanta free day (B) without a guide or driver

Full day free. Overnight on Koh Lanta Island.

Included for the day: Breakfast, overnight at the hotel.

Day 16
Koh Lanta – Krabi – Flight to Bangkok – Departure (B) no guide

Morning at leisure until transfer to Krabi Airport for your flight to Bangkok, followed by your return flight. End of services.

Included for the day: Breakfast, transfers.

FAQ

All our tours are private. You will travel with your own vehicle, driver, and guide, ensuring maximum comfort and flexibility throughout your journey.

Private tours for solo travelers are significantly more expensive, and most guides are unwilling to lead one-person tours. Therefore, this itinerary is available starting from 2 travelers.

If you’re traveling alone, we can offer day trips or short excursions instead.

No, our tours begin upon your arrival in Vietnam.

However, we’re happy to assist you in booking your international flights if needed.

You’ll find the ideal travel period in the “Practical Info” section, based on the climate in the regions visited.

That said, this tour is available year-round, with a few adjustments depending on the season.

This itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking cultural discovery and immersion in nature.

It can be adapted for couples, families, or groups of friends of all ages.

Absolutely! All our tours are fully customizable.

You can modify the duration, change accommodations, add activities, or adjust the pace according to your preferences

Simply send us a request using the contact form on this page.

One of our travel advisors will get back to you quickly to finalize your itinerary and provide a personalized quote.

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