Best of Thailand
Bustling Bangkok, historic Kanchanaburi & ancient Ayutthaya, then explore the wild north in Chiang Rai & the Buddhist temples of Chiang Mai; optional extensions to Angkor Wat & Phuket
| Style | Small Group Tour Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout | ||
| Departures | September 2025 – March 2026 | 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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Discover the wonders of Thailand on our deluxe Best of Thailand vacation package. You'll encounter an ancient, fascinating culture, friendly, welcoming people, gorgeous, peaceful countrysides and bustling, modern cities, and the most amazing shopping—unbelievable bargains included! Start your journey in the bustling capital city of Bangkok, and then travel by motor coach to the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, the historic River Kwai and the ancient city of Ayutthaya. Next, you'll fly to Chiang Rai, Thailand's northernmost city, and visit the hill tribes of surrounding region. Continue by road to Chiang Mai, the "Rose of the North", where you'll discover ancient temples and mysterious ruins.
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 Angkor Wat post-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.
- Embark on a sumptuous dinner cruise past the glittering sights of Bangkok.
- 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.
- Learn and partake in the traditional methods of tea making with a visit to a tea plantation.
- Observe rescued elephants at a sanctuary.
Itinerary at a Glance
- 1 Depart USA
- 2 En route
- 3 Bangkok
- 4 Bangkok
- Optional Excursion: Chinatown Walk (purchased locally)
- Optional Excursion: Cabaret show with dinner (purchased locally)
- 5 Bangkok
- Optional Excursion: Bites & Sites in the "Village of Love" (purchased locally)
- 6 Bangkok, Damnoen Saduak & Kanchanaburi
- 7 Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Bangkok & Chiang Rai
- 8 Chiang Rai
- 9 Chiang Rai & Chiang Mai
- 10 Chiang Mai
- 11 Chiang Mai
- Optional Excursion: Morning Almsgiving (purchased locally) , $8
- 12 Chiang Mai & Depart Bangkok/Arrive USA
Angkor Wat Extension
- 12 Chiang Mai & Siem Reap, Cambodia
- 13 Angkor Explorations
- 14 Angkor Explorations
- Optional Excursion: Dining for a Cause (purchased locally) , $59
- 15 Depart Siem Reap/Arrive USA
Phuket Extension
- 12 Chiang Mai & Phuket
- 13 Phuket
- Optional Excursion: Full-day Phi Phi Island by Speedboat with Lunch (purchased locally)
- 14 Phuket
- Optional Excursion: Half-day Southern Community and Cultural Experience (purchased locally)
- 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, experience a lovely dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River
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
- Enjoy the morning at leisure or join an optional tour
- Board a long-tail boat and cruise the peaceful Klong Bang Luang
- Stop at Baan Silapin, a local art gallery
- 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
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
- October 28, 2025 Departure: Attend the Loy Krathong and Yi Peng Festival
Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort or similarBreakfast & lunch
Day 11 Chiang Mai
- Join the locals during an optional early morning Almsgiving
- Learn the traditional methods of tea making
- Observe elephants at a sanctuary
- Enjoy a farewell dinner with 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 extensions to Angkor Wat and Phuket Island, or both!
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.
Angkor Wat Extension
Take advantage of your already-included international airfare by joining our extension to Cambodia for a special opportunity to visit Angkor Wat, a massive complex of temples that ranks among the most fascinating religious sites in the world. For JFK passengers, the Angkor Wat Extension must be arranged on a custom basis to be coordinated with China Airlines' JFK schedule which may require flying form Siem Reap to Phnom Penh on Day 14 and overnighting in Phnom Penh; please contact us for details.
To see full details, click the button to the right.
Day 12 Chiang Mai & Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap via Bangkok, gateway to the Angkor Archaeological Park
- After customs formalities, transfer to your hotel for check-in
Borei Angkor Resort & Spa or similarBreakfast
Day 13 Angkor Explorations
- Tour the royal walled city of Angkor Thom
- Visit the Bayon Temple in the exact center of the city
- Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant
- Explore the temples of the Small Circuit
- Discover the famous Angkor Wat archaeological site
- Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant
Borei Angkor Resort & Spa or similarBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 14 Angkor Explorations
- Visit the "Citadel of Women", the best preserved temple in Cambodia
- Learn about mine awareness at the Landmine Museum
- Create a Khmer style smok box
- Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant
- Tour the Roluos Group: Preah Ko, Bakong, and Lolei temples
- Spend the evening at leisure or join an optional excursion
Borei Angkor Resort & Spa or similarBreakfast & lunch
Day 15 Depart Siem Reap/Arrive USA
- Transfer to the airport for the short flight to Bangkok, then continue to the USA via Taipei
Breakfast
Phuket Extension
Take advantage of your already-included international airfare and enjoy a luxurious and relaxing stay on Phuket Island, Thailand's most famous resort.
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? 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 the 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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