12-Day Highlights of Thailand Tour

View of Karon beach in Phuket, Thailand

What to expect on this itinerary

Pearl-white beaches line crystal clear waters, magnificent mountains tower up from the earth, golden palaces glimmer under the sun, and grand temples share a wealth of insight. Award-winning restaurants cover the vibrant city streets, and coral reefs yearn to be explored. Thailand boasts many enchanting experiences across its diverse and tropical landscape. On this specially-curated, 12-day tour, you will explore some of the best sights and attractions that this country has to offer. Journey to the Land of Smiles and create memories that will last a lifetime as you uncover what makes this destination truly special and unique.

Countries Visited

Thailand

Places Visited

Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Bangkok, Koh Samui, Phuket, Phang Nga Bay

Suggested Duration

12 Days

Customizable Itinerary

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Day 1

Chiang Mai – A Tranquil Arrival Amidst Nature

Thailand’s secluded beauty is best experienced in the Northern capital of Chiang Mai. The diverse landscape and isolated experiences make for an incredibly immersive and captivating stay. Upon your arrival, you will comfortably transfer to your lavish boutique resort that will be nestled at the base of Doi Suthep Mountain. Built into the mountain, your private will villa offer exceptional tranquility within nature. Picture-perfect vistas of the greater Chiang Mai area and first-class amenities make this your ideal destination to rest your head after your long flight into Thailand. You can relax in the private pool before fine dining at the distinguished resort restaurant to let the afternoon slowly slip into the evening.

What's Included:

Transfer
Accommodation
Breakfast
Day 2

Chiang Mai – A Soaring Tour in a Private Hot-Air Balloon

Day 3

Chiang Mai – Share Stories with the Locals

Day 4

Bangkok – Rise to the Clouds

Day 5

Bangkok – Delve into a Cuisine of Tremendous Depth

Day 6

Bangkok – Trace Back Thailand’s Cultural Roots

Day 7

Koh Samui – Experience Luxury on Sand and Sea

Day 8

Koh Samui – Island Hop to Idyllic Hideaway Spots

Day 9

Koh Samui – Absorb an Island Steeped in Heritage

Day 10

Phuket – Cherish an Evening Supper on the Lagoon

Day 11

Phuket – Glide Across Phuket Island as a VIP

Day 12

Phuket – The Best of Phuket’s Allure

Trip Highlights

  • Uncover the country’s iconic landscapes from the unique perspectives of a private hot-air balloon flight over Chiang Mai and a VIP helicopter tour over Phuket
  • Immerse yourself into the culture of an ethnic hill tribe in the less-traveled city of Chiang Rai to uncover the age-old traditions of Thailand’s local inhabitants
  • Learn more about the country’s diverse wildlife and sustainable eco-practices while caring for elephants and an ethical sanctuary
  • Discover the tastes of Thailand as you sample dishes prepared by award-winning chefs and revered local cooks on an exclusive food tour of Bangkok
  • Craft and master Thai cuisine yourselves as you learn the secrets behind their most coveted dishes at a prestigious culinary school
  • Indulge in visits to premier landmarks and ancient temples in Bangkok to learn more about the country’s rich heritage
  • Experience a luxurious island-hop to immaculate seaside destinations off the coast of Koh Samui
  • Luxuriate at Phuket’s best-kept beach secrets as you traverse the Andaman Sea via the comfort of a lavish private vessel

Detailed Description

Chiang Mai, the first destination on your Thailand highlights tour, is a wonderfully rugged region that is complete with striking mountain ranges and sprawling jungles. Nestled at the base of the renowned Doi Suthep Mountain lies an immaculate resort that you will have the luxury of calling home for a few days. With some time to unwind, you can enjoy the first-class amenities and divine Thai cuisine before your adventurous exploits begin the following day. During your stay, you will check off iconic experiences in the Land of Smiles. A sunrise spectacle from the unique perspective of a private hot-air balloon will take your breath away. Shortly after landing, you will journey to an ethical elephant sanctuary that is set amid a luscious, jungle setting. You will enjoy more of Northern Thailand’s diverse cultural heritage and landscape the following day as you are accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who will help you discover the traditional living of an ethnic hill tribe before visiting the magnificent temple atop the Doi Suthep cave complex.

You will journey to Bangkok after your immersive stay in Northern Thailand. Here, you will delve into the rich tastes of Thailand with an enthralling food tour of the most authentic and luxurious culinary destinations that the country has to offer. You will further your knowledge of Thai cuisine at a prestigious culinary school, where you will learn the age-old traditions of their most coveted meals. The following day, you will revel in revered landmarks and uncover the sheer beauty of the glimmering golden temples. A stop at the Jim Thompson House will conclude your inspiring stay in Bangkok. Then, you will then make your way to Koh Samui, which is a magical island that shares tranquil experiences for a truly pleasurable stay. A private speed boat will transfer you to the pivotal neighboring islands as you hop your way around this paradise. You will dine on world-class cuisine and visit immaculate cultural destinations throughout your serene exploration.

Next, you will make your way to the tropical island of Phuket. Boasting a collection of pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, you will be whisked away to paradise, where you will stay in an ultra-luxurious resort that will provide you with an enchanting spa treatment at its leading wellness center. The next day, you will capture unforgettable vistas of the greater Phuket region as you soar across the sky in a VIP helicopter. You will witness more of the picturesque seascape from the comfort of a luxurious private speed boat as you tour hideaway beaches and snorkel the vibrant coral reefs. Your Thailand trip will culminate with a private tour of Phuket’s most significant cultural and heritage sites. If the beautiful sights and attractions were not enough, you will share in exquisite, award-winning meals alongside marvelous sunset views to finish off your vacation in absolute style. Consider learning more about our travelers’ best Thailand travel experiences by reading their Thailand travel reviews.

Starting Price

$4,300 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

4.9

Verified Traveler Reviews

Based on 657 reviews

Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia Vacation Review: Ninh Binh, Bangkok, Koh Samui, Canoe Ride, Food Tour, Vespa Trip, 2 Weeks

Zicasso’s travel specialist and the team were very responsive and helpful throughout the planning process and while on our trip. They made everything easy for us by arranging all transfers, filling out all paperwork for us, and selecting beautiful and high-end choices for every aspect of our travel, from hotel choices to drivers to guides. Everyone was exceptional and professional, and we had no issues. Our trip was stress-free and we felt very supported along the way. We would highly recommend this group for your family trip!

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Thailand Trip Review: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Elephant Sanctuary, Cooking Class, Muay Thai Fight, Food Tour, 12 Days

Zicasso’s travel specialist was a great resource in assisting us plan a trip to Thailand. We decided "last minute" (February) to plan a trip to Thailand in March and although it was a very short timeline, the travel specialist jumped into action and created several possible itineraries. We had a call so he could better understand our goals and with only a few tweaks, we signed off on a 12-day plan and off we went.

He is very personable and has experience living and traveling in the region, so he could speak first-hand on some of the recommendations. He was very thorough in helping us think through all the details; ie., packing, transportation, guides, drivers, money exchange, battery packs, passports, etc., etc. We did have a few questions while we were in Thailand and he was responsive to our queries.

The local guides and drivers in Thailand were all very good and we totally appreciated having that level of support, which was a first for us. It set a new level of travel for my husband and me. We would definitely work with Zicasso and the travel company for future travel. Thanks for the opportunity.

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Thailand, Vietnam Travel Review: Bangkok, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ho Chi Minh City, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Cruise, Elephant Sanctuary, Canoe Ride, 10 Nights

To our travel specialist,

We would like to thank you for putting such an amazing trip together for us.

Your hotel choices were spot-on! We were happy to be by the river in Bangkok.

In Hanoi, our guide was a walking Wikipedia. He adjusted our schedule to a perfect spot to see the train upon my request. The signature cruise on a lovely boat was a highlight of the trip.

Our guide in Ho Chi Minh City was great in communication. She reached out on WhatsApp before our arrival. We enjoyed the Happy Buddha and canoe experience.

The tunnel tour was very disappointing. We seemed very rushed and we listened to other tour guides for information. Lunch was at 10.45am and we arrived at the airport five hours before departure.

Our guide in Bangkok was so compassionate. She taught us about offerings and the lotus. The river location was perfect for us.

Our guide in Chiang Mai was very soft-spoken and gave us a fabulous tour. She wanted us to experience the “northern food!"

The elephant sanctuary you chose was perfect, with just the right amount of time.

In Phuket, we were not picked up by our assigned driver. Our guide was there with a driver. She was helpful in the airport upon our return to Hong Kong.

This was an amazing trip for both of us!

Thank you so much!

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Thailand Tour Review: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Elephant Sanctuary, Local Cuisine, 10-Day Trip

We are beyond pleased with our experience using Zicasso! While planning our trip to Thailand, we provided our dates, interests, and budget, and were presented with two tailored itineraries. We chose this tour operator and are so glad we did!

Our travel specialist was instrumental in perfecting our trip, helping us fine-tune the logistics, from hotels and transportation to excursions, while offering excellent suggestions.

Our journey began in Bangkok with our guide, who was friendly, informative, and a joy to spend time with. We then moved on to Chiang Mai with our guide, who was incredibly sweet and welcoming. It was clear that both guides truly love what they do and were dedicated to ensuring we had a wonderful time!

We finished our trip with a relaxing stay in Krabi. What we appreciated most was the seamless logistics; our guides met us at every airport, handled all transportation, and recommended fantastic local spots to eat. Not having to worry about the details allowed us to truly enjoy the experience. We highly recommend Zicasso and will definitely be using them for our future travels!

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Thailand, Cambodia Travel Review: Krabi, Chiang Mai, Elephant Encounter, 2-Week Trip

Zicasso’s travel specialist and his team were amazing. The guides in four locations were all top-notch, the drivers were all fantastic, and his team was great with communication. The hotels were always top-notch and we loved every minute of the trip. Each time we had a flight, the travel specialist and his team had us checked in and would text me the boarding passes. I will definitely book with them the next time I vacation in Thailand or Cambodia.

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Thailand Anniversary Trip Review: Batik Experience, Elephants, Local Cuisine, 2 Weeks

What a spectacular country!!! My husband and I wanted to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary in a big way... and this trip checked all of the boxes!!! Thailand is a beautiful country, filled with culture, delicious food, and very warm and hospitable people. We loved it all!!!

Our travel specialist created an incredible itinerary that was exactly our speed. Once we were in Thailand, the travel specialist did an excellent job as our point person, providing all of the day-to-day details. They handled all of our driving transfers, as well as our in-country flights. No detail was left unattended!! They even had each hotel provide a special anniversary welcome treat in our hotel rooms! It was incredibly reassuring to have a local contact during our two-week trip. My only regret is that we couldn’t stay longer!!!

Thank you to our travel specialist for the incredible memories and thank you to Zicasso for the introduction. We are already wondering where we will go next.

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist.

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