Authentic Thailand & Phuket

Enjoy a private car ride to the airport. Fly to Bangkok where you’ll meet your Group Guru and fellow travellers. It’s a long way, but don’t worry, in-flight entertainment helps time fly by! Upon your morning arrival, our luxury coach brings you to your hotel. Settle in, take a nice long shower, and enjoy a restful day. Overnight in Bangkok. (L,D)

Kick off your adventure at the Royal Grand Palace, a major architectural symbol of Thailand. Here you’ll see the dazzling green interior of Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Take a short walk to Wat Pho, ‘Thailand’s first university’, before an afternoon long-tail boat ride along the bustling Chao Phraya River and the quiet Thonburi Canals. Visit Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn. Raise a glass to your fellow travellers with a welcome cocktail. Overnight in Bangkok. (B,L,D) View image gallery

Make your way to the garden province of Samut Songhkhram to experience the thrilling Maeklong Train Market. Watch in awe as vendors scramble to move their stalls of fresh fruit and seafood out of the way of the oncoming trains that pass through the market several times a day. Embark on a paddle boat ride through the canals of the Damnoen Saduak floating market before free time and lunch at a local restaurant. Drive to Kanchanaburi where you’ll uncover Thailand’s treacherous past with a visit to the War Cemetery of Allied Prisoners, the Bridge on the River Kwai (which inspired the novel by the same name), and the JEATH War Museum. End your day with a stroll through a traditional evening market where you’ll sample the local flavours of Thailand. Overnight in Kanchanaburi. (B,L,D) View image gallery

After breakfast at the hotel, all aboard your train as you ride over the significant Death Railway track. During World War II, the Japanese Imperial Army constructed this railway to connect Bangkok to Yangon, Myanmar. Hellfire Pass is a notorious section of the railway, named for the haunting glow of the prisoners of wars’ fires as they worked through the night. You’ll see this historic section for yourself after enjoying lunch next to a calming waterfall. Overnight in Kanchanaburi. (B,L,D) View image gallery

Today we’ll explore Erawan National Park, home to the seven-tiered, 1,500-metre-high Erawan Falls. Soak in the beauty of this natural wonder by swimming in its clear waters, embarking on a stroll around its nature trail, or by exploring the parks’ many grandiose caves. Once again enjoy lunch next to a serene waterfall before transferring to Ayutthaya. Check into your hotel and take some time to refresh before your dinner cruise along Chao Phraya River aboard a traditional teak rice barge. Overnight in Ayutthaya. (B,L,D) View image gallery

Start your day by exploring Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with palaces, Buddhist temples, monasteries, and statues. Connect with your spiritual side during a visit to the Wat Phra Sri Sanphet and the Wat Mahathat Temples before satisfying your sweet tooth with a Roti Saimai (Thai cotton candy) tasting at a local market. Quick stop at the temple of Wat Chaiwatthanaram before boarding your afternoon flight to Chiang Rai. Overnight in Chiang Rai. (B,L,D) View image gallery

Depart for the Golden Triangle where the border of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos connect. Along the way, put your bargaining skills to the test while haggling for local gems and handmade gifts at the local market. Stop to visit the Union Hilltribe Village where more than 200 villagers live among the mountains. Once you’ve reached the Golden Triangle, explore the complex and troubling history of opium trade in the region with a visit to the House of Opium Museum. After lunch, visit the Baan Dam Museum, an unconventional art museum made up of 40 black houses that feature eclectic contemporary art. In the evening, visit the famous night market of Chiang Rai. Overnight in Chiang Rai. (B,L,D) View image gallery

Start your day feeling anything but blue while visiting the Wat Rong Suea Ten Temple (a.k.a. Blue Temple). Next, make your way to Wat Rong Khun, a stunning white temple covered in glass that shimmers in the sunlight. Travel to Chiang Mai and spend the afternoon at your leisure before hopping into a colourful Tuk-Tuk for a tour of the city, including a stop to see Wat Lok Molee. We’ll be breaking for authentic Thai food in the Chang Puak Gate night market, one of the best places to savour all the sights, flavours and smells that Thai cuisine has to offer. Wind down with a drink and a view a rooftop restaurant before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Chiang Mai. (B,L,D) View image gallery

Today you’ll stand tall over Thailand at the most sacred temple of the North: Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. Tucked away in the mountains, you’ll reach this temple and its exhilarating view by climbing its carved mythical Naga Serpent Staircase. Crafters, keep your eyes peeled during our excursion to the Sankampaeng Home Industries and Handicraft Center. Here, you’ll observe the production of Thai silk, teak carvings, and other authentic trinkets. In the afternoon, visit the Wat Suan Dok Buddhist temple before partaking in a crash course in Thai tastes with a visit to a local organic farm. After getting your hands dirty in the tranquil garden, test your skills in the kitchen by creating your own curry dish during a traditional cooking class. Overnight in Chiang Mai. (B,L,D) View image gallery

Make some majestic new friends by joining us on a visit to the Kanta Elephant Sanctuary. After learning about their unique habits and personalities, you’ll get the opportunity to feed and play with these gentle giants. Walk alongside your new friends to a local watering hole, and snap a photo while they shower themselves with their powerful trunks. In the afternoon, experience a traditional Thai massage, then get swept away with a traditional Lanna dance performance and a Khantoke dinner. Overnight in Chiang Mai. (B,L,D) View image gallery

Head to the airport for your afternoon flight to Phuket. Once you’ve arrived, soak in the sandy beaches and palm trees as you visit the stunning Promthep Cape, followed by the imposing 45 metre-tall Big Buddha, and Phuket’s charming Old Town. Overnight in Phuket. (B,L,D) View image gallery

Regarded as one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Koh Phi Phi (Phi Phi Island) is a paradise for snorkeling and swimming. Visit the breathtaking Maya Bay (as seen in the movie The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio), plunge into the water at Pileh Cove, see Viking Cave, and relax with the monkeys on Monkey Beach. Transfer to Khai Nok Island for more delightful swimming and snorkeling. Overnight in Phuket. (B,L,D) View image gallery

Morning at your leisure. Enjoy lunch aboard a boat as you travel through Phang Nga Bay. Nature lovers and film buffs alike will be in awe of the jagged cliffs of Koh Tapu Island, otherwise known as James Bond Island, since it served as Bond villain Francisco Scaramanga's hideout in The Man with the Golden Gun. After lunch, transfer to a kayak as your guide paddles you through the bay’s tidal nape sea caves. Birdwatchers take note! These cliff-lined lagoons are populated with Macaques, Water Monitors, Kingfishers, Mudskippers, Egrets, Sea Eagles and Brahminy Kites. Return aboard for a spectacular Kratong flower light show before enjoying dinner on your way back to the pier. Overnight in Phuket. (B,L,D) View image gallery

Spend the day at your leisure, swimming, snorkeling, or lounging on the white sandy beaches of Phuket Island. Join the group for our farewell dinner and a Siam Niramit show. This larger-than-life spectacle features over 100 performers, 500 costumes and incredible sets — the perfect farewell to our time in Thailand. Overnight in Phuket. (B,L,D) View image gallery

After breakfast, say goodbye to your fellow travellers who opted out of our included group flights and make your way to the airport to embark on your return flights to Canada, arriving the next day. Your driver will meet you at the airport to help you with your luggage and drive you home. What a truly amazing experience! (B,L,D)