Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Khao Sok National Park – Phuket
Embark on a romantic 13-day Thailand Honeymoon, exploring the country’s finest destinations. Begin in vibrant Bangkok, travel to scenic Chiang Mai, explore the lush rainforests of Khao Sok, and relax on the stunning beaches of Phuket. This journey offers diverse experiences, from Thai culinary lessons to encounters with elephants in the jungle, serene canoe rides, and tranquil beach relaxation. Discover Thailand’s enchantment, the ‘Land of Smiles,’ and create unforgettable memories for your new journey together.
Overview
Explore the best of Thailand – Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khao Sok National Park & Phuket on this 13-day honeymoon tour, creating a lifetime of memories for your new life together.
Bangkok, the bustling heart of Thailand, seamlessly blends traditional allure with modern dynamism. This vibrant metropolis is a sensory feast, offering ornate temples, lively markets, and a captivating street life.
Chiang Mai in northern Thailand’s scenic mountains charms with its tranquility and cultural richness. Renowned for ornate temples, vibrant markets, and a welcoming atmosphere. Explore historic sites, participate a local cooking class, pay a visit to an Elephant Sanctuary and freely explore the markets will enrich your experience in the northern part of Thailand.
Khao Sok National Park, a stunning natural gem in southern Thailand, boasts untouched rainforests, dramatic limestone cliffs, and the majestic Cheow Lan Lake. This ancient wilderness, home to diverse flora and fauna, offers immersive jungle experiences, wildlife encounters, and captivating scenery.
Phuket, a Thai tropical paradise, features pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant nightlife. Phuket offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, with stunning landscapes, water activities, and a lively nightlife scene.
Trip Highlights
- Discover the grandeur of temples and the charm of canals in Bangkok.
- Experience feeding, washing, and swimming with elephants in Chiang Mai.
- Whip up an authentic Thai feast at a local cooking class.
- Go on a wildlife hike in the ancient rainforest at Khao Sok National Park
- Spend a few days soaking in the sun on Phuket Beaches and nearby islands
Itinerary
Sawasdee ka! Welcome to Thailand!
Upon clearing customs at Bangkok’s airport, your guide will greet you and escort you to the hotel in the heart of Bangkok.
The vibrant capital city Bangkok is renowned for its ornate shrines and lively street life. The boat-filled Chao Phraya River runs through the city, adorned with landmark temple spires, bustling ferry piers, glitzy high-rise hotels and malls, and charming restaurants. Once settled in at your hotel, the day is free for you to spend as you wish.
After breakfast, you will have a full-day tour to explore the highlights of the capital city Bangkok. First visit the Wat Traimit, known as the Temple of the Golden Buddha. It is the home to a gold Maravijaya Attitude seated Buddharupa statue, with a weight of 5.5 tons. Next, move on to the Wat Pho, it is one of the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. Wat Pho houses the world’s largest reclining Buddha statue. Then comes the focus of today’s visit the Grand Palace complex, one of the must-sees in Bangkok. It was established in 1782 and consists of not only royal and throne halls, but also a number of government offices as well as the renowned Temple Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand.
Later in the afternoon, board a long-tail boat for a scenic cruise tour along the Chao Phraya River and the vibrant inner canals of Thonburi, providing wonderful views of local life. Along the way, stop at Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, in the middle of the temple, an 82m high beautifully decorated Khmer-style tower stands, where you can walk up the steep stairs and admire the view of Bangkok and the rivers. Evening free at leisure. Perhaps you could indulge yourself with a traditional Thai Massage, surprise your taste buds with the amazing local flavors and cap off the day by enjoying the sunset in any of the stylish rooftop bars which have blossomed in the city’s skyscrapers in recent year, the options are limitless. Overnight in Bangkok.
This morning, you will be dropped off at Bangkok airport to catch your one-hour flight to Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of northern Thailand. Upon arrival, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, embark on a private tour with your guide to explore Chiang Mai.
Take in the cooler and calmer air of the mountainous and forested surroundings as you wander through the charming and laid-back atmosphere of Old Town. Visit Wat Phra Singh, a jewel among Chiang Mai's temples, known for its intricate and classical Lanna architecture. Additionally, explore Wat Chedi Luang, which stands out with its evocative 15th-century stupa.
In the late afternoon, venture to the hillside temple Wat Phra That Doi Suthep to witness a stunning sunset. Climb its iconic 306-step staircase, flanked by carved sea serpents and thick forest, leading to elaborate grounds with a massive golden chedi (stupa) and sweeping views of the surroundings. In the evening, follow the irresistible aromas to Chiang Mai's night bazaar on Chang Klan Road, where street food stalls and restaurants beckon. Indulge in the ultimate local dish, khao soi (coconut curry soup), and savor other northern Thai specialties.
Today, you will have a full-day excursion to the Happy Elephant Home, an ethical elephant sanctuary dedicated to the well-being of animals rescued from the tourist trade. Begin your day by engaging with the elephants, feeding them, and participating in washing activities. A home-cooked Thai meal will be provided for lunch, offering an authentic culinary experience.
Following lunch, accompany the elephants as they make their way to the river for a mud bath. If you wish to join in the fun, bring along a swimsuit for this refreshing and enjoyable experience. Spend the afternoon with these magnificent creatures before bidding farewell to your newfound pachyderm friends.
Later in the day, return to the sanctuary's camp and then transfer back to your hotel in Chiang Mai. The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure in Chiang Mai.
Today, head over to our selected local Cooking School in Chiang Mai, a culinary workshop staffed by local chefs dedicated to teaching visitors the art of Thai cuisine. Upon meeting the expert instructors, you'll walk to a market and select the freshest produce and best ingredients. Then, return to the school to choose even more ingredients from the on-site organic garden before beginning the meal preparation.
Throughout this half-day experience, your chef/instructor will take you on a culinary journey to the heart of Thai cuisine as you prepare a traditional meal. At the end of the class, everyone will sit down to enjoy the delicious lunch you've prepared and capture plenty of photos. Later, return to your hotel.
The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy Chiang Mai as you wish. Explore the local markets, visit any temples you may have missed, and savor more local culinary specialties. Or you can also make an excursion to Bua Thong Waterfalls (Nam Phu Chet Si) if you travel with kids, a great fun place for littles ones, swim around the clear water or climb the "sticky" limestone and enjoy the gorgeous natural scenery. Please not this is an optional tour, additional fee will be required.
Your schedule today includes a free morning in Chiang Mai to explore at your leisure. Later, a private driver will transport you to the airport for your flight to Phuket. Phuket, renowned as a premier global tourism destination, offers stunning white-sand beaches, diverse dining options, luxurious hotels, a multitude of activities, and vibrant nightlife.
Upon arriving in Phuket, you'll be taken to your hotel. Spend the afternoon and evening exploring this captivating region on your own, you can explore the town, relax on the beach, or witness the stunning sunset.
Today starts early with a pick-up from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle for your journey to Khao Sok National Park in southern Thailand which is famous for dense, untouched jungle, stunning limestone cliffs, Cheow Lan Lake, and unique flora and fauna. Explore these wonders via hiking trails or by cruising the Sok River in the following 3 days.
During the three-hour drive to your hotel in Khao Sok, there will be several stops, including a short visit to Monkey Cave Temple and Khao Sok Discovery Elephant Camp. You'll spend an hour at the Elephant camp to learn about these magnificent friendly creatures, interact with them by feeding them, and have the option to observe or partake in activities like bathing or riding them.
You will also stop at a scenic viewpoint where offers breathtaking panoramic vistas of the park. Following lunch, take a jungle river canoe trip down the Sok river, sit back and enjoy the breathtaking limestone karsts mountains and cliffs with your experienced river guide in a small group. From the canoe you can experience some of the last areas of primary rainforest, a world that has changed little in thousands of years.
Late afternoon, check into fully equipped Khaosok Boutique Hideaway(with A/C). Rest and enjoy leisure time in the park before an evening dinner serenaded by the jungle's ambient sounds.
Today's fun adventure begins with an early breakfast at the camp. You will have 3 hours jungle safari on foot. It is another excellent way to explore the ecology of Khao Sok National Park and see a great variety of exotic plants, tropical hardwood trees with huge roots, orchids, palms, ferns, bamboos, mosses. Birds such as the hornbill live high up above, gibbons can often be heard calling to their mates, a macaque or a leaf monkey may be swinging through the branches, beautiful butterflies buzz around.
After lunch at Khao Sok Mountain View Restaurant before checking out the boutique camp. You'll then depart for the turquoise Cheow Lan Lake, this man-made lake is surrounded by limestone mountains and cliffs covered in tropical rainforest that rise up from the shore of the lake and disappear somewhere in the far distance. The scenery has been compared to Guilin in China and Halong Bay in Vietnam. You will board on a long tail boat to explore this beautiful lake, you will also have options to have some free time to canoe, swim, and relax. Please bring your swimwear, towels are provided at the local raft house, where you will stay overnight.
Stay overnight at a floating bungalow on Cheow Lan Lake.
After an early breakfast at your floating bungalow, you'll hop on a long tail boat for a short trip to cross the Lake juggle for bamboo rafting excursions. Onboard, you'll encounter more flora and fauna before arriving at the Pakarang Cave (Coral Cave). The stalagmites here have a similar shape to coral which is how the cave came to be named and you'll have about 30 minutes to explore (please note: this excursion is suitable for children but be careful of the slippery wet ground).
Return to the floating bungalow for lunch, and then it's time to pack up. Start your journey back to Phuket by long tail boat, and then a driver will return you to your hotel with enough time to enjoy Phuket in the evening.
Today after breakfast, you will be picked up and board on a speedboat from Phuket to explore two of the most famous islands in southern Thailand: Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Lay. The journey to Phi Phi Lay, the smaller of the two islands, takes approximately one hour. This island is renowned for Maya Bay, a stunning beach popularized by the Hollywood film "The Beach". Part of your day includes an enjoyable Thai lunch served at a beachside restaurant. The tour also offers ample opportunities for swimming and snorkeling in the picturesque seascapes. At the end of the day, you'll return to your hotel in Phuket in the evening.
Recommended Activities:
Enjoy another free day in Phuket by exploring some of the lesser-known parts of the island. You might want to visit the tree-lined beach of Rawai or experience the tranquility of the more secluded Kamala. Laem Singh, with its palm tree-filled bay, is a popular spot that exudes the charm of a secret beach.
In the evening, take a leisurely stroll around Phuket's vibrant Old Town, known for its colorful architecture and rich history. Consider a visit to the hillside Big Buddha, Phuket's most iconic architectural landmark, or take in panoramic views from a renowned overlook such as Karon Viewpoint.
Today is your last day in Phuket. You can choose to continue relaxing on the sunny beach or visit some of the places listed in the previous two days to explore Phuket's beauty. Alternatively, you may opt for a relaxing day by having a spa experience and enjoying an authentic Thai massage.
Today, you will fly back to Bangkok. Please pack your luggage after breakfast. Our driver will transfer you from the hotel to Phuket Airport according to your flight time. After a 1.5-hour flight, you will arrive at either Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Mueang International Airport. This marks the end of our service, and we hope you enjoyed the trip!
► Please note that if you need a connecting flight from Bangkok to reach your home or your next destination, be sure to confirm which airport your flight departs from. The two airports are 40 to 50 minutes away by car, and you should allow at least an hour for the transfer. It's advisable to book a flight departing from Bangkok in the evening to ensure sufficient time for the connection.
► If you desire an extension trip to neighboring countries such as Vietnam, Myanmar, and Laos, or destinations on other continents, feel free to contact our travel consultants anytime.
The Trip Cost Includes
- 1. Accommodation:
- - 10 nights Hotels with daily breakfast at your selected standard at Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket.
- - 1 night fully equipped Khaosok Boutique Hideaway (with A/C and private bathroom)
- - 1 night floating raft on CheowLan Lake (with A/C and private bathroom).
- 2. Guide: Experienced English-speaking guides service in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Khao Sok National Park.
- 3. Transportation:
- - Ground tour with A/C vehicle with driver at Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Khao Sok.
- - Domestic airfares (economy class seat) Bangkok - Chiang Mai - Phuket - Bangkok.
- - Private airports transfers required for this itinerary.
- 4. 3 Day Exclusive Jungle & Lake discovery at Khao Sok National Park (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner).
- 5. Entrance tickets: Entrance fees for the included sightseeing and activities.
- 6. Other fees: Government tax and travel agency handling fee.
The Trip Cost Excludes
- 1. International flights.
- 2. Any optional visits/tours for an additional cost(Please contact our team of Travel Experts if you want to add some of them to your tour.)
- 3. Meals not indicated in the itinerary
- 4. Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
- 5. Travel insurance.
- 6. Tipping to your guide & driver.
- 7. International Flights arrival & Departure from Bangkok.
- 8. Thailand visa fee.
Frequently asked Questions
Yes, Thailand is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. Exercise normal precautions, be aware of your surroundings, and follow local guidelines.
It depends on your nationality and the length of your stay. Many nationalities can enter Thailand for tourism purposes without a visa for up to 30 days. Check with the Thai embassy or consulate in your country for specific requirements.
U.S. citizen tourists entering Thailand for fewer than 30 days do not require a visa. It is strongly recommended that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your arrival in Thailand to avoid possible denied entry. Thai immigration officials or airline staff may ask for your onward/return ticket.
The official currency is the Thai Baht (THB). ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in most urban and tourist areas. It’s advisable to carry some cash for transactions in more remote areas.
Tipping is not mandatory, but it is appreciated. Rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip is common in restaurants. In more upscale places, a 10% service charge might be included.
Some iconic Thai dishes include Pad Thai (stir-fried noodles), Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup), Som Tum (green papaya salad), and Massaman Curry. Explore street food markets for an authentic culinary experience.
English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few basic Thai phrases can enhance your experience. Locals appreciate the effort, and it can be especially helpful in more rural or non-touristy areas.
Internet and mobile connectivity are generally good, especially in urban areas. SIM cards are readily available for purchase, providing affordable data plans for tourists.
Bargaining is common in markets, but it’s done with a friendly attitude. In malls and department stores, fixed prices are the norm. Be cautious with purchasing items made from protected or endangered species, as this is strictly regulated.
The National Travel Health Network and Centre, along with the World Health Organization (WHO), recommend the following vaccinations for travel to Thailand: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, and tetanus. These vaccinations are particularly advised for travelers to most regions, especially if they have not been previously vaccinated. It’s important to note that the protection from these vaccinations typically lasts for three years.