Thailand Sample Itinerary

For most people, Thailand comes with some sort of pre-conceived association - whether your college buddy backpacked there and came back with tales of how cheap Asia was, or you've seen Leonardo DiCaprcio's "The Beach," or perhaps "The Hangover 2." Thailand is a culturally-rich and diverse country where you can immerse yourself in the bustle of Bangkok, retreat to nature in the jungle around Chiang Mai, interact with isolated hill tribes in the north, or relax on the white sand beaches in the south. One thing is for sure - the word is out and prices in Thailand have caught up with demand over the last few years. So expect an incredible experience, but don't expect it to be as cheap as it was when your buddy backpacked there in college.

Bangkok

A bustling city on the river, Bangkok is the jumping off point for all Thailand journeys. Begin your exploration of the city with a private guided tour of the Grand Palace, once home to Thai Royalty and perhaps one of the most spectacular sites in all of Asia, and Wat Po, one of Bangkok's oldest and largest temples.

Then continue your exploration of Bangkok by private longtail boat, utilizing the fascinating maze of waterways and canals . Observe local life along the canals and wooden homes that are more than a century old.

Bangkok is home to some spectacular hotels, from the crown jewel in the Mandarin Oriental portfolio, to new Rosewood and Como properties that bring modern luxury to the city.

Chiang Mai & the Golden Triangle

Catch a flight to Chiang Mai, where you will spend the next few days exploring the jungle and the hill tribe villages of Northern Thailand.

Visit the riverfront Worarot Market, with its colorful flowers, pungent spices and friendly, bustling crowds.

Explore what is probably Chiang Mai's most famous landmark—Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, the temple located on the 5,528-foot-high Doi Suthep. Climb the 300-step staircase, flanked by nagas, or take the cable-car up.

Travel to a nearby village where you will be guests at the home of a family for a cooking class. They are a Lanna tribe family, continuing the traditions of many generations in building their homes of teak wood and maintaining the natural surroundings in a way now rarely seen in Chiang Mai.

Spend a day in the mountains and hills north of Chiang Mai visiting some of the ethnic minority peoples that inhabit the region and hold distinctly different identities, customs and religion than the Thais. Many of these groups have Sino-Tibetan origin but have settled in Thailand where they are free from persecution. You'll hike between villages, visiting Akha, Palong, Lishu, and Karen tribes. The culmination of the day will be a transfer to a rafting camp for a leisurely bamboo raft trip down the Ping River.

Travel to an elephant camp, where you will learn about elephant conservation and breeding programs.
After your briefing, you'll spend the morning acquainting yourself with your elephant. Learn how to approach and be near elephants and observe their temperament. Spend some time feeding and taking care of your elephant. You'll then unleash and walk your elephant to the river for a bath. Then, ride bareback to a waterfall for a picnic lunch and cool off in the falls with your elephant.

If you are up for a splurge, spend a few nights at the Four Seasons Elephant Camp in Chiang Rai - the pinnacle of jungle luxury - where you can get to know these gentle creatures even more while enjoying this spectacular property.

Krabi, Koh Tao, and the Southern Beaches

Fly south to finish your trip with a few days relaxing on the white sand beaches of the Krabi coast. There is no shortage of jaw-dropping resorts scattered along the coast. Spend your days lounging by incredible pools, or take a sea canoe out to explore the hidden caves that dot the limestone karst formations and secluded lagoons tucked away on the tiny islands in the area.

If you are a diver, perhaps extend on to Koh Tao, a laid-back diving mecca on the Andaman sea side.

The seas are wonderfully warm, and, if you're lucky, on certain nights they light up with phospholuminescent plankton that glow in the waves.