Treasures of Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket
Tap into Thailand’s thrills, tastes, and temples on this 12-day tour of the country’s historic highlights, from the markets of Bangkok and Chiang Mai to the Old Town heritage of Phuket.
Thailand
12 days / 11 nights
$2,815 /person
$2,815 /person
Your trip at a glance
Top Activities
Experiencing Bangkok’s enchanting floating markets and thrilling railway market on a guided tour
Embracing the agricultural lifestyles of Thailand’s Chiang Mai region with community farmers
Touring and, often, tasting the outputs of Phuket's pineapple, coconut, and rubber groves
Sampling Bangkok’s vast array of sizzling, spicy, and savory street foods on a tuk tuk market crawl
Feeding playful and protected elephants at an ethical elephant sanctuary in the outskirts of Phuket
Welcome to Thailand!
The Best of Bangkok's Temples, Palaces, and Canals
The Magical Mayhem of Bangkok’s Food and Floating Markets
Tuk Tuk Food Crawl in Chiang Mai
Songthaew Truck Tour of Chiang Mai, With Mountains, Markets, and Temples
Show All 12 days
Forests and Farms of Agricultural Chiang Mai
Scenic Views, Sweeping Landscapes, and Organic Agriculture
Introducing Phuket and Its Old Town Charm
The Heritage of Phuket By Food and Architecture
Phuket Like a Local, From Crafts to Pineapples to Coconut Treats
Elephant Experience at an Ethical Phuket Sanctuary
Until the Next Time!
The Magical Mayhem of Bangkok’s Food and Floating Markets
Overview
Rise and shine, because today’s guided tour starts early, taking you to various food markets, an ancient temple, and a coconut sugar factory. This morning, you’ll meet your local expert guide at your hotel, and be driven about an hour and a half away to the Maeklong Railway Market. This local street food market sells all kinds of Thai delights, and sits in the center of a still in-use railway, where trains periodically pass through the market’s core. After feasting your eyes — and your taste buds — on the market’s madness, you’ll head to Wat Bang Kung: a hidden gem nestled within Samut Songkhram. After Wat Bang Kung, you’ll continue the theme of temples and visit a family-run coconut sugar factory. Here, you’ll learn about the traditional methods of making coconut sugar, a vital ingredient in Thai cuisine. Depending on the day of the week, you’ll then visit either Tha Ka Floating Market or Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, both of which deliver the best kind of chaotic energy and, of course, plenty of delicious street food and fresh produce. After exploring the day’s floating market, you’ll make your way back to Bangkok. Your driver will drop you off at your hotel by mid-afternoon, and you’ll have the rest of the afternoon and evening to enjoy however you please. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Highlights
Floating Markets
Today’s floating market visit depends on the day of the week. If you’re traveling on the weekend, you’ll stop at Tha Ka, whose laid-back atmosphere and friendly vendors offer an intimate glimpse into traditional Thai market life. Boats contain both fresh produce and delicious street food, such as the popular hoy tod, fried oyster omelette. However, if you’re visiting during the week, you’ll head instead to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market via longtail boat. You’ll wind through a maze of canals, where the scene transitions from serene wooden houses to a bustling market filled with boats selling fruits and souvenirs. With either market — on any day — you can’t go wrong.
Maeklong Railway Market
At first glance, Maeklong Railway Market appears to be a typical street market, with vendors selling everything from grilled skewers and mangoes to crabs and sugary drinks. But when the train’s whistle blows, the entire market transforms. Vendors quickly pack up their stalls, fold back their awnings, and make way for the train to pass right through the market — a fascinating display of local ingenuity. This spectacle occurs multiple times throughout the day, providing a unique and photogenic experience.
Wat Bang Kung
This ancient temple, which dates all the way back to the Ayutthaya period, played a crucial role in the historic Battle of Bang Kung. Now, the site lays claim to a famous chapel that’s enveloped by the sprawling roots of a banyan tree, giving it an almost mystical appearance. Inside the temple, you’ll find a revered Buddha statue and murals that tell the story of Buddha’s life. It’s a peaceful and awe-inspiring stop that offers a glimpse into Thailand’s rich cultural history.
Coconut Sugar Factory Tour
During today’s stop at a coconut sugar factory, you’ll observe a working operation, rather than a mere tourist attraction. Alongside your expert guide and the factory’s employees, you’ll witness the authentic process of production. Although workshops aren’t offered, you’ll have the chance to sample and purchase freshly made coconut sugar to take home a taste of this rural tradition.
Accommodations
Shanghai Mansion Bangkok (or similar)
Discover the award-winning Shanghai Mansion, a boutique hotel in the heart of Chinatown Bangkok. With the new MRT station Wat Mangkon just a stone's throw away, the hotel is more accessible than ever. Immerse yourself in the dynamic 1930s atmosphere and Chinese fusion culinary delights at Red Rose Restaurant. All rooms are elegantly furnished and adorned with opaque tinted glasses, maintaining an enchanting ancient appearance. Explore Bangkok's historic Chinatown, where the city's past and present converge, offering nostalgia with boundless energy.
Location:
479, 481 Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100
Phone:
+6622212121
How it works
Fill out request form
Provide your ideal trip dates and details to be matched with one of our local planning experts.
Meet your expert
Schedule a call with your expert to confirm dates, pricing and any recommended edits to the itinerary.
Book your trip
Once your itinerary is set, it’s time to pay the deposit to secure your trip.
Take-off
Let the journey begin! Your expert will offer real-time support and concierge service while traveling.
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What's included
Included in the final price
- Roadbook with local tips and expert recommendations
- 24/7 on-the-ground support
- On-trip concierge service
- Personalized trip crafting
- COVID entry and exit information and assistance
- English-speaking local expert guides for activities as mentioned in the itinerary
- All activities, meals, and transportation mentioned in the itinerary
- Accommodations for 11 nights, with daily breakfast
Not included in the final price
- International and domestic flight tickets
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Any visas or tourist documents
- Any services, activities, meals, experiences, and transportation not mentioned in the itinerary