7-Day Classic Thailand: Bangkok Temples, Chiang Mai Elephants & Phuket Beaches

Tour Overview

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Arrive Bangkok

Welcome to Bangkok! Airport pickup and transfer to your city-center hotel. Evening suggestion: watch Muay Thai at Rajadamnern Stadium or enjoy a traditional Thai massage. Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 2: Bangkok Temples & Grand Palace

Full day exploring Bangkok’s spiritual treasures: the Grand Palace complex, Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha — one of Thailand’s three national treasures), Wat Pho with its 46m Reclining Buddha (also the birthplace of Thai massage), and Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn — 79m spire, “Thailand’s Eiffel Tower”). Lunch in Chinatown. Evening tuk-tuk ride and long-tail boat cruise on the Chao Phraya River. Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 3: Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Morning flight to Chiang Mai (1 hour). Check into your hotel. Afternoon free to explore the Night Bazaar, Sunday Walking Street, or Saturday Night Market. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Day 4: Elephant Nature Park

Half-day visit to the Elephant Nature Park, home to over 130 rescued elephants. Walk with the elephants, learn their stories, and help feed them (no riding). Afternoon options: Thai cooking class, Lila Thai massage (staffed by former female inmates), or Chiang Mai Night Safari. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Day 5: Chiang Mai Temples & Fly to Phuket

Morning tour of Chiang Mai’s old city: Tha Phae Gate (13th-century walls), Wat Phra Singh (largest temple, Lanna-style golden chedi), Wat Chedi Luang (600-year-old stupa, 42m high), and Wat Pun Tao (all-teak temple). Fly to Phuket. Overnight in Phuket.

Day 6: Phuket Free Day — Island Paradise

Free day on Phuket. Choose from three beaches: Patong (party & watersports), Kata (family-friendly, calm waters), or Karon (relaxing, snorkeling). Optional day trips: Phi Phi Islands, James Bond Island, or Phuket Old Town food tour. Overnight in Phuket.

Day 7: Depart Phuket

Airport transfer. Optional extensions to Krabi, Koh Samui, or neighboring countries. Sawatdee!

Inclusions

• 6 nights 4-star hotel accommodation
• Daily breakfast
• Professional English-speaking guide
• Domestic flights: Bangkok→Chiang Mai→Phuket
• Elephant Nature Park half-day visit
• All entrance fees
• Private air-conditioned vehicle & driver
• Airport transfers

What’s Not Included

• Entrance fees to attractions
• Tour Guide
• Meal (lunch and dinner)
• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses