Classic Thailand & Island Hopping - East Coast
14 days, Bangkok to Bangkok
Itinerary Notes
Effective May 1, 2025, all travelers entering Thailand through air, land, or sea must complete the Thailand E-Arrival form. You must register at least 3 days before arrival. Please see Trip Details for more information.
When arranging your transportation, such as flights, please take into consideration the below time restrictions for joining and departing from your group. With these times, we have taken into account travel time to/from the airport in the given destination and required time for check-in or baggage collection/immigration.
Itinerary
Day 1Bangkok
Arrive at any time.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Hotel Royal Bangkok @ Chinatown (or similar)
The hotel is in a city centre neighbourhood and benefits from a rooftop pool with great views over the city. Facilities also include a restaurant, bar, sun terrace and fitness centre.
Day 2Bangkok/Kanchanaburi
Enjoy a klong boat tour of Bangkok including a visit to Wat Pho. Travel to Kanchanaburi and head to your floating rafthouse accommodation.
Klong Riverboat Tour
Travel by longtail boat on the busy Chao Phraya River and through the small canals of western Bangkok's Thonburi district. Observe colourful scenes of everyday life along the river banks.
Wat Po Visit
This temple is known for its reclining Buddha, its feet covered with mother-of-pearl engravings of Buddhist symbols. Explore the large grounds and other compounds to see other Buddha figures, murals and the chedis that contain the ashes of Buddha. This is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Overnight Rafthouse Excursion
Enjoy a unique experience aboard a floating rafthouse on the famous River Kwai.
Accommodation
Pung-Waan Resort (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 3Kanchanaburi
Enjoy a day of sightseeing at Erawan Falls and the Bridge on the River Kwai.
Private Vehicle
Enjoy a short drive to view the beautiful Erawan Waterfalls. (1-2 hours per direction)
Erawan Waterfalls
Visit one of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls. Its seven tiers offer a unique experience at every climb, reaching up to 1,500m (4921 ft). Swim in the turquoise pools, snap photos from the top tier, and opt to hike in the jungle to spot monkeys.
Bridge on the River Kwai Visit
Take in a piece of World War II history on this visit. We're sure you've seen or at least heard of the famous movie "Bridge on the River Kwai." Well, now you can tour the real thing. It's massive, majestic, and imposing, offering fabulous views of the river below.
Accommodation
Good Times Resort (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Kanchanaburi to Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai
Explore the Allied War Cemetery and the Thai-Burmese Railway Centre to learn more about the area's history. Travel to Ayutthaya and visit the historical sites of the old capital city. In the evening board an overnight train to Chiang Mai.
Thai/Burma Railway Centre and Allied War Cemetery Visit
Visit the Thai-Burmese Railway Museum to learn about the Death Railway's dark history, and the Allied War Cemetery where more than 6,000 prisoners are buried.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Temple Ruins Tour
Visit the ruins of Ayutthaya, which served as Thailand’s capital from the 14th to 18th centuries, when it ranked as one of the most magnificent cities in the world. Located 86km (53 mi) north of Bangkok, the ruins of this UNESCO World Heritage Site include stunning pagodas and Buddha images.
Basic Overnight Train (beds)
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Chiang Mai
Arrive in Chiang Mai and explore the city. Visit Doi Suthep in the afternoon.
Chiang Mai is a vibrant city with heaps to see and do. Famous for its night market and cooking classes, it's a feat to fit it all in. Experience the flavours and scents of traditional northern Thai cuisine by pre-booking the Northern Thai Cooking Class.
Chiang Mai Old Town Orientation Walk
Walk the inner Old Town of Chiang Mai with your CEO who will point out the basic landmarks and points of interest.
Chiang Mai Street Food Crawl
Bring your appetite and your wallet. The CEO will bring the group to the best spots to eat and teach everyone about the local street food. Yum!
Free Time
Use free time here to make the most of your time in Chiang Mai.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Doi Suthep Temple Visit
Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a golden Buddhist temple outside of Chiang Mai on the Mt Doi Suthep. Climb 300 steps to reach the temple and be rewarded with an unforgettable view. Admire the many Buddhist relics at this sacred temple and visit the white elephant shrine. Legend has it that the location of the temple was chosen after a white elephant carried a relic to the mountain and trumpeted three times before dying on the spot. Also, with a little luck, you may witness the chanting of the monks.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Half-Day Chiang Mai Cycling Tour
1300THB per personThis half-day ride takes you on a memorable tour of the countryside's most interesting sights. Go beyond the city to see Buddhist temples, local markets and organic farms. Just off the beaten track, you'll get a sense of how the locals live and see Chiang Mai from a totally different view.
Street Food Walk at Chiang Mai Night Market
Pick up a a souvenir at this shopper's paradise. Wander through the market to find music, food, and local artists selling handmade crafts.
Accommodation
Chiang Mai Gate Hotel (or similar)
Day 6Chiang Mai
Take a full free day to relax or explore the countryside of northern Thailand.
Chiang Mai is a vibrant city with heaps to see and do. Famous for its night market, it's a feat to fit it all in. Experience the flavours and scents of traditional northern Thai cuisine by pre-booking the Northern Thai Cooking Class.
Free Time
Use free time here to make the most of your time in Chiang Mai.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Half-Day Chiang Mai Cycling Tour
1300THB per personThis half-day ride takes you on a memorable tour of the countryside's most interesting sights. Go beyond the city to see Buddhist temples, local markets and organic farms. Just off the beaten track, you'll get a sense of how the locals live and see Chiang Mai from a totally different view.
Northern Thai Cooking Class
Channel your inner chef with a home-style Thai cooking class. Take a trip to the market with your teacher and learn about regional flavours as you pick out fresh ingredients. Head back to the cozy kitchen for a hands-on lesson in whipping up delicious local favourites like hot and sour soup, green curry, and sticky rice.
Street Food Walk at Chiang Mai Night Market
Pick up a a souvenir at this shopper's paradise. Wander through the market to find music, food, and local artists selling handmade crafts.
Accommodation
Chiang Mai Gate Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Chiang Mai/Bangkok
Enjoy a free morning in Chiang Mai, then fly to Bangkok to enjoy a night out in the city.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Accommodation
Hotel Royal Bangkok @ Chinatown (or similar)
The hotel is in a city centre neighbourhood and benefits from a rooftop pool with great views over the city. Facilities also include a restaurant, bar, sun terrace and fitness centre.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Bangkok/Koh Tao
Catch a morning flight to Chumphon, then transfer by minivan to Chumphon Pier. Spend leisure time at the beach there and opt to have lunch on your own at a restaurant near the port. Then, board a ferry to the tropical island of Koh Tao. Upon arrival enjoy free time to relax on the beach or become acquainted with the bustling little town.
Plane
Catch a short morning flight from DMK Airport in Bangkok to Chumphon Airport.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Free Time
Get to know the island with some free time and opt to eat dinner at one of the restaurants on your own.
Accommodation
Seashell Koh Tao Resort (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Koh Tao
Enjoy a full-day snorkelling excursion from Koh Tao with stops at Koh Nang Yuan, Mango Bay, Hin Wong Bay, Ao Leuk, and Shark Bay. Have an included lunch on board and use free time to explore the island beaches. Return to the hotel in the evening to spend a free night in Koh Tao. Known as ‘turtle island’ in English, Koh Tao's beach bars and hotels come alive at night with many chances awaiting for you to share your tales of the days activities over a cold beer or two.
A mask, snorkel and life jacket are included during the snorkel trip. If you wish to use fins, they are available to rent on the boat.
Full-Day Snorkelling Excursion Koh Tao & Koh Nang Yuan
Spend a full-day out on the water. The group will be picked up from the hotel in the morning after breakfast and transferred to Mae Haad Pier where everyone will board the boat. The first stop will be Koh Nang Yuan. Here, you will have time to relax on the beach, climb up the mountain to savour the view, or swim a short distance to snorkel the Japanese Garden. Second stop is to Mango Bay where a buffet-style lunch will be served on board. Afterwards, snorkel in Hin Wong Bay, Ao Leuk, and Shark Bay before returning to Mae Head Pier.
Accommodation
Seashell Koh Tao Resort (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 10Koh Tao/Koh Pha Ngan
After breakfast take a ferry to nearby Koh PhaNgan and spend a free afternoon on the island. Opt to explore the nearby waterfalls, swim in lagoons, take a short hike, or relax by the water. Dinner this evening is included at a local restaurant.
Ferry
Enjoy a ferry ride from Mae Head Pier to Koh PhaNgan. Then transfer to the hotel which is about 20-30 minutes from the pier.
Free Time
Don't waste a minute— start exploring on arrival.
Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow
Koh Pha-Ngan Waterfalls Exploration
Hike to some local waterfalls and marvel at their beauty.
Swimming
Jump in and enjoy the turquoise waters around Koh Pha Ngan.
Yoga and Meditation Courses
Get your inner Om on and take part in some of the more relaxing activities offered on the island.
Hiking
Head out on some trails to explore the island at your own pace.
Accommodation
Salad Beach Resort (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 11Koh Pha Ngan
Enjoy a full free day to make the most of your remaining time on Ko Pha-Ngan.
Free Time
Get out and explore— the whole day is yours.
Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow
Koh Pha-Ngan Waterfalls Exploration
Hike to some local waterfalls and marvel at their beauty.
Yoga and Meditation Courses
Get your inner Om on and take part in some of the more relaxing activities offered on the island.
Hiking
Head out on some trails to explore the island at your own pace.
Swimming
Jump in and enjoy the turquoise waters around Koh Pha Ngan.
Accommodation
Salad Beach Resort (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 12Koh Pha Ngan/Koh Samui
Enjoy breakfast before departing Koh Pha Ngan. Board a ferry and transfer to Koh Samui and spend the remainder of the day on your own exploring this tropical paradise.
Free Time
Kick back and relax on the biggest of the eastern islands.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Optional Activities - Day 12 HideShow
Stand Up Paddleboarding at Koh Samui
50USD per personGlide your way along Ko Samui's coastline on a stand-up paddleboard. The water in this area is generally calm and always warm, you'll be tempted to jump off for a swim.
Accommodation
Fair House Beach Resort (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 13Koh Samui
Today you will be exploring Ang Thong National Park on a full-day boating excursion with lunch and snorkelling by the beach included. Swim in the park's clear waters, photograph the lush island's rising out of the sea, and learn about the area's biodiversity. Afterwards, transfer back to the hotel and spend an evening at leisure.
Ang Thong Marine Park Island Hopping Tour
Ang Thong National Marine Park is a protected nature area consisting of over 40 islands. All of the islands are uninhabited and undeveloped except for one. This full-day leisure excursion through the astonishing archipelago offers plenty of time to immerse yourself in the landscape.
Free Time
Spend the evening on your own, opt to grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant.
Accommodation
Fair House Beach Resort (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 14Koh Samui/Bangkok
After breakfast at the hotel the group will transfer to the Koh Samui Airport and board a flight to Bangkok. The tour ends upon arrival to the Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Please book any onward international travel no earlier than 15:00.
Plane
Board a flight back to Bangkok from Koh Samui.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.