Experiences

Meet your guide for an evening cycling tour through Chiang Mai’s old quarter, exploring ancient temples and monuments after dark when the streets are quiet. Ride through back alleys to see landmarks such as Wat Intakhin, with its serene 700-year-old white Buddha, and the Three Kings Monument, honoring Chiang Mai’s founding fathers. Visit illuminated temples with chanting monks, pass Tha Phae Gate, and stop at a bustling night market to sample local street food, with your guide highlighting the variety of tasty snacks available along the way.

Meet your guide in the morning for a bicycle tour, starting with a train ride from Lamphun station. Cycle through quiet streets, villages, canals, and tree-lined lanes, enjoying the peaceful countryside. Stop for a simple Thai lunch in a village before riding through paddy fields to the famous wood carving village of Ban Tawai. Continue along country lanes and the foothills of Doi Suthep to a Beekeeping Center. After biking up and down forested hills, the tour concludes at the serene forest temple of Wat Umong.

In the early morning, meet your guide for a full-day trek to visit the hill tribes of Chiang Dao, home to the Akha, Lisu, Lahu, Palong, and Karen peoples. Begin at Mae Malai market, then head to a bamboo rafting camp for a ride down the stream. Walk to an Akha village, then hike to a Lisu village known for handicrafts. Continue through a protected forest to a Palong village for a picnic lunch. End at Pang Daeng Nai village, learning about the Royal Project, the village shrine, and the huja rawl, or ‘village heart.’

Start your day at Warorot Market, Chiang Mai’s lively ‘Chinatown,’ and explore the nearby Hmong hill tribe and flower markets. Visit Thapae Gate, one of the original city gates, then continue by samlor (rickshaw) to Wat Chiang Man, Wat Phra Singh, and Wat Chedi Luang. Meet an English-speaking monk to learn about Chiang Mai’s history. After lunch, drive into the hills to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a sacred temple with stunning views over the city, participate in a blessing ceremony, and return to your hotel.

Begin with an early visit to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep on Doi Suthep Mountain before the crowds arrive. Take a short nature walk through deciduous oak and evergreen forest, then visit the national park headquarters and the tree nursery of Chiang Mai University’s Forest Restoration Research Unit, where ecologists study tropical forest restoration. Continue to the Hmong hill tribe village of Doi Pui, known for handicrafts and traditional attire, with spectacular views. On the return to Chiang Mai, stop at Montatarn Waterfall before concluding the tour.

Visit the teak home of the Raunkaew-Yanon family, who have lived in the region for nearly 150 years. This Lanna family preserves generations of traditions and maintains their natural surroundings in a rare, authentic way. Learn about their culture, lifestyle, and traditional Thai architecture, and cook traditional northern Thai dishes together with the family. Enjoy being a guest in their home, sharing a delicious home-cooked lunch, and gaining a unique insight into the daily life of a real Thai family while experiencing the warmth of their hospitality firsthand.

Depart early from your hotel for Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand’s highest mountain at 2,776m and the country’s greatest diversity of tree and bird species. Visit Vatchirathan Waterfall and enjoy a picnic lunch. On the way to the summit, stop at the Royal Project of Baan Khun Glaang, which supports local villages with sustainable livelihoods. Reach the summit and hike along a nature trail through evergreen forest, taking in stunning views of the surrounding hills and expansive rice plains below.

After breakfast, meet your guide and drive by songthaew to a local market with fresh vegetables, spices, and produce. Explore Chiang Mai’s old city on foot, starting at Wat Chiang Man, the city’s oldest temple from 1297. Visit the Three Kings Monument, the Lanna Folk Life Museum, and the Chiang Mai Women’s Correctional Institution, where female prisoners trained in traditional Thai massage provide a 30-minute foot massage. Continue to 14th-century Wat Chedi Luang, then enjoy a locally prepared meal to conclude the tour.

Meet your guide at the hotel in the early evening for a tuk-tuk tour of Chiang Mai. Enjoy the cooler, quieter streets while exploring the city’s highlights. Drive around the old city walls and moat, stopping at landmarks such as the Iron Bridge, the Three Kings Monument, and some of the oldest temples. Sample traditional northern snacks at a local market. At the end of the tour, return to your hotel or continue to another destination, such as the lively Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.

Begin with an early visit to Chiang Mai Gate Market, a traditional market with fresh vegetables, fruit, spices, fish, cooked meats, and ready-made dishes. Witness monks making their alms rounds and take part in offering food, then observe an early morning chant at a nearby temple. Next, explore Warorot Market, Chiang Mai’s bustling ‘Chinatown,’ and join a short workshop to make traditional flower garlands at the photogenic flower market by the Ping River. Continue to Thapae Gate and explore Wat Chiang Man, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Phra Singh by samlor (rickshaw).

Meet your guide at the hotel and drive to Wat Rong Khun, the contemporary White Temple designed by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat and opened in 1997. Continue to Baan Dam Museum, a collection of wooden buildings showcasing sculptures and artworks by contemporary Thai artists. Visit Wat Rong Suea Tean, the Blue Temple, known for its vivid blue color and intricate carvings. After lunch, switch to a samlor (rickshaw) and explore Wat Phra Keo, where one of Thailand’s most important Buddha statues was discovered in 1444.

Meet your guide at the hotel and drive to Doi Tung Mountain to visit the Mae Fah Luang Botanical Gardens and learn about the Royal Project. Explore the gardens below Doi Tung Royal Villa, former home of Princess Mother Srinagarindra. Continue to the Golden Triangle and visit the Hall of Opium, where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. After lunch, enjoy a relaxing boat ride down the Mekong River to Chiang Sean. On the return to Chiang Rai, stop at Baan Dam Museum, showcasing sculptures, paintings, and artworks from Southeast Asia.

Pick up from your hotel and drive to a scenic spot to begin a cycling tour along rural roads. After a safety briefing and bike fitting, cycle through small villages, rice fields, and along the Lao River, passing fruit orchards, rubber plantations, and teak trees. Stop to visit Wat Rong Khun, the contemporary White Temple, known for its unconventional design. Enjoy lunch at a quiet local restaurant near the temple, surrounded by the serene countryside, before continuing your exploration of the area by bike.

Your guide and driver pick you up early in Chiang Rai and drive to Mae Sai to cross into Myanmar. Explore Tachilek by tuk-tuk, visiting the Enrobed Elephant Temple and Maha Myat Muni Temple, notable examples of Burmese temple architecture. See Tachilek’s Shwedagon Pagoda, a smaller version of Yangon’s famous pagoda, then enjoy an authentic Burmese lunch. Return to Thailand and continue to the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet, and visit the Hall of Opium museum to learn about the region’s opium trade history.

This late afternoon cooking experience offers a relaxed, home-from-home environment to learn Thai cooking, make friends, and enjoy culinary experimentation. Begin with a market tour to explore traditional Thai ingredients and how they are prepared, with opportunities to sample local delicacies. Return to the kitchen to create your own specialties under guidance. Pickup from your Chiang Rai hotel is provided in the late afternoon to reach the evening market, and the course continues into the late evening, giving you a full, hands-on culinary experience.

Spend a morning or afternoon with elephants at Elephant Valley Thailand, observing, photographing, and feeding these majestic creatures as they enjoy life after working in logging or as riding elephants. Spread over 40 acres, the sanctuary features lush habitats including bamboo groves, forest, swamps, and grasslands. Enjoy an outdoor lunch with views of six elephants wandering or grazing peacefully. Your visit supports the herd’s wellbeing and contributes to broader conservation efforts, helping ensure a secure future for the species while experiencing a unique and ethical elephant encounter.

Start early in the morning and sail north to Koh Nang Yuan, a small island connected to two tiny islands by white sand bars near Koh Tao. Put on your snorkeling gear and explore the vibrant underwater world. Located 70 km north of Koh Samui, this diving and snorkeling paradise boasts the clearest waters and excellent visibility in the Gulf of Thailand. Discover abundant coral species, giant clams, and colorful reef fish in a pristine marine environment ideal for snorkeling and underwater exploration.

Pick up from your hotel for a unique kayaking experience in Ang Thong Marine Park. Board the tour boat and head to southern Koh Mae Island, kayaking beneath dramatic rock overhangs to admire stunning scenery. Visit the hidden salt-water ‘emerald lake’ on the island before returning to the boat for a buffet lunch while cruising around Koh Mae. Continue to Koh Tai Plao for more kayaking, exploring magical caves, unusual rock formations, and the underwater sights, enjoying a full day immersed in the natural beauty of the Gulf of Thailand.

Pick up from your hotel for a unique kayaking adventure in Ang Thong Marine Park. Board the tour boat and head to southern Koh Mae Island, navigating kayaks beneath dramatic rock overhangs to admire stunning Gulf of Thailand scenery. Visit the hidden salt-water ‘emerald lake’ on the island, then enjoy a buffet lunch on board while cruising around Koh Mae. Continue to Koh Tai Plao for more kayaking, exploring magical caves, unusual rock formations, and underwater sights, experiencing a full day immersed in the park’s natural beauty.

Depart Koh Samui port in the early evening aboard ‘The Chantara,’ a 25-metre teak Burmese junk with modern conveniences, a mainsail, and a 380-horsepower engine. Relax on the spacious 75 m² deck with sun beds and Thai cushions as the boat sails west to Koh Som. Anchor for a swim or fishing, then enjoy appetizers and refreshments while watching the twilight sky and sunset. Return to Koh Samui after dusk, experiencing the peaceful beauty of the evening and the clear night sky on this memorable sunset cruise.

Your driver picks you up for an energetic hike to the top of Khao Ngon Nak, or Dragon Crest Mountain. The 565-meter peak is reached via a 3,700-meter trail that passes picturesque waterfalls and several viewpoints. Immerse yourself in rugged limestone cliffs and lush tropical forest as you climb. At the summit, enjoy stunning panoramic views of Krabi town, Ao Nang Beach, and the Andaman Sea. After taking time to relax and admire the scenery, begin the descent back down to your hotel.

Pick up from your hotel and head to Ao Thalane pier, then transfer by long-tail boat to Hong Island. Board kayaks and explore the vibrant coral reefs surrounding the island, known for its towering limestone formations, crystal-clear waters, and the white sands of Pilay Beach. Visit the hidden lagoon at the island’s center, home to edible-nest swiftlets. Enjoy lunch on the beach near the national park office, then spend the afternoon swimming and kayaking at your leisure, taking in the stunning scenery of one of the Andaman coast’s most beautiful islands.

Explore the lush tropical rainforest, take a relaxing bath in natural hot springs, and walk through the forest to discover its diverse plants and wildlife, including the scenic Emerald Lagoon. Enjoy a delicious Thai lunch before visiting the sacred Tiger Cave Temple, one of Krabi’s most beautiful temples. This tour combines nature, relaxation, and cultural exploration, allowing you to experience the region’s rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes while also discovering a significant spiritual site, making it a memorable and well-rounded day in Krabi.

Meet your guide and drive north on Phuket Island to Bang Rong, then depart for Koh Naka to swim and sunbathe. Continue to Koh Yao Noi, enjoying spectacular panoramic views of Phang Nga Bay along the way. On arrival, visit the home of Khun Mina, a charming host and expert cook, who teaches you to prepare classic Thai dishes such as curry and stir-fries. Enjoy lunch at her house before returning to the pier and boarding your long-tail boat, concluding a day of island exploration, cooking, and cultural experiences.

Meet your guide for an early morning cultural walk through Phuket Town, observing local daily life. Visit a local shrine to pay respects to the spirits and learn about traditional herbal medicines. Explore the old quarter with historic Chinese shop houses and stop at several old-style shops, including a barber. Sample lunch with Muslim-style roti and Chinese noodle dishes. Wander through streets that seem frozen in time, passing printing shops, Indian cloth sellers, hardware stores, and Chinese apothecaries, experiencing the town’s rich heritage and vibrant, timeless character.

Meet your guide early in the morning for a Phuket food tasting experience. Explore hidden local spots and enjoy a unique cuisine found only in Phuket. Start with a scrumptious breakfast at a dim sum shop behind the fresh market. Walk through the quiet city center, sampling roti with curry, noodles, and other local delicacies. Visit the fresh market to discover unique Thai products, and explore shrines and sights in Phuket’s old quarter, immersing yourself in the flavors, culture, and history of this charming town.

Transfer to northeast Phuket, a largely untouched area home to the Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary. Visit the Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre, which rescues gibbons previously used as tourist props and aims to reintroduce them to the wild. Hike to Bang Pae Waterfall, then continue to Bang Rong, a small Muslim community on the northeast coast, where monkeys can often be seen in the mangroves. At the floating restaurant in Bang Rong, rent kayaks to paddle through mangrove forests along this pristine stretch of coastline, experiencing the area’s natural beauty and wildlife.

This morning, meet your guide and driver for a transfer to Bangrong Pier and board a private long-tail boat to explore Phang Nga Bay. Paddle in clear waters around Koh Panak and Koh Hong in canoes for two passengers plus a guide, getting up close to limestone rocks, caves, and nature. Enjoy lunch on the beach with beautiful bay views. In the afternoon, visit James Bond Island and explore its coastline before returning to Phuket, experiencing the stunning scenery and unique landscapes of one of Thailand’s most famous coastal areas.