Classic Thailand

Arrive in Bangkok, Thailand’s energetic capital, where modern skyscrapers stand alongside golden temples, lively markets and historic canals.

Meet your private airport representative and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to rest after your journey.

This evening, you may choose an optional private tuk-tuk tour through Bangkok’s historic Old Town. As the city lights come on, travel past illuminated temples, local markets and atmospheric neighbourhoods.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Begin your exploration of Bangkok with the Grand Palace, the former royal residence and one of the city’s most important landmarks. Continue to Wat Phra Kaew, home to the revered Emerald Buddha.

Visit Wat Pho, famous for its enormous reclining Buddha and long association with traditional Thai massage and learning. Continue to Museum Siam, where interactive displays introduce Thailand’s history, culture and national identity.

Later, explore Bangkok’s colourful Flower Market before climbing to Wat Saket, the Golden Mount, for panoramic views across the city.

End the day in Chinatown, sampling Chinese-Thai dishes and local street food. For a special evening experience, an optional after-hours visit to Wat Pho can be arranged, including a private blessing from a resident monk.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Take a private boat through Bangkok’s historic klongs, or canals, and discover a quieter side of the city. Visit the Royal Barges Museum to see the elaborately decorated vessels used for royal ceremonies.

Continue along the waterways past traditional riverside homes, local communities and historic temples before ending near Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn.

In the afternoon, visit the Jim Thompson House, a beautiful traditional Thai teakwood residence connected to the revival of Thailand’s silk industry.

Later, explore Siam, Bangkok’s modern commercial centre, with its luxury shopping, Thai designers and gourmet food halls. Those interested in contemporary art may visit the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, while Lumpini Park offers a peaceful green space among the city’s skyscrapers.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Fly north to Chiang Mai, the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom. The region’s distinctive language, food, architecture and traditions remain an important part of northern Thai culture.

Explore Chiang Mai’s historic Old City by traditional rickshaw, passing through its ancient moat and atmospheric lanes. Continue to Doi Suthep, the mountain temple overlooking the city, where you can enjoy panoramic views and receive a traditional blessing.

Before checking into your hotel, visit Wat Umong, a peaceful forest temple known for its unusual underground tunnels.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Discover the distinctive flavours of northern Thailand during a private Lanna cooking class. Visit a local market, select fresh ingredients and prepare regional dishes using herbs, jungle vegetables, pork and sticky rice.

Enjoy your meal in a traditional sala pavilion before continuing to Maiiam Contemporary Art Museum, home to an impressive collection of modern and contemporary works.

Later, explore Nimman, Chiang Mai’s stylish neighbourhood of cafés, boutiques and restaurants. In the evening, visit a local night market or the famous Weekend Walking Street if your visit falls at the weekend.

For those seeking adventure, alternatives such as ziplining or white-water rafting can be arranged.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Travel by private vehicle to Chiang Rai, located near the borders of Laos and Myanmar in the Golden Triangle region.

Depending on your interests, stop at Thep Sadet Valley, an emerging high-altitude coffee-growing area where cultivation supports local communities and forest conservation.

Continue to Wat Rong Khun, better known as the White Temple, and Baan Dam, or the Black House, two of northern Thailand’s most distinctive architectural and artistic sites.

Arrive at your chosen jungle resort and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Enjoy a relaxed day at your resort, with a choice of activities and excursions.

You may visit a responsible elephant conservation programme to learn about elephant welfare and the work of local mahouts. Depending on the programme available, observe the elephants, help prepare food or take part in carefully managed activities that respect their wellbeing.

Later, visit the Hall of Opium Museum to learn about the history of the Golden Triangle and the region’s former opium trade.

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Explore the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet along the Mekong River.

Visit local markets and border communities while learning how the cultures and traditions of the three neighbouring countries overlap and differ. A private boat ride on the Mekong can also be arranged, offering views towards the surrounding borders and river landscapes.

Return to your resort for a relaxed evening.

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Fly south to Phuket, Thailand’s most famous beach destination.

After the cultural discoveries and mountain landscapes of northern Thailand, enjoy time at your resort or on the beach. Phuket offers a wide choice of luxury accommodation, from private-pool villas and cliffside retreats to stylish beachfront resorts.

The remainder of the day is free to relax by the sea.

Overnight in Phuket.

Explore Phuket Old Town on a private half-day cultural tour. Visit the Thai Hua Museum and wander through colourful streets lined with Sino-Portuguese architecture.

Stop to taste a traditional local dessert before visiting the historic Standard Chartered Bank building. Continue with an authentic Phuket lunch and visit Wat Chalong, the island’s most important Buddhist temple.

End the day at Promthep Cape and Rawai Beach, two scenic locations along Phuket’s southern coast. You may return to your resort or choose an optional private yacht charter to watch the sunset from the sea.

Overnight in Phuket.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and perhaps a final swim in the sea before your private transfer to Phuket International Airport for your onward flight.

This marks the end of your private Thailand journey with Private USA Tours.