Iconic Thailand
G Adventures National Geographic Journeys
Experience the timeless grandeur of Thailand’s cities, temples, and landscapes on a cross-country adventure. Explore the rich cultural heritage and culinary delights of Chiang Mai, then head south to discover tropical coastlines. Stroll the sun-drenched shores of Ko Samui, and venture to limestone cliffs and sacred caves in Krabi. In each destination, marvel at intricate palaces and monasteries, meet locals in village homes and traditional workshops, and delight in the flavours of authentic Thai cuisine.
Highlights
- Discuss daily life with a resident monk
- Explore the temples and palaces of Ayutthaya
- Cruise Bangkok’s delightfully chaotic canals
- Kayak and snorkel the crystalline waters of Ko Mat Sum and Ko Taen islands
- Explore Krabi River aboard a longtail boat before hopping in a tricycle tuk-tuk
Pricing
Small group tour starting at $4,399* CAD per person, based on double occupancy
15 Days – Bangkok to Bangkok
Travel Style: National Geographic Journeys
Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.
Service Level: Upgraded
Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.
Physical Rating: 2 – Light
Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 16, Avg 12.
What’s Included
- Your Journeys Highlight Moments: Traditional Thai Home Dinner, Chiang Mai
- Meet with Monks, Chiang Mai
- Kao Thep Pitak Farm and Culinary Experience, Ban Ta Khun
- Rainforest Eco-Walk & Dinner, Khao Sok
- Krabi Village Excursion, Krabi
- Your G for Good Moment: Kao Thep Pitak Community-Owned Farm & Meal, Ban Ta Khun
- Your Foodie Moment: Cooking Class, Chiang Mai
- Your Discover Moment: Bangkok.
- Arrival transfer.
- Entrance to Thai-Burma war museum and train ride.
- Visit to Erawan National Park.
- Guided tour at Ayutthaya Historical Park.
- Dinner on a converted rice barge.
- Bangkok boat tour of the klongs (canals) and Wat Pho temple complex.
- Ko Mat Sum and Ko Taen Excursion.
- Internal flights.
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Day
Day 1
Location(s)
Bangkok
Meals
Description
Arrive at any time; your arrival transfer is included.
Accommodation: Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit (or similar)
Day 2
Bangkok – Kanchanaburi
Breakfast
After breakfast, travel to the city of Kanchanaburi, situated at the convergence of the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai Rivers. Board a train for a winding journey into World War II history as you cross the bridge made famous by the 1957 film The Bridge on the River Kwai. At the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, learn about the Burma Railway, constructed by imperial Japanese forces to connect Bangkok and Burma; then visit the nearby Kanchanaburi War Cemetery to see where the prisoners of war who worked on the railway were laid to rest.
Accommodation: Royal River Kwai Resort (or similar)
Day 3
Kanchanaburi – Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, hike into the lush landscapes of Erawan National Park, located high in the mist-shrouded Tenasserim Hills. Take a dip in the turquoise pools of the Erawan Falls—so called because its top tier of cascades resemble the three-headed, mythological elephant known as Erawan. This afternoon, transfer to the historic city of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, a former capital of the medieval kingdom of Ayutthaya, also known as Siam. Sample traditional Thai dishes during dinner on a converted rice barge from the 1930s.
Accommodation: Kameo Classic Ayutthaya Hotel (or similar)
Day 4
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya – Chiang Mai
Breakfast, Dinner
Set out to explore the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Ayutthaya Historical Park, centered on the old city which served as the Siamese capital from the 14th to 18th centuries, when it was one of the largest and most cosmopolitan regions in the world. Stroll down well-planned city streets to view magnificent palaces and Buddhist monasteries that set the standard for Thai architecture for generations to come. Later, return to Bangkok and transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai. Visit a traditional village in the countryside and enjoy a khantok-style dinner, served on low pedestal trays.
Accommodation: Duangtawan Hotel Chiang Mai (or similar, 3 nights)
Day 5
Chiang Mai
Breakfast, Lunch
Delve into the bustle of Chiang Mai’s morning markets with a local chef, and learn about colourful fruits and fragrant herbs as you select ingredients for a Thai cooking class. Enjoy your creation for lunch, then set out to visit a historic temple. Sit down with one of the resident monks to discuss daily life and the tenets of Buddhism. Later, clear your mind to the chanting of monks at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the most spectacular gilded temples in Thailand.
Day 6
Chiang Mai
Breakfast
Spend a full day exploring Chiang Mai’s temples and forested hills on your own, or choose between a variety of optional activities. Traverse the rural lanes of Chiang Mai in a tuk-tuk, or opt to take a cycling tour through verdant rice paddies and the elegant historic district. In the evening, choose to visit Chiang Mai’s vibrant night market.
Day 7
Chiang Mai – Bangkok
Breakfast
This morning, fly to Bangkok and board a traditional klong boat for a ride along the winding canals that have earned the city the nickname the “Venice of the East.” Glide past colourful temples, modern skyscrapers, and houses perched above the water. Visit Wat Pho, Bangkok’s largest and oldest temple complex, and often considered Thailand’s first public university—its many inscriptions were intended to instruct visitors. Marvel at the magnificent statue of the Reclining Buddha, glittering with gold leaf and mother-of-pearl.
Accommodation: Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit (or similar, 2 nights)
Day 8
Bangkok
Breakfast
Enjoy a free day in bustling Bangkok. Opt to visit the dazzling Grand Palace, formerly the official residence of the Thai royal family, and gaze upon the sacred statue of the Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew. Browse the stunning collections of Thai art and artifacts at the Bangkok National Museum, including weaponry, ceramics, textiles, and musical instruments; or hop on a bike to explore the quieter side of the city, pedaling past hidden temples and lush parks.
Day 9
Bangkok – Ko Samui
Breakfast
This morning, transfer to the airport in Bangkok and catch a flight to the tropical island of Ko Samui, bordered by the sapphire waters off Thailand’s southeast coast. Settle into your hotel and enjoy a free afternoon to relax by the pool, stroll along a white-sand beach, or explore the local village.
Accommodation: Mercure Samui Chaweng Tana Hotel (or similar, 2 nights)
Day 10
Ko Samui
Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, board a traditional longtail boat and travel off the tourist trail to the pristine islands of Ko Mat Sum and Ko Taen. Savour a local lunch on the beach, then choose to explore by kayak or snorkel. Glide past green-shrouded cliffs and tranquil lagoons, or don a mask and fins to delve into vibrant underwater worlds.
Day 11
Ko Samui – Khao Sok
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Catch the ferry back to the mainland and drive to Kao Thep Pitak, a community-owned farm supported by G Adventures. Enjoy a lunch of local specialties and take a stroll through the surrounding fruit orchards. Continue to Khao Sok National Park, where you will settle into a sustainable, community-focused eco-lodge located just outside the park boundary. This evening, venture into the rainforest park on a nighttime walk with a community guide, then gather for a campfire dinner surrounded by the music of the jungle.
Accommodation: Anurak Community Lodge (or similar, 2 nights)
Day 12
Khao Sok
Breakfast
Khao Sok National Park is southern Thailand’s largest area of virgin rainforest, encompassing a breathtaking wilderness of karst peaks, turquoise lakes, and tropical rainforest that stretch along the southwest coast. Explore the park on your own today, choosing between a variety of optional jungle activities. Head out for a hike in search of monkeys and tropical birds inhabiting the dense canopy. Soak in steaming hot springs, glide down the sparkling Sok River aboard a canoe, or set out on a cycling tour of the park’s winding trails.
Day 13
Khao Sok – Krabi
Breakfast
This morning, drive south to Krabi, situated on Thailand’s tropical southwest coast. Cross the Krabi River by private longtail boat, gliding past mangrove forests and limestone peaks. Venture into the Khao Khanap Nam cave to view prehistoric paintings and fascinating rock formations. Later, head to Ko Klang island and board motorized tricycle tuk-tuks to explore local communities and traditional industries, including a rubber plantation, rice fields, and a batik workshop. Chat with villagers and learn about timeless agricultural and artisanal techniques passed down over generations.
Accommodation: Deevana Plaza Krabi Aonang (or similar, 2 nights)
Day 14
Krabi
Breakfast
Enjoy a full day of free time to relax at the hotel or explore Krabi. Opt to catch a tuk-tuk to Ao Nang beach, overlooked by towering, vine-draped limestone cliffs. Choose to navigate the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea by kayak, or snorkel among colourful tropical fish. Discover the idyllic beaches of the Ko Phi Phi islands by speedboat on an optional day trip.
Day 15
Krabi – Bangkok
Breakfast
This morning, return to Bangkok, where your trip concludes.
*Hotel rooms are subject to availability and are confirmed by the supplier at time of booking; they may be replaced by other hotel rooms of similar category at the sole discretion of the supplier.
Interested in the itinerary above? Click on the “START PLANNING” button below and reference “Iconic Thailand” in the form, or give us a call at 587.997.5969 to book.
An adventure designed specifically for you
Let us work with you to tailor a journey based on your travel style and interests. We can use the existing itinerary above as a foundation, or build one from scratch to create your ideal vacation. Connect with us to start the conversation.
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*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to change and availability.