12-Day Best of Thailand Christmas and New Year Countdown Tour
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12-Day Best of Thailand Christmas and New Year Countdown Tour

A Memory-Making Thailand New Year Holiday

This holiday season, give your family the gift of adventure with a magical journey through Thailand! From sparkling city lights to sun-soaked beaches and lively cultural festivals, every day is packed with fun, wonder, and unforgettable memories.

Begin your journey in Bangkok, where the city comes alive with Christmas spirit. Next, escape to the tropical paradise of Koh Samui for sun, sea, and family fun. Finally, experience the cultural richness of Chiang Mai, where the CAD New Year Festival lights up the city with dazzling performances and joyful celebrations.

We'd love to hear your ideas for your festive getaway! Together, we'll craft a holiday tour that ensures every family member enjoys a joyful and memorable celebration.

  • Days:12±
  • Best for: Christmas and the New Year celebration.
  • Departure date: Around December 22nd.
  • Sample price:US$3,999 p/p (2 people) and US$ 3,499 p/p (4 people)
  • Flights:Thailand domestic flights is included (international on request)

*The price is based on a private tour for 2 people. The cost for a customized private SE Asia tour from US$300/person/day

Travelers Highlights Travel

Tour Highlights

Witness a truly spectacular fireworks display that will ignite the night to usher in the new year.

Chiang Mai New Year Fireworks Display

Share a magical moment with your loved ones as you release sky lanterns and ring in the New Year.

the colorful lanterns at CAD new year countdown festival

Delight in a one-of-a-kind fitting and styling session dedicated to the exquisite artistry of Thai Lanna costume.

thai Costume Fitting and Styling experience

Celebrate Christmas Eve in style aboard a luxury night cruise.

night cruise in bangkok

Savor Thai food from sizzling streets to bustling markets and hidden stalls filled with irresistible bites.

Street food in Bangkok

Observe rescued elephants living freely and naturally in a truly ethical sanctuary.

Elephants in a Chiang Mai Sanctuary

Go snorkeling at one of Koh Tao's many coral reefs.

snorkeling at Koh Tao Island

Get lost on a secret beach in Koh Samui and soak up some rays.

the beach of Koh Samui

Suggested Itinerary for Inspiration

Your preferences design the real journey. We're ready to create a wonderful Thailand holiday for you and your family.

Day 1
Dec.22: Bangkok Arrival
  • Welcome to Bangkok!
  • Meet your private tour guide who will greet you with a warm "Sawadee-ka" ('hello' in Thai). Transfer in a private car to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 2
Dec.23: Colors of Bangkok
  • Wander through Thailand's largest flower market overflowing with orchids, roses, and marigolds. Make your own garlands and decorate lotus flowers—just like local families do before visiting temples.
  • Explore Thailand's most spectacular landmark, the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, filled with golden temples and dazzling details.
  • Visit the riverside "Temple of Dawn," once the royal temple of King Rama II. Treat your children to a fun 3D ice cream.
  • Escape the heat inside a playful museum designed for curious minds. Learn about Thailand's history and culture through hands-on exhibits that keep both kids and adults entertained.
sisters at Grand Palace
Day 3
Dec.24: Bangkok's Hidden Charms & Christmas Lights
  • Explore a peaceful royal temple, Wat Pak Nam, founded in 1610, known for its calming atmosphere and beautiful architecture. You will be amazed by the enormous, gleaming stupa and the serene meditation halls.
  • Hop aboard a traditional long-tail boat and cruise through quiet canals lined with wooden homes and local life. Arrive at a riverside charming Artist Village. Choose to paint or draw to create your own souvenir masterpiece.
  • Sample a variety of local favorites: crispy noodles, braised-beef soup, fried-banana treats. A delicious way to discover everyday flavors that locals have enjoyed for generations.
  • Celebrate a magical Christmas Eve aboard the Sawasdee Chaophraya Cruise as you glide along the Chao Phraya River. Enjoy a festive international seafood buffet and be entertained by traditional Thai dance, Khon performances, and live music.
long-tailed boat passing through Wat Pak Nam
Day 4
Dec.25: Flight to Koh Samui
  • Enjoy a leisurely morning at your own pace before your afternoon flight to Koh Samui.
  • Renowned as one of the world's finest beach destinations, Koh Samui offers a remarkable balance of natural beauty, traditional lifestyles, and a tempting selection of upscale hotels and resorts.
  • Your guide will meet you at the airport of Koh Samui and escort you to your hotel.
Day 5
Dec.26: Snorkeling & Scenic Adventure
  • Koh Tao island is a renowned diving and snorkeling paradise in the Gulf of Thailand, teeming with diverse coral species and vibrant marine life.
  • Start your day with a minivan transfer to the pier for a thrilling speedboat ride to Koh Nang Yuan. Conquer one of the small, jungle-clad hills for a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding islands.
  • Head to a stunning snorkeling site. Dive into a kaleidoscope of marine life amidst colorful soft and hard corals, and experience the beauty of one of the world's top underwater destinations.
explore the marine life at Koh Tao
Day 6-7
Dec.27-28: Relax & Recharge Together
  • It's time to slow down and relax with your loved ones.
  • Typically, your resort offers plenty of complimentary activities - kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, lounging in beach cabanas, or swimming in the huge pools overlooking the ocean.
  • Treat yourself to a Thai massage, soothing spa therapies, or a refreshing yoga class. Feel recharged and full of energy afterwards.
Relax in the wonderful beach of Koh Samui
Day 8
Dec.29: Departure for Chiang Mai

Fly from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai for the grand finale of your journey—celebrating New Year's Eve at the Chiang Mai New Year Countdown Festival.

Day 9
Dec.30: Meet Gentle Elephants
  • A one-day family visit to Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai is a heartwarming, educational, and gentle adventure.
  • Travel through scenic countryside to meet rescued elephants in a safe, open environment where you can feed them fruits, observe their natural behaviors, and watch playful river baths.
  • Your guide will share stories of each elephant's rescue and personality, making it both inspiring and kid-friendly.
  • Enjoy a buffet lunch with views of roaming elephants and can meet rescued dogs and cats in the afternoon.
have close encounter with elephant
Day 10
Dec.31: New Year Celebration
  • Start your tour in the late afternoon, as the Chiang Mai New Year festival concludes after midnight.
  • Dress in traditional Thai attire to fully immerse yourself in the celebration.
  • Experience Lanna culture with a captivating cultural show and savor the flavors of authentic Lanna Thai cuisine.
  • Enjoy an international-class fireworks display with over 4,000 sky lanterns lighting up the sky, a beautiful tradition to welcome the New Year.
sky lanterns at Chiang Mai New Year Event
Day 11
Jan.1: A Taste of Chiang Mai
  • Get up late today and enjoy a relaxing morning at your hotel. After lunch, wander through colorful stalls bursting with fresh fruits, fragrant herbs, and bright blossoms.
  • Explore the peaceful and historically important temple Wat Suan Dok, and learn how it serves as the resting place for former Chiang Mai kings and members of the Royal Family.
  • Take a scenic drive up Doi Suthep Mountain to admire sweeping views of Northern Thailand. Climb the 309 dragon-flanked steps to arrive at the top, where golden pagodas and panoramic city views await.
  • Discover Chiang Mai's culinary secrets on an exclusive food tour that takes you to hidden restaurants and authentic street stalls to taste the region's most unique flavors.
the Northern Thai food
Day 12
Jan.2: Flight Home
  • We hope you've enjoyed a tour filled with vibrant markets, serene temples, pristine islands, and delicious flavors of Thailand.
  • Thank you for exploring this beautiful country with Highlights Travel. We look forward to welcoming you again soon for more unforgettable experiences!

Ideas for Making This Trip Uniquely Yours

Special experiences can be added to brighten a honeymoon trip, a family vacation, a birthday, or satisfy personal interests.

champagne on the night cruise
Manohra Luxury Dinner Cruise in Bangkok

For couples

learn cooking
Cooking Class in Chiang Mai

For foodies

view of the island
Journey back in time at the Ayutthaya Historical Park

For adventurers

Hand-Picked Hotels

We select hotels with style and local features. Let us know your preferences and we'll find your ideal hotel.

peace resort
Peace Resort Koh Samui
Lanna Smile Hotel Chiang Mai
Lanna Smile Hotel Chiang Mai
hotel in Bangkok
Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn Bangkok

Tour Price:

12 days from
US$3,999 p/p (based on a private tour for 2 people)
US$3,499 p/p (based on a private tour for 4 people)
  • The price varies based on program, travel date, number of people.
  • We could also price a tour including both 4-star and 5-star hotels for you.
  • The price for a child younger than 8 is approximately 80% of the adult's price.
  • We accept payments in multiple currencies (GBP, AUD, CAD, EUR...).

Price Includes:

  • Privately-driven air-conditioned vehicle with ample space (except where stated)
  • English-speaking local guide for the sightseeing
  • Attraction tickets and itinerary activities
  • Accommodation for all nights
  • Flights/trains between itinerary cities
  • Hotel breakfasts and itinerary lunches/dinners
  • 24/7 helpline while touring
  • Governmental taxes

Price Excludes:

  • International flights not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Overweight luggage more than 20 kg per person
  • Visa fee, if applicable
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Personal expenses

Tour code: ah-25

Inquire now! Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.

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