12-Day Thailand Wonders Tour
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12-Day Thailand Wonders Tour

Unveiling Thailand's Hidden Gems

Designed for travelers who crave nature, culture, and meaningful experiences, this immersive Thailand journey goes far beyond the usual tourist trail.

Explore Bangkok’s hidden canals and temples, Kanchanaburi’s historic river valleys, and Chiang Mai’s elephant sanctuaries, waterfalls, and hill tribe villages. Finish in Krabi with island-hopping, snorkeling, and a magical night swim among glowing bioluminescent plankton.

With our expert planning, you're guaranteed an extraordinary Thai vacation that will leave you with memories to cherish.

  • Days:12±
  • Best for: adventurers, history and culture fans
  • Departure date: up to you
  • Sample price:US$3,299 each (2 per room)*
  • Flights:Thailand domestic's included (international on request)

*The price is based on a private tour. The cost for a customized private SE Asia tour from US$250/person/day

Travelers Highlights Travel

Thailand Wonders Tour Map (Suggested Route)

Southeast Asia Tour Map

Tour Highlights

Spend a night in a Thai floating villa over the River Kwai.

The float house river kwai

Encounter a variety of hill-tribe villages.

the long deck karen village

Experience daily life along the canals by stepping into a local family’s home.

bangkok canal life

Ride the historic Death Railway across its original wooden viaduct.

Train ride on Death Railway

Taste authentic Northern Thai cuisine at hidden restaurants beloved by locals.

Chiang Mai street-food tour

Enjoy a truly memorable elephant care experience at an ethical sanctuary.

Elephant Rescue Park

Go island hopping from Krabi and snorkel in crystal-clear waters.

snorkeling in Krabi

Suggested Itinerary for Inspiration

Your preferences design the real journey. The days, stops, and travel pace can be adjusted. We're ready to create a unique Thailand trip for you.

Day 1
Bangkok Arrival

On arrival in Bangkok, the charismatic capital of Thailand, your private guide and driver will greet you at the airport and drive you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you please.

Day 2
Life Along the Thonburi Canals
  • Depart from Bangkok's bustling city to the peaceful countryside of Thonburi, Thailand’s former capital.
  • Discover Tonburi’s preserved traditional lifestyle, where locals live along canals and travel by long-tail boats.
  • Board a long-tail boat for a relaxing ride through the canal, passing wooden stilt houses.
  • Visit Wat Pak Nam, a renowned temple due to its giant seated Buddha statue, visible from many parts of Bangkok.
  • Explore an artist village, a riverside creative community with artist studios and galleries.
  • Step into a charming local house along the canal. A welcoming host is waiting for you to teach you how to cook home-style Thai cuisine.
Wat Pak Nam
The iconic Wat Pak Nam
Day 3
Explore Kanchanaburi & the River Kwai
  • Take a scenic transfer to Kanchanaburi province. Explore the poignant Thailand-Burma Railway Centre and pay respects at the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery.
  • Don’t miss the iconic Bridge over the River Kwai, a symbol of resilience and history.
  • In the afternoon, step back in time at the Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre, where the stories of prisoners who endured the most grueling section of the Thailand-Burma Railway come to life.
  • Finally, unwind as we transfer you to Phu Takien Pier for a scenic long-tail boat ride along the River Kwai, arriving at the serene Float House River Kwai — your peaceful riverside retreat.
the famous Bridge over the River Kwai
The famous Bridge over the River Kwai
Day 4
Cultural Trails & Historical Tracks; Back to Bangkok
  • Take a long-tail boat to visit Mon Tribal Village, where the Mon people have lived for generations. There, visit Golden Rock, Buddha image cave, and their village school.
  • Take a short walk on an easy jungle trail along the riverbank to get to a stunning viewpoint over the River Kwai.
  • Return to The Float House River Kwai and check out ready for a history-themed ride on a Death Railway train passing over an original wooden viaduct constructed by Allied POWs.
  • Then we'll comfortably transfer you back to your Bangkok hotel.
Take a history-themed tain ride in Kanchanaburi
Take a history-themed train ride in Kanchanaburi
Day 5
Hidden Flavors of Thailand; Fly to Chiang Mai
  • Begin your morning in Bangkok’s historic Old Quarter, where a stroll through lively streets immerses you in Thailand’s five essential tastes—from zesty som tum and silky Thai sweets to bitter herbal juices, fiery Isaan soups, and savory street-side noodles.
  • Hop into a tuk-tuk bound for Silom’s bustling wet market, weaving past fragrant herbs and vivid produce as your guide reveals how locals shop, cook, and balance bold flavors.
  • The journey continues with a vibrant Isaan lunch at a cherished neighborhood spot—an unforgettable introduction to the heat, heart, and heritage of Thai cuisine.
  • After the food adventure, transfer to Bangkok airport for your onward flight to Chiang Mai. Upon your arrival in Chiang Mai, your guide will transfer you to your hotel.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Local street food tasting
Day 6
A Memorable Elephant Care Experience
  • Situated in a pristine and picturesque valley in Chiang Mai, about 1 hour outside the city, Elephant Rescue Park is a paradise for rescued elephants. It provides a safe, loving, and secure environment for all the elephants that live there.
  • Spend half a day caring for the elephants. You are allowed to interact with the elephants, feed them, hug them, and even bathe them.
Bathe the elephants in Elephant Rescue Park.
Bathe the elephants
Day 7
A Spiritual and Culinary Journey Through Chiang Mai
  • Rise at dawn for a unique and culturally-immersive experience.
  • Depart from your hotel and drive towards Doi Suthep to witness the spectacle of monks descending from the mountain to receive alms from the locals. Observe and join in this ritual and gain insight into the Buddhist traditions of the region.
  • Drive up Mount Doi Suthep to visit sacred Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Descending from the mountain, we'll then head to Wat Chedi Luang, a historied temple that once housed the Emerald Buddha.
  • Then, we proceed to Wat Suan Dok for a unique monk chat experience.
  • In the afternoon, explore some hidden gems with authentic Thai flavors, from tucked-away restaurants to street stalls.
Witness monks alms-giving
Witness monks alms-giving
Day 8
Natural and Cultural Adventure
  • We'll embark on a scenic 2-hour drive north of Chiang Mai to explore magnificent Chiang Dao Cave. This limestone wonder holds hidden beauty within.
  • Next, we'll head to a village inhabited by a Kayan Long Neck Tribe, descendants of immigrants who have preserved their unique cultural traditions.
  • In the afternoon, we'll visit the awe-inspiring Grand Blue Temple (Wat Ban Den). This architectural marvel boasts stunning buildings that are celebrated throughout Chiang Mai.
  • Our final stop is Sticky Waterfall, a one-of-a-kind natural wonder. Unlike other waterfalls, its unique rock formations allow you to climb and explore without slipping.
Witness monks descend for alms-giving at Doi Suthep
The Sticky Waterfall
Day 9
Chiang Mai to Krabi
  • You will fly down to southern Thailand to see one of the best tourist destinations on the Thai west coast — Krabi. Both of the airport transfers are included in our private tour service.
  • Spend the rest of the day exploring your idyllic hotel by Ao Nang Beach.
Day 10
Snorkeling, Sunset & Bioluminescent Night Swim
  • Cruise to Tangming Island, where your adventure begins with an unforgettable snorkeling experience in crystal-clear waters, framed by dramatic 300-meter limestone cliffs and stunning surrounding islands.
  • Continue to Chicken Island for your second snorkeling stop, exploring the shallow eastern reef teeming with colorful marine life and vibrant corals.
  • Next, unwind on the pristine white sands of Poda Island. Relax, swim, or simply soak in the tropical atmosphere before enjoying a delicious BBQ dinner with breathtaking island views.
  • As the sun sets, sail past Railay Beach and capture spectacular landscape photos from the boat.
  • The evening ends with a truly magical experience at a secret nearby spot—bioluminescent swimming, where glowing plankton illuminate the water with every movement, creating a once-in-a-lifetime memory.
Krabi glowing plankton
The glowing plankton in Krabi
Day 11
Enjoy Tropical Coast Time Your Way in Krabi
  • You will have a free day to experience the natural charm of Krabi and entertain yourself by trying out various activities.
  • The untouched tropical beaches of Krabi are the perfect destination for laid-back or adventurous couples and families. Just relax in paradise, or take your own choice of activities and attractions.
  • Ao Nang Center Point is famous for its high-energy nightlife, Tiger Cave Temple offers visitors the chance to pay their respects to the Buddha, and the beautiful mangrove forest is the perfect place to spend some natural leisure time.
  • Krabi's seascape is famous for its steep limestone cliffs. If you enjoy rock climbing, then you will love Krabi — it is one of the best spots for rock climbing in the world.
A Private Cooking Experience
The Ao Nang beach of Krabi
Day12
Krabi Departure

We'll provide an airport transfer to ensure a warm send off and a smooth transition out of Thailand as you catch your flight back home.

Thanks for traveling with Highlights Travel. We hope to serve you again!

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

For couples

chiang mai cooking class
Cook Thai cuisine on a local organic farm

For foodies

chiang mai handicraft village
Explore Chiang Mai handicraft village

For culture fans

sukhothai historical park
Journey back in time at Sukhothai

For history fans

Hand-Picked Hotels

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

hotel in Bangkok
Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn
Smile Lanna Hotel in Chiang Mai
Smile Lanna Hotel in Chiang Mai
The Float House River Kwai
The Float House River Kwai Kanchanaburi
Ao Nang Villa Resort
Ao Nang Villa Resort Krabi

Tour Price:

12 days from
US$3,299 p/p(based on a private tour for 2 people)
  • The price is based on a private tour during the low season with 4-star hotel options.
  • 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-tl-11

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