Thorough, Thrumming, Thrilling Thailand: 11 Days in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket
Traverse Thailand's treasured terrain — from city streets to floating markets and island beaches — on this 11-day tour through Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
Thailand
11 days / 10 nights
$3,506 /person
$3,506 /person
Your trip at a glance
Top Activities
Experiencing Bangkok’s enchanting floating markets and thrilling railway market on a guided tour
Touring and, often, tasting the outputs of Phuket's pineapple, coconut, and rubber groves
Sampling Bangkok’s vast array of sizzling, spicy, and savory street foods
Feeding playful and protected elephants at an ethical Chiang Mai elephant sanctuary
Marveling at Buddhist temples, granite mountains, and historic ruins in Chiang Mai
Welcome to Thailand!
The Best of Bangkok's Temples, Palaces, and Canals
The Magical Mayhem of Bangkok’s Food and Floating Markets
Onward to Chiang Mai!
Tuk Tuk Food Crawl in Chiang Mai
Show All 11 days
Elephant Experience at an Ethical Sanctuary
Songthaew Truck Tour of Chiang Mai, With Mountains, Markets, and Temples
Introducing Phuket and Its Old Town Charm
Phuket Like a Local, From Crafts to Pineapples to Coconut Treats
The Heritage of Phuket By Food and Architecture
Until the Next Time!
The Magical Mayhem of Bangkok’s Food and Floating Markets
Overview
Rise and shine, because today’s guided tour starts early, taking you to various food markets, an ancient temple, and a coconut sugar factory. This morning, you’ll meet your local expert guide at your hotel, and be driven about an hour and a half away to the Maeklong Railway Market. This local street food market sells all kinds of Thai delights, and sits in the center of a still in-use railway, where trains periodically pass through the market’s core. After feasting your eyes — and your taste buds — on the market’s madness, you’ll head to Wat Bang Kung: a hidden gem nestled within Samut Songkhram. After Wat Bang Kung, you’ll continue the theme of temples and visit a family-run coconut sugar factory. Here, you’ll learn about the traditional methods of making coconut sugar, a vital ingredient in Thai cuisine. Depending on the day of the week, you’ll then visit either Tha Ka Floating Market or Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, both of which deliver the best kind of chaotic energy and, of course, plenty of delicious street food and fresh produce. After exploring the day’s floating market, you’ll make your way back to Bangkok. Your driver will drop you off at your hotel by mid-afternoon, and you’ll have the rest of the afternoon and evening to enjoy however you please. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Highlights
Coconut Sugar Factory Tour
During today’s stop at a coconut sugar factory, you’ll observe a working operation, rather than a mere tourist attraction. Alongside your expert guide and the factory’s employees, you’ll witness the authentic process of production. Although workshops aren’t offered, you’ll have the chance to sample and purchase freshly made coconut sugar to take home a taste of this rural tradition.
Wat Bang Kung
This ancient temple, which dates all the way back to the Ayutthaya period, played a crucial role in the historic Battle of Bang Kung. Now, the site lays claim to a famous chapel that’s enveloped by the sprawling roots of a banyan tree, giving it an almost mystical appearance. Inside the temple, you’ll find a revered Buddha statue and murals that tell the story of Buddha’s life. It’s a peaceful and awe-inspiring stop that offers a glimpse into Thailand’s rich cultural history.
Floating Markets
Today’s floating market visit depends on the day of the week. If you’re traveling on the weekend, you’ll stop at Tha Ka, whose laid-back atmosphere and friendly vendors offer an intimate glimpse into traditional Thai market life. Boats contain both fresh produce and delicious street food, such as the popular hoy tod, fried oyster omelette. However, if you’re visiting during the week, you’ll head instead to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market via longtail boat. You’ll wind through a maze of canals, where the scene transitions from serene wooden houses to a bustling market filled with boats selling fruits and souvenirs. With either market — on any day — you can’t go wrong.
Maeklong Railway Market
At first glance, Maeklong Railway Market appears to be a typical street market, with vendors selling everything from grilled skewers and mangoes to crabs and sugary drinks. But when the train’s whistle blows, the entire market transforms. Vendors quickly pack up their stalls, fold back their awnings, and make way for the train to pass right through the market — a fascinating display of local ingenuity. This spectacle occurs multiple times throughout the day, providing a unique and photogenic experience.
Accommodations
Riva Surya Bangkok (or similar)
Experience the perfect blend of elegance and convenience at Riva Surya Bangkok, which promises a comfortable and memorable stay for every traveler. Located by the river near Khao San Road, this hotel offers colonial-style rooms at an affordable price, with an on-site swimming pool, sun loungers, fitness center, and Thai and Western restaurant. Throughout your stay, you'll experience excellent service from the cosmopolitan staff and have ample opportunities to savor refreshing drinks from The Garden, the property's open-air riverside patio. Welcome to your Bangkok home base.
Location:
23 Phra Athit Rd, Chana Songkhram, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Phone:
+6626335000
How it works
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Schedule a call with your expert to confirm dates, pricing and any recommended edits to the itinerary.
Book your trip
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Take-off
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What's included
Included in the final price
- Roadbook with local tips and expert recommendations
- 24/7 on-the-ground support
- On-trip concierge service
- Personalized trip crafting
- Entry and exit information and assistance
- All transfers between airports and hotels
- All ground transit
- Meals, snacks, and culinary experiences as mentioned
- Accommodations for 11 nights
- All Bangkok experiences mentioned in the itinerary: sightseeing boat ride, railway and floating markets
- All Chiang Mai experiences mentioned in the itinerary: private chef's table experience, culinary experience by electric tuk tuk, elephant experience, red truck highlights
- All Phuket experiences: local living experience and walking tour
Not included in the final price
- International arrival and departure flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Domestic flights
- Anything not mentioned or listed as optional in the itinerary