Thailand New Year Countdown & Christmas Tour
- Duration 12 Days
- Tour Type Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style Cultural
About This Trip
Celebrate a WARM Christmas and New Year in Thailand, where festive traditions meet tropical sunshine. Your journey begins in lively Bangkok, where iconic landmarks, festive markets, and Christmas dinner offer a uniquely joyful twist on the season. Fly north to the mountainous Chiang Mai for golden hilltop temple, local Lanna heritage, and cultural delights. Finally, welcome the New Year by the sea in Phuket with endless options, from the gala dinners to countdown parties, firework displays, elephant encounters, and island hopping.
Itinerary Summary
| DAY | PLACE | HIGHLIGHTS |
| 1 - 4 | Bangkok |
Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Amphawa Floating Market Optional: Christmas Eve Service, Christmas Day Dinner Cruise |
| 5 - 7 | Chiang Mai |
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Rickshaw Tour, Lanna Family Visit with Cooking Optional: Floating Lantern Making and Releasing |
| 8 - 12 | Phuket | Leisure Days with Rich Options: New Year Eve's Gala Dinner, Beach Countdown Party, Island Hopping |
Suggested Itinerary
Upon arrival at Bangkok Airport, your private guide will greet you with a warm welcome and transfer you to your centrally located hotel for check-in.
The rest of the day is free to relax or explore at your own leisure. You may want to ease into the local rhythm with a rejuvenating Thai spa to shake off jet lag. As evening falls, wander Asiatique The Riverfront, where twinkling lights, riverside breezes, and Christmas-themed stalls create a joyful festival vibe.
- Bangkok
ICONSIAM
Today’s Highlights
- See Bangkok’s royal treasures
- Admire the Emerald & Reclining Buddhas
- Choose festive shopping, a Christmas feast, or a dinner cruise
Your Day in Detail
Celebrate a festive Christmas Eve in Bangkok with a morning tour of the city's most treasured landmarks. Grand Palace dazzles with golden spires, intricate craftsmanship, and centuries of royal history. Within its grounds lies Wat Phra Kaew, home to the revered Emerald Buddha. Continue to visit the time-honored Wat Pho, which houses the majestic 46-meter Reclining Buddha adorned in gold leaf.
Optional activities for the rest of the day:
- ICONSIAM: This world-class shopping mall along the Chao Phraya River transforms into a festive wonderland, complete with a 20-meter Christmas tree, sparkling light displays, live performances, and gourmet holiday treats.
- Christmas Eve Service: The glow of candlelight and the familiar chords of "Silent Night" offer a soul-stirring connection to home. You can choose to attend a traditional Christmas Eve service at a church, such as the historic Assumption Cathedral.
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- Bangkok
Night View of Chao Phraya River Cruise
After a leisurely breakfast, spend Christmas Day in Bangkok at your own pace, enjoying a relaxed blend of familiar traditions and tropical holiday charm.
Optional activities for this free day:
- CentralWorld: Step into one of Bangkok's most festive holiday hotspots, where the sprawling Merry Ville Christmas Village comes alive with a towering art-toy Christmas tree, themed installations, seasonal markets, and plenty of photo-worthy moments.
- Christmas Feast: Celebrate your day with a Western-style Christmas dinner, complete with classic holiday dishes, live music, and a warm, elegant atmosphere. Choose from a riverside restaurant or a rooftop venue overlooking the city.
- Christmas Day Dinner Cruise: A magical Christmas evening comes alive aboard a Chao Phraya River dinner cruise. Savor a Western-style Christmas dinner while sailing past Bangkok's skyline illuminated by the festive glow.
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- Bangkok
Maeklong Railway Market
Today’s Highlights
- Watch vendors make way for a passing train
- Cruise Amphawa’s canals by long-tail boat
Your Day in Detail
Enjoy this morning at leisure, perhaps savoring a cozy breakfast at the hotel or stepping out to discover Bangkok adorned in holiday charm.
Around 12:30 pm, depart for a 1.5-hour transfer to the Maeklong Railway Market, where you'll witness vendors swiftly packing their colorful stalls as a train approaches, only to reopen them moments later - a unique and lively spectacle.
Proceed with a short drive to Amphawa Floating Market, where you can glide by a long-tailed boat through canals, browse local crafts, and taste delicious Thai treats amidst a cheerful riverside atmosphere. Return to Bangkok in the evening for a restful night at your hotel.
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- Bangkok
After breakfast, check out of your Bangkok hotel and transfer to Bangkok Airport for a late morning flight to the mountainous Chiang Mai in northern Thailand.
Upon arrival, your private guide and driver will be waiting to welcome you and take you to your hotel. The rest of today is at your leisure.
Optional activities for the rest of the day:
- Christmas Market: A great option is to visit the Nimman Christmas Market, where the streets of Nimmanhaemin come alive with festive lights, creative stalls, and local crafts.
- Floating Lantern Making and Releasing: Create your own traditional Krathong from banana leaves and fragrant blooms at a riverside restaurant, then savor northern Thai dishes at sunset before releasing your handmade lantern with a quiet wish onto the water.
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- Chiang Mai
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Today’s Highlights
- Browse local life at Warorot Market
- Ride a traditional samlor through Chiang Mai’s Old City
- Receive a private blessing from a Buddhist monk
Your Day in Detail
Start your day at the bustling Warorot Market (Kad Luang), mingling with locals while exploring colorful stalls, unique handicrafts, and perhaps catching street performances or live music. Next, hop into a traditional samlor or rickshaw at Thapae Gate, winding through the Old City's charming narrow lanes, historic temples, and boutique shops. Move forward to Wat Suan Dok for an intimate conversation with a Buddhist monk, gaining insight into spiritual life.
This afternoon, drive up to the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, admiring intricate carvings, golden chedis, vibrant murals, and panoramic city views. Before returning to your hotel, experience a private blessing ceremony and witness magical evening chanting by the monks.
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- Chiang Mai
Northern Thai Dish
Today’s Highlights
- Visit a Lanna family in the countryside
- Cook Northern Thai dishes with your hosts
Your Day in Detail
This morning, travel out of the city to visit a local Lanna family in the peaceful countryside, about a 45-minute drive away. The hospitable host will welcome you into their traditional teak wood home and walk you through lush herb gardens. Join your hosts in the open-air kitchen to prepare signature Northern Thai dishes using freshly picked ingredients. Enjoy a home-cooked lunch together, sharing stories and local flavors before heading back to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Optional evening activity:
- Festive Cruise down the Mae Ping River: There's no better time to enjoy a dinner cruise down the Mae Ping River, when historic temples and bridges lining its banks light up in celebration.
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- Chiang Mai
After metropolitan Bangkok and mountainous Chiang Mai, it's time to welcome the New Year by the sea. Enjoy some leisure time this morning before taking a private transfer to the airport for your flight to the southern island paradise of Phuket.
Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you from the airport to your beachfront resort. The afternoon and evening are free for you to relax in the tropical surroundings, preparing for the festive New Year celebrations ahead.
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- Phuket
Firework Display
Today is free for your own arrangement; perhaps sunbathe on powdery shores, refresh in turquoise waves, or lounge by the pool. On New Year's Eve, choose your ideal farewell to the year.
- Gala Dinner at Your Resort: Ring in the New Year with a glamorous gala dinner, featuring gourmet cuisine, live music, and festive entertainment. As midnight approaches, toast to new beginnings in an unforgettable tropical celebration.
- Beach Countdown Party: Phuket's main beaches buzz with massive countdown celebrations, including live music, shows, and a spectacular firework display over the Andaman Sea at midnight.
- Private Boat Charter: For an exclusive evening, charter a private yacht or boat, enjoy a special dinner onboard, and watch the fireworks from the water.
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- Phuket
The first day of the New Year is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace. You can choose from a range of enriching optional tours.
- Temple Visit with Early Morning Ritual: Embrace your new year with a morning visit to Phuket's most revered temple, Wat Chalong. The soulful ritual includes joining local worshippers in quiet prayer, offering food to saffron-robed monks, and receiving blessings for good fortune.
- Elephant Care: At an ethical elephant sanctuary, meet rescued elephants, feed, bathe, and brush them, and make recycled paper, followed by a Thai buffet lunch.
- B
- Phuket
Phi Phi Islands
Nothing is planned for you on the free day. There are daily island-hopping excursions for your options.
- Phi Phi Islands by Speed Boat: This full-day excursion focuses on exploring the stunning Maya Bay on Phi Phi Ley, snapping photos at Monkey Beach, snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Phi Phi Don, and relaxing on the pristine beaches of Bamboo Island.
- Phang Nga Bay with James Bond Island by Longtail Boat: Cruise through Phang Nga Bay's limestone cliffs, explore sea caves by canoe, and witness this breathtaking filming location of the Hollywood movie "The Man with the Golden Gun".
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- Phuket
Your Thai holiday comes to a gentle close today. Enjoy one final morning by the sea before your private transfer takes you to Phuket Airport. As you fly back home, carry the warmth of Thai hospitality, festive celebrations, and tropical New Year memories.
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What's Included in Your Private Tour
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A dedicated travel expert will work with you to design and arrange your itinerary based on your interests, travel style, schedule, and budget. Your trip can be adjusted as your plans take shape.
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Accommodation is selected based on location, quality, your preferences, and budget. Depending on the destination and itinerary, options may include international hotel chains, boutique hotels, and locally distinctive properties.
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Local guides are arranged in each destination, with strong language skills and in-depth local knowledge. Your guide will help you make the most of each destination while sharing local history, culture, and everyday life.
Guide arrangements may vary depending on your destination and itinerary. Please refer to your Tour Program for the specific guide arrangements for your trip.
If you have any special requirements for your guide, such as in-depth historical and cultural interpretation or expertise in a particular industry or subject, please let us know in advance so we can take your preferences into consideration when arranging your trip. -
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with a dedicated driver, as specified in the itinerary
- Domestic trains as specified in the itinerary
- Domestic flights as specified in the itinerary
- International flights for selected multi-country tours, as specified in the itinerary.
Transportation arrangements can be adjusted to suit your itinerary and travel needs.
*As each trip is tailor-made, transportation arrangements may vary by itinerary and destination. The final arrangements will be detailed in your Tour Program.*International flights to and from your home country are normally not included in the initial Tour Program. If you would like, your travel expert can also help arrange these flights upon request.
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- Breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D) as specified in the itinerary
- Additional meals can be arranged upon request
- Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request
FAQ About the Trip
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Some hotels may require a minimum stay or include a mandatory Christmas or New Year gala dinner during the festive period. These policies vary by hotel and date. Your travel consultant can check the requirements and recommend suitable options based on your preferences.
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Popular rooftop restaurants in Bangkok, especially those with views of the fireworks, can sell out months in advance. If you would like a specific venue or a good fireworks view, we recommend booking at least three months ahead.
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This itinerary intentionally includes plenty of free time, allowing you to enjoy Thailand’s festive season at your own pace. You can choose from optional activities, relax at your hotel, or explore the local Christmas and New Year atmosphere on your own.
Your Travel Partner Every Step of the Way
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Before You Travel
- Personalized itinerary planning
- Professional advice from local experts
- Smooth booking support from start to finish
Every great journey starts with thoughtful planning. From the moment you contact us, we take the time to understand your travel style, interests, and expectations. Whether you’re looking for iconic highlights, local experiences, or a more relaxed pace, we help design a trip that truly fits you. -
While You Travel
- Expert local guides with deep knowledge
- 24/7 support for any on-the-go needs
- Flexible arrangements to suit your pace
Once your trip begins, we're right there with you behind the scenes. Our local guides, trusted partners, and support team work together to make your journey smooth, comfortable, and worry-free. From airport pickups to flexible day-to-day arrangements, we help you travel with confidence and ease. -
After You Return Home
- We welcome and value your feedback
- A travel team you can return to anytime
- Special benefits for your next journey
For us, the journey doesn’t simply end when the trip is over. We love staying connected with our travelers, hearing your feedback, and learning more about your experience. Your insights help us continue improving our services while also inspiring future travelers. Many of our guests travel with us again, or recommend us to family and friends, and that’s something we truly value.
Before You Travel
While You Travel
After You Return Home
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