Classic Thailand with Elephants & Phuket

Start your urban exploration at a local flower and vegetable market, followed by an insider's tour around the dazzling Grand Palace to marvel at its spectacular architecture and learn about Thailand's history and culture. Within the palace complex, you will also visit Wat Phra Kaew, which enshrines the country's "palladium" Emerald Buddha.

After lunch, put aside the hustle of the city and take a long-tailed boat along the crisscrossing canals lined with various houses, temples, and restaurants to see the different aspects of local life. The boat tour also offers a perfect opportunity for photographing the remarkable Wat Arun. Today's last stop is Wat Pho, the home of a massive Reclining Buddha statue.

Spend today exploring two exotic markets outside of Bangkok. At the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, hop aboard a long-tailed wooden boat through the slender canals to experience the vibrant scene of vendors selling exotic, colorful produce from their boats. Continue onto the unusual Maeklong Railway Market, where stalls full of goods all occupy the narrow train tracks. You'll see how fast the vendors pack their stalls to make way for the approaching train. After that, transfer back to your Bangkok hotel for the night.

Fly northward to Chiang Mai today. On arrival, be welcomed by your guide at the airport. After lunch and hotel check-in, glance over the old city with insightful visits to two remarkable Buddhist temples - Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh. A scenic drive afterward will take you up to the sacred Wat Phra That on the top of Doi Suthep mountain. The shimmering golden temple structures, monk chants, and drifting scent of incense create a serene, spiritual ambiance. Also, seize the chance to enjoy the panoramic views of the city and scenic countryside at sunset.

This morning, set out to visit a Lanna family in the suburbs of Chiang Mai. The hospitable host will introduce his family to you, show you their family photos and houses, share with you the area's history and traditions, lead you to explore his garden full of fresh vegetables and herbs, and teach you to cook some authentic northern Thai flavors. Finally, you can enjoy a hearty lunch - your work and some extra dishes.

Today will be a fun day getting to know about the lives of the people who dedicate their lives to caring for the elephants and the needs and personalities of the elephants themselves. Join a group tour after breakfast and reach an ethical elephant sanctuary, where you will see elephants that are all very calm and easy to get comfortable with, as well as elephant babies that are cute and happy. Prepare vitamin-rich food and feed them, walk them into the hills, bathe and brush them in the water... Enjoy your time with these gigantic animals!

Have a relaxing morning in the blissful calm of Chiang Mai. In the afternoon, get to the airport for your flight to Phuket. On arrival, a local tour guide will welcome you and take you to the hotel for check-in. Relax your body, soul, and mind in the stunning paradise in the following leisure days.

On the first free day, you might like to start your beach holiday with an island-hopping tour to lesser-tourist island clusters. There are different secluded islands to explore, such as Similan Island surrounded by beautiful coral reefs with snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities, and Phi Phi islands featuring amazing sea views with lush mountains and long white sandy beaches.

Return to the hotel in the afternoon and dine at a seaside restaurant with a spectacular sunset.