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Thailand North to South

Highlights

  • Explore Thailand’s spiritual heart at the Grand Palace and Wat Pho
  • Discover ancient Ayutthaya’s temple ruins by land and river
  • Enjoy an ethical, close-up encounter with rescued elephants
  • Travel from northern mountains to tropical southern beaches
  • Island-hop the Andaman Sea, including Maya Bay and Phi Phi
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11 nights

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What you'll do

Overview

Traveling Thailand from north to south offers a fascinating journey through diverse landscapes, climates, cultures, and experiences.

Tour Summary:
Day 1: Bangkok Arrival
Day 2: Private Grand Palace, Temple of the emerald buddha, Wat Pho and Wat Arun
Day 3: Private Ayutthaya, Ancient City Tour, River cruise. Floating Market
Day 4: Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Day 5: Private Doi Suthep, Hmong Village and Orchid & Butterfly Farm
Day 6: Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
Day 7: Chiang Mai to Krabi
Day 8: Free day
Day 9: Maya Bay – Phi Phi Island
Day 10: Private Hot Spring – Emerald Pool
Day 11: Krabi to Phuket
Day 12: Departure

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Traveling Thailand from north to south offers a fascinating journey through diverse landscapes, climates, cultures, and experiences.

Tour Summary:
Day 1: Bangkok Arrival
Day 2: Private Grand Palace, Temple of the emerald buddha, Wat Pho and Wat Arun
Day 3: Private Ayutthaya, Ancient City Tour, River cruise. Floating Market
Day 4: Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Day 5: Private Doi Suthep, Hmong Village and Orchid & Butterfly Farm
Day 6: Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
Day 7: Chiang Mai to Krabi
Day 8: Free day
Day 9: Maya Bay – Phi Phi Island
Day 10: Private Hot Spring – Emerald Pool
Day 11: Krabi to Phuket
Day 12: Departure

This carefully paced journey through Thailand blends cultural depth, meaningful encounters and time to simply be. From the grand rituals and riverside rhythms of Bangkok to the misty mountains of the north and the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, you will experience Thailand in a way that feels personal, unhurried and deeply rewarding.

Designed as an experiential holiday, this itinerary invites you to connect with Thailand’s spiritual heritage, ancient kingdoms and natural landscapes, while staying in characterful hotels and enjoying time at leisure. Whether sharing quiet moments with rescued elephants, drifting past ruined temples by boat, or unwinding on soft-sand beaches.

Please note: this is a private itinerary but on some experiences throughout the tour you may join a small group.

*From price based on travel for 2 people. For larger groups or solo travellers please enquire directly to hello@nitgb.com

Bangkok Arrival

On arrival in Bangkok, you will be met and transferred privately to your riverside hotel. As the city unfolds around you, the energy of Thailand’s capital is immediate — vibrant, layered and full of life.

The remainder of the day is entirely yours. You may choose to rest after your journey, wander nearby neighbourhoods or dive straight into Bangkok’s legendary food scene.

As evening falls, watching the river drift past from your hotel offers a gentle introduction to the city.

Overnight: Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok (or similar)
Room: Grand Deluxe City View
Meals: None

Bangkok’s Sacred Heart & Royal Heritage

Today you explore the spiritual and ceremonial heart of Thailand. With a private guide, you will step inside the Grand Palace, an extraordinary complex that remains deeply woven into the nation’s identity. As you wander through glittering halls and courtyards, the stories, symbolism and traditions of Thai royalty are brought vividly to life.

From here, you will visit Wat Pho, home to the immense Reclining 45 meter long Buddha. This is a place of quiet ritual, where you may choose to make a traditional offering for your wish to be granted, pausing for reflection amid incense and gold-leafed statues. Crossing the river, you then climb Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, rewarded with sweeping views across the Chao Phraya and the old city beyond.

Overnight: Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok (or similar)
Room: Grand Deluxe City View
Meals: Breakfast

Ancient Ayutthaya & River Life

After breakfast, you leave the modern capital behind and travel to Ayutthaya, once the glorious capital of Siam. This UNESCO-listed city is a hauntingly beautiful landscape of crumbling temples and towering chedis, slowly reclaimed by nature.

You will explore some of its most evocative sites, including Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, Wat Mahathat with its iconic Buddha head entwined in tree roots, and the royal temple of Wat Phra Si Sanphet. Each tells a story of power, faith and impermanence.

At lunchtime, the pace softens as you enjoy traditional Thai cuisine before boarding an antique wooden boat for a gentle river cruise. Drifting past temple ruins and village life offers a completely different perspective on Ayutthaya’s past and present.

Later, you visit a local floating market before returning to Bangkok in the late afternoon.

Overnight: Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok (or similar)
Room: Grand Deluxe City View
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Bangkok to Chiang Mai

This morning after breakfast you will be transferred to Don Muang Airport for your domestic flight to Chiang Mai.

On arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel, set within peaceful surroundings inspired by traditional Lanna design.

The remainder of the day is free to unwind or explore nearby streets and night markets at your own pace.

Overnight: Siripanna Villa Resort & Spa Chiang Mai (or similar)
Room: Deluxe Lanna
Meals: Breakfast

*Domestic flight not included in the cost

Sacred Mountains, Hill Tribe Culture & orchid and butterfly farm

Today you journey into the mountains surrounding Chiang Mai. Ascending to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep by cable car, you arrive at one of northern Thailand’s most revered temples. From its golden chedi, panoramic views stretch across the city below, while the atmosphere remains calm and contemplative.

Continuing deeper into the hills, you visit a Hmong village, where you gain insight into daily life, traditions and craftsmanship of this mountain community.

Lunch is enjoyed at a local restaurant before a visit to an orchid and butterfly farm — a peaceful space filled with colour and movement.

You return to your hotel mid-afternoon, with the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Siripanna Villa Resort & Spa Chiang Mai (or similar)
Room: Deluxe Lanna
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Ethical Elephant Encounter

The day unfolds at an unhurried pace, with a relaxed morning to enjoy breakfast and a little time at leisure — perhaps a quiet coffee, or a final wander before the afternoon draws you outward.

Later, you travel beyond the city into the forested hills that cradle one of northern Thailand’s most progressive elephant conservation experiences. This is not a place of spectacle, but of quiet observation — where distance, patience, and respect shape every encounter.

As you step into the sanctuary’s natural landscape, you walk gently through the forest, watching elephants as they graze, socialise, and move freely through their environment. There is no performance here, no enforced interaction — only the chance to witness these animals as they are. Along the way, you gain a deeper understanding of their stories, their behaviours, and the ongoing work to protect them. Conversations with local caretakers offer insight into the delicate balance between conservation, tourism, and animal welfare.

Rather than hands-on interaction, the experience leans into learning and reflection. You observe, you listen, you question — and perhaps begin to reconsider what ethical wildlife encounters should truly look like. It’s a slower, more thoughtful connection, one that lingers longer than fleeting moments of contact.

As the experience draws to a close, you return to Chiang Mai in the early evening, the city lights beginning to glow. The rest of the evening is yours — to unwind, to reflect, or simply to sit with the quiet weight of what you’ve witnessed.

Overnight: Siripanna Villa Resort & Spa Chiang Mai (or similar)
Room: Deluxe Lanna
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Chiang Mai to Krabi

After breakfast, you are transferred to Chiang Mai airport for your flight to Krabi. The landscape shifts dramatically as mountains give way to limestone cliffs and tropical coastline.

On arrival, a private transfer takes you directly to your hotel.

The rest of the day is free — perhaps a sunset walk along the shore or an evening meal with your feet in the sand.

Overnight: The L Resort, Krabi (or similar)
Room: Deluxe
Meals: Breakfast

*Domestic flight not included in the cost

Day at leisure

Today is entirely yours.

You may choose to relax on the beach, enjoy the hotel facilities, or explore nearby cafés and coastal paths.

Overnight: The L Resort, Krabi (or similar)
Room: Deluxe
Meals: Breakfast

Maya Bay & Phi Phi Islands

An early start brings a shared speedboat adventure through the iconic seascapes of the Andaman Sea.

You visit Maya Bay which gained worldwide fame after featuring in the movie ‘The Beach’ starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The bay is renowned for its crystal clear turquoise waters, pristine white sand beaches, framed by dramatic limestone cliffs. Enjoy swimming and snorkelling in the calm waters of Pileh Lagoon.

After sightseeing at Viking Cave, you enjoy a buffet lunch and free time on a white-sand beach, followed by a visit to Bamboo Island — quieter, more open and perfect for swimming or relaxing.

You return to Krabi by late afternoon.

Overnight: The L Resort, Krabi (or similar)
Room: Deluxe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Hot Springs, Rainforest & Tiger Cave

Today’s private tour explores Krabi’s natural and spiritual highlights.

You begin at the hot springs, soaking in warm mineral-rich waters surrounded by jungle.

After lunch near the Emerald Pool, you walk through rainforest to discover clear freshwater pools, including the vivid Emerald Pond.

Later, you visit Tiger Cave Temple, a sacred site known for its steep climb and breath-taking views across limestone karsts. The ascent is challenging but deeply rewarding, offering one of the region’s most spectacular panoramas.

You return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Overnight: The L Resort, Krabi (or similar)
Room: Deluxe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Journey to Phuket

After breakfast, you will travel by minivan to Phuket.

The afternoon is free to settle into your hotel and enjoy the island’s lively atmosphere or relax ahead of your final day.

Overnight: Phuket Graceland Resort and Spa (or similar)
Room: Deluxe
Meals: Breakfast

Departure

Your journey comes to an end today.

After check-out, a private transfer takes you to Phuket International Airport for your onward flight, leaving with memories of Thailand’s contrasts — from ancient cities and mountain temples to jungle encounters and island shores.

Meals: Breakfast

What's included

Included

  • Private Airport transfers
  • 3 nights Bangkok BB*
  • 3 nights Chiang Mai BB
  • 4 nights Krabi BB
  • 1 night Phuket BB
  • English speaking guides on all activities
  • All entrance tickets & permits
  • Bangkok City Tour includes Grand Palace, Temple of the emerald buddha, Wat Pho and Wat Arun
  • Private tour: Ayutthaya, Ancient City Tour, River cruise. Floating Market
  • Private tour: Doi Suthep, Hmong Village and Orchid & Butterfly Farm
  • Visit to an Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
  • Maya Bay – Phi Phi Island tour
  • Private Hot Spring – Emerald Pool experience
  • *BB - Breakfast included

Accommodation

Chatrium Hotel Riverside, Bangkok. Grand Deluxe Room River View (or similar)

The Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok, situated along the Chao Phraya River, offers luxurious accommodations with stunning river and city skyline views. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms and suites with modern amenities, dine at a variety of restaurants including the riverfront Pier 28 and the 36th-floor Silver Waves, and relax in the expansive outdoor pool or Nemita Spa.

The hotel provides convenient services such as a complimentary shuttle boat to the Saphan Taksin BTS Skytrain station, a well-equipped fitness centre, and versatile event spaces. Its prime riverside location, close to attractions like Asiatique The Riverfront and the Grand Palace, combined with its commitment to sustainability, makes it an ideal choice for both leisure and business travellers.

Facilities:
• Fully equipped Fitness Centre with male and female saunas
• 35m infinity swimming pool, children's pool and a jacuzzi
• Large landscaped garden
• Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi internet access
• 24-hour in-room dining
• Concierge services
• Fully stocked mini bar
• LCD TVs with HDMI
• Eco-friendly bathroom amenities
• Coffee and tea making facilities
• Laundry & dry cleaning service
• Limousine service
• Complimentary shuttle boat
• Evening turndown service
• Welcome drink and fruits
• Complimentary bottle of drinking water
• In-room digital safety deposit box
• Chatrium Connect / Digital Butler

Siripanna Villa Resort & Spa Chiang Mai. Deluxe Lanna Room (or similar)

Featuring spacious rooms set in landscaped grounds, Siripanna Resort offers beautiful Thai-style interiors and attentive service. Providing 3 dining options: open-air dining, Slee Banyan Restaurant serves a variety of international, Thai, and Asian dishes. Cocktails and other drinks are available at the Lobby Lounge.

There is an outdoor pool, fitness facilities and a spa.

Each room opens up to different sceneries such as the rice field, the old rice barn, the Thai house, the terrace under the old longan tree or the mountain range in the distance.

Siripanna Villa Resort Chiang Mai is 800 metres from Chiang Mai Railway Station and 2km from the famous night market. Guests enjoy free shuttle service from the residence to the night market.

Featuring warm colours and fine wood furnishings, air-conditioned rooms come with a private balcony and 42-inch flat-screen TV. Attached bathrooms have a separate shower and bathtub.

Leisurely afternoons can be spent at the library or with relaxing massages.

The L Resort, Krabi. Deluxe Room (or similar)

The L Resort is a modern living lifestyle resort located in the Ao Nang Beach area of Krabi right in the middle of the town’s main promenade with its restaurants, bars and shopping. The beautiful beach of Ao Nang is just in front of the resort.

The eco-friendly resort features cushioned sun loungers on the terrace and a large outdoor pool with a waterfall.

The Thai-Swiss restaurant, Wanna's Place serves a great selection of Thai and international dishes as well as Swiss cuisine.

Phuket Graceland Resort and Spa. Deluxe Room (or similar)

Phuket is world renowned as the "Pearl of the Andaman Sea" for its clean white sandy beaches and crystal clear blue sea.

Phuket Graceland Resort & Spa with its prime location overlooking the Andaman Sea is the best resort in Patong beach with its tropical beauty and geographic grandeur. There are 2 outdoor pools, gym, library, 4 dining options, a spa and bowling alley.

Buffet breakfast is served daily. All-day dining is available at Bua Luang Restaurant, which serves Thai and International dishes, and Parakang Coffee Shop. Drinks are available at the pool bar and the lobby lounge.

Your local host

Martin

I have spent many years travelling through Thailand and have made many lasting memories and friendships. The region is rich in natural beauty and culture and offers one of the greatest culinary kitchens in the world. Many years have passed and I still think that the people are everything and I\'m still surprised at the hospitality and friendliness. Working in travel is a passion for me and I enjoy helping our customers to enjoy all the best that Thailand has to offer.

I have spent many years travelling through Thailand and have made many lasting memories and friendships. The region is rich in natural beauty and culture and offers one of the greatest culinary kitchens in the world. Many years have passed and I still think that the people are everything and I\'m still surprised at the hospitality and friendliness. Working in travel is a passion for me and I enjoy helping our customers to enjoy all the best that Thailand has to offer.

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Martin image

Location

You will be met on arrival into Bangkok Airport and the dropped off at Phuket Airport.

FAQs

Do I get to bathe with the elephants?

No — and that’s very much by design.

This experience is centred on observation rather than interaction. You will watch the elephants roam, feed, and socialise in their natural environment, but activities such as bathing or close contact are not part of the programme.

Why? Because true ethical sanctuaries are beginning to move away from hands-on experiences. Bathing, while often seen as harmless, can disrupt natural behaviours and place unnecessary stress on the animals. By keeping a respectful distance, the focus shifts to the elephants’ wellbeing rather than human entertainment.

Instead, you gain something quieter, but arguably more meaningful — the chance to see elephants behaving as elephants should. Unscripted. Unbothered. And entirely on their own terms.

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