Bangkok & Krabi

Arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon at the Grand Palace, the dazzling complex of throne halls and temples including Wat Phra Kaew with the Emerald Buddha. Walk to Wat Pho, home to the 46-metre reclining golden Buddha and the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Evening boat ride on the Chao Phraya River. Overnight Bangkok.

💡 Dress respectfully for all Bangkok temples — shoulders and knees must be covered. Lightweight scarves work well as a cover-up.

Morning at Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the world's largest markets with 15,000 stalls selling everything from street food to vintage clothing to live animals. Afternoon walk through Bangkok Chinatown along Yaowarat Road for the best street food in the city. Evening drinks at a Bangkok rooftop bar — Sky Bar at State Tower or Octave at the Marriott for city views. Overnight Bangkok.

💡 Chatuchak Market is only open on weekends — if you are not there on Saturday or Sunday, visit JJ Green night market instead.

Morning flight to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. Afternoon exploring the old walled city on a bicycle visiting Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, and the dozens of smaller temples in the moat-ringed old quarter. Evening at the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar for street food, silk, silver jewellery, and northern Thai cuisine including khao soi coconut curry noodles. Overnight Chiang Mai.

💡 Hire a bicycle in the Chiang Mai old city — it is flat, compact, and far more pleasant than tuk-tuks for exploring the temple lanes.

Morning drive to Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand's highest peak, with twin pagodas, waterfalls, and highland hill tribe villages. Afternoon at an ethical elephant sanctuary where rescued working elephants roam freely and visitors can feed, walk with, and bathe the elephants in a river — no riding. Overnight Chiang Mai.

💡 Only visit elephant sanctuaries that do not offer riding — choose Elephant Nature Park or Patara Elephant Farm for ethical experiences.

Morning flight to Krabi Airport and speedboat transfer to Railay Beach, accessible only by boat and surrounded on all sides by dramatic limestone cliffs. Afternoon long-tail boat tour to the Phra Nang Cave with its sea cave shrine, the Four Islands for snorkelling, and the hidden lagoon inside a limestone karst. Overnight Railay or Ao Nang.

💡 Book your Railay Beach accommodation in advance — the beach is only accessible by boat and transfers stop after 10 PM.

Full day speedboat trip to the Phi Phi Islands. Visit Maya Bay, made famous by The Beach film, now carefully managed to allow coral recovery with limited daily visitors. Snorkel at Shark Point over coral gardens with blacktip reef sharks, sea turtles, and tropical fish. Swim in the clear green water of Pileh Lagoon inside the limestone cliffs. Return to Krabi by evening. Overnight Ao Nang.

💡 Maya Bay is only open from 8 AM to 4 PM with visitor numbers strictly limited — go with an early morning tour for the calmest water and fewest people.

Last morning swim and breakfast at the beach. Explore Krabi Town market for fresh fruit, Thai snacks, and last-minute souvenirs. Transfer to Krabi Airport for your return flight. End of tour.

💡 Buy Thai tea, jasmine rice, and dried mango at any convenience store or airport before leaving — the quality and price are excellent.