< Designed Trips

The Trip

Uncover tastes, textures and ancient temples as you travel through three vastly different regions of the diverse Kingdom of Thailand. First, explore buzzing Bangkok, visiting the famous floating market, key landmarks and off-the-beaten path spots, all with a private, local guide. Experience the city's famous street food scene at places that have been praised around the world on a private tasting experience. Head to the culturally rich and mountainous region of Chiang Mai, where you'll make a once-in-a-lifetime visit to Elephant Nature Park. (This is a completely ethical Asian elephant rescue center and does not condone elephant riding.) Feed and interact with the elephants as you learn about each of their stories. Then, gain a deeper understanding of Buddhist culture, as you visit key temples of the Kingdom of Lanna and participate in an almsgiving to Buddhist monks at sunrise. Finally, relax for a few days  on the white sand beaches of beautiful Koh Samui - your only interruption, a half-day brunch and snorkeling sailing trip (mimosas included!). This 10-day trip will introduce you to the rich diversity of Thailand, from the bustling capital, to the culturally-rich north and the stunning gulf, meeting friendly locals and experiencing cuisine, spirituality and stunning scenery along the way.

The Details

​Price:
  • From $2,150 per person
Duration:
  • 9 nights, 10 days
Inclusions:
  • Highly-rated boutique hotels
  • All transportation within Thailand
  • Private & small-group experiences
  • Curated Thailand mini-guide
  • Trip preparation & support

The Itinerary

Bangkok
  • Day 1: Arrive in the bustline capital city of Bangkok. Grab your luggage and meet your private driver who will take you into the city. Check in to your highly-rated city center hotel. The rest of the day is yours de-jet lag at the pool or begin to explore the city.
  • Day 2: Enjoy a relaxed morning before meeting your local guide for a private tour of some of the city’s most important sights and secret local spots. Traveling by tuk-tuk, you’ll visit the local’s favorite flower market, two of the most iconic temples and pick up a ferry that will take you to the Grand Palace. The afternoon and evening is free to continue to explore (possibly visit the Grand Palace and sleeping Buddah) or relax in Lumphini Park.
  • Day 3: Wake up and meet your local guide for a private introduction to Bangkok’s famous floating market. Embrace the local bustle and hustle before hopping on a private boat which will take around the market on the canal. Eat a 3-course Thai lunch before finishing the tour. Enjoy a free afternoon. In the late afternoon, meet another private guide to eat your way through Bangkok’s street food stalls. You’ll visit some of the city’s most famous streetside eateries, snacking on 10 different tastings and learning about local food along the way.

Chiang Mai
  • Day 4: After you check out of your hotel, a private driver will be waiting to take you to the airport. Board your quick (1 hour, 10 min) flight to the green hills of Chiang Mai, the land of temples. Your private driver will be waiting to take you to your boutique luxury hotel near the ancient city center. Check in, get situated, and enjoy a relaxed remainder of the day (perhaps a Thai massage is in order!?)
  • Day 5: You’ll be picked up early for a full day at Elephant Nature Park, a completely ethical elephant rescue center. After a beautiful drive through the countryside, learn about the rescued and orphaned elephants and other animals (buffalos, dogs, cats, birds). You’ll observe free roaming elephants (no riding), and other rescued animals in their natural habitats. Feed the elephants before sitting down to a Thai lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy more time with the herd before returning back to your hotel. In the evening, check out the night market for street food and local crafts.
  • Day 6: Rise and shine early for an unforgettable sunrise at Mt Suthep where you will join your private guide and other local Buddhist devotees in the daily almsgiving, filling the monks’ alms bowls with rice as they make their daily procession. Watch the sunrise over the city before stopping for a local coffee. Next, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a Buddhist monastery where you’ll climb the 309 steps of the Golden Naga staircase. Arrive back at your hotel and spend the afternoon doing whatever feels right.

Koh Samui
  • Day 7: Wake up and pack your bags for your third and final stop. A private driver will pick you up and take you to the airport for your flight to the stunning island of Koh Samui in the protected gulf of Thailand. After you arrive, a private driver will take you to your boutique luxury beach resort. Unpack, throw on your swimsuit and take a swim in the turquoise sea.
  • Day 8: Today is a completely free day to relax in paradise. Grab a book and make the tough decision of beach versus pool.
  • Day 9: Wake up for a day on the water. Board a traditional Thai sailing yacht and cruise to the unspoiled island of Koh Phangan. Explore hidden beaches or snorkel the clear waters before indulging in a delicious Thai brunch. Relax in the sun as you sail back to Koh Samui. Spend the remainder of the day soaking up every last minute of your time in the Land of Smiles.
  • Day 10: It’s your final day, either talk to us about extending your trip (a few days in Siem Reap to experience Angkor Archaeological Park would be a great addition!), or hop on the plane back to Bangkok for your flight home.

Pricing & Inclusions

Inclusions
  • ​​3 hotel nights in Bangkok
  • 3 hotel nights in Chiang Mai
  • 3 hotel nights in Koh Samui
  • Non-stop flights within Thailand
  • Round-trip airport transfers in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui
  • Private floating market and boat tour with lunch
  • Private key sights and hidden spots tour with local guide
  • Private street food tasting experience with local guide
  • Full-day visit Elephant Nature Park, an ethical Asian elephant rescue center
  • A privately guided sunrise temple visit and almsgiving in Chiang Mai
  • Curated Thailand mini-guide
  • Trip preparation & support

Exclusions
  • International flights to Thailand​​
  • Meals & activities not listed above
  • ​Travel insurance

Pricing
  • With boutique hotels
    • From $2,150 per person
  • With luxury boutique hotels
    • From $2,425
  • ​Pricing for Cohica Designed Trips is based on double occupancy and may vary depending on travel dates and total number of travelers.
  • This Designed Trip offers the flexibility to make date changes after booking (ask us for details)
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This Designed Trip to Thailand includes travel tips, restaurant recommendations, and off-the-beaten-path sights from our own travels.
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