This 10-day Thai adventure begins with a visit to Pattaya, a former fishing village now a modern, vibrant city. See the Big Buddha Temple and take a speedboat tour of nearby Coral Island, then enjoy some time in Bangkok, visiting Chatuchak Weekend Market or shopping at the luxurious Icon Siam. Your tour finishes in Phuket, where you’ll spend your days exploring the Phi Phi Islands, James Bond Island, and the nearby Sang-Nea River, otherwise known as the Little Amazon.
- Highlights
- Detailed Itinerary
- Book the Package
- Visit Pattaya's towering Big Buddha Temple
- Take a speedboat cruise to the secluded beaches of Coral Island
- Kayak down the lush waterways of Thailand's own "Little Amazon"
- Tour the turquoise waters and white sands of Phuket's Phi Phi Islands
Welcome to Thailand! Upon your arrival in Bangkok, you'll be met by a private driver and transported to your hotel in Pattaya. The drive takes approximately two hours, with scenic views along the way that include the Bang Patong River and a possible glimpse of Wat Khao Din Temple. Originally a quiet fishing village, modern Pattaya means plenty of shopping, shows, and outdoor adventures!
If you're looking for a delicious meal and authentic Thai goods, visit the Pattaya Floating Market, also called the "Four Regions Floating Market" in homage to Thailand's four (north, northeast, central, and south) regions. The world's largest man-made market is located just 10 minutes outside of central Pattaya, with plenty of restaurants and shops, as well as fun events like live boxing, dance, and music. In the evening, head to the popular Alcazar Cabaret Show, where Thailand's own kathoey (transgender) performers share traditional songs and dances from Thailand and around the world.
Your driver will pick you up from your hotel today and take you to Pattaya Pier, where you'll depart for Coral Island. Locally known as Koh Larn, the island is approximately 4.5 miles (7 km) from Pattaya Beach and is accessed primarily via a speedboat or water taxi. You'll spend the day at Tien Beach, where you can relax on the white sand beaches, swim in the crystal clear waters, and soak up the laid-back atmosphere of this secluded gem.Lunch will be provided, and you'll also have an opportunity to visit the island's numerous souvenir shops. The boat heads back in the late afternoon, and your driver will escort you back to your hotel to rest and regroup.
Day 3: Transfer to Bangkok
It's back to Bangkok today! Your driver will collect you from your hotel in Pattaya and transport you to your Bangkok hotel. You'll have time to relax and enjoy the scenery on the two-hour drive back to the city before reaching your accommodations with plenty of time to get settled.
Bangkok, Thailand's capital, is also its most populous city. The vibrant energy here is alluring, and with so much to see and do, you might find yourself wanting to explore sooner than later. If you're interested in checking out the city's most historic sights right away, you can take a visit to the Grand Palace. Located in the heart of the town, you'll tour this former residence of Thailand's royalty and visit the famed Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Free Day in Bangkok
Today, you'll see the sights and sounds of Bangkok at your own pace. A classic way to get an authentic look at the city is by tuk-tuk, the motorized rickshaws that are everywhere and easy to hail. (Tuk-tuk pro tip: agree on the fare ahead of time, and be clear that you don't want to make extra stops to browse jewelry, suits, or anything else along the way!) You could also opt for a private boat tour to see the Chao Phraya River and Bangkok's many canals from a different vantage point.
For shopping, Chatuchak Weekend Market is the city's most famous bazaar for everything from fashion to street eats. Or, hit the trendy Srinakarin Train Night Market, known for its food stalls, bar, and vintage wares. Bangkok also boasts several glossy (and air-conditioned!) mega-malls—which are destinations unto themselves with dining, entertainment, and eye-popping design. If you only have time to visit one, Icon Siam is a fabulous choice right on the Chao Phraya River.
If you'd prefer to tour the city with a guide, local experts can help arrange an add-on activity or two. Cap off the day with dinner or drinks by the river (most of the big waterfront hotels have lovely outdoor options), and watch the twinkling lights of the city dance off the water.
This morning you'll bid Bangkok farewell as your driver picks you up from your hotel and transfers you to Don Muang Airport for your flight to Phuket. Transportation will be waiting for you upon arrival, and you'll head to your hotel. Located in southern Thailand, on the coast of the Andaman Sea, Phuket is the country's largest island, known for its resort-like beaches, blue waters, and rich, multicultural history. In the island's capital of Phuket City, you can visit their Big Buddha, a 150-foot (45 m) statue built in honor of Maravija Buddha, and Wat Chalong Temple, which offers fantastic views of the city.You can also venture into Phuket's Old Town, where you'll find colorful buildings and historic architecture alongside restaurants and shops. If your arrival falls on a Sunday, make sure to visit the market on Walking Street (locally called Lard Yai), where you'll find stalls selling local fare and handmade products.
Get ready for an adventure in paradise as you embark on a full-day boat tour to the Phi Phi Islands, known for their clear, jewel-toned waters and jungle-topped limestone cliffs. Meet your crew, pick up snorkeling equipment at the Phuket Pier, and then board your speedboat for the hour-long, 29-mile (46 km) crossing to the Phi Phi Islands. On the smaller island of Koh Phi Phi Leh, visit Maya Bay, made famous by the 2000 movie The Beach, as well as the picturesque inlets of Loh Samah Bay and Pi Leh Cove.Break for lunch at a restaurant on the main island of Koh Phi Phi Don, then get back on the boat and head to Monkey Beach, a beautiful, jungle-backed stretch of sand where playful long-tailed macaques hang out (and often pilfer tourists' snacks). On your cruise back to Phuket, stop at the relaxed islet of Koh Khai, where you'll have a chance to swim and snorkel among colorful fish and coral reefs in shallow, crystalline waters. Your evening plans after this sun-filled day are up to you—whether it's a low-key dinner and early bedtime or a power nap and venturing out to a nightclub.
It's time for an Amazon adventure today, with a trip to Phang Nga and a tour of Thailand's own "Little Amazon." You'll enjoy a scenic drive from Phuket City to Phang Nga's Ban Tha Din Daeng Community. Here, you'll learn about the local villagers' way of life, which includes hydroponic vegetable fields and local fishing methods such as black crab trapping.Next, you'll go kayaking into the mangrove forest, where you can see the natural beauty of the mangroves and canals, as well as a trip along the Sang-Nea River, otherwise known as the "Little Amazon." After a local lunch, you'll have the chance to explore a savanna meadow and finish up with a relaxing swim at beautiful Khao Na Yak Golden Beach, a secluded sandy beach that stretches more than 8 miles (13 km) along the shoreline. Your guide will return you to your hotel in the evening, where you can step out for a meal at one of Phuket's many restaurants.
Take the ride of a lifetime on a speedboat tour that takes you to all the must-sees of Phang Nga Bay. You'll be picked up by your driver in the morning and transported to Ao Nang Pier, where it's all aboard! From there, you'll visit Panak Island, see real bats hanging in the Bat Cave, and explore I-Tim Cave and Diamond Cave.You'll transfer to canoes for a trip around Hong Island, then enjoy a traditional Thai lunch at Koh Panyee Sea Gypsy Village, a still-active fishing village where the locals live off the land and sea. After lunch, you'll visit the historic site of Koh Khian, a mountain with ancient paintings dating back more than 3,000 years. The day ends with a trip to Koh Tapu, also known as James Bond Island, where the Bond movie, The Man With The Golden Gun, was filmed. On the way back to the pier, you'll have time for a quick dip at Naka Island, a small and luxurious resort hotspot, before returning to your hotel for the evening.
Today you'll enjoy a full day at leisure to spend however you see fit. Exploring the beaches is at the top of most people's list while in Phuket, and there are dozens of world-class, white-sand options around the island. Check out Patong and its festive main drag, Bangla Road, for a buzzing beach scene of restaurants, bars, and water sports rentals. If you'd rather slow things down on your last day, the southern beaches of Karon and Kata are a bit quieter while still offering all the amenities you need. Or, for a different vibe, hop on a long-tail boat to the secluded Freedom Beach.Looking for something besides a beach day? The ethically certified Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is a popular outing for animal lovers. You can also satisfy any desire for thrills and adventure amid Phuket's lush interior with ATV tours, hiking excursions, zip lines, and bungee jumping. Shopping opportunities also abound in Phuket, whether you're looking to score Thai textiles, wooden figurines, souvenir T-shirts, or local spa products. Local experts can also help you organize things like cooking classes, Thai massage, Muay Thai training camps, and day trips outside of the city.
Time to say goodbye to lovely Thailand and the island of Phuket. Your driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Phuket International Airport for your departure. Safe travels!
