Tour Thailand Trip For Lantern Festival

Guide

• Local trip leader throughout

Flights

• 3 domestic flights *International flights not included

Meals

• All lunches, 5 lunches, 4 dinners

Transport

• Ground transportation • Ferry/speed boat transfers

Others

• Activities as noted in itinerary

Accommodation

14 nights accommodation (double occupancy)

Not included:

Insurance

• Insurance

Others

• Some lunches & dinners • Gratuities • International airport pick-up & drop-off • International flights • Souvenirs • Visas

Optional

• Optional activities

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Bangkok Arrival
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Bangkok Arrival

Welcome to Thailand! Bangkok is an intoxicating and sometimes jarring mix of modern and ancient with its breathtaking skyline, traditional architecture, gleaming temples, and exotic markets.

There is a welcome meeting with your Thai trip leader this evening. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore your new surroundings before the meeting. Or maybe you’ll want to stretch your legs and relax at the hotel’s rooftop pool to unwind after the long journey.

*Airport pick-up is not included. You can easily take a taxi at the airport or pre-arrange an airport pick-up with a company such as Welcome Pickups or one that you may find on travel sites such as TripAdvisor. Check out our blog about getting to Bangkok from the airport for more information.

Included:

Activities: Arrival (at your own expense); Free time

Accommodation: Boutique hotel
Day 2 Bangkok
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Bangkok

This morning, make your way to Klong Toei Wet Market to pick up ingredients for today’s cooking class. Anything and everything is sold at this truly local market that few farang (foreigners) get to see, including live ducks, insects, and snakes! As you walk through the market, you can taste exotic fruits and if you’re brave enough, sample some of the creepy, crawly delicacies! After the market, master the art of Thai cooking in a class in which part of the proceeds goes to the Klong Toei slums.

After the cooking class, return to the hotel for some R&R. Later, go for a drink at a rooftop bar with 360° panoramic views of Bangkok at sunset. Then, grab dinner at Cabbages and Condoms, a restaurant whose income helps local family planning initiatives. Inside the restaurant, almost everything is made of... Can you guess what?!

Included:

Activities: Klong Toei Wet Market; Cooking class; Free time; Rooftop bar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Boutique hotel
Day 3 Railay Beach
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Railay Beach

Journey to Railay today and arrive in time for a breathtaking sunset. Watching the sun paint the sky a myriad of colors with a fresh coconut water, smoothie, or cocktail in hand makes for a perfect end to the day.

Railay is a welcome relief after the hustle and bustle of Bangkok because the town is completely pedestrian. There are no cars or motorbikes around so you can easily explore without getting lost. Railay is special because it is surrounded by large limestone cliffs which make it accessible only by boat. Railay is also well-known for its rock climbing and is one of the most photogenic spots in all of Thailand!

Included:

Transfers: Bangkok - Railay Beach by plane, van, & boat (approx. 3.5 hrs)

Activities: Free time

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel
Day 4 Railay Beach
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Railay Beach

This morning is at your leisure. After lunch on your own terms, hop on an old Thai sailboat for a cruise among towering rock formations protruding from the depths of the sea. The cruise starts after lunch and ends after sundown so you’ll be able to enjoy a breathtaking sunset followed by dinner on board the boat.

Experience magic unlike ever before! As you cruise, there’ll be stops for snorkeling but you can also just chill on the boat and enjoy the views with a drink in hand. Inner tubes and paddleboards will also be available free of charge. After night falls, you can snorkel to try to spot the bioluminescent plankton setting the water aglow.

Included:

Activities: Free time; Half-day cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Resort hotel
Day 5 Railay Beach
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Railay Beach

It’s your vacation; do what you’d like! Today is a free day and your trip leader can recommend activities for you to choose from. Most activities can be arranged at little to no notice. You can choose from kayaking, rock climbing, snorkeling, island hopping, scuba diving, or just lounging around on the beach and getting massages.

Thailand’s most exquisite beach all to yourself! Later in the evening, head to Phra Nang Beach, less than a 10-minute walk away from the hotel. This is the best time to visit this beach since all the day-trippers from Phuket will have left and you’ll have the entire beach to yourselves!

Phra Nang Beach is among the most photographed beaches in Thailand thanks to its breathtaking views. On the beach, you can visit the "penis temple” where Thai women leave penis statues with hopes of being blessed with good fertility. Then, sit back and watch the sunset on the vast stretch of beach in peace without the crowds! On the way back, you may opt to drop in on a fire show or Muay Thai fight.

Included:

Activities: Free time (optional activities at your own expense)

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel
Day 6 Khao Sok National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Khao Sok National Park

Wonders of the ancient rainforest. Khao Sok National Park’s rainforest is the second oldest in the world, estimated to have thrived for over 160 million years. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch followed by some free time in the afternoon. Relax, take a stroll on the nature trails, go inner tubing down the river, or get a massage... It’s your choice!

*NOTE: Remember to keep your food close and your valuables even closer because the monkeys will take advantage of any open windows or doors to snatch what they please!

Included:

Transfers: Railay Beach - Khao Sok by boat & van (approx. 2.5 hrs)

Activities: Free time

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Jungle bungalow hotel
Day 7 Khao Sok National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Khao Sok National Park

The lifeblood of the jungle is a river winding its way beneath the canopy of trees creating a path where no feet can tread. Float down the river on a canoe and let the river’s slow but steady current carry you while you admire the dense jungle and limestone cliffs. As you glide downstream, try to spot exotic birds and monkeys along the river’s edge.

Afterward, you have the option of learning to make coffee and tea "jungle style". Otherwise, you’re welcome to relax at the hotel and enjoy its lush jungle and nature trails.

Included:

Activities: Sok River canoeing; Free time (optional activities at your own expense)

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Jungle bungalow hotel
Day 8 Cheow Lan Lake
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Cheow Lan Lake

A unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience! You’ll drive to the edge of the lake and then, catch a boat to your floating accommodation. During the boat ride, check out Cheow Lan Lake’s majesty as you zoom by large limestone cliffs and dense jungles.

Grab lunch at the lake house and then, head out for a jungle walk with a quick stop at a cave. The jungle walk is easy for most people (depending on your physical fitness) as it is at a slower pace, there is no incline, and there will be several stops to learn about the local wildlife.

Head back to the floating lake house where you can take a dip in the lake or get some rest. Have dinner together and at night, you can participate in a nighttime boat safari under a blanket of stars far away from the bright city lights.

Included:

Transfers: Khao Sok National Park - Cheow Lan Lake by van & boat (approx. 2 hrs)

Activities: Boat ride on lake; Jungle & cave walk; Nighttime boat safari

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Floating lake house hotel
Day 9 Chiang Mai
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai: A place of history and wonder. This morning, head north toward the mountains of Chiang Mai where there is much to see and do in addition to this historic city’s temples.

Chiang Mai boasts a rich culture and ethnic diversity as well as many elephant sanctuaries, cooking and massage schools, outdoor activities, handicraft workshops, cultural performances, and waterfalls galore! The rest of the day is free to do what interests you. The hotel is in the heart of the city so there’s a lot to see and do nearby and you can easily venture out on your own.

Tonight, you’ll visit the farang (foreigner) food market that is full of food trucks and stalls serving everything from pad thai to pizza if you’d like to have dinner here. Then, onward to the night market which is right next to the hotel for some souvenir shopping.

Included:

Transfers: Cheow Lan Lake - Chiang Mai by boat, van, & plane (approx. 3.5 hrs)

Activities: Free time; Night market

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Boutique hotel
Day 10 Chiang Mai
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Chiang Mai

This morning, drive to the outskirts of Chiang Mai where the elephants roam in peace. Observe the daily patterns of these jungle giants, see how they graze and socialize with others, and get up close to feed them. The expert caregivers will teach you about their efforts toward sustainable tourism and conservation. Enjoy some refreshments near the elephants’ mud pit but be careful not to get sprayed!

Return to town after lunch for some time at your leisure. After the sun goes down, see an amazing ladyboy show with all the flash and pizzazz often associated with the ladyboys of Thailand!

Included:

Activities: Elephant sanctuary; Free time; Ladyboy show

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Boutique hotel
Day 11 Chiang Mai
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Chiang Mai

Today is the much anticipated Loy Krathong (Lantern Festival)! To kick off the festivities, go for a tuk-tuk tour around the city and stop at the Wat Sri Suphan (Silver Temple) and Wat Chedi Luang. As you visit the temples, you’ll see monks doing their mantras and meditating. If you’d like, you can participate in a monk chat, a conversation between tourists and monks during which you can ask questions you may have about Buddhism or Thailand. This also gives novice monks a great opportunity to practice their English! After lunch together, you have a bit of free time before the main event.

A moment for the bucket list! After sundown, it’s time for the mass lantern release! With your lantern in hand, you’ll bear witness to thousands of lanterns floating in the air and lighting up the night sky for a memory that will last a lifetime!

Included:

Activities: Tuk-tuk tour; Wat Sri Suphan; Wat Chedi Luang; Monk chat; Mass lantern release

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Boutique hotel
Day 12 Chiang Mai
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Chiang Mai

What you do today is entirely up to you! Your trip leader will be there to answer your questions so you can plan your free time. One of our favorite activities is the sticky waterfalls about an hour outside Chiang Mai. You’ll just have to go to find out how they got their name!

At night, watch the Loy Krathong parades and festivities. You don’t even need to leave the hotel because the parade route passes right in front of it! Otherwise, you will have the whole evening to enjoy the lively festivities around the town with your new friends.

At night, watch the many parades and festivities of Loy Krathong. You won’t even need to leave the hotel because the parade route passes right in front of the hotel!

Included:

Activities: Free time (choice of activity at your own expense)

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Boutique hotel
Day 13 Chiang Mai
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Chiang Mai

Today is your final day in Chiang Mai as the festivities of the Lantern Festival come to an end. For an adrenaline rush, you can go ziplining through the jungle treetops or get your heart pumping in a Muay Thai class! Alternatively, you can just choose to stroll around town in the labyrinth of streets for some last souvenirs and a bowl of khao soi!

Included:

Activities: Free time (choice of activity at your own expense)

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Boutique hotel
Day 14 Bangkok
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Bangkok

Time to head back to Bangkok where you can enjoy your last massage, fruit smoothie, and pad thai on the famous (or should we say infamous?!) Khao San Road. Khao San Road is primarily a tourist street filled to the brim with backpacker hostels, massage parlors, street food, bars, souvenir stalls, and everything else in between! Many backpackers touring Southeast Asia start their journey here. There is no better place to sit back and enjoy some people-watching as tourists from all walks of life pass by.

Later, reconvene to visit Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) at sunset and see why it is considered the most beautiful temple in Bangkok. There will be a farewell dinner with great views of the setting sun’s rays painting the temple glittery gold... A perfect way to say goodbye to Thailand and your new friends!

Included:

Transfers: Chiang Mai – Bangkok by plane (approx. 2 hrs)

Activities: Free time; Wat Arun; Farewell dinner

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Boutique hotel
Day 15 Bangkok Departure
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Bangkok Departure

Depending on your flight time, you will have free time on your own in Bangkok before catching your flight home.

Included:

Activities: Free time; Departure (at your own expense)

Meals: Breakfast

*Itinerary subject to change

+12

15 days tour

Thailand Trip For Lantern Festival

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Thailand Trip For Lantern Festival

Bangkok Arrival

Bangkok

Railay Beach

Railay Beach

Railay Beach

Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok National Park

Cheow Lan Lake

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai

Bangkok

Bangkok Departure

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Experience Type

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