Essence of Thailand in Style: From River Journeys to Island Bliss
Get ready for an amazing trip through Thailand – where rich culture, heartfelt interactions, and stunning scenery come together in perfect concert.
Getting started in Bangkok, you’ll see historic sites like the Grand Palace and Reclining Buddha, and travel like a local on the Skytrain and tuk-tuk. Traveling west to Kanchanaburi you will uncover the heartbreaking history of the Thailand – Burma Railway, before making your way to a one-of-a-kind floating hotel on the River Kwai. In Kanchanaburi you’ll spend meaningful time with the rescued elephants at Elephants world.
Enjoy a breath of fresh air in Erawan National Park, home to emerald waterfalls and serene trails. Then you will fly north to Chiang Mai, where you will indulge in authentic Lanna culture, cook some Pad Thai alongside a local family, and receive a warm welcome to the north.
Round out your adventure in true tropical style on the golden beaches of Koh Samui. Whether you’re ready for total bliss, or an active beachside adventure, this is a perfect way to end your trip.
In that vein, this personalized itinerary takes comfort and character into consideration with a unique blend of luxe accommodation and experiential travel for an unforgettable escape.
Tour Highlights:
- Enjoy riding the Skytrain and tuk-tuks through Bangkok’s bustling streets.
- Stay in a floating hotel and visit an ethical elephant sanctuary on the River Kwai.
- Join a local family in Chiang Mai and have fun competing in a competitive Pad Thai cook-off.
- Relax and recharge on the beautiful beaches of Koh Samui.
- Travel Bali, Indonesia
- Travel Cambodia
- Travel China
- Travel Japan
- Travel Laos
- Travel Malaysia
- Travel Myanmar
- Travel Singapore
- Travel Taiwan
- Travel Thailand
- Travel Vietnam
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What’s included
- Personalized itinerary based on what you like and your schedule.
- 24/7 support from our local office during your trip.
- All accommodations, tours, and transfers are included unless noted otherwise.
- A private driver for tours and transfers (in some places, guides may also drive).
- Local guides or shared tours to help you explore your itinerary highlights.
- A friendly greeting at the airport or your hotel from our representative.
- Breakfast daily at your hotel, plus any other planned meals.
- One suitcase and one carry-on bag per person for transfers.
What’s not included
- International airfare – contact your expert for pricing.
- Travel insurance, available for purchase after booking.
- Visas (unless specified).
- Tips for services and experiences.
- Lunches, dinners, and drinks (unless included in the itinerary).
- Excess baggage charges, if applicable.
- Personal expenses like laundry and room service.
- Early check-in or late check-out (unless specified).
- Extra sightseeing or activities not in your itinerary.
- Optional upgrades or local fees for photography.
- Passport fees, immunizations, and local departure taxes (when applicable).
Itinerary ideas
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1
Arrive in Bangkok and meet your friendly local guide for a private transfer into the urban center. Your journey begins at the Four Seasons Bangkok, a riverside haven of amenities and great views of the Chao Phraya River-ideal for acclimating to and settling into the colors, sights, and enthusiasm of Thailand.
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2
Today, enjoy a private guided tour of Bangkok, which serves as a wonderful introduction to Thailand. Visit the city’s key attractions, including the Grand Palace, Wat Po (home to the Reclining Buddha), and Jim Thompson’s House. Experience various forms of public transport, such as the Skytrain navigating the skyscrapers, public taxi boats, long-tail boats, and the famous Thai tuk-tuk. This engaging excursion provides fascinating insights into the capital and its residents, allowing your guide to tailor the pace to your family’s preferences.
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3
This morning, your guide will pick you up from the hotel for a private transfer to Kanchanaburi, a two-and-a-half-hour drive away. This region is historically significant due to its role during World War II when Japanese forces used Allied POWs to construct the Thailand-Burma Railway. Gain insight into this history with a private guided tour of notable sites, including the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, the infamous Bridge on the River Kwai, and Hellfire Pass. The tour includes a scenic boat ride along the River Kwai and a train journey on the historic Death Railway. In the evening, unwind at your river camp, Hintok River Camp, which is ideal for families and features comfortable safari-style tents. Breakfast and dinner are included during your stay.
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4
Today, engage with one of Thailand’s magnificent creatures during a shared tour at Elephants World, an elephant sanctuary dedicated to caring for elderly, sick, disabled, and rescued elephants. The sanctuary’s motto is, “We humans work for the elephants; they will not work for us,” embodying your hands-on experience caring for these gentle giants.
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5
Enjoy a leisurely morning at the camp. You can relax by the camp’s rock pool along the River Kwai, stay active with complimentary mountain bikes, or visit the stunning waterfalls at Erawan National Park. Your guide will then assist you with a private transfer back to Bangkok, where you will board the overnight sleeper train to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. The journey lasts approximately 12 hours, but be prepared for potential delays of two to four hours.
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6
Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, meet your guide at the train station for a private transfer to your hotel. After settling in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. In the late afternoon, consider visiting Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the city’s most famous temple, offering breathtaking views of Chiang Mai. In the evening, you may wish to explore the vibrant night bazaar.
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7
Today, enjoy a unique opportunity to engage with local life. A local resident will collect you and your family to visit his home, where you’ll learn to cook authentic Northern Thai dishes and enjoy a delightful home-cooked lunch together.
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8
Meet your guide this morning for a private cycling and kayaking adventure. The journey begins about an hour’s drive from Chiang Mai in the beautiful Sri Lanna National Park. Experience a scenic 15 to 20 km (10 to 13 miles) bike ride, followed by kayaking on a lake surrounded by lush jungle, leading to a small village with floating houses. Enjoy a traditional Thai lunch in the village before relaxing or swimming, and explore further in your kayaks. You’ll be taken back to your hotel by boat and road.
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9
The beach portion of your holiday begins today. Your guide will accompany you for a private transfer to the airport for your direct flight to Koh Samui, which lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Upon arrival, enjoy a private transfer to your charming boutique resort, nestled in tropical gardens and overlooking the emerald waters and sandy shores of Maenam Beach.
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10
Today is yours to relax at the resort or explore the island. The Belmond Napasai offers fantastic amenities, including an infinity pool, children’s pool, spa, tennis courts, and various water sports.
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11
The Belmond Napasai provides daily complimentary activities that you and your family can take advantage of. These include windsurfing, paddleboarding, bicycle tours, Hobie Cats, and various classes on topics such as massage therapy, fruit and vegetable carving, and tennis.
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12
Enjoy another day to explore. A popular option is a speedboat ride to the nearby Angthong National Marine Park, which encompasses 42 stunning islands and inspired Alex Garland’s book “The Beach.”
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13
Today marks your final day on the beautiful beach before returning home. The calm waters are perfect for younger children to enjoy swimming for the first time, while guided snorkeling tours are available for those seeking a more adventurous experience.
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14
This morning, check out from your hotel and enjoy a private transfer to the local airport for your onward flight.
Accommodation options
The itinerary price includes suggested accommodation. However, My Way Travel are fully customizable, and a specialist can help you choose the best option for your preferences and budget.
What our clients say about us
Agnieszka Kowalik
11 April 2025 ★★★★★Was a great experience for my family even though it was a short trip. Thailand went beyond our expectations. From the vibrant street life in Bangkok to the peaceful temples and delicious local food, every moment was memorable. The tour agent did a great job organizing the itinerary, and our guide was always attentive and helpful. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this destination and tour service to my friends.
Anna
9 January 2025 ★★★★★Highly recommend this company for your trip to Japan. The tour coordinator, Emily, was very professional and responded to our requests quickly and efficiently. Our guide, Mr. Sato, was truly outstanding—patient, knowledgeable, and always attentive to our needs. The itinerary was well-planned, covering a great mix of cultural, historical, and modern attractions. It made our journey both exciting and smooth from start to finish.
Homma
3 April 2025 ★★★★★We spent a few days in Taipei and Jiufen over the weekend. Unfortunately, the weather in Jiufen wasn’t the best-quite misty and rainy—but we still enjoyed shopping, relaxing at the hot springs, and trying the local street food. The high-speed train ride was very comfortable. Would love to return to Jiufen again one day!
Mali
14 May 2025 ★★★★★This is our second time booking through Travel Asia Co.nz, and we've also introduced their services to friends who had great experiences too. During our Cambodia trip, the guide was knowledgeable, and the drivers drove with care. The itinerary was well thought out, and the hotels were in convenient locations—close to night markets, restaurants, and key sights. Highly recommend Travel Asia Co.nz for anyone planning a trip to Cambodia!
Andy
9 April 2025 ★★★★★We booked a 5 day private trip to Luang Prabang with Travel Asia Co.nz, and everything was smooth from start to finish. Wendy was quick to respond, and the tour was well-organized with great accommodation, food, and a fantastic guide. Having everything arranged made the trip so much easier and more relaxing. Highly recommend Travel Asia Co.nz for travel in Laos!
Erick
13 March 2025 ★★★★★Stephen from Travel Asia Co.nz was recommended by my friend, and she planned our 6D5N private tour for 8 of us perfectly. Everything was smooth—from hotel check-ins arranged for quick showers before/after the train, to splitting our group for day trips (5 to Ayutthaya, 3 to the floating market). Even our luggage was delivered to the next hotel-amazing service! Chiang Mai was a highlight with stunning views, Doi Suthep, hill tribe visits, and the elephant sanctuary. Our guide Yeow was friendly, caring, and very experienced. In Bangkok and Ayutthaya, we enjoyed a peaceful boat ride and a climb at Wat Phu Khao Thong—big thanks to David for guiding us safely. It was a well-organized, memorable trip. Great job, Wendy and team!
Tilly Tan
6 February 2025 ★★★★★We booked a very last-minute trip to Thailand for two families with young kids, and Travel Asia Co.nz made it all happen smoothly. Wendy was super responsive - she quickly proposed a flexible itinerary covering everything from transport and meals to tickets and timing. She even checked in with us daily to make sure we were happy. Our guide, Stephen, was an absolute gem-mature, caring, and great with the kids. He spoke excellent English, adjusted plans to fit our needs, and even helped us avoid tourist traps with helpful local tips. The vehicle was brand new, spacious, and very comfy. We truly felt cared for throughout the trip. Thank you, Stephen, Tien, and the team for a wonderful experience. Hope to travel with you again!
Tanaz
8 January 2025 ★★★★★This was my first time joining a trip arranged by Travel Asia Co.nz, and it was a great experience. Wendy was very helpful and responsive before the trip, and she worked closely with us to meet our needs. With the help of our tour guide, we completed all the planned activities smoothly and were amazed by the beautiful scenery-especially around Phang Nga Bay and the temples in Chiang Mai. We took so many great photos! Our group included seniors in their 70s and 80s, and thanks to the guide’s care and attention, everyone managed the trip comfortably. The food was delicious, and the accommodations were very comfortable too. Big thanks to Travel Asia Co.nz-we had a wonderful time, and we’ll definitely choose them again for our next trip to Thailand!
