Bangkok
Palaces, temples and riverside life
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew showcase Bangkok’s monumental heritage. Wat Pho, the Chao Phraya boat trip and the stop at Wat Arun complete the encounter with the city.
Thailand New Year 2027: Celebrate the New Year in Paradise
10 days / 9 nights
Availability: December 2026; exact dates on request
Bangkok
Phuket
Overview
Bangkok, the northern temples and Phuket’s coastline form this 10-day, 9-night journey through Thailand. Between the Grand Palace, traditional markets, Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, the route brings together landscapes and cultural expressions before continuing to Phi Phi and time by the sea.
The planned accommodation is in the Classic category, with hotels rated 4 stars in the commercial reference: 3 nights in Bangkok, 1 in Chiang Rai, 2 in Chiang Mai and 3 in Phuket. Both domestic flights are included, and private services are combined with shared excursions to Kanta and Phi Phi.
The reference operation is December 2026, with exact dates on request. The name Thailand New Year 2027 does not define a fixed departure or automatically extend services into January 2027. This arrangement accommodates guests aged 16 and over and requires reconfirmation before booking.
Route overview
From Bangkok’s heritage to Phuket’s beaches
Four overnight cities and nine nights across Bangkok, northern Thailand and Phuket. The itinerary ends in Phuket, with no return to Bangkok included.
Tap or click the map to enlarge.
Bangkok → Chiang Rai → Chiang Mai → Phuket. Three nights in Bangkok, one in Chiang Rai, two in Chiang Mai and three in Phuket. Excursions returning to base: Maeklong and Damnoen Saduak; Karen village and the Golden Triangle; Kanta; Phi Phi and Khai Island. Bangkok visits include the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun; in the north, the Blue and White Temples and Doi Suthep.
- Air
- Land
- Water
Air: Bangkok–Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai–Phuket, included; dashed lines in the documentary map.
Land: Chiang Rai–Chiang Mai and the specified transfers and visits; solid lines in the documentary map.
Water: boat trip on the Chao Phraya and canals; speedboat excursion to Phi Phi and Khai Island, returning to Phuket. The map is schematic and does not show every boat route.
Gold markers indicate overnight stays; white markers indicate visits. Illustrative routes do not represent exact roads or air corridors. Natural Earth 1:10,000,000 base, public domain.
Travel moments
Three perspectives on Thailand
From Bangkok’s heritage to northern temples and islands, the itinerary combines included visits with free time to enjoy each stage.
Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai
Northern temples
The Blue and White Temples, Doi Suthep, the Golden Triangle and Karen village mark the northern stage.
Phi Phi and Phuket
Phi Phi and Phuket
Shared speedboat excursion to Phi Phi and Khai Island, with lunch. Free day in Phuket, with expenses paid separately.
The spirit of this journey
Who we recommend it for
A combination of culture, northern landscapes and beaches for travellers wishing to experience different sides of Thailand in one trip.
- Culture and heritage for those interested in temples, palaces and traditional markets, with visits in Bangkok and the north.
- Couples between culture and the sea share discoveries during the circuit and enjoy free periods in Phuket.
- Friends and shared discoveries travel with friends who appreciate culture and landscapes, taking account of the room arrangement confirmed in the quotation.
- Sightseeing with beach time combine guided visits with the free day in Phuket and the boat excursion to Phi Phi.
When planning: this arrangement accommodates guests aged 16 and over. There are walks, boat journeys and access via a 306-step staircase at Doi Suthep; specific needs must be assessed before booking. The Deluxe Ground Terrace room accommodates a maximum of 2 adults. These recommendations describe interests and do not guarantee accessibility or special arrangements.
Wat Arun on the Chao Phraya · Bernard Spragg. NZ · CC0 1.0 · documentary crop and WebP conversion
White Temple in Chiang Rai · Kate Branch · CC BY-SA 4.0 · documentary crop and WebP conversion
Phi Phi Islands from above · Jakob Owens · CC0 1.0 · documentary crop and WebP conversion
What is included
- 9 nights in the planned hotels or similar, sharing a double/twin room, with 9 breakfasts.
- 2 lunches, on days 6 and 8. Mandatory Christmas and New Year dinners are covered in the reference price where applicable to the confirmed dates and hotels, without duplicate charging.
- Domestic flights Bangkok–Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai–Phuket in economy class. Indicated allowance: 7 kg hand baggage and 1 checked piece of 20 kg per person, subject to confirmation at ticketing.
- Airport transfers and programme visits in air-conditioned vehicles; private services except the shared Kanta and Phi Phi excursions.
- Local Spanish-speaking guide for the specified private visits. Kanta and Phi Phi have an English-speaking guide; day 7 in Phuket has no guide, and free time is unaccompanied.
- Admission and permits for the specified attractions, Kanta excursion and Phi Phi trip. Mineral water, 2 bottles per day, and local support through a direct helpline.
What is not included
- International flights, travel insurance and services not mentioned as included.
- Unspecified meals, drinks, personal expenses, laundry and tips.
- Optional excursions and suggestions for free time, including the traditional boat in Pileh.
- Early hotel check-in or late check-out and any extras requested when booking.
Before travelling
Frequently asked questions
Information to plan the journey and confirm booking details.
Is there a fixed departure date and guaranteed New Year programme?
There is no fixed departure calendar. The reference is December 2026, with start and end dates on request and no automatic extension into January 2027. Confirm the sequence and the hotel where 24 and 31 December fall. Mandatory festive dinners are covered according to their applicability to confirmed dates and hotels; no party, event or special programme is guaranteed in this presentation.
Are the flights and Kanta and Phi Phi trips included?
Yes. The domestic flights Bangkok–Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai–Phuket, Kanta and the Phi Phi speedboat excursion form part of the programme. The traditional long-tail boat in Pileh Lagoon is optional at extra cost. International flights are not included.
What language is used for guiding?
A local Spanish-speaking guide accompanies the specified private visits. Kanta and Phi Phi are shared excursions with an English-speaking guide. There is no guide in Phuket on day 7; free periods are also unaccompanied.
Can children join this arrangement?
It accommodates only guests aged 16 and over because of Sunprime Kamala Beach’s policy. The generic child policy of other programmes does not apply.
Does the price for 2–3 paying passengers provide a triple room?
No. The band identifies the paying passengers on the booking; the price is per person sharing a double or twin room. Deluxe Ground Terrace accommodates up to 2 adults. An unpaired third passenger needs single accommodation, priced on request; no single supplement or triple-room rate is published for this arrangement.
Which meals are included?
There are 9 breakfasts and 2 lunches, on days 6 and 8. Mandatory Christmas and New Year dinners are covered where applicable to confirmed dates and hotels, without duplicate charging. Other meals and drinks are not included.
Does the trip end in Bangkok?
Services end after the transfer to Phuket airport on day 10. No return to Bangkok is included, and the departing international flight is not part of the price.
Are hotels and services already reserved?
No. Hotels, festive dinners, flights, availability and services require reconfirmation before sale. Substitutions and differences will be presented before booking. Sea conditions may change the island excursion, and the planned domestic tickets are non-refundable and non-cancellable.
Memphis curation
Technical content updated on .
Itinerary, services, accommodation and prices are presented according to the programme’s commercial documentation. Exact dates, availability and booking conditions will be confirmed in the quotation.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Bangkok
The journey begins with Bangkok’s rhythm, with time to settle in before your first discoveries.
Reception at Bangkok airport and hotel transfer. After check-in, free time to rest or pursue independent activities. As a suggestion not included in the programme, ICONSIAM brings together dining and views of the Chao Phraya River.
Overnight: Bangkok · Meals: none scheduled
Day 2
Bangkok’s palaces, temples and canals
Between palaces, temples and the riverscape, Bangkok offers different ways to explore its history.
Visits to the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, including the complex’s monumental spaces. Continue to Wat Pho, known for its Reclining Buddha. After a lunch break, with lunch not included, take a boat trip on the Chao Phraya and its canals, stopping at Wat Arun. Return to the hotel.
Wear respectful clothing in temples; avoid sleeveless tops, shorts and sandals. At the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, photography is permitted outdoors, not inside the buildings.
Overnight: Bangkok · Meals: breakfast
Day 3
Maeklong and Damnoen Saduak markets
Market life sets the scene for this encounter with Thailand’s railway tracks and canals.
Departure for Maeklong Railway Market, accompanied by the guide, observing the train’s passage according to local operations. Continue to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, known for its canals, trading and food stalls. Return to Bangkok and free time.
Overnight: Bangkok · Meals: breakfast
Day 4
Flight to Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle
The north opens a new stage of the journey, between local traditions and the Mekong landscape.
Transfer to Bangkok airport and included domestic flight to Chiang Rai. Reception by the guide and driver, visit to a Karen village and an introduction to its handicrafts and traditions. Continue to the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. Visit the Golden Buddha statue and enjoy a panoramic view of the Mekong River. Return to Chiang Rai for check-in and rest.
Overnight: Chiang Rai · Meals: breakfast
Day 5
Northern temples and arrival in Chiang Mai
From the white and blue of Chiang Rai’s temples, the journey continues to Doi Suthep’s golden tones.
Visit the Blue Temple, Wat Rong Seur Ten, and the White Temple, Wat Rong Khun, in Chiang Rai. Continue overland to the Chiang Mai area, visiting Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, known for its golden chedi and views over the Ping Valley. Stair access has 306 steps. Continue to the hotel for check-in.
Overnight: Chiang Mai · Meals: breakfast
Day 6
Kanta Elephant Sanctuary
The day brings the journey closer to Kanta’s landscape and elephants, according to the activities described in the programme.
Full-day shared excursion with an English-speaking guide. Depart Chiang Mai for the sanctuary, change into traditional clothing and take part in observation, feeding and walking activities with the elephants. The programme describes preparing fruit and rice with herbs, learning about the animals and river interaction, including bathing accompanied by the team. Lunch is included, followed by a tea or coffee break before returning to the hotel.
Activities and times are approximate and flexible. Bring a hat, swimwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, a towel, spare clothing, walking shoes and a copy of your passport’s photo page.
Overnight: Chiang Mai · Meals: breakfast and lunch
Day 7
Flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket
A change of scenery takes you from northern experiences to Phuket’s beaches.
Airport transfer and included domestic flight to Phuket. Reception and hotel transfer; the rest of the day at leisure. There is no guide in Phuket on this day. Markets, Rawai restaurants, beach clubs and nightlife are independent suggestions, with expenses paid separately.
Overnight: Phuket · Meals: breakfast
Day 8
Phi Phi Islands by speedboat
The sea guides this day through the islands and bays of the Phi Phi archipelago.
Shared excursion with an English-speaking guide and transfers between hotel and pier. Sail to Phi Phi Ley, with Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon and a panoramic passage by Viking Cave. On Phi Phi Don, buffet lunch at Tonsai Bay and a visit to Monkey Bay. Continue to Khai Island for free time, swimming and snorkelling. Return to the pier and hotel in the late afternoon. Order, times and access depend on operational and sea conditions.
The traditional long-tail boat ride in Pileh Lagoon is optional at extra cost; it is distinct from the Phi Phi excursion already included.
Overnight: Phuket · Meals: breakfast and lunch
Day 9
Free day in Phuket
A day to choose your own pace and enjoy the beach stage.
Free day to enjoy the beach at your own pace. The old town, with its Sino-Portuguese buildings and Thalang, Dibuk and Krabi streets, is a suggestion for an independent visit. Excursions, water activities, dining and expenses during free time are not included.
Overnight: Phuket · Meals: breakfast
Day 10
Departure from Phuket
The journey bids farewell to Phuket before the departure transfer.
Free time until the indicated time and transfer to Phuket airport. End of services. The international flight home is not included.
Meals: breakfast
Prices and hotels
Prices per person
Classic category, hotels rated 4 stars in the commercial reference, for 2–3 paying passengers sharing a double or twin room. Prices were originally quoted in US dollars (USD); the selected currency must accompany every displayed amount. Reference operation: December 2026, with exact dates on request.
| Category | Paying passengers on the booking | Occupancy | Price per person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | 2–3 | Double / twin | US$ 5.165,00 |
Land arrangements, included activities, both domestic flights and mandatory festive dinners are covered in the price once only.
Reference for operation in December 2026. Exact dates and availability must be confirmed before booking. The commercial title does not define a fixed departure or extend coverage into January 2027.
The price covers Bangkok–Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai–Phuket flights. Mandatory Christmas and New Year dinners are included where applicable to confirmed dates and hotels, without duplicate addition.
The band refers to paying passengers on the contracted booking. Prices are per person, not per room. Deluxe Ground Terrace accommodates up to 2 adults per room; 3 paying passengers does not mean triple occupancy. An unpaired third passenger needs single accommodation priced on request. This table does not show triple, single or other party-size rates.
Rates and services require reconfirmation before sale; changes to fuel, transport, hotels or operations will be communicated before booking. This presentation does not automatically make a reservation or issue tickets.
Optional experiences
| Location | Activity | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | Chao Phraya dinner cruise with transfer | 19:00–21:00 · minimum 2 people |
| Bangkok | Spa and Thai massage with transfer | 90 minutes · minimum 2 people |
| Chiang Mai | Khantoke dinner with transfer | 19:00–21:00 · minimum 2 people |
| Chiang Mai | Offerings to monks | 05:30–07:00 · minimum 2 people |
| Pileh Lagoon | Traditional long-tail boat ride | Extra cost; local availability |
Prices and availability on request. None of these optional activities forms part of the reference total; inclusion only when requested and confirmed in the quotation.
Kanta and the Phi Phi speedboat excursion are already included in the programme. Only the traditional boat in Pileh is optional within the Phi Phi day.
ICONSIAM, Phuket markets and restaurants, old-town walks, water activities and nightlife are suggestions for free periods. Admission, consumption, transport and independent services are at the traveller’s expense.
Dates and operating conditions
- Reference operation in December 2026, with exact start and end dates on request. There is no fixed departure calendar in this presentation and no automatic coverage extending into January 2027.
- The programme lasts 10 days and 9 nights. Its New Year commercial name does not fix a departure date; confirm the sequence of services and which hotel coincides with 24 and 31 December.
- Hotels, festive dinners, flights and other services depend on availability and reconfirmation before sale. Documented mandatory items are already included in the price; any change will be communicated before booking.
- Planned domestic tickets are non-refundable and non-cancellable. Airline, schedules, fare and allowances are subject to confirmation and ticketing rules.
- Sunprime Kamala Beach admits guests aged 16 and over. This arrangement does not accommodate under-16s and does not apply the generic child policy of other hotels or programmes.
- Check-in is usually between 14:00 and 15:00; check-out between 11:00 and 12:00. Early or late arrangements depend on availability and a supplement. Some hotels require a credit card as a guarantee at check-in.
- Visits and times may change due to sea conditions, weather or other operational circumstances. Kanta’s times are approximate. The itinerary does not represent reservations already made.
- Travel insurance with assistance and medical evacuation cover is recommended. Tips are voluntary: the local reference suggests US$ 5,00 to US$ 10,00 per person/day for guide and driver and US$ 1,00 to US$ 3,00 per person/service for porters or boatmen.
Payment and confirmation
| Stage | Percentage | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Confirmation | 25% | Bookings made more than 40 days ahead: deposit to request and confirm services, subject to availability. |
| By 40 days before travel | 75% | For bookings made further in advance: pay the balance by this deadline. |
| 40 days or less before travel | 100% | Bookings made within this lead time: full payment upon confirmation. |
- International payments are received through our Wise account. Choose a 3% discount for full payment upfront, combined with applicable promotions through successive discounts, or a 25% deposit at purchase with the balance due by 40 days before travel. The 3% discount applies to full payment upfront, not to the deposit-and-balance alternative. Local taxes, third-party charges and expressly excluded services are not eligible for the discount.
- Base prices are in USD. Conversions to other currencies are indicative estimates and are not payment quotations.
Specific booking conditions, changes and cancellations will be formalised when booking. The planned domestic flights are non-refundable and non-cancellable.
Planned hotels or similar
Nine nights in the Classic category, subject to booking confirmation.
| City and stay | Reference hotel and room | Classification |
|---|---|---|
|
Bangkok
3 nights |
4★ in the source | |
|
Chiang Rai
1 night |
4★ in the source | |
|
Chiang Mai
2 nights |
4★ in the source | |
|
Phuket
3 nights |
4★ in the source |
The Classic arrangement brings together hotels offering comfort and access to itinerary stages. The proprietary category considers the overall combination; stars do not guarantee additional services or uniform certification.
All four properties are rated 4 stars in the operation’s commercial reference. Ambassador and The Empress also present this classification through their official channels. The booked rooms, location and services are those indicated for the reservation.
Bangkok: Superior, currently presented by Ambassador as Superior Sky Wing. Chiang Rai: Deluxe at Sooknirund. Chiang Mai: Superior at The Empress Chiang Mai Hotel, a separate property from Empress Premier. Phuket: Deluxe Ground, called Deluxe Ground Terrace by Sunprime.
Sunprime Kamala Beach: exclusively guests aged 16 or over; Deluxe Ground Terrace accommodates up to 2 adults. A 2–3 paying-passenger band does not mean three occupants in a room. An unpaired third passenger needs single accommodation on request, with no supplement published for this arrangement.
Hotels and rooms are subject to availability. No reservation has been made; if a property is unavailable, a similar- or higher-category alternative and any price difference will be presented before confirmation. No upgrade is guaranteed.
Official Sunprime Kamala Beach policy
The quotation will confirm dates, rooms and availability of all services. No reservation has been made and no upgrade is guaranteed.
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