Cultural Thailand

Duration
12 Days
Price from
$5,193 pp.
Location
Thailand, Southeast Asia
Masked Khon Traditional dancing Thailand

Trip Highlights

  • Explore Bangkok’s Grand Palace & temples
  • Visit ancient ruins in Ayutthaya
  • Cruise along the River Kwai

What's Included

  • Guided tours
  • Transfers
  • 11 nights accommodation

Cultural Thailand

Temples, local cooking classes and ethical elephant sanctuaries, this curated journey promises an exceptional cultural escape.

Our experts created this itinerary with curious travellers in mind - those who want to see beyond the surface of Thailand. If you are looking for a trip where you can taste, walk, and feel your way through the country’s living culture, this is it!

From the vibrant markets of Bangkok to the serene temples of Chiang Mai, this itinerary is about immersion, not just observation. You’ll explore bustling neighbourhoods by tuk-tuk, sample street food that locals swear by, and take part in traditions that have been passed down for generations.

We’ve included experiences that connect you to the people and stories behind the places, like a private meditation session, a hands-on cooking class, and evenings spent wandering night markets where the air is thick with spice and music. It’s a thoughtfully paced trip that blends cultural depth with comfort, giving you the freedom to explore while knowing every detail has been taken care of.


Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Welcome to Bangkok!

Bangkok nights

Arrive in Thailand’s energetic capital, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred privately to the Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok. Settle into your riverside suite and enjoy the sweeping views of the Chao Phraya River. Depending on your arrival time, you might take a leisurely boat ride, sample some street food, or unwind with a cocktail by the infinity pool. The evening is yours to relax or explore as you begin your journey.

Day 2 Bangkok discovery

Chiang Mai view

Enjoy breakfast and get ready for a day of discovery in Bangkok. Begin with the iconic Grand Palace, home to Thai kings for over two centuries. Admire intricate architecture and murals, delving into its rich history. Continue to Wat Pho, a vast temple featuring the renowned reclining Buddha and captivating murals. Explore the serene Wat Prayun on the Chao Phraya River for a unique temple experience. Pause for a delightful Thai lunch before embarking on a scenic longtail boat ride through Bangkok's canals, immersing yourself in local life. Conclude the day at Mahanakorn Tower, one of the city's tallest skyscrapers. Opt for a thrilling glass-floored observation deck on the 74th floor for panoramic sunset views.

Day 3 Bangkok Bites - A street food tour

Day 4 Head for Chiang Mai - Evening street eats

Day 5 Temples of Chiang Mai

Day 6 Food culture - Thai cooking master class

Day 7 Sustainable Thailand - Artisans community visit

Day 8 Fly to Phuket

Day 9 Elephant Sanctuary Visit

Day 10 Phang Nga Bay Cruise

Day 11 Phuket free day

Day 12 Time to fly!

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When to go to Thailand

A month-by-month guide of when to visit Thailand

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

January is one of the best months to visit Thailand, with dry, sunny days and cooler temperatures across most of the country. It's an ideal time for beach holidays in Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Lanta, where the sea is calm and crystal clear. In the north, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai offer crisp mornings and pleasant days, perfect for exploring temples and mountain landscapes. It’s also peak tourist season, so book in advance for popular spots.

February

February continues the dry season with reliably sunny weather and temperatures starting to climb. Beach conditions are still fantastic, especially on the Andaman coast. It’s also a great month for visiting Bangkok and central Thailand, where humidity remains relatively low. Festivals like Chiang Mai’s Flower Festival add extra colour to the month, and hiking in the north is still very comfortable.

March

March marks the start of the hot season, with rising temperatures across the country. It’s a good time for beachgoers who don’t mind the heat, particularly in places like Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lipe. Inland cities like Bangkok and Ayutthaya can feel sweltering in the afternoons, so plan sightseeing for early mornings. The north becomes drier and dustier, especially with the onset of the agricultural burning season.

April

April is the hottest month in Thailand, but it’s also one of the most fun thanks to Songkran, the Thai New Year. Celebrated with country-wide water fights, it's a joyful (and cooling) experience. While temperatures can reach well into the 30s°C, beach destinations on either coast offer some respite. Make sure to stay hydrated and take things slow, especially in cities.

May

May marks the beginning of the rainy season in most regions, although downpours tend to be short and sharp rather than constant. The humidity ramps up, particularly in central and northern Thailand. It’s a quieter time to travel, with fewer crowds and lush, green landscapes emerging. The Gulf islands—like Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Phangan—tend to see better weather than the Andaman coast.

June

June sees more regular rainfall, but it rarely disrupts travel plans too much. The countryside is vibrant, and waterfalls are at their best. While western beaches like Phuket may see more rain, the Gulf coast remains relatively dry, making it a great time for snorkelling and diving around Koh Tao. Expect lower prices and a more relaxed vibe almost everywhere.

July

July brings heavier rains to the north and Andaman coast, but travel is still very possible with a bit of flexibility. Rice paddies turn brilliant green, and misty mountains in the north offer atmospheric views. On the Gulf coast, beach days are still common. Cultural travellers may enjoy this quieter period for exploring temples, museums, and food tours.

August

August is in the heart of the monsoon season, but showers are usually short-lived and followed by sunshine. It’s a great time for nature lovers, as the landscape is lush and full of life. Inland travel can be trickier with occasional flooding, so coastal stays in Koh Samui or Koh Phangan are often the better bet. Festivals and markets continue to run, albeit with fewer tourists around.

September

September is typically the wettest month of the year, particularly in the north and on the Andaman coast. While it’s not the best time for sunbathing, it’s a brilliant opportunity to enjoy Thailand’s cultural side at a slower pace. Think cooking classes, spa days, and temple tours. Prices are at their lowest, and you'll often have attractions almost to yourself.

October

October marks the transition from rainy season to dry season, particularly towards the end of the month. While early October can still be wet, especially in the north, the skies begin to clear by mid-month. It’s a great time to visit Bangkok and central Thailand before the high season crowds arrive. Northern provinces like Chiang Mai begin their cooler season, making trekking and outdoor adventures more comfortable.

November

November is when Thailand really shines. The weather turns reliably dry and sunny across most of the country, especially the Andaman coast. Popular islands like Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Lanta come back to life. In the north, the cooler temperatures are ideal for hiking and exploring rural landscapes. Festivals like Loy Krathong add a magical touch with lantern-lit celebrations in Chiang Mai and Sukhothai.

December

December is peak travel season, thanks to the beautiful weather, festive atmosphere, and Christmas holidays. Beach resorts on both coasts are bustling, so early booking is essential. It’s also a great time to explore Bangkok’s markets and rooftop bars, or take to the hills of northern Thailand for trekking and nature. With low humidity and bright skies, it’s one of the best times to experience the country in full swing.

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