Essential Thailand From North-to-South 

Street Food Tours, Trekking, and a Tropical Island Retreat

Thailand is one of Southeast Asia’s most legendary destinations. Palm-dotted, platinum beaches fringe the country’s coast, shadowy green jungles offer adventurous trekking and heartfelt cultural encounters, and buzzing Bangkok delivers a mind-bending symphony of urban sounds, scents, and flavors. 

Whether it’s your first time to Thailand or you want to revisit iconic spots, our two-week Essential Thailand from North to South itinerary will transport you to the beloved landscapes and experiences Thailand is known for in unexpected ways. Travel into the heart of Thailand’s culture and communities on an artist-led tour of Bangkok, cycling down backroads to reach the ancient kingdom of Sukhothai, connecting with the hill tribe villages of Chiang Mai, and savoring an intimate, countryside cooking class on the laid-back island of Koh Yao Noi. 

Far from the backpacker’s haven it once was, you’ll wind down the day at properties including the sleek Capella Bangkok and Six Senses Yao Noi, a dreamy island retreat. Over two weeks, experience Thailand’s greatest hits—remixed.  

Essential Thailand From North-to-South: 14 days / 13 nights

Essential Thailand From North-to-South Trip Highlights

Begin your journey through Thailand in Bangkok, where your VIP escort will whisk you through priority customs and immigration. Your personal guide and driver will welcome you to the city and bring you to Capella Bangkok, where you’ll spend your first three nights. Decompress and then get your first taste of Thailand’s famous curries at one of our favorite restaurants, Charmgang.  
Spend a morning discovering Bangkok’s most revered and sacred sites, including the country’s largest reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, the Grand Palace, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. After a delicious family-style Thai lunch, board a longtail boat for a cruise down the city’s ancient canals, gliding past floating wooden shopfronts, weathered teak homes, and Buddhist temples. Stop at the Artist’s House (Baan Silapin), a beautifully restored centuries-old teak house turned art gallery. 
Set out on foot and by local transport to explore Bangkok’s hidden enclaves through the eyes of a local artist. As he guides you through the city, learn about his art and travels as well as what it’s like to live in this bustling metropolis, all through colorful stories and captivating insider anecdotes. 
Take a tuk-tuk tour of Bangkok’s 200-year-old Chinatown, led by a knowledgeable local guide. You’ll kick things off with a cocktail at a bar on the edge of the Chao Phraya River before hopping into a tuk-tuk to scoot through narrow lanes and vibrant allies where vendors sling street food specialities and local delicacies. There’s no set menu or fixed stops, so you can let your curiosity guide you, uncovering the stories and traditions behind each dish.  
From Bangkok, a short flight will bring you to Sukhothai. The town served as the political and administrative capital from the 13th to 15th centuries and is home to the vestiges of early Thai architecture. A bit harder to reach than the historical city of Ayutthaya, you’ll escape the crowds here while exploring even more impressive ruins. Sriwilai Sukhothai Resort & Spa, an idyllic countryside retreat overlooking rice fields, is your home-away-from home here. Discover Sukhothai's ancient temples and ruins, including Wat Chang Lom, Wat Si Chum, and Wat Mahatha, on a private cycling tour. To arrive at Sukhothai Historical Park, you’ll travel down scenic dirt backroads, weaving past rice paddies and small villages, and stopping at local handicraft workshops. 
Travel north to Chiang Mai and begin your exploration of this mountainous, forested region with a hike along the Monk’s Trail, following in the footsteps of monks to reach Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of Thailand’s most revered Theravada Buddhism temple complexes. Witness the devotion of pilgrims from across the country and bask in the murmured prayers and chants of the faithful. 
Join a passionate local foodie on a street food tour through Chiang Mai’s colorful maze of markets. Try northern Thai classics, including Kha Moo (braised pork leg), Sukiyaki, Pad Thai, and Khao Soi (coconut curry noodle soup), amid the din of shouting vendors and sizzling pans. Take in the heady scent of aromatic herbs and spices that permeates the narrow streets in iconic markets like Chang Phuek Market and Chiang Mai Gate Market. 
Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary where you’ll walk alongside these gentle, majestic creatures through the forest and watch as they care for one another. Learn fascinating insights about Asian elephants and the ongoing conservation efforts here, and then watch them at play in a mud pit while enjoying a drink. You’ll end the experience with a riverside vegetarian lunch while observing the elephants enjoying their own treats.  
Head north of Chiang Mai for a day of trekking in Chiang Dao, home to the Akha, Lisu, Lahu, Palong, and Karen hill tribes. You’ll begin the day at a local market, tasting regional herbs and vegetables, and then float down the river on a bamboo raft before beginning your hike up into the mountains. Visit four different villages, learning about the communities’ traditional handicrafts and attire, spiritual traditions, and grassroots nature conservation. 
Trade the mountains for the beach, arriving at the secluded island of Koh Yao Noi. Just an hour by private speedboat transfer off the coast from Phuket, the island feels far away from the hustle of busier spots on the Andaman Coast. Luxuriate in the serenity of your private pool villa at the heavenly Six Senses Yao Noi, listening for the calls of hornbills in the jungle. Spend a day island hopping between surrounding islands on a private longtail boat, stopping to snorkel in tranquil coves and break for beach picnics.  
Venture away from the resorts on Koh Yao Noi to savor the flavors of the coast for a day on an intimate, private culinary experience. You’ll be welcomed into the home of a warm and spirited local chef and Thai matriarch who works with ingredients plucked straight from her backyard garden and the local market. Learn to make a fresh curry or spicy papaya salad overlooking rice paddies where water buffalo roam, listening to stories about local life while sharing your freshly prepared meal. This is a laid-back, improvised experience that takes you into the heart of a small community, surrounded by the warmth of Thai hospitality.

Price

Starting at $11,700 per person sharing in 2025

Essential Thailand From North-to-South On a Map

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