Best of Thailand – East Coast Islands

This 20-day whirlwind experience of Thailand brings together all the cultural beauty of the North with the stunning nature of the east coast islands. Discover the gorgeous temples of ancient Ayutthaya, roam the bustling streets of Bangkok, and swim in the idyllic waters off Koh Samui. See Thailand the right way on this journey of a lifetime.

Day 1 Bangkok
Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Bangkok/Kanchanaburi
Enjoy a klong boat tour of Bangkok including a visit to Wat Pho. Travel to Kanchanaburi and head to your floating rafthouse accommodation. Enjoy free time to explore.

Day 3 Kanchanaburi
Enjoy a day of sightseeing at Erawan Falls and the Bridge on the River Kwai.

Day 4 Kanchanaburi to Ayutthaya
Explore the Allied War Cemetery and the Thai-Burmese Railway Centre to learn more about the area's history. Travel to Ayutthaya and visit the historical sites of the old capital city. Opt to visit Chan Kasem National Museum and Chao Sam Phraya Museum.

Day 5 Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai
Spend a full day exploring Ayutthaya before boarding an overnight train to Chiang Mai.

Day 6 Chiang Mai
Arrive in Chiang Mai and explore the city. Visit Doi Suthep in the afternoon.

Day 7 Chiang Mai
Enjoy free time to explore Chiang Mai. Opt for a bicycle tour, a visit the Mae Sai waterfall, shopping at the night market, or getting a traditional Thai massage. Enjoy a local cooking class with dinner.

Day 8 Chiang Mai/Chiang Rai
Travel to Chiang Rai and start exploring.

Day 9 Chiang Rai
Visit the town of Mae Sai and the Opium Museum.

Day 10 Chiang Rai/Lampang
Continue on to Lampang and enjoy a homestay in a traditional Lanna village. Participate in craft demonstrations and opt to help prepare a local meal.

Day 11 Lampang/Sukhothai
Take in traditional morning activities, followed by lunch in the village. Travel to Sukhothai and enjoy a free afternoon.

Day 12 Sukhothai
Take a half-day guided bike tour of Sukhothai Historical Park and explore the area with some free time.

Day 13 Sukhothai/Bangkok
Travel to Bangkok and enjoy some time for last minute shopping.

Day 14 Bangkok/Ko Samui
Catch a flight to Surat Thani and board a ferry to the tropical island of Ko Samui. Relax on the beach or visit the bustling little town.

Day 15 Ko Samui
Relax on the beach or visit the bustling little town. Opt for a snorkelling trip in Ang Thong Marine Park.

Day 16 Ko Samui/Koh Pha Ngan
Take a ferry to nearby Ko Pha-Ngan, with time to explore the island's waterfalls, swim in lagoons, hike, or relax. If it's the right time, opt to take part in the island's famous Full Moon Party.

Day 17 Koh Pha Ngan
Enjoy free time to make the most of Ko Pha-Ngan.

Day 18 Koh Pha Ngan/Ko Tao
Travel by ferry to Ko Tao, in English known as ‘turtle island’. While most of the visitors spend their days in the water, in the evening the beach bars and hotels spill over with people looking to share their tales of the days activities and a cold beer or two.

Day 19 Ko Tao
Enjoy an included snorkelling trip from Ko Tao through Ko Nang Yuan.

Day 20 Ko Tao
Depart at any time. If booking a flight out of Ko Samui airport, the earliest departure time should be 11:00 am

Want to take the hassle out of getting back to Bangkok? Book the Bangkok Express, a two-day post-tour Extra. Speak to your Global Connection Officer or travel agent to book.