12 Days in Thailand
Your Dream Thailand Trip Awaits
February 18- March 2nd, 2027
$4500 per person
Explore Thailand's amazing culture and shop for exceptional one of a kind handicrafts on our 12-day tour. Discover ancient temples in Bangkok, shop at the Chatuchak Weekend Market and other exclusive merchants. Visit Chiang Mai and surrounding provinces for a cultural experience, exploring small villages and temples all while shopping for hand crafted treasures at the Night Bazaar and Walking Streets. This trip allows for a mix of cultural exploration and shopping, making it an ideal experience for those looking to discover Thailand.
Endless Markets, Unforgettable Meals
You’ll come home with photos, yes. But more than that, you’ll come home feeling lighter, more present, and a little more in love with the world.
With golden temple mornings, fragrant night markets, and meals shared shoulder-to-shoulder with locals, this Thailand journey is designed so you don’t just visit Thailand, you taste it, feel it, and carry it with you long after you return home.
Welcome to Bangkok
Your first morning you’ll see Bangkok the way locals do, by water. We board a riverboat on the Chao Phraya, gliding past stilt houses, glittering temple spires, and the everyday life that unfolds along the canals. The city feels quieter from the river, and it’s a perfect way to ease into your first full day in Thailand.
Our first major stop is the Grand Palace and the Royal Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the spiritual heart of the nation. You’ll walk through golden pagodas, intricate murals, and courtyards that once hosted royal ceremonies, while your guide shares stories that bring the history of the Thai monarchy and Buddhism to life. We’ll also visit the Queen’s Museum, where you can see royal textiles, artifacts, and exhibits that illuminate Thailand’s cultural heritage.
From there, we wander through the nearby Amulet Market, a fascinating maze of tiny stalls selling protective charms, relics, and talismans.
We’ll pause for lunch at a local restaurant, savoring classic Thai dishes before continuing to Wat Pho, home of the famous Reclining Buddha. Standing beside this 46-meter-long statue is a humbling moment, and the temple grounds themselves are a peaceful escape, filled with stupas, shaded corners, and the sound of temple bells.
In the evening, we return to the riverfront and gather for a relaxed dinner overlooking the Chao Phraya River , reflecting on the day’s adventures.
Along the Klongs, Old Bangkok & Evening on Samsen
This morning you’ll see another side of Bangkok as we head out on an “Along the Klong” tour. Boarding a long-tail boat, we cruise through the city’s network of canals, or klongs, where wooden houses perch on stilts, children play at the water’s edge, and vendors float by with fruit and snacks. It’s a quiet, intimate look at everyday life that feels a world away from the busy streets.
After returning to the river, we make our way to Khao San Road, the city’s famous backpacker quarter. Here you’ll have time to stroll, people-watch, grab a coffee or fresh coconut, and soak up the energetic mix of shops, street food, and travelers from around the world.
From there, we continue for international wholesale jewelry shopping, where you can browse finely crafted jewelry, handmade decorative pieces, and traditional designs. Your guide can help you understand quality and craftsmanship, and you’re welcome to shop or simply enjoy seeing the artistry up close.
In the evening we regroup for dinner at Samsen Restaurant, a local favorite near the river. Over a relaxed meal of Thai dishes, you can unwind and share impressions of the day, canal life, market energy, and the quieter, more personal corners of Bangkok you’ve begun to discover.
Railway Market, Floating Market & Flavors of Rural Thailand
Today we leave central Bangkok behind and head into the countryside for one of Thailand’s most memorable experiences. Our first stop is the famous Railway Market, where vendors set up their stalls right along the train tracks. As the train approaches, you’ll watch in amazement as umbrellas fold, tables slide back, and the train inches past with just inches to spare, then, just as quickly, the market pops back into place and life continues as normal. It’s everyday routine for the locals, but unforgettable to witness.
From there we continue to a Floating Market tour, boarding a boat to glide through narrow canals lined with wooden houses and stalls. Here, vendors sell fruit, noodles, snacks, and flowers directly from their boats. You’ll have time to take photos, taste local treats, and soak up the color and energy of this old-style way of trading that still survives just outside the city.
By late afternoon we return to the city, with time to freshen up before dinner at a local restaurant in Bangkok. Over a relaxed meal, you can try more regional Thai dishes and recap the day’s highlights, markets on tracks, markets on water, and a glimpse of Thailand beyond the city skyline.
Chatuchak (JJ Market) – Bangkok’s Ultimate Market Day
Today is all about Chatuchak Weekend Market, known locally as JJ Market. One of the largest open-air markets in the world and a must-see in Bangkok. We’ll dedicate the full day here, with plenty of time to wander, shop, snack, and people-watch.
Chatuchak is a maze of thousands of stalls divided into sections, each with its own personality. As you explore, you might find:
At Chatuchak (JJ) Market, you can wander for hours through a maze of stalls and still feel like you’ve only scratched the surface. You’ll find clothing and fashion in every direction, from simple cotton T-shirts and classic Thai fisherman pants to handmade dresses, leather bags, vintage denim, and racks of small local designer brands you’ve never heard of but will absolutely want to bring home. The aisles spill over into handicrafts and home décor: carved wooden pieces, ceramics, baskets, textiles, lamps, pillow covers, wall art, and those unique little touches that make your home feel like it has a bit of Thailand woven into it.
And then there’s the food. Throughout the day, you’ll have chances to try street snacks and simple local dishes: grilled meats, fresh fruit, coconut ice cream, Thai iced tea, smoothies, noodles, and sweets. It’s a great place to graze your way through lunch as you explore.
Your guide can help you navigate the sections, suggest good areas based on what you’re interested in (clothes, crafts, décor, etc.), and offer tips on bargaining politely, staying cool and hydrated, and getting your purchases packed up.
By the end of the day, you’ll return to the hotel with a deeper feel for modern Thai style, local creativity, and probably a bag, or several, of treasures from Bangkok’s most iconic market.
Fly to Chiang Mai & Evening at the Walking Street Market
This morning we say goodbye to Bangkok and take a short flight to Chiang Mai, the cultural heart of northern Thailand. On arrival, we transfer to our guest house, tucked into one of Chiang Mai’s charming neighborhoods. After check-in, the rest of the afternoon is yours to unwind and relax, enjoy a coffee in the courtyard, take a stroll down quiet lanes, or simply rest before the evening’s outing.
As the sun drops and the air cools, we head into the old city for Chiang Mai’s famous Walking Street Market.
In the heart of Chiang Mai, where history and tradition intertwine, the Walking Street Market transforms the city’s main thoroughfare into a lively pedestrian-only bazaar. Stalls line the street as far as you can see, lit by warm lights and alive with the sounds of music, chatter, and sizzling woks.
Here you’ll find:
Handmade crafts & textiles – hill-tribe bags, scarves, embroidered clothing, wood carvings, silver jewelry, and unique art pieces
Local snacks & street food – grilled meats, northern-style sausages, noodle dishes, roti, fresh juices, and sweet desserts
Culture & performance – buskers, traditional music, and the occasional impromptu show adding to the atmosphere
With its vibrant energy, eclectic offerings, and rich heritage, the Walking Street Market is an unmissable experience for anyone wanting a true taste of Chiang Mai’s cultural tapestry. You’ll have time to shop, snack, and soak it all in before we return to the guest house to rest for tomorrow’s adventures.
Elephant Sanctuary, Jungle Rafting & River Lunch
Today we leave the city behind and head into the lush countryside surrounding Chiang Mai for a day centered around elephants, forest, and river life.
In the hills outside the city, Chiang Mai is home to several ethical elephant sanctuaries that allow visitors to meet these magnificent animals in a responsible and sustainable way. Rather than riding or performances, the focus is on respectful, low-impact encounters that put the elephants’ welfare first.
Your guide and the sanctuary staff will share how proper care, space to roam, and natural behaviors are prioritized, and why choosing ethical sanctuaries matters so much in Thailand.
After time with the elephants, we continue into the countryside for a bit of soft adventure: a short jungle trek and a gentle rafting experience along a local river. As you float downstream, you’ll pass bamboo groves, small farms, and simple riverside homes, an easy, relaxing way to experience rural northern Thailand.
We pause along the riverbank for a simple, fresh lunch by the water, enjoying local dishes and watch other rafters go by.. By late afternoon, we return to Chiang Mai, with the evening free to rest, explore nearby cafés, or revisit a favorite night market at your own pace.
Hill Tribe Village in the Northern Highlands
This morning we leave Chiang Mai and head into the mountains of northern Thailand for a local hill tribe village visit. As the road climbs, the landscape shifts from city and farmland to forested hills, terraced fields, and simple wooden homes perched along the ridgelines.
The north is home to several of Thailand’s recognized “hill tribes” – ethnic minority or Indigenous groups such as the Akha, Karen, Hmong, Lisu, Lahu, Yao, Lua (Lawa), and Palong (Dara-ang). Each has its own language, traditional dress, spiritual beliefs, and way of life. Where we visit will depend on the community we’re partnering with at the time of your trip, always with a focus on respectful, community-based tourism.
On arrival in the village, you’ll:
Be welcomed by local guide
Take a walking tour of the village, learning how people farm, cook, weave, and build their homes with materials from the surrounding hills
Hear about the history and identity of the local group, how they came to this region, their traditions, and how life is changing for younger generations
Enjoy a traditional Hill Tribe lunch prepared by the village women
See (and, where appropriate, try) elements of traditional culture such as weaving, embroidery, or local crafts.
Chiang Mai Treasures & DIY Charcoal BBQ
Today is all about design, craftsmanship, and getting practical for anyone dreaming of bringing a piece of Thailand home.
Just outside Chiang Mai, is an area known for its woodwork, furniture, and home décor. Our first stop is Legends, a favorite for sourcing unique pieces, solid wood tables, carved doors, chairs, cabinets, and accent items that give a home that “found in Thailand” feel.
Here, you’ll not only have time to shop, you’ll also see how container shipping works in real life. Staff will walk us through how items are:
Wrapped and protected for long journeys
Loaded and secured inside a shipping container
Prepared with documentation so they’re ready to export
It’s a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to ship furniture and décor home, so you can make informed decisions about larger purchases.
From there, we continue our Legends / Hang Dong shopping time, exploring nearby shops and showrooms with everything from reclaimed wood pieces to modern design and smaller décor items that are easier to pack.
Next up is a ceramic factory, where you can watch artisans at work and browse shelves of plates, bowls, vases, tiles, and decorative pieces. It’s an excellent stop for practical souvenirs, things you’ll actually use at home that still carry the memory of this trip.
Midday, we pause for a relaxed Ruby Fish lunch, enjoying crispy, flavorful Thai-style fish and side dishes, fresh, simple, and very local.
In the evening, we cap off the day with a fun, interactive BBQ dinner at a traditional “cook-it-yourself” spot. You’ll sit around a charcoal grill set in the middle of the table, choosing from trays of raw meats, vegetables, and seafood and cooking them yourself over glowing coals.
It’s casual, lively, and very social, the kind of meal where you share plates, swap bites, and end up laughing over the table as the night goes on. After dinner, we return to the guest house in Chiang Mai, full from both good food and good finds.
Doi Suthep Visit & Hill Life at Doi Pui
Today we head up into the cool hills that rise above Chiang Mai, visiting two of the area’s most iconic spots: Doi Suthep and Doi Pui.
In the morning, we drive the winding mountain road up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the golden temple that watches over Chiang Mai. As we climb the final steps (or take the tram), the city opens up below us, on clear days you can see the entire valley spread out like a map.
Inside the temple grounds, you’ll:
Walk around the gleaming golden chedi, said to enshrine relics of the Buddha
Listen to the soft sound of temple bells and monks chanting
Take in the panoramic view of Chiang Mai from the terrace, a perfect place for photos and a quiet moment of reflection
Your guide will share the stories behind the temple’s founding and the white elephant legend that led to its location on this very hill.
From Doi Suthep, we continue farther into the mountains to Doi Pui, a small hill community surrounded by forest and terraced fields. Here you’ll have time to:
Wander through the village lanes, lined with small shops selling handmade textiles, bags, and traditional clothing
See how local people live in the hills, with simple homes, gardens, and views that stretch across the mountains
Walk through the flower gardens and viewpoints, where the air is cooler and the pace feels much slower than in the city
There’s time to browse for locally made crafts or enjoy a coffee or tea with a view before we make our way back down the mountain in the afternoon.
By late day, we return to Chiang Mai, with the evening free to relax, get a massage, or revisit a favorite café or night market now with the memory of seeing the city from above and the hills beyond it.
Fly Back to Bangkok & Dinner in Historic Chinatown
This morning we take a short flight back to Bangkok, returning from the cool northern hills to the energy of the capital. After landing, we transfer to our hotel and give you time to settle in and relax maybe a nap, or a quick coffee before heading out again.
In the evening, we dive into one of Bangkok’s most iconic neighborhoods: Chinatown (Yaowarat).
Bangkok’s Chinatown is one of the largest Chinatowns in the world, with roots going back to the late 1700s, when the city became the capital of the Rattanakosin Kingdom and Chinese merchants—many of them Teochew, settled here and grew into one of the city’s most influential communities. What began around the old Sampheng area has gradually shifted so that today the beating heart of Chinatown runs along Yaowarat Road, a busy main artery filled with gold shops, neon signs, medicine stores, shrines, market and endless food stalls.
As night falls, Yaowarat lights up. We stroll past sizzling woks, steaming dim sum baskets, and dessert carts, stopping to sample a few local favorites before sitting down for a Chinatown dinner. Expect a mix of Thai–Chinese flavors, fresh seafood, stir-fries, noodles, and shared dishes in the middle of the table.
After dinner, you can wander a bit more through the side streets and alleys, soaking up the mix of history, commerce, and food culture that has made Chinatown one of Bangkok’s most unforgettable neighborhoods, before we return to the hotel for the night.
Chinatown Shopping & Farewell Food Experience
Today is your last full day in Thailand, and we’ve kept it flexible so you can soak up Bangkok in a way that feels right for you.
During the day, we return to Chinatown for some final exploring and shopping. By daylight, Yaowarat feels different, markets are busy, gold shops glitter, and narrow side streets are full of everyday life. You’ll have time to:
Pick up last-minute gifts and souvenirs – teas, dried fruits, snacks, herbs, spices, and small keepsakes
Wander through markets and hidden lanes at your own pace
Stop for coffee, dim sum, or street snacks whenever something looks too good to pass up
Your guide can point you to favorite spots and help you find anything special you’ve been searching for.
In the evening, we gather for one final culinary experience together. Depending on the group’s preference, this can be either:
A guided food tour, tasting your way through local stalls and small eateries as you learn the stories behind classic Thai and Thai–Chinese dishes, or
A hands-on cooking class, where you’ll learn to prepare a few of your favorite Thai dishes, from curry pastes and stir-fries to desserts, before sitting down to enjoy the meal you’ve created.
It’s a warm, relaxed way to end the journey: sharing food, swapping photos, and reliving favorite moments from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, the markets, the elephants, and the hills.
After dinner, we return to the hotel for your final night in Bangkok, with time to pack, rest, and get ready for flights home the next day, carrying a suitcase of souvenirs and a head full of new stories.
Departure Day – Flights Home
Today marks the end of your Thailand journey.
Depending on your flight time, you may have a relaxed morning in Bangkok, lingering over breakfast, enjoying one last coffee by the river, or taking a short walk in the neighborhood for a final look at local life.
Your guide will help coordinate airport transfers so you arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport in good time for check-in, security, and any last-minute duty-free shopping.
As you board your flight home, you leave with more than souvenirs: memories of temple bells and night markets, river breezes and mountain air, elephants, hill tribe villages, and shared meals all the moments that turned this trip into a story you’ll keep telling long after you land.
Terms and Conditions
Additional Questions?
Read our FAQ for Thailand
Final Payment Due Date
Final payment is due no later than 90 days prior to your start date. All remaining balances must be paid by wire transfer by that deadline. Wire instructions will be sent to you in advance; if you prefer to pay by credit card, we can provide a payment link upon request (credit card fees will apply).
Cancellation Policy:
Deposits are refundable for 30 days from receipt. After that, they are not refundable for any reason and will be forfeited if you cancel your reservation.
All Bookings cancelled inside 60 days prior to travel are non-refundable.
Bookings cancelled 90 days prior to travel you will be charged any cancellation fees that are levied by the hotel, domestic airline or other suppliers.
We require proof of trip insurance to properly protect your investment.
The Cost Excludes:
International airfare to and from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok
Required trip insurance to cover medical and emergency evacuation.
Visa fees, passport costs, and any applicable airport departure taxes
Required or recommended vaccinations, malaria prophylaxis, and other medical expenses
Expenses of a personal nature, including but not limited to phone calls, laundry, alcoholic beverages, personal internet usage, and souvenir purchases
Optional activities such as spa treatments, and other excursions not specified in the itinerary
Additional hotel nights, meals, and transfers before the official start date or after the official end date of your trip.
Tips for guides, porters and hotel staff
Single supplement charges for guests requesting a private room (US$450 per guest)
Excess baggage fees on internal flights or other transportation
Bank fees, wire transfer charges, and credit card surcharges (if applicable)
Alternative accommodations: If you choose or require a different hotel than the one we provide (for medical, accessibility, or personal reasons), any additional room cost, taxes, fees, or extra transfers will be billed to you directly. We are unable to offer refunds or credits for unused nights at the original hotel.
Container shipping from Thailand: All costs associated with shipping purchases via container, including but not limited to storage fees, import duties and tariffs and delivery to your final address, are the sole responsibility of the guest.
The Cost Includes:
Transportation to and from the Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok
All in country flights & transportation associated with the tour
Access to wholesale shopping
Arranging packing and shipping of purchases
Entry fees for group planned activities
An English-Speaking Professional Guide and Tahzi Travel staff member.
All Transport in comfortable air conditioned vehicles.
All Airport Transfers in Thailand
All Meals in Thailand
All Accommodations in Thailand for Duration of the trip schedule, not including single supplement.