Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
From Countryside to Coast Nature and Scenery in Thailand
Thailand – Chiang Mai – Phrao – Chiew Lan Lake – Khao Lak – Krabi
Begin in Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second city. Boasting a fantastic blend of city buzz and countryside chill, you’ll have the chance to explore bustling night markets and fascinating temples before heading to the countryside for an introduction to local life and landscapes.
Next, swap countryside for water with a stay in a floating hotel on Chiew Lan Lake. After a few days of kayaking and dining under the stars, it’s onto Khao Lak, where thriving reefs and marvellous marine life make for days of swimming and snorkelling.
Round off your trip in Krabi, known for its coastal vibes and beautiful beaches. After exploring the province’s rugged cliffs, mangrove forests and shimmering lagoons, your time here is entirely dedicated to R&R: think soaking up the sun or enjoying a treatment at the spa. And, relax...
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Binoculars at the ready: your Thai nature holiday begins today. Head to the airport and settle in for a spot of breakfast in the lounge before boarding your overnight flight to Chiang Mai. With a quick stopover in Bangkok, the journey will take just over 14 hours, touching down early the next morning.
After landing in the Thai capital, you'll be met and privately transferred to your hotel. After checking in and freshening up, spend the rest of the day however you please, whether you’d rather kick back and relax after your long journey or head out to begin exploring the city.
Come evening, venture out to discover Chiang Mai’s famous Night Bazaar. If you happen to have arrived on a Sunday, head straight to Tha Phae Gate and stroll along Ratchadamnoen Avenue’s Sunday Night Market; if not, visit Chang Khlan Road for the standard night market, where you can hone your haggling skills while shopping for local handicrafts and grab some seriously spectacular street food.
Begin your time in Chiang Mai with a visit to a nearby village, where you can catch a glimpse into daily life within a local Lahu community. Alongside a private guide, learn about the traditional Lahu coffee cultivation process, discovering the steps that take this delicious drink from bean to cup, before sitting down to taste it.
Once the caffeine has kicked in, head back into the city for a private introduction to Muay Thai. Drawn from ancestral boxing practices, this iconic sport involves using your feet, arms, fists and knees to defeat an opponent. After a quick demonstration, an expert instructor will introduce you to the basics of the discipline, from your stance to a series of jabs and kicks.
How best to explore Chiang Mai’s countryside? On two wheels, of course. After fuelling up with a hearty breakfast, you’ll be collected and transferred to Wat Pa Dara Phirom, an ornate temple home to colourful murals and an impressive brass Buddha. Then, hop aboard two wheels and begin a peaceful bike ride, gliding through terraced rice and mushroom fields to the village of Baan Ta Louk.
Once you arrive, dismount and explore the village with a friendly guide, paying visits to a local beekeeper and strawberry grower before tucking into a tasty lunch at a nearby restaurant. Round off the day with a peaceful cruise along the Mae Ping River, keeping cameras poised as you drift past lush greenery and riverside communities.
Later, return to your hotel for a relaxing afternoon before donning your glad rags and heading out for one final dinner in the city – our clued-up Concierge is on hand to recommend some stellar spots.
Rise bright and early this morning for the private transfer to Phrao, a rural district in northeastern Chiang Mai. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the northern countryside away from the crowds, beginning with a visit to the Araksa tea plantation.
Set 37 miles from Chiang Mai in the Mae Taeng hills, Araksa is Thailand’s oldest tea plantation, and it’s no surprise why – the favourable altitude, high-quality soil and water levels provide the perfect conditions for tea growing. With a guide, learn about the tea cultivation process before sitting down to enjoy a steaming cup.
Later, wander to the quiet village of Phrao, where you’ll be staying tonight. Keep the scenic adventures going with a serene bike ride through the surrounding rice fields before indulging in a relaxing massage – it doesn’t come much better than this.
Come evening, check into your comfortable guesthouse and settle in for a good night’s sleep. More exploration awaits tomorrow…
It’s a second sunrise start today as you head out for another peaceful bike ride through towering mountains and terraced rice fields. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to stop at a few local landmarks, including a bustling market, a tool-making workshop and an ornate temple, complete with a Buddha resting under a sacred tree.
Suitably wowed, head back to your guesthouse for an introduction into the local concept of ‘Khum Lanna’ or ‘Rice for Life’. Led by a local expert, learn about the history of rice cultivation in rural northern Thailand, different local varieties and the essential equipment, before having a go at making your own glutinous rice (also known as sticky rice).
To complete your meal, head out into the garden to pick fragrant herbs and fresh vegetables before preparing a traditional dish with the onsite chef. That’s lunch sorted…
Later, wave goodbye to the hills as you’re privately transferred back into the centre of Chiang Mai for one final night.
This morning, wave goodbye to Chiang Mai as you head away from the mountainous north of Thailand to the emerald waters of the south. Bundle your bags into the car for the private transfer to the airport, where you’ll board a speedy two-hour flight to Phuket.
Once you’ve touched down, it’s another private transfer (lucky you) to Chiew Lan Lake Pier, around two and a half hours away. After an hour-long scenic boat crossing, arrive at your fabulous floating hotel, where you’ll check in for two nights.
Kick off your time in this tranquil paradise with a tasty lunch, then strip down to your swimwear and get ready for an afternoon on the lake (think swimming, kayaking and soaking up the sun). Later, head out on a boat ride to discover your new surroundings, sometimes referred to as 'Little Halong Bay'.
As night falls, enjoy fresh Thai specialities under unspoilt starry skies, then head to bed for another day of adventuring tomorrow.
Wake up on the water today and head straight out on a boat safari, watching as the sun rises over the mountains and the early morning mist floats across the water. Then, back at the hotel, wake up properly with a strong coffee and breakfast on deck.
After a leisurely morning, lace up your walking boots and meet a knowledgeable guide for a trek into the surrounding jungle. After a short walk spent spotting local wildlife and rare rainforest plants, stop at a beautiful emerald lagoon, where you’ll board a bamboo boat and glide into the Prakarang coral cave – so named because its stunning stalagmites resemble intricate coral formations.
Back at the hotel, enjoy a pre-dinner snooze and another floating meal under the stars.
Enjoy one last floating breakfast this morning before hopping back aboard a longtail boat for the short crossing to Chiew Lan Lake pier. From here, you’ll be privately transferred to Khao Lak, around a two-hour drive away.
Once you arrive in this pretty seaside village, check into your hotel, your home away from home for the next two nights. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you please, whether you’d rather sunbathe on the sand, stroll in the gardens or simply lounge poolside, cocktail in hand. You are on holiday, after all…
Travelling with an ocean enthusiast? You’re in for a real treat. This morning, meet a private guide and hop aboard another traditional longtail boat to explore Khao Lak’s underwater ecosystem.
Shaped by mangroves and boasting spectacular seabeds, the waters surrounding Khao Lak are ideal for swimming and snorkelling. If you fancy getting close to the action, don a mask and glide along Khao Na Yak reef’s colourful corals, keeping your eyes peeled for tropical fish. Otherwise, simply sit back and relax on the white sand beach, only opening your eyes for a quick dip in the crystal-clear sea or for a spot of lunch.
This afternoon, head back to the hotel for another afternoon of R&R before finding a local spot for dinner. Sundowners and seafood, anyone?
Swap one seaside paradise for another this morning as you’re privately transferred three hours to Krabi, set on southern Thailand’s west coast. When you arrive, check into a luxurious beachfront hotel, where you’ll be staying for the next three nights.
After a leisurely lunch on the beach, you'll no doubt settle into the laidback lifestyle right away. Spend the afternoon dipping your toes in the ocean, doing some lengths in the pool or simply delving into your holiday read before heading out in search of dinner – our local Concierge can recommend some top spots.
As your nature-focused holiday comes to an end, we’ve dedicated the last two days to soaking up the scenery. On one of the days, head out with a private guide to explore Krabi’s rugged limestone cliffs, dense mangrove forests and sparkling lagoons, visiting local temples and keeping your eyes peeled for lizards, monkeys and various bird species.
When you’re not out exploring, spend your days kayaking or windsurfing on the water, soaking up the sun on the beach or indulging in a traditional Thai massage. If you discovered a love for snorkelling in Khao Lak, grab your fins and dive back into the water, looking out for cute seahorses and giant clams.
Evenings here are best spent watching the sunset on the beach with a cocktail in hand before heading to a local restaurant for your final taste of Thai cuisine.
It’s sadly time for your Thai adventure to come to an end. This morning, pack those last few things into your suitcases and meet your private driver for the transfer to Krabi airport, where you’ll begin your return journey home. With a quick stopover in Bangkok, you’ll be travelling for around 16 hours in total, touching down in the UK this evening.
Why visit Thailand with Original Travel ?
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to Thailand
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Wi-Fi router and e-Sim
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption
