Itinerary - Thailand 360°: Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Koh Tao

Ready to start this trip the best way possible? We’re talking about food, obviously. Tonight we’ll meet each other and we’ll get the chance to have a first taste of the local cuisine - maybe we’ll try pad thai (the real one though!) or khao pad (fried rice that sounds delicious)? The night doesn’t end here though: it continues in Khao San, one of the best streets to enjoy Bangkok’s nightlife.

After the previous night, we are excited to begin our real journey! Today, we will be taking a flight from Bangkok to Chiang Rai, the northern capital of Thailand. One of the first things to do in Chiang Rai is to visit the city's temples, such as the White Temple, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the Blue Temple. There are also many lesser-known temples to discover, and we have plenty of time to explore them.

Like any bustling Asian city, Chiang Rai also has a lively night market, which is popular among both tourists and locals. This is where we will spend our evening, trying local foods such as the delicious Khao Soi curry soup with chicken and noodles, and enjoying musical performances by local bands. It will be a true immersion into the local culture.

After a nice breakfast, we will take a local, bus to Chiang Mai, a city located on the banks of the Ping River. Chiang Mai is known for its beautiful temples and sculptures, as well as its markets in the city centre where merchants and craftsmen sell a wide variety of items. We will begin our journey with a guided walking tour to discover the secrets of the city. One of the must-see places is the Doi Suthep Temple, which requires climbing 300 steps. The stone dragons decorating the staircase will guide us on our way.

After the day's activities, we can indulge in a traditional Thai massage to rejuvenate ourselves. We will conclude the day by visiting the renowned night market, where we will have the opportunity to taste authentic Thai street food, which will also be our dinner for the night.

Today, we will depart from the hustle and bustle of Chiang Mai and immerse ourselves in the Thai jungle. Surrounded by lush greenery, we will have the chance to observe the local wildlife in a serene and refreshing environment. After donning traditional Karen attire, we will learn about Thai elephants, feeding them, playing with the young elephants in the mud and bathing with them in the river, all while ensuring the well-being of the elephants. This will be an experience that will stay with us forever.

After lunch, we will bid farewell to the elephants and head back to Chiang Mai. This afternoon, we have a mission to complete - a cooking class where we will learn how to prepare traditional Thai dishes. Before we start, we need to gather the necessary ingredients and the market is the perfect place to do so. After cooking, we will also have the opportunity to taste the dishes we have prepared. So, let's get to it!

We will be setting off early as we anticipate a six-hour journey to reach the ancient capital of the kingdom, Sukhothai. The journey will not be dull as the enchanting Thai landscapes will keep us entertained or provide the perfect opportunity to rest. Upon arrival, to stretch our legs after sitting for so long, we will take a leisurely tour of the city by bicycle, the best way to cover the entire site over a long distance. Sukhothai is one of the most spectacular places in the country, with a vast complex of temples, monasteries and statues that are so well-preserved that it will leave you in awe! Sukhothai means "Dawn of Happiness" and we will certainly feel a sense of happiness and wonder as we stand before the mysterious Wat Sangkhawat, a group of ruins surrounded by lush vegetation.

After a satisfying breakfast, we'll be transported by private van from Sukhothai to Bangkok's railway station, with a stop for a meal and break en route. Once we reach the train station in Bangkok, we'll board an overnight train heading to Chumphon, which we'll reach the following morning. Though it's a hectic day of travel, it will definitely be worth it.

In the morning, we'll board a fast transfer to the port and set off for our final destination: Koh Tao. We'll spend two days relaxing in one of Thailand's most beautiful islands! Located in the Gulf of Thailand and about an hour by boat from Koh Phangan, Koh Tao is known for its clear beaches, blue sea, and tropical vegetation. Its natural beauty and unique coral reef make it a popular destination for snorkeling and other marine sports. So, be sure to pack fins, masks, and snorkels- it'll be worth it! As for the evening, you can enjoy chill out music and drinks at sunset bars on the beach, and later hit up one or two discos that stay open until 2am. You won't be bored, and in Koh Tao, it's never too late because the next day you'll be diving and exploring all the other activities.

After spending two blissful days on Koh Tao, enjoying relaxation, snorkeling, swimming, and beautiful beaches, we'll spend our last hours soaking up the sun before bidding farewell to the island. After taking one final swim, we'll head to the port and board a ferry to Chumphon. Once we arrive, we'll check into a hotel to gather our belongings and either relax or explore the city before departing.

We pack our bags and say farewell to Chumphon, as we head to the airport in the morning to catch a flight back to Bangkok, where our journey first began. After spending so much time in Thailand's natural landscapes, it may be challenging to adjust to the hustle and bustle of the city again, but we'll give it a try.

A city always has must-see places, which is why we'll take a morning walk through Bangkok's temples, starting with the Royal Palace and continuing to Wat Pho, featuring a giant golden reclining Buddha, and Wat Arun, located on the opposite side of the river, which we'll reach by taking a short boat ride. Known as the "Temple of Dawn", it has a serene atmosphere that instills a sense of peace. In the afternoon, we'll have some free time to do some shopping before returning home. Depending on the day, we may also visit local markets, which are great places to purchase local goods. In the evening, we'll return to our accommodation for a quick shower and prepare for our final dinner together, savoring delicious Thai food and reminiscing about our journey. Our journey was filled with memories, so let's raise a toast to all the emotions we have experienced and shared.

We have reached the end of this adventure in Thailand: we say goodbye and promise to see you again soon for another WeRoad!