Highlights of Thailand & beach holiday in Koh Samui

Today, you’ll be flying to wonderful Thailand with connecting flight(s) on the way.

You’ll arrive in Thailand’s vibrant capital, Bangkok. After passing through immigration and collecting your luggage, you’ll meet your guide in the arrivals hall at Door B, Gate 6. Your guide will be wearing the TourCompass uniform and carrying a TourCompass sign, making it easy for you to spot them. From here, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the heart of Bangkok – and even on the way, you’ll get your first glimpse of the city’s grandeur and its bustling, energetic atmosphere.

Once you’ve checked in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish. Depending on when you land – and how much energy you have – you might simply want to relax at the hotel or perhaps take a short stroll in the local area. If you’re feeling adventurous, step out into the streets of Bangkok for a first taste of the city. You’ll discover an intoxicating maze of sights and sounds, with food options ranging from tiny street stalls to trendy fusion restaurants. If you fancy, you could visit neon-lit Chinatown, sample the delights of Soi 38 in Sukhumvit, experience the roadside kitchens at Victory Monument, or soak up the lively riverside vibe at Asiatique The Riverfront, where restaurants, shops, and a vibrant evening scene unfold along the water’s edge.

If you still have some energy left, why not round off your day with a drink at one of the city’s sky bars, taking in the stunning views over the illuminated metropolis before retreating for a well-deserved night’s rest.

You wake up to Thailand’s hectic, colourful and fascinating capital, which is home to some 12 million people.

There are no excursions planned, so you can enjoy the days at your own pace. You also have the option to participate in one of our exciting optional excursions, which you can read more about below.

When it comes to getting about in Bangkok, you needn’t worry about the notorious traffic, as the city offers a wide range of transport options. A lot of people get around by tuktuk, but the river taxis are also popular and account for a significant portion of the city’s public transport, as they stop at many of the city’s sights. You can also take the Sky Train, which winds its way between the city’s high-rise buildings and is a good, fast and cheap way of travelling.

Bangkok is divided into east and west by the 372-km-long Chao Phraya River. The eastern part of the city is considered to be central Bangkok, with the popular areas of Silom and Sukhumvit and China Town, which offer a high concentration of shopping centres, local markets and good eateries. It is also on the eastern side that you’ll find the historic part of Bangkok, which is home to the city’s lavish royal palace, the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Kaew.

After walking all over Bangkok in the tropical heat and noisy traffic, there will almost certainly be moments when you dream of greener, quieter places. Might we suggest a visit to Lumpini Park and Benjakitti Park? You can also choose to head over to the western side of the river, where you’ll find yourself in a completely different world without skyscrapers and tooting tuktuks. You’ll encounter a more authentic Bangkok here, and a maze of canals, where houses stand on stilts and postmen make their deliveries by boat.

In the evening, it’s pretty much a must to visit one of the city’s sky bars, which is the perfect place to enjoy a cold drink and at the same time watch the sun setting over the metropolis.

You could also visit the neon-lit China Town or the Asiatique The River Front shopping venue, which in addition to shops also offers restaurants and entertainment.

Whatever you decide to do, we guarantee that you won’t get bored!

Today, you wave goodbye to Bangkok, and an exciting three-day trip with two overnight stays awaits. You will visit the small town of Kanchanaburi, the River Kwae Yai and the large area of jungle that surrounds it all.

You will be picked up from the hotel early to avoid the worst of the morning traffic leaving Bangkok and you will then be driven directly to Kanchanaburi and the River Kwae Yai. During World War II, a railway was built here from Thailand to Myanmar under inhumane conditions. It took 18 months to build the 415 km long railway line, and during this period (1942-1943), approx. 100,000 forcibly conscripted Asians and 12,500 Allied prisoners of war died. The real-life story was later used in the famous novel The Bridge over the River Kwai by Pierre Boulle, and immortalised in a film adaptation.

On arrival in Kanchanaburi, you will visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, an interactive museum that tells the story of the Thailand-Burma Railway, also known as Death Railway. It is both an educational and moving experience.

You will continue to the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, a memorial to more than 6,000 Allied prisoners of war who died during the construction of the railway, and who were moved to this final resting place after the war.

Afterwards, the tour continues to the world-famous Bridge on the River Khwae Yai, which is part of the Death Railway.

Breakfast is served at a local restaurant.

In the early afternoon, you will be driven to Hellfire Pass, which was one of the toughest and most difficult places to build the railway as it went through a rock cutting. Work took place around the clock, and at night torches were used to illuminate the area, which gave the pass its name. Here, you will walk part of the Hellfire Pass Memorial Walking Trail, which follows the original railway bed.

From here, you will be driven to Hintok River Camp, where you can enjoy the area and the camp’s activities.

You wake up to the sounds of the jungle and the river.

After a delicious breakfast, it is check-out time, and you’ll be sailed in a long-tail boat to River Kwai Jungle Rafts, where you can leave your luggage until later check-in during the day.

You visit a nearby Mon village, where the Mon people have lived for many generations. Here, you explore the Golden Rock, Buddha Image Cave, and the village school. You have the opportunity to meet the locals and learn about their history, culture, and traditions. Following that, a short walk along the riverbank awaits you, leading to a breathtaking viewpoint where you can enjoy the view of the lush River Kwai.

You return to River Kwai Jungle Rafts, a floating hotel on the River Kwai itself. The landscape and richness are almost indescribable! Upon arrival, there’s check-in, and lunch is served.

The afternoon is free for you to enjoy, and you can choose to participate in additional tours organized by the hotel, such as canoeing and rafting trips, or simply relax with a good book.

The morning is yours to enjoy the scenic surroundings until check-out at around 11 am. You’ll then be sailed up the river to the quay where you’ll disembark and have lunch at a local restaurant. A scenic train ride on the Death Railway awaits you next in the historic train carriages. The train ride takes you along an elevated stretch above the scenic landscape and the River Kwai.

After the train ride, you’ll meet your guide and driver, who work for our partner, and they’ll drive you to the historic pearl of Ayutthaya, which was the capital for 417 years from 1350 to 1767. The drive takes about 3.5 hour.

On your arrival in Ayutthaya, you’ll check in at the hotel and then you’ll visit the city’s colourful night market, where you have dinner.

Afterwards, you can enjoy the sight of the illuminated temples that you’ll be visiting on tomorrow’s excursion to Ayutthaya Historical Park.

Take the morning and afternoon at your own pace.

In the afternoon, you’ll check out and your guide and driver will drive you to a local restaurant where the day’s lunch is served.

Next, you will embark on an exciting tour of some of Ayutthaya’s historic temple ruins. Some are relatively well preserved, others are almost gone, destroyed by the Burmese army in 1767. But that doesn’t make them any less interesting!

The first visit is to Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, located on the east bank of the Pa Sak River. A little off the beaten path, it offers a more intimate experience. The temple originally served as a monastery for a group of monks who had returned from Sri Lanka before the destruction caused by the Burmese. Restoration work did not begin until many years later – in the 1950s – which is why the temple appears so incredibly well-preserved today. Unlike many other temples in the area, monks still live here.

The tour then heads into Ayutthaya Historical Park itself, which consists of 67 temples and Buddha statues. In 1991, part of the park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The first temple you visit is Wat Phra Sri Sanphet (UNESCO), which was the largest and most beautiful temple built next to the king’s palace. Monks were denied access here due to the royal status of the temple, which is especially famous for its three large chedis and small chapels. You might notice the similarity with Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok, which is inspired by Wat Phra Sri Sanphet.

The tour continues to Wat Mahathat (UNESCO), which was also built close to the king’s palace. It was here that he performed important ceremonies. The temple was the seat of the Supreme Patriarch of Buddhism while at the same time home to various Buddha relics and was therefore considered one of Ayutthaya’s most important temples. When you see the ancient columns, chedis and Buddha statues, you can easily imagine how beautiful this would once have been! Today, the temple is best known for the Buddha head embedded in a tree. It is still unclear how it ended up among the roots of the trees, but it is believed to have happened in connection with the mass destruction and flooding of the area and the rapid growth of the vegetation that followed.

The last visit of the day is to the ancient monastery, Wat Lokaya Sutha. There is not much left here other than the remains of the old floors, walls and columns. The major attraction of the site is the 37-metre-long reclining Buddha with the peaceful smile.

After an exciting day, you’ll be driven to the city’s train station, where there will be time to find something to eat before taking the night train to Chiang Mai. We also recommend that you buy some snacks and drinks for the train ride.

The night train departs from Ayutthaya at 7.45 pm and arrives in Chiang Mai at 7.15 am the next morning.

For an additional fee, you can fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai instead of taking the night train. This option will include an extra night in Chiang Mai.

At 7.15 am, you’ll arrive in the mountainous north in Thailand’s second largest city, Chiang Mai. It’s an incredibly beautiful city located in a valley surrounded by mountains, including Doi Inthanon, which is the highest point in Thailand. Chiang Mai is also the former capital of the old Lanna Kingdom, which existed from 1292 to 1775. You will therefore discover many influences from this era around the city.

In Chiang Mai, you’ll really experience a different and unique side of Thailand.

Out in the station’s arrivals hall, a guide holding up a TourCompass sign will be waiting for you, and you’ll be driven from here to the popular Talad Warorot Market, where breakfast is served.

After a delicious breakfast, you’ll be driven to the hotel where you can store your luggage until check-in in the afternoon. Until then, an exciting bike ride in historic Chiang Mai awaits you, which is a great way to experience the city.

You’ll be driven to our partner’s office, where you will be kitted out with a bicycle and bicycle helmet. After a quick briefing, it’s time to hit the pedals and experience the charm of the city. The route is flat and easy, making it suitable for most people. You’ll cycle through the small, quiet streets of Chiang Mai to the fine temple Wat Inthakhin Sadue Mueang, known for its 700-year-old white Buddha statue. The bike ride continues past the Three Kings monument to Tha Phae Gate, the city gate where traders brought their wares into the city. Here, the guide will tell you all about Chiang Mai as a former trade centre. You’ll continue to the nearby Somphet Market, where you have time to walk around and soak in the local atmosphere. You’ll also have the opportunity to taste the colourful fruits and sweets. Wat Chiang Man, Chiang Mai’s oldest temple, then awaits. It is here that the 1,800-year-old Crystal Buddha and the 2,500-year-old Marble Buddha are kept. Finally, you’ll visit the city’s largest and most iconic monument, Wat Chedi Luang, once home to the Emerald Buddha, which is now housed in Wat Phra Kaew temple in Bangkok.

After a lovely 3–4 hour bike ride, a well-deserved and delicious lunch awaits you, consisting of the dish “khao soi” – a spicy noodle soup, which is a speciality in northern Thailand. Lunch is served at the Naree De Klang Vieng restaurant, which is run by inmates from Klang Vieng Women’s Prison. Thanks to the prison’s excellent rehabilitation project, the women, who are typically convicted of selling or producing drugs, have the opportunity to train in various service professions that prepare them for a new life outside the prison walls. The food and service are top notch!

Learn more about the rehabilitation project here. 

You then check in at your hotel and you have the rest of the day to yourself.

Today, you’ll be going on an unforgettable visit. Around an hour and a half drive from Chiang Mai is ChangChill Elephant Sanctuary.

ChangChill is a sanctuary for 4 happy female elephants – elephants are allowed to be elephants here! When ChangChill opened in 2017, it was a big, important step, the like of which had not been seen before in Thailand. They were 100% elephant friendly with the support of World Animal Protection, among others. This means that at ChangChill, the elephants are allowed to live as naturally as possible by letting them roam freely around the valley, graze, bathe in the river, have dust and mud baths and socialise with each other. As a visitor, you cannot interact with the elephants but you can observe them from a distance and see them express their natural behaviour on their own terms.

The visit starts with an introduction to the project itself, and then you head into the jungle with the guide, where you can see the large elephants grazing. The guide will tell you the story of the elephants and more about the Asian elephant in general.

After the walk, refreshments will be served on one of the observation platforms, and you may be lucky enough to see the elephants enjoying a mud bath beneath you – something they love doing on hot days. Mud baths protect their skin from both the sun and insects. When their skin begins to feel dry, they bathe in the river to remove the dry mud, with much splashing and spraying in the process – a fantastic sight to see.

At lunchtime, you’ll head down to the river, where you’ll help fill the elephants’ feed tubes with either corn, sugar cane or bananas. While you are being served your own vegetarian meal up in the pavilion, you can see the elephants enjoying theirs below.

The elephants are cared for by the mahouts, who descend from the Karen tribe. After lunch, you’ll visit the local cultural centre, where you learn about the history, culture and traditions of the Karen tribe.

ChangChill also has its own herb garden, where you’ll learn about which plants, leaves, roots and herbs are used as medicine for elephants. Many of these are also highly nutritious. Despite eating around 120 different plant species, it is said that elephants only absorb 40% of nutrients and therefore need extra in the form of supplements. The next activity involves making elephant snacks or vitamin bombs using ingredients from the herb garden.

Finally, the guide will answer any questions you may have and tell you more about their day-to-day work.

A fantastic day with the 4 happy female elephants has now come to an end, and you’ll be driven back to the hotel in Chiang Mai, where the rest of the day is your own to do as you please.

Read more about the elephant sanctuary here.

There are no excursions planned for today, so you can explore Chiang Mai on your own and at your own pace. There’s plenty to see and do here, and the city is also the perfect base for excursions. Read more about our exciting extra excursions below.

In the evening, you can enjoy the view of the illuminated temples and monuments, or how about a visit to the city’s popular night market? You can also eat your way through the many wonderful street kitchens.

You’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven to Chiang Mai airport, from which you will fly to the island of Koh Samui.

You’ll arrive at Koh Samui’s exotic airport, pass through immigration, and collect your luggage. Your guide will be waiting outside the arrivals hall, wearing a TourCompass uniform and holding a TourCompass sign to make it easy for you to find him or her. From there, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, which is located on the northern side of the island, in a tranquil bay by Mae Nam Beach.

After check-in at the hotel, the rest of the day is yours to do as you please. Whether you stay at the hotel or have a look around is entirely up to you.

Mae Nam Beach is right next to the Bophut area. Bo Phut Beach is known for its beautiful bay with golden sandy beaches and calm waters. This is also where you’ll find the old stronghold of the island’s fishing industry, Fisherman’s Village. Well-preserved, rustic façades form a beautiful backdrop to the cosy district found here today. The charming area offers a wealth of small shops selling local arts and crafts, bars and, not least, fabulous restaurants. We highly recommend tasting the fresh, spicy Thai cuisine, and if you choose a restaurant on the seafront, you can throw yourself down on a bean bag and enjoy the view of the bay. When darkness falls, you might be lucky enough to see the so-called “Fireboys” performing their impressive shows with fire. A visit to Fisherman’s Village is a great way to meet the local islanders and feel their passion for Thai culture, craftsmanship and gastronomy.

If city life is more your thing, you should head to Chaweng. The selection is larger, and the pace is faster than in Bophut. The main street is lined with restaurants, cafés, shops and bars. And the lively atmosphere also makes itself felt on the beach front at Chaweng Beach in the evening, when restaurants serve dinner under the open sky. What could be better than lounging in big, squishy sofas in the light of torches and fairy lights, while the aroma from the barbecue wafts through the air and your thirst is quenched by an ice-cold drink?

The days are yours to do as you please, and it’s entirely up to you what you do. Perhaps you’ll just want to laze by the hotel pool with a good book, or maybe you’ll want to explore the island’s other beaches and waterfall?

If more adventure is the order of the day, we highly recommend a boat trip to the picture-postcard Ang Thong Marine National Park, where uneven rows of beautiful, lush tropical islands shoot up in the landscape.

Or how about an enchanting visit to the world-famous islands of Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan, known for their incredible visibility and brightly coloured underwater wildlife? Get your snorkel mask on and meet Nemo and all his friends.

Read more about the excursions below.

Today, you’ll be saying goodbye to Thailand. You’ll be picked up from the hotel and driven to the airport, from where you fly back to Europe with connecting flight(s) on the way.

You land at your selected airport after a lovely holiday packed with experiences and relaxation.