Thailand from Old Kingdoms to Gulf Islands: Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Khao Sok, Samui and Koh Tao in 17 Days

Welcome to Thailand. You are met at Bangkok airport and driven to your hotel in the Sukhumvit area. The rest of the day is free to rest after your flight, swim, or take a first look at the city's food and street life on your own.Overnight: Bangkok

A full day with your private guide. Begin at Wat Traimit, home of a solid gold Buddha weighing about five and a half tons. Cross the river to Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, then visit Wat Pho, Bangkok's oldest and largest temple, with its huge reclining Buddha and its long link to traditional Thai massage. After lunch on your own, finish at the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, home of the Emerald Buddha, where Thai and European styles meet in one royal compound.Overnight: Bangkok · Meals: B

Leave Bangkok at about 8 am for Ayutthaya, the old royal capital, a little over an hour north. Visit Wat Phu Khao Thong, the Golden Mount, the ruins of the royal palace and Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopit with one of Thailand's largest bronze Buddhas. After lunch, see the long reclining Buddha of Wat Lokaya Sutha and the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, a mix of Thai, Chinese and European buildings set around ponds. Continue north to Sukhothai, arriving in the late afternoon.Overnight: Sukhothai · Meals: B

Spend the day in Sukhothai, often called the birthplace of Thai culture. An electric vehicle takes you around the UNESCO-listed park. Inside the city walls, see the royal palace grounds and Wat Mahathat with its lotus-bud chedi, then Wat Si Sawai, Wat Traphang Ngoen, Wat Mai and the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum. Outside the walls, visit Wat Phra Phai Luang, a former Khmer shrine, and the giant seated Buddha of Wat Si Chum. End at the private Sangkhalok Museum, with its fine collection of old Sukhothai ceramics.Overnight: Sukhothai · Meals: B

Enjoy a slow breakfast and free time until check-out. Then drive about five hours north through hills and farmland to Chiang Mai, the old capital of the Lanna kingdom. The evening is yours to settle in or stroll to a nearby night market.Overnight: Chiang Mai · Meals: B

Explore the old town on foot with your guide. Visit Wat Phra Singh, one of the most revered temples in the north, the teak hall of Wat Phan Tao and the great ruined chedi of Wat Chedi Luang next door. Take a rickshaw through lanes of old wooden houses, then walk through the busy central market, Kad Luang. In the afternoon, drive up the forested mountain to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Climb the 300-odd naga steps, or take the lift, for a broad view over the city.Overnight: Chiang Mai · Meals: B

Fly from Chiang Mai to Surat Thani and drive to Khao Sok National Park. At 4 pm, meet your guide for an easy-paced jungle walk of 4 to 8 km, gathering leaves and herbs for a riverside camp. Help light the fire and cook Thai dishes in bamboo tubes while you relax by the stream. After a three-course dinner served in bamboo, walk back in the dark, when the forest comes alive with lizards, sleeping birds, monkeys in the bamboo and, with luck, a slow loris. Back at the hotel by about 9 pm.Overnight: Khao Sok · Meals: B, D

Leave at 9 am for Cheow Lan Lake, stopping at the dam lookout. Board a longtail boat and cruise between sheer limestone cliffs to the famous Three Rocks. A short walk leads to a small cave or waterfall, depending on conditions. Lunch is served at a floating restaurant on the lake, followed by free time to swim or kayak in the calm green water. Return to your hotel by 5 to 6 pm.Overnight: Khao Sok · Meals: B, L

Start with a gentle canoe trip down the Sok River, steered by local guides, past jungle, limestone cliffs and plenty of birdlife. The trip was set up by guides from the village who care about protecting the river. Check out and transfer to the pier for the ferry across the Gulf to Koh Samui.Overnight: Koh Samui · Meals: B

A free morning, then transfer to Maenam Pier for the express ferry to Mae Haad on Koh Tao, about one hour and 45 minutes. The hotel's driver meets you at the pier. The rest of the day is free to swim or watch the sunset over the bay.Overnight: Koh Tao · Meals: B

A whole day to enjoy the island at your own pace. Koh Tao is known for clear water and coral close to shore, so snorkeling from a quiet cove, a boat trip around the island or simply a day by the pool are all easy to arrange locally.Overnight: Koh Tao · Meals: B

After breakfast, a local taxi takes you to the pier for the boat back to Koh Samui, by speedboat, catamaran or ferry depending on the schedule. A private van brings you to your beach hotel, and the rest of the day is yours.Overnight: Koh Samui · Meals: B

Discover Koh Samui with your private guide. Start at Namuang Waterfall, cascading over rocks in the hills, then visit the Guan Yu Shrine, with a 16-meter bronze statue, the largest of its kind in Thailand. Stop at the famous Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks, take time to explore Chaweng Beach, and finish at the Big Buddha temple on its small island. Back at your hotel around 3 pm.Overnight: Koh Samui · Meals: B

Join a small-group speedboat trip to Ang Thong, a scatter of more than 40 limestone islands west of Samui. Snorkel at Koh Wao, then walk up to the viewpoint over the Emerald Lake, a saltwater lagoon hidden inside an island. After a buffet lunch on Koh Wua Talap, kayak around the island, climb to its viewpoint or relax on the beach. Return to Samui in the late afternoon.Overnight: Koh Samui · Meals: B, L

No plans today. Spend it on the beach, book a spa treatment or a cooking class, or explore the island's cafes and fishing villages on your own.Overnight: Koh Samui · Meals: B

Transfer to Samui airport for your flight to Bangkok, then on to your hotel. Enjoy a last evening in the city, perhaps with dinner by the river or a walk through a night market.Overnight: Bangkok · Meals: B

Breakfast at the hotel and free time until check-out at noon. At the agreed time, a private transfer takes you to the airport for your flight home.Meals: B