Bangkok Highlights — 3 days
A compact introduction: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Chao Phraya river cruise and vibrant night markets.
View itineraryDiscover Thailand with expert-led tours, local guides and stress-free logistics. From bustling Bangkok markets to serene northern temples and southern beaches — we craft experiences for curious travellers.
A compact introduction: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Chao Phraya river cruise and vibrant night markets.
View itineraryChiang Mai temples, hill-tribe villages, cooking class and scenic countryside.
View itineraryRelax on southern beaches, island-hopping and sea activities with optional diving.
View itineraryOverview: Bangkok is Thailand’s irresistible urban heart — loud, fragrant, colourful and endlessly surprising. This focused three-day itinerary is designed for travellers who want to experience Bangkok’s most iconic sights and tastes without the rush. We balance guided highlights (Grand Palace, Wat Pho), cultural experiences (river cruise, market walk) and pockets of free time so you can explore the city at your own pace.
With just three days you want to avoid over-scheduling and reduce transit time. Our Bangkok Highlights tour centres on the Chao Phraya river corridor and nearby neighbourhoods, which reduces travel between attractions while giving you a deep sense of the city’s food culture, religious life and modern vibrancy. Everything is organised — transfers, trusted local guides, and entry where needed — so you can focus on the experience.
Two nights’ carefully selected hotel accommodation in central Bangkok, private transfers on arrival and departure, guided visits to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, a Chao Phraya river cruise, one curated food walk/night market experience, some meals and local guide fees.
Your driver meets you at Suvarnabhumi (or Don Mueang) and transfers you to your central Bangkok hotel. After a short rest we gather for an orientation walk along the riverfront, ending with a sunset cruise on the Chao Phraya. Cruising at golden hour offers a cinematic view of the city’s temples and modern skyline. We finish at a carefully chosen riverside restaurant where you’ll taste your first real Thai meal prepared with local flair.
Start early to visit the Grand Palace before the crowds. Your guide provides historical context about the Chakri dynasty, the Emerald Buddha and Thai royal traditions. A short walk brings you to Wat Pho, home of the Reclining Buddha and a renowned traditional Thai massage school — there’s time for a short, restorative massage if you wish. In the afternoon we explore the winding alleys of Chinatown (Yaowarat) where we sample street snacks and learn about the city’s Chinese-Thai heritage. The evening is free for the floating market, rooftop bar or further exploration.
A morning visit to a traditional market lets you see the rhythms of daily life and the incredible selection of tropical fruit, herbs and street food. If time permits we visit a contemporary art gallery or crafts collective to meet local makers. After lunch we arrange your private transfer to the airport, or help you book onward domestic connections to northern Thailand or the islands.
Wear lightweight clothing that respects temple dress codes (shoulders and knees covered). Carry cash for small purchases — many street stalls don’t accept cards. Bangkok’s traffic can be indulgently chaotic; we plan our route to minimise time on the road and use river taxis where possible. Tipping is appreciated but never compulsory; a guide tip of AUD $5–10 per day is common for outstanding service.
Add a longer Thai massage session, a Muay Thai class, a private street-food tour or a day trip to the ancient capital of Ayutthaya (approx. 1.5 hours each way) for travellers who want to extend their stay.
This itinerary suits first-time visitors, older travellers who prefer a relaxed pace, and anyone seeking a curated introduction to Bangkok’s culture, food and major landmarks.
Image: Grand Palace, early morning. Photo credit: Unsplash.
Overview: Northern Thailand — anchored by Chiang Mai and its surrounding countryside — offers cooler highland air, centuries-old temple architecture, living craft traditions and immersive community experiences. This six-day itinerary unfolds at an unhurried pace to let you connect with people, food and landscapes: guided city exploration, hill-tribe cultural visits, hands-on cooking, nature walks and thoughtful community-led encounters.
Chiang Mai’s walled old city reveals Lanna architecture and a slower tempo compared with Bangkok. Outside the city, terraced farmlands, coffee plantations and minority-community villages create opportunities for meaningful cultural exchange. The north is also home to seasonal festivals (Yi Peng lanterns, Songkran) and an incredible street-food culture that feels both familiar and distinctively northern.
Five nights’ accommodation (Chiang Mai base with a countryside night), transfers, local English-speaking guide, cooking class with market visit, hill-tribe visit with community exchange, selected meals and entrance fees to cultural sites.
Arrive in Chiang Mai and settle into your hotel. In the evening we convene for a welcome briefing and a gentle street-food tour through the night markets where local vendors serve everything from khao soi (northern coconut curry noodle) to sticky mango rice.
Explore Chiang Mai’s temples — Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh — guided by an expert who explains Lanna history and Buddhist practice. The afternoon visits small artisan workshops where we meet woodcarvers, silversmiths and umbrella makers. These encounters are arranged with local cooperatives to ensure fair payment and genuine exchange.
A day trip to meet local hill-tribe communities in the surrounding hills. Our hosts welcome us into their village to demonstrate traditional weaving, farming and cooking. We emphasise respectful visitation: no wildlife trekking or exploitative photo set-ups. Learn about local livelihoods and purchase directly from artisans who rely on tourism to sustain their crafts.
Begin at a lively morning market to source ingredients and learn about northern Thai produce. Then, a hands-on cooking class with a menu tailored to your group — khao soi, larb, fresh salads and regional desserts. You’ll leave with practical recipes and a new appreciation for Thai flavour building.
A scenic drive into the countryside for a gentle hike, bamboo rafting where available, and a picnic lunch featuring locally produced items. This day showcases the lush landscapes that contrast with the quicksilver pace of Bangkok.
Morning at leisure for last-minute shopping or a spa. Transfer to the airport for onward travel or extend your stay with a transfer to Chiang Rai or a domestic flight to the islands.
We prioritise community-led experiences which means smaller groups and slower travel. Bring modest donations (school supplies, fabrics) only when pre-arranged with the community coordinator. Respect photography requests and follow your guide’s advice regarding appropriate gifts or purchases.
Extend with a visit to the Golden Triangle, hot springs, or a boutique coffee plantation tour. For active travellers, multi-day trekking with local guides is available but we avoid experiences that involve elephant rides or similar ethically problematic activities.
Travellers who love culture, food, hands-on learning and responsible community visits. Also excellent for couples and small groups seeking a deeper connection with northern Thailand.
Image: Chiang Mai temple and artisan workshop. Photo credit: Unsplash.
Overview: Phuket and the nearby islands are Thailand’s tropical showpieces, with crystal water, limestone karsts and a lively coastal culture. This four-day escape focuses on the island’s best beaches, island-hopping options (Phi Phi or quieter alternatives), and a blend of active sea days and laid-back beach time. We include options for snorkelling, diving and cultural shore excursions so you can choose your ideal balance of rest and adventure.
Phuket can be crowded; we use local knowledge to avoid peak congestion and to recommend quieter coves, early departures for island trips and vetted operators for marine activities. Safety, environmental responsibility and comfortable transfers are included to make your time on the water effortless and memorable.
Three nights’ beachfront or near-beach accommodation, island boat transfers for the chosen day trip, snorkelling equipment if selected, guided island tours and breakfast each morning. Optional diving or private boat charters incur an extra charge.
Arrive in Phuket and transfer to your accommodation. In the evening we head to Promthep Cape for a classic Andaman sunset. This is a great orientation stop — the light, sea breeze and spectacular viewpoint set the tone for the days ahead.
Choose our classic Phi Phi itinerary for iconic limestone scenery, Maya Bay (subject to local regulations), and premium snorkelling spots — or select a quieter route to Koh Yao Noi or the less-visited islands where marine life and privacy are the highlights. Picnic lunches on the beach are arranged where appropriate.
A day to relax at your own pace. Options include certified scuba diving, a half-day kayaking trip in Phang Nga Bay, a wellness spa afternoon, or a visit to Old Phuket Town to admire Sino-Portuguese architecture and local markets. We recommend an evening seafood dinner at a waterfront restaurant for those who love fresh catch prepared Thai-style.
After a leisurely breakfast, we provide transfer to Phuket International Airport or help arrange onward travel via ferry or domestic flight. Many travellers add Krabi, Koh Lanta or return to Bangkok depending on their schedule.
We partner with operators who follow local guidelines for marine protection — no anchoring on reefs, responsible snorkel briefings and limits on group sizes at sensitive sites. If you plan to dive, bring certification cards; we can arrange beginner options with accredited dive schools.
Private sunset cruise, full-day diving safari, or a personalised photography tour to capture the islands under the best light.
Those seeking beach time combined with curated marine experiences and travellers who prefer the convenience of a fully organised sea day without the stress of logistics or crowded operators.
Image: Phi Phi limestone karsts and turquoise water. Photo credit: Unsplash.
"Fantastic trip — the guide was brilliant and the food tours were a highlight." — Sarah, Brisbane
"Well organised, great pace for older travellers. Highly recommend." — Mark, Sydney
"Loved the cooking class in Chiang Mai. Would book again." — Emily, Melbourne
Moderate fitness is useful for day-walking. Options exist for lower-activity travellers.
Some itineraries include domestic flights; others offer them as optional add-ons. Check each tour page.