The Best of Thailand In 12 Days

Twelve days that move through the best-known sides of Thailand: Bangkok's temples and palaces, the wartime history around Kanchanaburi, the ruins of Ayutthaya, hill country around Chiang Mai, and a final few days on Phuket's beaches.

You'll cover a lot of ground, including an overnight train from Bang Pa-In up to Chiang Mai, so there's a real sense of journeying through the country rather than staying put. Days mix guided sightseeing with pockets of free time, and the pace eases right off once you reach the coast.

It's built as a partially guided trip, so some days run with a guide and driver and others give you room to explore on your own.

What you'll do

• Visit the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Temple in Bangkok
• See the Death Railway and the bridge over the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi
• Hike to waterfalls in Erawan National Park
• Tour the ruined temples and palaces of Ayutthaya by tuk-tuk
• Take the night train to Chiang Mai and hike the Mae Klang Luang trail in Doi Inthanon National Park
• Spend a day learning to care for elephants, then unwind on Phuket's beaches