QTS Thailand Travel Experience
With Optional Phuket Add-On
November 5, 2025 – November 12, 2025, or November 5, 2025 – November 15, 2025 (with add-on)
Itinerary:
Day 1 (Wednesday, November 5, 2025) – Arrive Bangkok. Meet your English-speaking guide for an airport transfer with a private vehicle and driver. Bangkok, Thailand's capital city, is known to Thais as “Krung Thep” (the City of Angels). Bangkok is very much the heart of the country and has something to offer everyone with markets and shops, restaurants, parks, magnificent “Wats” (temples), museums, palaces, and nightlife venues. Check into our hotel, Riva Surya Bangkok, and enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure
Day 2 (Thursday, November 6, 2025) – Bangkok. After breakfast, we’ll start our Bangkok tour with a visit to Wat Pho, one of the city's oldest and largest temples, famous for its 141-foot reclining Buddha. Wat Pho, also known as Wat Prachetuphon Vimon Mangkararam, dates back to the 16th century and served as the Royal Temple of King Rama I. Arriving early lets us hear the morning chanting of the resident monks. Next, we'll explore the Grand Palace in the heart of Bangkok, the historic residence of Thai kings since 1782. While the current king resides elsewhere, the palace is still used for important ceremonies and state functions. We'll also visit Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most sacred Buddhist temple, located within the Grand Palace grounds. Here, we can see the revered Emerald Buddha statue, a national treasure. We’ll return to our hotel for the remainder of the afternoon to relax or you can explore on your own. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 3 (Friday, November 7, 2025) – Bangkok. In the morning, we'll head out on a guided tour of Bangkok. After breakfast, we'll start with a stroll through the bustling morning flower markets, where we can get a taste of authentic Thai life. Next, we'll board a long-tailed boat for a scenic tour of Bangkok's canals, and see why this area is often called the “Venice of the East” as we glide through the waterways, you'll experience the charm of local life in Bangkok's hidden corners. Along the way, we'll visit Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, a beautiful and historic temple on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. We'll then head to the Jim Thompson House & Museum, where a local guide will show us around the fascinating home of the American architect and silk entrepreneur who played a key role in reviving the Thai silk industry. After lunch, we'll return to our hotel, where you can relax or explore the city at your own pace. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 4 (Saturday, November 8, 2025) – Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Good morning, travelers, today we make our way to our next destination, Chiang Mai! After a leisurely morning, we will be transferred to the Bangkok Airport in time for our flight. Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, Thailand’s "Rose of the North," a city rich in artistic and cultural heritage, dating back to the 13th century, where our English-speaking guide will greet us. We'll start our time in Chiang Mai with a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, followed by an afternoon of exploring Chiang Mai's treasures. We'll visit beautifully crafted teak, Lannastyle houses, and some of the city’s most revered Buddhist temples and shrines. After lunch, we'll be taken to Warorot Market, one of the largest and most fascinating markets in Chiang Mai. Here, you'll not only have the chance to shop but also to experience the vibrant local Thai lifestyle. Next, we'll visit Wat Phra Singh, a temple built in 1345, home to the North's most revered Buddha statue, Phra Phuttha Sihing. The temple’s Vihan Lai Kham Chapel is adorned with stunning wood carvings and northern style murals. We'll then continue to Wat Chedi Luang, known for its massive pagoda that once dominated the Chiang Mai skyline. Built between 1385 and 1402, this ancient structure was once the home of the Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most sacred religious relic. Our tour will also take us to Wat Suan Dok, a temple west of the old city, famous for its numerous white Chedis or pagodas. The tallest Chedi, at 48 meters, is in the Sri Lankan style and contains a sacred relic of the Buddha. The temple, once a royal flower garden, offers a serene atmosphere. After this enriching day, we'll head to our hotel, Cross Chiang Mai Riverside Resort, which offers many on-site restaurants for you to enjoy your dinner. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 5 (Sunday, November 9, 2025) – Chiang Mai. We’ll enjoy breakfast together before we go and see elephants, Thailand's national treasure, which play a vital role in the culture and economy of Chiang Mai. Today, we’ll be invited to visit an elephant camp where you'll witness the incredible bond between these majestic animals and their trainers. You'll see firsthand how they are trained to work in the teak forests and even have the chance to feed them bananas and sugar cane. You'll also be treated to a special demonstration of their skills and visit the nursery to see the adorable baby elephants. After this unforgettable experience, we'll return to the hotel, and the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 6 (Monday, November 10, 2025) – Chiang Mai. After breakfast, we’ll be taken for an unforgettable excursion to the hill tribe villages of Chiang Mai, where we’ll meet the warm and welcoming people of the Palong, Padong, and Karen tribes. These communities live as small farmers, honoring their traditional ways of life in harmony with nature. During our visit, they’ll share their unique crafts and cultural practices with us, offering a glimpse into their rich heritage, we’ll even have the opportunity to try on the traditional neck rings worn by members of the "long-necked" Karen tribe, a truly unique experience. After immersing ourselves in their vibrant culture, we’ll return to the hotel by midday and the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 7 (Tuesday, November 11, 2025) – Chiang Mai. Today we’ll have an early more adventure with a truly enriching experience as we take part in the ancient Buddhist tradition of Tak Bat, or alms giving at dawn, a practice that dates back centuries. This special morning begins with a visit to the serene Wat Umong and Wat Suan Dok, lesser-known temples where you can immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere. At Wat Suan Dok, you'll also find the interred ashes of Chiang Mai’s royal family. Next, we’ll be heading to a bustling local market where we’ll have the opportunity to make merit by offering food to monks. Each morning before dawn, monks in saffron robes walk quietly through the streets, carrying alms bowls to receive donations of boiled rice and other foods. In return, you’ll receive a holy blessing, participating in a deeply meaningful Thai custom. We’ll enjoy a local-style breakfast at
the market before we continue our journey. Next, we’ll visit Wat U-Mong, known as the Tunnel Temple, whose original foundations date back to 1296. Set in a tranquil forested area on the outskirts of town, its cool, peaceful atmosphere makes for a perfect morning of reflection and relaxation. Our tour continues with a visit to the iconic Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a golden architectural masterpiece with roots in the early 19th Buddhist century. Located near the summit of Doi Suthep, this 600-year-old temple is one of Chiang Mai’s most revered landmarks. After a scenic drive up the mountain's winding road, we’ll climb the magnificent Naga (dragon-headed serpent) staircase, with 306 steps leading to the temple. Inside, you’ll find a copper-plated chedi topped by a five-tier gold umbrella, which contains relics of Lord Buddha. On clear days, the panoramic views over Chiang Mai are simply breathtaking. We’ll also visit the Meo hill tribe, an ethnic group originally from South China, who live in simple, traditional ways on mountain peaks or plateaus above 3,000 feet. We'll observe their unique way of life and learn about their culture. The Blue Meo and White Meo are the largest tribal groups, each distinguished by their traditional costumes. After a morning full of exploration and cultural discovery, the afternoon is yours to spend at your leisure in Chiang Mai. You can relax at the hotel, explore the charming town at your own pace. For our last afternoon in the city our tour guide can set up activities for you like zip-lining through the jungle canopy or enjoying a Thai cooking lesson. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 8 (Wednesday, November 12, 2025) – Chiang Mai to Bangkok OR Chiang Mai to Phuket. After a morning at leisure, you will be met at the resort and transfer to Chiang Mai Airport in time for your flight to your next destination. Fly back to Bangkok OR begin a wonderful extension of your time in Thailand by continuing to Phuket with us. Meals Included: Breakfast.
Optional Phuket Add-On:
Day 8 (Wednesday, November 12, 2025) cont’d – Phuket. Upon arrival in Phuket, we will be met at the airport and transferred to our beach resort in Phuket to check in. We’ll enjoy unparalleled luxury at The SLATE Phuket where contemporary design meets rich, local heritage. The stunning suites offer a perfect blend of comfort and elegance and feature a private balcony overlooking lush tropical gardens.
Day 9 (Thursday, November 13, 2025) – Phuket. After breakfast, spend the day relaxing by the pool or take a stroll along the beach. Meals Included: Breakfast.
Day 10 (Friday, November 14, 2025) – Phuket. Enjoy breakfast, then spend the day relaxing by the pool, take a stroll along the beach, or enjoy a more adventurous day and join the optional tour to Phi Phi & Maya Bay & Bamboo & Rang with lunch. Meals Included: Breakfast.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: A speedboat tour to beautiful Phi Phi Islands, Bamboo Island and Rang Island where you can relax on the beach, swim in clear water, or snorkel among coral reefs. Enjoy a great lunch at Phi Phi Don restaurant and sightseeing at Monkey Beach, Maya Bay, Pileh Bay or Loh Samah Bay. Meals Included: Lunch. Price: $125 per person.
Day 11 (Saturday, November 15, 2025) – Phuket to Bangkok. After breakfast, we’ll bid farewell to our island paradise today as you transfer to the Phuket airport in time for your flight back to Bangkok and continue onward home. Meals Included: Breakfast.
Group Size:
This travel experience can accommodate up to 24 travelers.
Pricing:
The price is $2695 per person, based on double occupancy.
$100 discount for past QTS tour travelers.
Single supplement is $895.
Optional Phuket Add-On: The price is $1495 per person, based on double occupancy.
Single supplement is $495.
A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is due at the time of reservation. Final payment is due August 5, 2025. You can make additional payments at any time between the deposit and final payment date.
Optional Phuket Add-On: A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is due at the time of reservation
Final payment is due August 5, 2025. You can make additional payments at any time between the deposit and final payment date.
What is Included:
• 7 nights first-class accommodation
o 3 nights Bangkok: Riva Surya Bangkok (or similar)
o 4 nights Chiang Mai: Cross Chiang Mai Riverside Resort (or similar)
• Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
• Airport transfers
• Domestic flights
o Bangkok to Chaing Mai
o Chaing Mai to Bangkok (if not doing optional Phuket add-on)
• 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches
• Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
• Entry fees per itinerary
• Professional English-Speaking Local Guides
• Up to 5 bottles of water per day
What is Included (Optional Phuket Add-On):
• 3 nights first-class accommodation
o Slate Phuket Resort (or similar)
• Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
• Airport transfers
• Domestic flights
o Chaing Mai to Phuket
o Phuket to Bangkok
• 3 breakfasts
• Professional English-Speaking Local Guides
• Up to 5 bottles of water per day
What is Not Included:
• International airline flights to and from Bangkok
• Gratuities for bus driver, local guides, breakfast waitstaff, and hotel housekeeping
• Travel Protection (we’ll provide you with a quote)
• Personal expenses such as shopping, meals not included in the itinerary, and alcoholic beverages
To join us on this experience, please fill out the registration form link here:
https://form.jotform.co/QTSolutions/RegistrationForm
For more information:
Don Capparella don@qualitytravelsolutions.com 602-614-6679