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The Land of Smiles awaits on this exquisite Christmas and New Year holiday. Our festive foray begins in big gay Bangkok where we’ll wander the Grand Palace, devour the street food and indulge in the raucous revelry and nightlife of the Silom district. We’ll then explore the famous temples of Northern Thailand and luxuriate in our superb hotel. Christmas day will be an unforgettable affair spent at a world-renowned elephant sanctuary. From Chiang Mai we fly south to swim, snorkel and explore the tropical islands of Krabi with extra time built in to enjoy the pristine beaches. Finally, we’ll take a private transfer to the booming beaches on Phuket. It’s here we’ll ring in NYE with a festive dinner and gay street party. To wrap up this once-in-a-lifetime tour we’ll kayak through Phuket’s elaborate cave system before releasing our own krathong (biodegradable candle boats) into the sea.
It’s worth mentioning we host multiple other departures through The Land of Smiles that don’t conflict with the holidays. See our Thailand: Temples & Beaches tour and Thailand: Songkran Water Festival for alternative dates and prices.
Sawadee Krap! Welcome to Bangkok. Our trip begins with a Welcome Meeting at 4pm in the hotel. After introductions, we’ll take a short ride via BTS Skytrain to a street food tour to fuel the many adventures ahead. We then head for Silom—the financial district that lets its hair down after sunset—to scope out the local gay Bangkok scene.
Bangkok is even more breathtaking from the river, our unusual avenue to the gleaming spires of the Grand Palace by local river boat. Here, the Emerald Buddha awaits, highly regarded as the Palladium of the Kingdom of Thailand. We’ll then venture to Wat Pho to marvel at the majesty of the Reclining Buddha, and feast on a local lunch before some free time by the infinity pool.
We have a busy day ahead beginning with an early flight to Thailand’s peaceful Northern city of Chiang Mai. After checking into our luxury hotel we’ll enjoy a local lunch and visit a Buddhist temple. Then things get cooking with a culinary lesson that turns into a dinner to savour over sunset. Enjoy the rest of the evening in solace, or join us out for drinks.
Please note: Today’s flight is not included in the cost of the tour. Please see Important Information for a special note on purchasing domestic airfare.
Happy Holidays! To celebrate this gorgeous green Christmas we’ll enjoy a leisurely breakfast at our hotel. After we’re fully fuelled we’ll be transferred by private coach to the Chiang Chill Elephant Sanctuary. It’s here we’ll get the meaningful opportunity to learn about Thailand’s noble elephants. After an introduction to the sanctuary, we’ll follow the six resident elephants to a watering hole. To cap off the experience we’ll have tea and snacks from an observation deck while watching the elephants play in a mud pit below. This is one of our most popular activities and a magical way to celebrate the holiday (if you celebrate, that is!).
After yesterdays big day at the elephant sanctuary, feel free to take the majority of today to yourself. We’ll reconvene around 5pm to get a taste of the Lanna Period at Doi Suthep temple, replete with chanting monks. After exploring the temple, we’ll enjoy an included dinner before strolling the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar for some friendly haggling and souvenir-hunting. Finally we’ll sashay over to Chiang Mai’s notorious cabaret for a drag-tastic performance.
Lather on the SPF because we’re off to the tropical province of Krabi for some proper rest and relaxation. Upon arrival we’ll be transferred to our luxury hotel before enjoying free time to soak up the sun. The only activity today is dinner at our hotel’s lauded restaurant.
Please note: Today’s flight is not included in the cost of the tour. Please see Important Information for a special note on purchasing domestic airfare.
After a leisurely breakfast we board a private speedboat to explore the limestone monoliths and lush islands that define the region. We’ll swim, snorkel and sunbathe off the coast of four distinct islands before enjoying more time on the powdery beaches. The evening is yours to enjoy.
Our final day in this remote oasis. Take your time exploring on your own or basking in the sun.
A 3-4 hour private land transfer awaits us this morning as we make our way to lively Patong. This gorgeous resort town is located on Phuket Island and is a major highlight for beach enthusiasts that aren’t bothered by crowds. Upon arrival we’ll enjoy an orientation walk and visit to Patong beach. While it’s not included, your local guide may suggest a group dinner followed by drinks at Patong’s lively gay bars.
Another free day to enjoy the beach or do some last minute souvenir shopping. We suggest keeping your itinerary low-key today as we’ll be convening for a glorious New Year’s Eve dinner tonight. Pack your party pants, because after dinner we’ll ring in the New Year amongst the crowds and crazyness of Phuket. Happy New Year!!!
Escape the hustle and bustle of Patong Beach on our final excursion. We’ll transfer to the other side of the island to explore the sea caves of Phang Nga Bay by sea kayak. No experience is necessary, as you’ll be captained by an expert local. We’ll explore hidden bays and caves and even make our own krathong (buoyant, all-natural decorated baskets). Launched after sunset, they may even stir up the bioluminescent plankton, causing the water to glow gorgeously. After heading back to land, we’ll freshen up for Farewell Drinks.
There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart at your leisure. Your local guide will help arrange your included departure transfer to the airport. Thank you for spending the holiday season with us in Thailand!
Everything was attended to!
It’s a great way to cover a lot of ground in countries that might be daunting, or impossible to negotiate otherwise. Deluxe, comfortable, professional, fun.
We had such an excellent tour leader. He went to great lengths to ensure we were all enjoying ourselves and was very knowledgeable about the country and its history.
It was a perfectly scheduled adventure shared with like minded guys.
Our Founder Robert Sharp shares how Out Adventures plans on safely restarting tours.
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Read MoreWhile these trips typically attract gay men, all genders are welcome, and we encourage friends and family to join the fun as well.
Learn MoreAll accommodations on Out Adventures tours include breakfast and are located in areas central to our activities. All amenities are examples only, and may differ from hotel to hotel.
4-Star Hotels: Very comfortable and well-decorated rooms along with quality amenities such as a stylish restaurant and/or bar, a fitness centre, and a pool/sauna. Customer service is very good, and there is usually a concierge.
5-Star Hotels: Truly luxurious, beautifully decorated and spacious rooms complete with extras such a bathrobe and slippers, and often including an evening turndown service. Expect premium amenities such as a fitness centre, multiple pools and restaurants, a sauna and/or spa. Customer service is exceptional, always includes a concierge service, and may include butler service.
Learn MoreThis trip is fully booked but cancellations occur. If you’d like to be contacted if space opens up, please click “Book Now”, select the appropriate departure and you will be prompted to provide limited information.
If you are a solo traveller willing to share a room with another solo traveller, please select Shared/Twin Room when booking this tour.
If you are a solo traveller interested in booking a private room, please select single supplement when booking this tour (based on availability). If you are willing to share a room with another solo traveller, please select Solo Shared.
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