Thailand: Temples & Beaches

Sawadee Krap! Welcome to Bangkok. And thank you for joining our signature gay Thailand tour. 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 streetfood tour to fuel the many adventures ahead. We then head for Silom—the financial district that let its hair down after sunset—to scope out the gay scene.

For our first day together we begin on Bangkok’s breathtaking 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.

Prepare for the biggest day of our adventure, which will be spent at a sanctuary for rescued Asian elephants. We’ll learn about their health, then join them on a walk through the jungle towards their favourite watering hole. To wrap up the experience we will enjoy tea from an observation deck where we’ll see them playing in a mud pit below. This evening you may relax or stroll around the hotel with fellow travellers.

After yesterday’s 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 and discover the northern gay Thailand scene.

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. There is nothing on our itinerary this evening, so kick back and enjoy an extra martini or four.

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 have a short orientation walk and then you have free time either enjoy the hotel amenities, take in Patong beach or visit the main shopping district. While it’s not included, your local guide may suggest a group dinner followed by drinks at Patong’s lively gay bars. (Note: If you’re joining our April departure, today is Songkran. We’ll arm ourselves with water guns and hit the main strip to participate in the festivities.)

For the final day of our tour, we 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. Safe journey!