12 Days Thailand Bhutan Luxury Tour

Highlight: Arrive in Bangkok and visit Wat Traimit, and Wat Arun.

Welcome to Thailand!

On your arrival in Bangkok, you will be taken from the airport to your hotel to freshen up before heading out on the first half-day tour of the city.

The first day includes visits to Wat Traimit, known as the “Temple of the Golden Buddha”, as well as to the “Temple of the Dawn” at Wat Arun.

Then, you will also see the oldest temple in ancient Siam, Wat Pho, renowned for its largest single image of Buddha.

Stay overnight in Bangkok.

Visit Wat Traimit(Temple of the Golden Buddha)

Highlight: A full-day city trip in Bangkok to the most popular sites, such as the Grand Palace and the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.

In the morning, you will visit the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where the fruits and vegetables of the vendors are bought from the boats that they arrive at the market in. A traditional and ancient marketplace, this is the most famous floating market in Thailand, and is a great place to capture photos that reflect the bygone days of ancient Siam.

In the afternoon, you will tour around Bangkok, the most exotic city in Southeast Asia. The Thai capital is one of the most fantastic cities in the world, and has a wealth of amazing things to see and do.

First, you will visit the Grand Palace, one of the most outstanding examples of ancient Siamese buildings, and the former royal court of ancient Siam.

Then, you will visit the home of the revered Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew.

After that, you will tour around the city’s famous canals, known as “khlongs”, and take a gentle cruise along the Chao Phraya River.

Stay overnight in Bangkok.

Bangkok City Tour

Highlight: Take a morning flight from Bangkok to Paro, Bhutan and visit Tshogang Lhakhang in Paro and the Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu.

Today, you will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight from Bangkok to Paro International Airport in Bhutan.

Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport, your local guide and driver will meet you at the arriving hall of the airport. And they will have a brief introduction about themselves.

Then, you will be transferred to Thimphu (2,350m), the capital city of Bhutan. Covering a total distance of nearly 54 kilometers, it will take you about 1 hour to get to Thimphu from Paro (2,250m).

On the way, you will first encounter a private temple - Tschogang Lhakhang, the temple of the excellent horse. Keep driving to Thimphu, you will have a short stop at Chuzom, a confluence where the Paro Chhu and Wong Chhu meet. It is decorated with three different styles of stupas, namely Tibetan, Nepalese, and Bhutanese.

After arriving in Thimphu, your guide will help you check in at the hotel. You can also take a short rest if needed.

Later, you will visit Tashichho Dzong, the eminent fortress where the national government and central monastic body are located. In addition, here sits the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Visit Thimphu Tashichho Dzong

Highlights: Visit National Folk Heritage Museum, Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, Simtokha Dzong, and Motithang Takin Preserve in Thimphu.

After breakfast, you will first visit the National Folk Heritage Museum. It dedicates itself to connecting people with the rich Bhutanese folk heritage and rural history through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs, and documentation of Bhutanese rural life. The museum will strive to disseminate the rich cultural heritage across generations by preserving it in different forms.

Next, you will head to visit Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory. The factor is located approximately 1 kilometer from Thimphu city, and uses the bark of two tree species (the Daphne tree, and Dhekap tree) in the manufacture of traditional paper. You can observe the entire process of producing handmade paper using ancient traditional methods that have been practiced for generations. Besides, you are able to try your hand at this ancient craft and make some paper of your own as a souvenir.

Later, you will drive to upper Motithang in Thimphu to visit Motithang Takin Preserve, a wildlife reserve area for takin (Budorcas taxicolor), the national animal of Bhutan. It's worthwhile taking the time to see these oddball mammals here.

You will end today’s sightseeing after visiting Simtokha Dzong. It was built by Zhabdrung to consolidate his domain and subdue the demon in 1629. Nowadays, it is often said to be the first dzong built in Bhutan.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Motithang Takin Nature Preserve

Highlight: Cross Dochula Pass and visit Chimi Lhakhang and Punakha Dzong.

In the morning, you will take a drive from Thimphu to Punakha (1,242m). The distance from Thimphu to Punakha is 71 kilometers, and it takes around 3 hours to complete.

On the way, you will have an excellent opportunity to appreciate the panoramic view of the Himalayan Ranges in Bhutan and take photos of the impressive collection of 108 chortens at Dochula Pass (3,140m).

Next, you will continue your journey to Punakha. En route, you will visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as Chime Monastery. Standing on a small hillock close to the village of Lobesa, it is a beautiful Buddhist monastery that was built in the 14th Drukpa hierarchy, Ngawang Choegyel.

After that, you will head to visit the Punakha Dzong. Standing by the riverside of Pho Chu and Mo Chu, Punakha Dzong is one of the most impressive buildings and one of the top favorite attractions in Bhutan. Moreover, the rectangular-shaped fortress is also an honorable treasury that preserves numerous Buddhist relics and historical legacies.

Stay overnight in Punakha.

Visit Chimi Lhakhang

Highlights: Back to Paro to visit Drukgyel Dzong and Paro Rinpung Dzong

After breakfast, you will take a 4-hour drive back to Paro from Punakha.

Upon your arrival in Paro, you will visit Paro Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), a fortress once built to defend the valley from invasions. Nowadays, it serves as an administration center and school for monks.

Then, you will continue to explore the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong in the north of Paro Valley. It was built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the father and unifier of medieval Bhutan. Although it was destroyed by an accidental fire, its remains stand as a powerful reminder of Bhutan’s historic victories.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Paro Rinpung Dzong

Highlights: Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery to enjoy spectacular views from it and visit Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro.

After breakfast, you will start your hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (also known as Taktsang Monastery). Perched on the side of a cliff 900 meters above the Paro Valley, Taktsang Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries in Bhutan. The principal monastery of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. Taktsang was damaged severely by fire in 1998 but has now been fully restored to its former glory. The hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery is about 3 km one way and takes around 5 to 6 hours for the round trip.

After exploring the monastery, you will begin your return tour to Paro.

In the afternoon, you will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples built by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo in the 7th century.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Trek to Taktshang Monastery

Highlight: Take a flight back to Bangkok from Paro and enjoy a half-day trip in Bangkok

In the morning, you will be transferred to the Paro International Airport for your flight back to Bangkok, which takes around three hours.

Upon your arrival in the Thai capital, you will be met at the airport and ransferred to your hotel.

After a short rest, you will head north from Bangkok to visit the former summer palace of the Thai royals, before continuing to the Gothic temple of Wat Niwet Thammaprawat. The only neo-Gothic temple in Thailand, Wat Niwet Thammaprawat, lies on a small island in the Chao Phraya River, and is accessed by a cable car that is strung across the river.

Then, you will continue to the royal temple of the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet. Next to this major, significant temple of the Ayutthaya period of Thai history lies the rebuilt hall of Viharn Phra Mongkolbopit, with its large image of the seated Buddha.

Later, you will visit the temple of Wat Mahathat, the ruined temple that is famous for the huge Buddha head that sits in the midst of the roots of a Bodhi tree, and Wat Ratchaburana, before heading back to Bangkok.

Stay overnight in Bangkok.

Bangkok Wat Phra Sri Sanphet

Highlight: Take a flight from Bangkok to Phuket and take a half-day tour in Phuket.

In the morning, you will take a direct flight from Bangkok to Phuket. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your local guide and transferred to your hotel.

Then, you will visit the Karon View Point, perched on a hill overlooking the city, offering the perfect spot for breathtaking photos of the coastline.

Next, you will head for Wat Chalong, the largest and most revered Buddhist temple on the island, known for its serene atmosphere and impressive architecture.

Later, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy the lively Bangla Road, famous for its delicious street food, bustling nightlife, and vibrant local scene.

Stay overnight in Phuket.

Phuket Karon View Point

Highlight: Enjoy a free day at Phang Nga Bay to relax on its stunning beaches and explore at your own pace.

After breakfast, you will take a drive from your hotel to Phang Nga Bay, famous for its distinctive limestone cliffs rising from the emerald-green waters.

The day is yours to relax on the stunning beaches that Phuket is renowned for, or exploring the town and the island.

Later, you will be picked up and returned to your hotel in Phuket.

Stay overnight in Phuket.

Phuket beaches relaxing

Highlight: Enjoy a free day on Phuket’s stunning beaches, exploring as you like.

Your second full day in Phuket is free for you to explore at your own pace and enjoy the many sights and experiences this beautiful tropical island has to offer.

With more than 30 beaches scattered around the island, Phuket is famous for its idyllic beach holidays. From secluded coves to long, wide shores, no visit to the island is complete without spending time on its stunning white-sand beaches.

Stay overnight in Phuket.

Phuket Beaches Relaxing

Today, you can enjoy your free time until it is time for your flight to your next destination.

You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport in time for your onward flight.

The tour services end.