
14-Day Cultural Thailand Tour with the Lantern Festival
- 14 DAYS
- First-timer PERFECT FOR
- US$4,190 p/p
PRICE FROM
Unlocking the Aura of the Lantern Festival
If Thailand is a pretty girl, then the Lantern Festival is her most beautiful time of the year. It would be a truly great experience to combine your Thailand tour with the experiences of Thailand's most spectacular festival.
With this 14-day suggested itinerary, you will start from the heart of Thailand, experience the most authentic festival ceremonies in Sukhothai, enjoy the romantic sky lantern release in Chiang Mai, discover the hidden beauties of Chiang Rai, and relax on the beaches of Phuket at the end.
It is an ideal choice for first-timers, culture fans, and aesthetics fans. Our personal travel advisor will be at your service if you would like to make any changes to the itinerary.

"Before hitting the high energy of CAD, we’ll take you to Sukhothai, the birthplace of Loy Krathong.
Unlike Chiang Mai, it’s quieter, slower, and set right inside the ancient ruins. Floating lanterns on historical ponds lit by thousands of candles is pure magic."
Journey Highlights
Traveler Moments




An Itinerary for Inspiration
The itinerary below is just a sample for a private tour. Your preferences design the real journey. We're ready to create a wonderful Thailand Lantern Festival tour for you.

Arrive in Bangkok
Welcome to the Land of Smiles. Meet your guide at the airport and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel in Bangkok. You'll have free time to explore by yourself for the rest of the day.
Bangkok | The City Highlights
- Get a quintessential impression of Thailand when listening to the monks chanting in Wat Pho, which is one of the oldest temples of Bangkok.
- Take a Tuk Tuk ride to the Grand Palace to experience the glorious history of Thailand.
- Continue with a long-tail-boat ride along the ancient canals of Thonburi to get glimpses of the local lifestyle.
- Stop at iconic Wat Arun, which was once the grand royal temple of King Rama.
- Cross the Chao Phraya River and we'll drive you to Chinatown for a look at Old Bangkok.

Bangkok | Local Markets
- Get up early, head out to Mahachai Market, the largest seafood market in Thailand.
- Take a local 3-wheeled bicycle trip to Bangkok's first train station, where you'll board a train to Maeklong Railway Market. Experience the market from a unique perspective: onboard the train! Avoid the crowds and witness the daily routine of locals as the train travels slowly through the market.
- Next, head to another market highlight — Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Hop on a long-tail boat and cruise through the canals, surrounded by fruit plantations, seasonal produce, flowers, and the homes of local residents.
- After these amazing experiences, your guide will take you back to Bangkok.

Bangkok to Sukhothai | Loy Krathong Celebration
- Fly to Sukhothai, where the famous Thai Loy Krathong ('Floating Lantern') Festival originated. Upon your arrival, your private guide and driver will take you directly to your hotel.
- In the evening, head to the Loy Krathong Festival venue to experience festival celebrations with local people: see the different exhibitions, walk around open souvenir and food stalls, watch traditional Thai shows...

Sukhothai | Loy Krathong Festival Celebration Experience
- Take a bike ride to explore the medieval ruins of the Kingdom (1238–1438). The solemn and exquisite Buddhas offer a feeling of timeless peace. Don't miss the only Buddha with open eyes in Sukhothai.
- Try your hand at crafting a krathong (floating lantern) during our specially arranged lantern-making experience. Once it is dark, head to the Yom River to release your lantern and make a wish as it floats away
- Enjoy the Loy Krathong Festival in the evening. The show incorporates Thai history, folk dancing, lasers, and fireworks and is performed from 7:30 PM in Sukhothai Historical Park.

Sukhothai to Chiang Mai | The First Sight of Lanna Culture
- Drive to Chiang Mai in the morning. Stop in Lamphun to visit Wat Phra That Hariphunchai. Appreciate the beautifual decoration of the lanterns in the temple.
- Enjoy some free time after arriving in your hotel in Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai | Wear Thai Costume and Celebrate Yi Peng Festival
- Before heading to the Yi Peng Festival venue, you'll have a chance to dress in traditional Thai attire and get a makeover from our skilled makeup artists.
- In the late afternoon, you will be taken to the Yi Peng Festival Celebration and Sky Lantern Release venue. Taste some traditional food, enjoy colorful performances, and release a sky lantern to make a wish at the most romantic moment.

Chiang Mai | Elephant Interaction
- We'll drive you for about 1½ hours to Elephant Jungle Sanctuary — a paradise for homeless elephants.
- Take a half-day Memorable Caring Experience there. You'll learn a lot about elephants and interact with them — you can feed them, walk with them, hug them, bathe them, and play mud with them.
- You will get back to the hotel around 2 pm. Enjoy your free time to explore the old town of Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai | Three Amazing Temples
- Witness the "White Temple", Wat Rong Khun. It showcases unconventional and contemporary art within a Buddhist temple setting.
- Then visit Baandam Museum, which is commonly referred to as the Black House and is a popular destination. It serves more as a museum than a temple, although it does contain some shrines.
- Admire Wat Rong Suea Ten, known as the Blue Temple at the end. Despite being relatively unknown to tourists, it is considered one of the most picturesque sites in Chiang Rai.
- In late afternoon, return to Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai to Phuket
Fly from Chiang Rai to Phuket via Bangkok. Enjoy free time to settle in for the rest of the day.
Phuket | Sea Cave Exploration and Loy Krothong Releasing
- Enjoy a relaxing morning. Start our guided Krabi adventure at noon.
- Discover the hidden sea caves and lagoons of picturesque Phang Nga Bay. Hop on a canoe and your experienced guide will paddle you though dramatic lagoons and mysterious limestone caves.
- Learn how to create a traditional loy krathong using eco-friendly materials provided by our guide.
- When the reflection of shining stars dots the boundless crystal-clear sea, float your self-made krathong, and immerse yourself in the peaceful scenery and romantic moment.

Phuket | Free Time
Enjoy 2 free days in Phuket. Island-hopping tours and adventures in the rainforest are optional. You could just relax on the dreamy beaches.

Phuket Departure
Say goodbye to Phuket. Have a private transfer to the airport and catch your flights back home or to your next destination.
Collapse All
Hand-Picked Hotels
We have selected hotels with different styles and for different budgets. Let us know your preferences and we will help you find the right one.
What's Included
No surprises, no hidden fees. Our pricing is transparent and tailored to your final plan. Here's a clear look at what's typically included.
Price Guide
- Comfort & Character
- From US$4,190 per person
Your Inclusions
Modern, spacious A/C vehicle & driver
Dedicated English-speaking local guide
All entrance fees & listed activities
All nights in handpicked hotels
Domestic flights between cities
Daily breakfast & specified meals
24/7 on-trip support
ALL local taxes and fees (no hidden costs)
Good to Know
Pricing
- Based on two people, low season travel.
- Your final price is customized to your group, dates, and choices.
- Mixing hotels? Absolute. We'll design a trip to fit your budget.
Exclusions
- International flight (we can help book)
- Most lunches & dinners (for flexibility)
- Visas & travel insurances
- Tips & personal spending
Booking
- Discounts available for children under 8.
- We accept USD, GBP, AUD, CAD, EUR, and more.
Tour code
- ah-40
Let's plan your journey, together.
It's simple. Here's how it works:
1. Share your ideas in the plan below.
2. Your travel advisor connects with you within 24 hours.
- Thailand Weather in January 2026 | First-Timer Travel Tips
- Weather in Thailand in February 2026: First-Timers' Travel Tips
- Weather in Thailand in March 2026: Tips for First-timers
- Weather in Thailand in April 2026 | First-Timers' Travel Tips
- Thailand Weather in May 2026: Good Time Without Crowds
- Weather in Thailand in June 2026: First-Timers’ Travel Tips
- Thailand Weather in July: Too Much Rain? Best Places & Islands
- Thailand Weather in August: What to Expect & Travel Tips
- Thailand Weather in September 2026: Travel Tips & Best Places
- Thailand Weather in October 2026: Travel Tips & Best Places
- Thailand in November 2026: Weather, Best Places & Travel Tips
- Thailand Weather in December 2026: Best Places & Travel Guide
















