12-Day Best of Thailand Christmas and New Year Countdown Tour
- 12 DAYS
- First-Timers PERFECT FOR
- US$3,638 p/p
PRICE FROM
A Memory-Making Thailand New Year Holiday
This holiday season, give your family the gift of adventure with a magical journey through Thailand! From sparkling city lights to sun-soaked beaches and lively cultural festivals, every day is packed with fun, wonder, and unforgettable memories.
Begin your journey in Bangkok, where the city comes alive with Christmas spirit. Next, escape to the tropical paradise of Koh Samui for sun, sea, and family fun. Finally, experience the cultural richness of Chiang Mai, where the CAD New Year Festival lights up the city with dazzling performances and joyful celebrations.
We'd love to hear your ideas for your festive getaway! Together, we'll craft a holiday tour that ensures every family member enjoys a joyful and memorable celebration.
"For the New Year's Eve countdown in Thai Way, you have to be in Chiang Mai. Standing there at midnight, watching thousands of lanterns slowly take over the sky right as the fireworks go off—honestly, it's so crazy beautiful it almost made me cry. To make it even cooler, go get fully styled in a traditional Thai costume beforehand with professional hair and makeup. Walking into the venue looking like that is such a vibe, and it's something you'll never forget."
Journey Highlights
Traveler Moments
An Itinerary for Inspiration
This day-by-day plan is a great starting point, crafted by our experts to showcase the best of Thailand at a pace that feels naturally comfortable.
Dec.22: Bangkok Arrival
- Welcome to Bangkok!
- Meet your private tour guide who will greet you with a warm "Sawadee-ka" ('hello' in Thai). Transfer in a private car to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Dec.23: Colors of Bangkok
- Wander through Thailand's largest flower market overflowing with orchids, roses, and marigolds. Make your own garlands and decorate lotus flowers—just like local families do before visiting temples.
- Explore Thailand's most spectacular landmark, the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, filled with golden temples and dazzling details.
- Visit the riverside "Temple of Dawn," once the royal temple of King Rama II. Treat your children to a fun 3D ice cream.
- Escape the heat inside a playful museum designed for curious minds. Learn about Thailand's history and culture through hands-on exhibits that keep both kids and adults entertained.
Dec.24: Bangkok's Hidden Charms & Christmas Lights
- Explore a peaceful royal temple, Wat Pak Nam, founded in 1610, known for its calming atmosphere and beautiful architecture. You will be amazed by the enormous, gleaming stupa and the serene meditation halls.
- Hop aboard a traditional long-tail boat and cruise through quiet canals lined with wooden homes and local life. Arrive at a riverside charming Artist Village. Choose to paint or draw to create your own souvenir masterpiece.
- Sample a variety of local favorites: crispy noodles, braised-beef soup, fried-banana treats. A delicious way to discover everyday flavors that locals have enjoyed for generations.
- Celebrate a magical Christmas Eve aboard the Sawasdee Chaophraya Cruise as you glide along the Chao Phraya River. Enjoy a festive international seafood buffet and be entertained by traditional Thai dance, Khon performances, and live music.
Dec.25: Flight to Koh Samui
- Enjoy a leisurely morning at your own pace before your afternoon flight to Koh Samui.
- Renowned as one of the world's finest beach destinations, Koh Samui offers a remarkable balance of natural beauty, traditional lifestyles, and a tempting selection of upscale hotels and resorts.
- Your guide will meet you at the airport of Koh Samui and escort you to your hotel.
Dec.26: Snorkeling & Scenic Adventure
- Koh Tao island is a renowned diving and snorkeling paradise in the Gulf of Thailand, teeming with diverse coral species and vibrant marine life.
- Start your day with a minivan transfer to the pier for a thrilling speedboat ride to Koh Nang Yuan. Conquer one of the small, jungle-clad hills for a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding islands.
- Head to a stunning snorkeling site. Dive into a kaleidoscope of marine life amidst colorful soft and hard corals, and experience the beauty of one of the world's top underwater destinations.
Dec.27-28: Relax & Recharge Together
- It's time to slow down and relax with your loved ones.
- Typically, your resort offers plenty of complimentary activities - kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, lounging in beach cabanas, or swimming in the huge pools overlooking the ocean.
- Treat yourself to a Thai massage, soothing spa therapies, or a refreshing yoga class. Feel recharged and full of energy afterwards.
Dec.29: Departure for Chiang Maii
Fly from Koh Samui to Chiang Mai for the grand finale of your journey—celebrating New Year's Eve at the Chiang Mai New Year Countdown Festival.
Dec.30: Meet Gentle Elephants
- A one-day family visit to Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai is a heartwarming, educational, and gentle adventure.
- Travel through scenic countryside to meet rescued elephants in a safe, open environment where you can feed them fruits, observe their natural behaviors, and watch playful river baths.
- Your guide will share stories of each elephant's rescue and personality, making it both inspiring and kid-friendly.
- Enjoy a buffet lunch with views of roaming elephants and can meet rescued dogs and cats in the afternoon.
Dec.31: New Year Celebration
- Start your tour in the late afternoon, as the Chiang Mai New Year festival concludes after midnight.
- Dress in traditional Thai attire to fully immerse yourself in the celebration.
- Experience Lanna culture with a captivating cultural show and savor the flavors of authentic Lanna Thai cuisine.
- Enjoy an international-class fireworks display with over 4,000 sky lanterns lighting up the sky, a beautiful tradition to welcome the New Year.
Jan.1: A Taste of Chiang Mai
- Get up late today and enjoy a relaxing morning at your hotel. After lunch, wander through colorful stalls bursting with fresh fruits, fragrant herbs, and bright blossoms.
- Explore the peaceful and historically important temple Wat Suan Dok, and learn how it serves as the resting place for former Chiang Mai kings and members of the Royal Family.
- Take a scenic drive up Doi Suthep Mountain to admire sweeping views of Northern Thailand. Climb the 309 dragon-flanked steps to arrive at the top, where golden pagodas and panoramic city views await.
- Discover Chiang Mai's culinary secrets on an exclusive food tour that takes you to hidden restaurants and authentic street stalls to taste the region's most unique flavors.
Flight Home
- We hope you've enjoyed a tour filled with vibrant markets, serene temples, pristine islands, and delicious flavors of Thailand.
- Thank you for exploring this beautiful country with Highlights Travel. We look forward to welcoming you again soon for more unforgettable experiences!
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Make It Uniquely Yours
This is where the magic happens. Add experiences that speak to you - whether it's a private cooking class, a jungle trek, or a special celebration.
Your Stay is Part of the Story
Where you stay shapes your journey. We handpick hotels for their unique character, from city boutiques to beachfront escapes.
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$3,638 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-25
Let's plan your journey, together.
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1. Share your ideas in the plan below.
2. Your travel advisor connects with you within 24 hours.
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