- 4.9/5 520 Latest reviews
- Destination: China, Thailand
- Duration: 15 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Classic
About This Trip
This 15-day private trip pairs two very different countries: imperial and ancient China, then tropical Thailand. In China you cover the Forbidden City, the Great Wall at Mutianyu and the Terracotta Army, then add Chengdu, where you can watch giant pandas at the research base. A flight takes you to Bangkok's temples and markets, up to Chiang Mai in the northern hills, and down to the beaches of Phuket to finish.
It is a tailor-made trip with a private guide in every city, high-speed rail in China and domestic flights in Thailand. It suits travelers who want culture first and a slow beach ending, and who are fine with several early starts and a few long transit days.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 7
China
Beijing: Great Wall, Forbidden City, Peking Duck
Xi'an: Terracotta Warriors, Muslim Quarter
Chengdu: Panda Base, Sanxingdui Museum
8 - 15
Thailand
Bangkok: Grand Palace, Long-Tailed Boat Ride, Floating Market
Chiang Mai: Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, Elephant Park
Phuket: Free Day for Relaxation
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
A driver meets you and takes you to your hotel. Rest, and meet your guide in the evening for a briefing on the early starts ahead.
- Beijing
- Day 2: Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square
Walk Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, the palace of Ming and Qing emperors. In the afternoon, stroll Jingshan Park for the view back over the rooftops. Entry is capped, so tickets are booked in advance.
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- Beijing
- Day 3: Mutianyu Great Wall
Drive about 1.5 hours to Mutianyu, a restored section of the Wall with forested ridges. Take the cable car up and walk a stretch of the top. In the evening, enjoy a Peking duck dinner.
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- Beijing
- Day 4: Temple of Heaven and Train to Xi'an
Visit the Temple of Heaven in the morning, when locals practice tai chi in the park. Then take the high-speed train to Xi’an, about 4.5 hours, and arrive in the evening.
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- Xi’an
- Day 5: Terracotta Army and the Muslim Quarter
Visit the Terracotta Army early, before the tour groups arrive. In the evening, eat your way through the Muslim Quarter’s stalls.
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- Xi’an
- Day 6: Xi'an to Chengdu
Spend the morning on Xi’an’s city wall, then take the high-speed train to Chengdu, about 3.5-4 hours. In the evening, slow down in a teahouse, since Chengdu is known for taking life easy.
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- Chengdu
- Day 7: Pandas and Ancient Sanxingdui
Arrive at the Giant Panda Base at opening time, when the pandas are active and feeding. Then drive about 1.5 hours to Sanxingdui to see bronze masks from a civilization that vanished 3,000 years ago. Return to Chengdu in the evening.
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- Chengdu
- Day 8: Fly to Bangkok
Fly from Chengdu to Bangkok, about 4 hours, and transfer to your hotel. Expect a travel day, with time to rest and eat in the evening.
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- Bangkok
- Day 9: Bangkok's Temples and River
Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew early, covering shoulders and knees. After lunch, ride a longtail boat through the canals and see Wat Arun from the river.
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- Bangkok
- Day 10: Railway and Floating Market Excursion
Travel about 1.5-2 hours southwest of Bangkok to the Maeklong railway market, where vendors pull back their awnings as the train passes. Visit a floating market by boat, then return to the city.
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- Bangkok
- Day 11: Fly to Chiang Mai and Doi Suthep
Take the short flight north, about 1 hour 15 minutes. In the afternoon, climb to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a gilded hilltop temple above the city.
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- Chiang Mai
- Day 12: Elephant Sanctuary
Spend the morning at a sanctuary in the hills, observing and feeding rescued elephants in a natural setting. Relax by the river in the afternoon.
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- Chiang Mai
- Day 13: Chiang Mai to Phuket
Fly to Phuket, usually via Bangkok, so most of the day is in transit. Check in to your beach hotel for the evening.
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- Phuket
- Day 14: Phuket at Leisure
A free day. Choose a beach, wander Phuket Old Town’s Sino-Portuguese streets or book an optional boat trip.
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- Phuket
- Day 15: Farewell from Phuket
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