Bangkok · Chiang Mai · Koh Samui

Thailand doesn't reveal itself in one register. It moves — from the noise and ceremony of Bangkok's temples and canals, north into the cool mountain air of Chiang Mai, south again to the open water of the Gulf of Thailand. This journey follows that arc deliberately, spending three nights in each destination and never rushing what deserves time. Private guides, genuine cultural encounters, a monk panel, a kathoey conversation, mountain highlands and open ocean. And at the end of it, an island that asks nothing of you except to be there.

Thailand announces itself before you've left the arrivals hall. A soft landing at a 5-star hotel in the heart of Bangkok, then the group comes together for the first time over dinner at Supanniga Eating Room Tha Tien — one of Bangkok's most celebrated river-view restaurants, three days before the city explodes for New Year.

What's included:

• Welcome dinner & rooftop drinks

Bangkok's sacred and mercantile registers in one day. The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew in the morning, then a river boat and tuk-tuks to Chinatown for the afternoon. The evening introduces the group to Thailand's kathoey culture — a conversation with ThaiTGA, a cultural scholar and transgender performers,

After dinner we are heading to a Thai Drag Show in Silom.

The day builds deliberately toward midnight. A morning on the river — Thonburi's canals, Wat Arun rising from the opposite bank — then a free afternoon to rest, prepare and make the most of the hotel before the evening begins. Bangkok's New Year celebrations are among Asia's best: fireworks over the Chao Phraya, the city transformed. The group has a reserved table for dinner and a plan for midnight — private transport home after.

New Year's Day is earned. An early flight north — the mountains arrive quickly, and with them a city that feels nothing like Bangkok. A slow afternoon at the hotel before the evening's group dinner in Chiang Mai begins the second chapter. After dinner Chang Mai Night Bazaar or Drag Show

What's included:

• Flight Bangkok → Chiang Mai — domestic, group booking

• Transfer to hotel and check-in

A morning anchored in two of Thailand's most enduring traditions. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep at 1,000m above the city, then a monk panel conversation in the Old City — Buddhism, Thai society and LGBTQ+ acceptance through the eyes of two monks. The afternoon splits between aptional activities full spa package, jungle zipline or just visit the city on your own. The evening is ideal to experience the LGBTQ Chang Mai drag show scene!

A full day in the northern highlands. Option A is the helicopter — a private charter over Mae Hong Son's mountain landscapes with landings at tea plantations, Pai Canyon and Doi Inthanon, the highest point in Thailand. Option B is ground-level and equally powerful: an ethical elephant sanctuary and a Karen hilltribe village visit. Both include lunch. Group dinner brings everyone back together in the evening.

North to south, mountains to ocean. The adults-only resort sits on Chaweng beach — the hotel pool, the Gulf of Thailand, the temperature climbing back up. The afternoon and evening belong entirely to the island.

A full day on a private yacht through Ang Thong National Marine Park — 42 limestone islands, kayaking through cliffs, snorkelling in clear water, hiking to the Emerald Lake viewpoint. Lunch and drinks on board. 

The most deliberately open day of the journey. Beach, pool, hammock, nothing at all — the island at its own pace. The evening brings the group together one last time for the closing dinner. Optional activities - island motorbike or scooter tour or diving/snorkelling trip

Hotel checkout and onward. All hotel breakfasts included throughout. Lead Explorer in touch the evening before with final logistics.