Vibrant Thailand: Culture, Coastlines & Beyond
About the Trip
November 10–24, 2026 | 15 Days
Explore the beauty, culture and soul of Thailand on this unforgettable 15-day journey. Wander through vibrant markets and golden temples in Chiang Mai, meet rescued elephants in their natural sanctuary, and relax on the white-sand shores of Krabi with exclusive Dusit Club privileges. Cruise to the Hong Islands, uncover the history of the River Kwai, and explore Bangkok’s iconic floating markets, royal palaces and sacred temples. Add meaning to your travels with immersive cultural workshops, from umbrella-making to natural dyeing, and enjoy moments of serenity in luxurious surroundings. From the mountains of the north to the waterways of Bangkok, this journey offers a rich and rewarding experience at every turn.
CAA Premier Collection Tours
One-of-a-kind departures that offer immersive and intimate group journeys.
- Every detail matters: From the moment you're met at the airport to your farewell dinner, you'll experience best-in-class service wherever you go.
- Our CAA Hosts lead you on incredible adventures to iconic destinations. They will take care of every detail on each journey.
- Travel in style: Stretch out on spacious motorcoaches while exploring during the day and rest easy at night in the best hotels each destination has to offer.
- Memorable dining: Delicious local dishes and the season’s most flavourful offerings will have you savouring every bite.
Member Exclusive Benefits
We reward all our CAA Members on our Extraordinary Explorations® tours.
- Bon Voyage Gift†
- 100 CAA Dollars®^
- 25% savings on CAA Travel Insurance◊
Package Includes:
- Airfare from Toronto or Winnipeg to Chiang Mai and return from Bangkok to Toronto or Winnipeg
- Airfare from Chiang Mai to Krabi and Krabi to Bangkok
- 4-night stay in deluxe accommodation in Chiang Mai
- 3-night stay in deluxe accommodation in Krabi
- 2-night stay in first-class accommodation in River Kwai
- 4-night stay in deluxe accommodation in Bangkok
- 13 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners and 1 snack
- Land transportation via first-class motorcoach
- Sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary
- Professional English-speaking tour director throughout
- Prepaid gratuities
- Destination transfers
- CAA Host
Vibrant Thailand: Culture, Coastlines & Beyond
Activity Level: Moderate. Spanning Chiang Mai, Krabi and Bangkok, this 15-day journey offers a rich immersion in Thailand’s culture, history and natural beauty
Day 1
Depart from Toronto or Winnipeg on your overnight flight to Chiang Mai.
Day 2
Chiang Mai – Meet your tour director and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. (S)
Day 3
Chiang Mai – Explore Chiang Mai’s markets, temples and historic Old Town. Visit the mountain temple of Wat Doi Suthep, then unwind with an included optional two-hour Thai massage before your welcome dinner. (B/L/D)
Day 4
Chiang Mai – Try your hand at natural dyeing with indigo and visit an artisanal umbrella-making workshop. (B/L/D)
Day 5
Chiang Mai – Visit Elephant Nature Park to meet, feed and interact with rescued elephants, take photos and enjoy lunch onsite. (B/L)
Day 6
Krabi – Fly to Krabi and check in at Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure with full access to Dusit Club privileges, including afternoon tea, evening hors d’oeuvres and daily laundry service. (B)
Day 7
Krabi – Take a private speed boat to the Hong Islands for snorkelling, swimming and a beachside lunch. (B/L)
Day 8
Krabi – A full day at leisure to relax and enjoy your resort’s amenities. (B)
Day 9
River Kwai – Fly to Bangkok and transfer to River Kwai for a 2-night stay. (B/L/D)
Day 10
River Kwai – Enjoy a free day or choose from optional local excursions. (B)
Day 11
Bangkok – Visit the floating market and Maeklong Railway Market. Tour the Bridge over the River Kwai. (B/L/D)
Day 12
Bangkok – Day at leisure or join an optional excursion to the UNESCO-listed city of Ayutthaya. (B)
Day 13
Bangkok – Cruise the Chao Phraya River to visit Bangkok’s most iconic temples and royal landmarks. (B/L/D)
Day 14
Bangkok – Free time before a farewell dinner cruise on a restored antique rice barge. (B/D)
Day 15
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)
B - Breakfast | L - Lunch | S - Snack | D - Dinner
Terms & Conditions
*All CAA Member prices are per person, based on double occupancy, in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated and are subject to change without prior notice until final payment is paid. All prices are correct at press time and apply to new bookings only, based on availability at time of booking. To receive CAA Member-exclusive benefits, there must be one valid CAA Member travelling per booking. Non-members booking Extraordinary Explorations will not receive Member-exclusive benefits.
†Bon Voyage Gift is based on one per person.
^CAA Dollars awarded per adult Member. To earn and redeem CAA Dollars, you must be a current CAA Member in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by membership expiry date). CAA Dollars will be credited at time of departure. For more information on CAA Dollars, please visit www.caasco.com/caadollars.
◊CAA Travel Insurance, an Orion Travel Insurance product, is underwritten by Echelon Insurance. Twenty-five percent (25%) Member savings is made up of a ten percent (10%) Member savings as well as a promotional fifteen percent (15%) savings when you purchase an Extraordinary Explorations tour through CAA Travel, applies to CAA South Central Ontario and CAA Manitoba Members in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by membership expiry date). This promotional offer is valid until December 31, 2026. Ten percent (10%) Member savings applies to Members in good standing of all other CAA clubs. Savings apply to the total premium excluding applicable taxes. Minimum premium applies. Visitors to Canada Insurance is limited to the promotional savings. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. Subject to change without notice. A Medical Questionnaire may be required to purchase travel insurance.
Extraordinary Explorations vacations are organized and booked by CAA Travel (South Central Ontario) Inc. and CAA Manitoba (“CAA Travel”) on behalf of CAA Club Group (o/a CAA South Central Ontario and CAA Manitoba). In the event of an increase in any of the cost factors, CAA Travel reserves the right to increase the price whereby the provisions of the Travel Industry Act shall prevail. CAA Extraordinary Explorations packages are 100% non-refundable at final payment. CAA Travel service fee for cancellation prior to final payment varies by program. For full payment terms and conditions, please ask your CAA Travel Consultant. CAA Travel reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements (minimum number of participants) or circumstances beyond its control. Additional fees for checked luggage or other incidentals may be incurred and vary according to itinerary and airline. Air schedules with some tours are not available at press time and may include several connections or forced overnight at passenger’s expense. CAA Travel strongly recommends the purchase of trip cancellation and emergency travel and emergency medical insurance at the time of booking.
Please note: Participants must be able to embark and disembark cruise ships and coaches without assistance as well as have a good level of mobility for walking tours in destinations where stairs and traditional cobblestone streets can be challenging. International transportation vehicles and facilities may not meet accessibility standards. TICO Ont. Reg. #50014517, #50014518. CAA Travel (South Central Ontario) Inc.,
60 Commerce Valley Drive East, Thornhill, ON L3T 7P9. ®CAA trademarks are owned by, and use is authorized by, the Canadian Automobile Association. ®Extraordinary Explorations is a registered trademark of CAA Club Group. Logos and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. (1445374-03/25)
Flight
IncludedTour Itinerary
Day 1
Depart from Toronto or Winnipeg on your overnight flight to Chiang Mai.
Day 2
Chiang Mai
Upon arrival, meet your tour director and transfer to your hotel. The balance of your day is at leisure. (S)
Day 3
Chiang Mai
Begin your day with a tuk-tuk ride from your hotel to the riverfront Worarot Market. Nearby, explore Ton Lamyai, Chiang Mai's largest fresh flower market. Pass through Tha Phae Gate, one of the original city gates, and visit the Three Kings Monument. Discover Wat Chedi Luang, showcasing Lanna Thai temple architecture. Continue to Wat Doi Suthep, the famous mountain temple situated 1,050 metres high, offering stunning views over the town and province on clear days. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel for a leisurely afternoon, which includes an optional included two-hour Thai massage at the Let's Relax Spa. This evening, join the group for a welcome dinner and cocktail reception. (B/L/D)
Day 4
Chiang Mai
Learn the art of natural dyeing from an expert, including techniques like binding, folding, stitching, and pole-wrapping to create stunning fabric patterns. Uncover the secrets of preparing dye from natural indigo, using methods passed down through generations. Later, attend an umbrella assembly workshop where you can watch craftsmen create umbrellas from scratch. Tour the assembly line and visit all stations, from crafting the smallest parts to fully assembled umbrellas, including the drawing and sundry stations. (B/L/D)
Day 5
Chiang Mai
Start your day with breakfast before embarking on a tour north of Chiang Mai, passing through picturesque countryside, forests and local farms. Arrive at Elephant Nature Park, where you'll change into traditional clothing and have the chance to meet, feed, interact and play with elephants in their natural habitat while learning about their behavior and history. You'll also prepare herbal medicine and have a chance to take photos with the elephants before enjoying lunch. (B/L)
Day 6
Krabi
Check out from your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to Krabi. On arrival, head to the Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort and check in for a 3-night stay. The rest of your day is at leisure to unwind while you enjoy your resort’s Dusit Club benefits. (B)
Dusit Club Lounge:
- Open daily
- Refreshments available from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Afternoon tea & coffee served from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Evening hors d’oeuvres served from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Pillow menu available on request
- Complimentary laundry and pressing (up to 2 pieces per day)
Day 7
Krabi
Today you’ll take a private speed boat to the Hong Islands, part of Than Bok Horani National Park. Enjoy snorkeling in clear waters, sunbathing on white-sand beaches and admiring stunning rock formations, with a stop for an included lunch. (B/L)
Day 8
Krabi
Relax and enjoy your day at the resort, taking advantage of its luxurious amenities. (B)
Day 9
River Kwai
Today, you’ll fly to Bangkok and then transfer to River Kwai. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel for a 2-night stay. Spend the rest of your day at leisure. (B/L/D)
Day 10
River Kwai
The day is yours to enjoy at the resort. In addition to pure relaxation and comfort, you can explore numerous excursions and sightseeing options, offering a destination rich in nature, history and culture. (B)
Day 11
Bangkok
Today, explore the iconic Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and watch the train pass through Maeklong Station, where the market is situated along the railway track. Then, visit the WWII site in Kanchanaburi, including the Bridge over the River Kwai and the war museum. Later this afternoon, fly to Bangkok, your home for the next 3 nights. (B/L/D)
Day 12
Bangkok
Enjoy your day at leisure or choose an optional excursion to the Historic City of Ayutthaya. (B)
Optional Excursion: Historic City of Ayutthaya
Travel north to the UNESCO-listed Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand (Kingdom of Siam). Upon arrival, set out on a guided walking tour through the city’s remarkable temples, monasteries and palaces. Highlights include Wat Mongkhon Bophit, Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, and Wat Phanan Choeng, known for its impressive gilded seated Buddha. Explore the beautifully preserved summer palace of King Rama IV, where Thai, Chinese and Gothic influences blend into striking architecture. After lunch, relax on a scenic cruise back to Bangkok along the Chao Phraya River.
Day 13
Bangkok
This morning, set off on a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River to visit two of Bangkok's most famous temples. Cruise past scenic canals and take in sights including the Royal Barges Museum, Wat Arun, the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. (B/L/D)
Day 14
Bangkok
On your last day in Bangkok, take time for any last-minute shopping or further exploration on your own. In the evening, board a beautifully restored antique rice barge for an enchanting farewell dinner cruise. As dusk falls, glide past royal palaces, glittering temples and iconic landmarks. Enjoy an exquisite menu of fine Thai cuisine with a modern twist on traditional favourites. Sip refreshing drinks while soaking in breathtaking views and creating unforgettable memories. (B/D)
Day 15
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Toronto or Winnipeg. (B)
B - Breakfast | L - Lunch | S - Snack | D - Dinner