Traditions of Thailand
About This Trip
January 14-28, 2027 | 15 Days
This 15-day exploration of Thailand blends cultural highlights with quieter, more immersive experiences. Start with Bangkok’s historic palaces and floating markets, then travel north through landscapes shaped by tradition, creativity and cuisine. Discover Chiang Rai’s striking temples, wander Chiang Mai’s old city streets and take part in local life through a hands-on cooking class and a visit to an ethical elephant sanctuary. The journey concludes in Krabi, where turquoise waters, limestone islands and relaxed beach days offer a gentle contrast to the energy of the cities, with time to slow down and simply enjoy being surrounded by its natural beauty.
CAA Member-exclusive Benefits
We reward all our CAA Members on our Extraordinary Explorations®
- Plaza Premium Lounge pass†
- 50 CAA Dollars®^
- 25% savings on CAA Travel Insurance◊
Extraordinary Experience
CAA has curated an exceptional experience unique to your tour. Details of this experience are listed below:
Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Visit
Spend a meaningful day at an ethical elephant sanctuary dedicated to conservation, education and the wellbeing of Thailand’s most cherished animal. Learn about elephant behaviour, their role in Thai history and the importance of responsible care. Prepare herbal and fruit vitamin balls, feed the elephants and observe them up close in a calm, respectful setting. Walk alongside them to the bathing pool, with the option to join them in the water for a refreshing and memorable experience. It’s a rare opportunity to connect with these gentle giants while supporting sustainable tourism practices.
Package Includes:
- Return airfare from Toronto or Winnipeg to Bangkok
- All Domestic flights within Thailand
- 3 + 1-night stay in first-class accommodation in Bangkok
- 2-night stay in first-class accommodation in Chiang Rai
- 3-night stay in first-class accommodation in Chiang Mai
- 3-night stay in first-class accommodation in Krabi
- 12 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners
- Land transportation via first-class motorcoach
- All bridge, ferry and road tolls
- Sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary
- Local English-speaking guides
- Prepaid gratuities
- Destinations transfers
- CAA Host (Requires a minimum number of participants)
Taste of Thailand
Activity Level: Active. Explore the beauty of Thailand on this 15-day tour that includes palaces, floating markets, ancient cities, peaceful beaches and an elephant sanctuary.
Day 1
Depart from Toronto or Winnipeg for your two-day flight to Bangkok.
Day 2
Cross the International Date Line.
Day 3
Bangkok – Arrive in Bangkok, meet your English-speaking guide and check in to your hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure before your welcome dinner. (D)
Day 4
Bangkok – Enjoy a guided half-day tour featuring the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho, the Reclining Buddha and the colourful Flower Market. (B/L/D)
Day 5
Bangkok – Explore the Maeklong Railway Market and the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. (B/L)
Day 6
Chiang Rai – Fly to Chiang Rai, meet your local guide and check in to your hotel. Enjoy time at leisure before dinner. (B/D)
Day 7
Chiang Rai – Discover Chiang Rai’s highlights on a city tour, including the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) and the striking White Temple (Wat Rong Khun). (B)
Day 8
Chiang Mai – Travel to Chiang Mai with a stop at the Mae Kajan Hot Springs. After checking in, enjoy free time to visit the Night Market or relax. (B/L)
Day 9
Chiang Mai – Visit a local market before a hands-on Thai cooking class led by a local chef, where you’ll prepare and enjoy lunch. Later, take a short walking tour of Chiang Mai’s Old Town. (B/L)
Day 10
Chiang Mai – Spend the day at an ethical elephant sanctuary to interact and learn about conservation. Return to the city this afternoon. (B/L)
Day 11
Krabi – Visit the Sankamphaeng Handicraft Village, then fly to Krabi. Evening at leisure before dinner. (B/L/D)
Day 12
Krabi – Private boat cruise to Hong Island and its surrounding national park, with lunch and refreshments included. (B/L)
Day 13
Krabi – Enjoy a Full day at leisure to relax or choose optional activities. (B)
Day 14
Bangkok – Return to Bangkok for your a farewell dinner aboard a traditional river rice barge. (B/D)
Day 15
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Toronto or Winnipeg. (B)
B - Breakfast | L - Lunch | D - Dinner
Terms & Conditions
*All CAA Member prices are per person, based on single 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.
†Plaza Premium Lounge is based on one voucher per person and applies to departures from Canadian airports where applicable. Subject to availability.
^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, 2027. 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. Deposit is non-refundable at the time of booking. Final payment is due 120 days before departure. 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.
Flight
IncludedTour Itinerary
Day 1
Depart from Toronto or Winnipeg for your two-day flight to Bangkok.
Day 2
Cross International Date Line
Day 3
Bangkok
Upon arrival in Bangkok, meet your English‑speaking guide and transfer to your hotel for early check‑in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a warm and welcoming group dinner. (D)
Day 4
Bangkok
After breakfast, set out on a captivating half‑day tour of Bangkok. Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, home to the Emerald Buddha, followed by Wat Pho and its striking Reclining Buddha. Step into everyday local life at the colourful Bangkok Flower Market, filled with orchids, roses and marigold garlands. (B/L/D)
Day 5
Bangkok
Today is about exploring two of Bangkok’s most iconic markets. First, visit the lively Maeklong Railway Market, where vendors must quickly move their stalls aside as the train rolls through with very little room to spare. Continue to the renowned Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where traditional sampan boats overflow with fresh fruits, vegetables, and local treats. (B/L)
Day 6
Chiang Rai
Transfer to the airport this morning for your flight to Chiang Rai. On arrival, meet your local guide and check in to your hotel. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon before coming together for dinner this evening. (B/D)
Day 7
Chiang Rai
Discover the highlights of Chiang Rai on a private city tour. Explore the mystical Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) with its rich indigo interiors, then admire the breathtaking White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), one of Thailand’s most remarkable and symbolic works of art. (B)
Day 8
Chiang Mai
This morning, travel to Chiang Mai, stopping along the way at the Mae Kajan Hot Springs. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy, with time to browse the nearby Night Market or relax at the hotel. (B/L)
Day 9
Chiang Mai
Start the day a local market to shop for fresh ingredients for your Thai cooking class. Guided by a local chef, learn how fragrant herbs and spices define Thai cuisine and prepare your own dishes for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a brief walking tour of Chiang Mai’s Old Town, rich with temples and traditional charm. (B/L)
Day 10
Chiang Mai
Spend the day at an elephant sanctuary dedicated to ethical care and conservation. Learn about elephant behaviour and their role in Thai culture, prepare nutritious treats and enjoy close-up, respectful interactions. Walk with the elephants to their bathing pool, with time to join them in the water if you wish. Return to the city in the afternoon. Note: Bring a change of clothes if you plan to join the elephants in the water. (B/L)
Day 11
Krabi
Visit the Sankamphaeng Handicraft Village this morning to see local artisans at work creating silk, umbrellas and traditional crafts. After lunch, fly to Krabi and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a relaxed evening at leisure before dinner. (B/L/D)
Day 12
Krabi
Set off on a private boat excursion to Hong Island and its surrounding National Park. Enjoy the stunning turquoise waters, limestone cliffs and pristine beaches. A boxed lunch and refreshments will be provided as you relax and explore. (B/L)
Day 13
Krabi
Soak up a full day at leisure to relax at your resort, explore the beaches or choose from optional activities. (B)
Day 14
Bangkok
Fly back to Bangkok for your final evening in Thailand. Celebrate the journey with a farewell dinner aboard a traditional rice barge as it glides along the river, offering a memorable closing to the trip. (B/D)
Day 15
Transfer from your hotel to the airport for your return flight to Toronto or Winnipeg. (B)
B - Breakfast | L - Lunch | D - Dinner