6-Day Thailand Independent Tour

Your independent travel will start with Ko Samui. Since there is limited number of international flights to Ko Samui, you may consider transiting at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. Generally, three hours would be enough to complete the transit. If you land at Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok, you can take a free shuttle bus to reach Suvarnabhumi Airport in around 40 minutes, and it is suggested you set aside five hours for this inter-airport transit. Upon arrival in Ko Samui, take a songthaew, a local vehicle, to the recommended Lanna Samui Hotel by a 5 minutes' ride.

Accommodation Suggestion: Lanna Samui (4 stars)

Your independent tour to Ko Samui begins today. You can consider renting a motorbike to cycle around the island. You may stop by the Chaweng Beach, which is the most popular beach with abundant water activities like diving, jet skiing, and surfing. There is the Wat Chaweng nearby and the hill behind it is a good place to view the sunrise and sunset. Besides, Lamai Beach, the second largest beach on Ko Samui Island, is also worth visiting, and you can see the symbolic Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks there.

Alternatively, you may set out a trip to Angthon National Marine Park formed by 42 islands. February to April is the most suitable time to visit there while it is closed during November ~ December. Please take a songthaew from your hotel to the Nathon Pier before 8:30 to catch the boat to the marine park. A single trip costs about THB 550 and takes 2 hours. After snorkeling and kayaking in the park, take the ship back to Ko Samui at 15:00. It's more convenient to book one-day tour from your hotel or local travel agencies, which usually costs THB 1,500.

Today, you may cruise to some famous islets near the Ko Samui Island. It's convenient to buy boat tickets at local travel agencies or to join a one-day tour. You are suggested not to miss the Ko Tao, Ko Nangyuan, and Koh Phangan. Ko Tao is the best place to do the diving, while you can enjoy the unique scenes of 3 islands connected with each other by strip-like beaches in Ko Nangyuan. If you happen to visit Ko Samui in the middle of a month, you must go to Koh Phangan to attend the Full Moon Party. At the party, participants will paint their bodies with fluorescent pigments, drink and dance to loud music all night. On ordinary days, the beach provides backpacking travelers with peaceful seascape.

Today we suggest you head for the next destination, Chiang Mai. There is only one flight from Ko Samui Airport, leaving at 10:00 and you will arrive at Chiang Mai in around 2h. Then, take a songthaew to the downtown area and find a hotel to take some rest. You are suggested to check in Shewe Wana Boutique Resort and Spa, which is 10 minutes' drive away from Chiang Mai Old City.

You may spend the whole afternoon strolling around the old town. Make sure you not miss the Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, and Three Kings Monument inside. Wat Phra Singh is the largest temple in Chiang Mai and murals on the walls portrait local customs and clothes in the past times. The main building of Wat Chedi Luang was built over 500 years ago and is the highest stupa there with a height of 42 meters (138 feet). Three Kings Monument was built to memorize three kings of Lanna Kingdom (1292 - 1775), who made great contributions to the country.

Accommodation Suggestion: Shewe Wana Boutique Resort and Spa (4 stars)

In the morning, you are suggested to rent a motorbike at a cost of THB 200 per day or hail a songthaew for a fare of THB70 to the Doi Suthep. Going halfway up the hill, you will come across the Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep famous for the two painted dragons along both sides of the entrance stairs. After visiting it, go on climbing to the summit which is 1667 meters (5469 feet) above the sea level to overlook the old city.

Then, still take the motorbike or songthaew to Chiang Mai Old City to spend a leisure afternoon there. We highly recommend you to take a spa at Chiang Mai Women's Correctional Institution near the Three Kings Monument. It was established by the former warden of Chiang Mai Women's Prison and workers there are all released women.

In the evening, the Sunday Walking Street is recommended for you to taste local food such as Kao Soy, Green Papaya Salad, Taipei Acid Meat, Banana Pancake, and Mango Sweet Rice. The street is crowded and popular especially on weekends.

Your 6-day independent Thailand tour comes to an end today. You may take a songthaew to the airport for your leaving flight.