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 This 11-day all-gay exploration of Thailand, takes you to bustling Bangkok, the culturally-rich Chiang Mai/Rai, and the beautiful beaches of Phuket. There are many nicknames that world travelers have affectionately given to this beautiful country, such as “the land of golden temples,” “paradise for tourists,” “shopping paradise,” “the land of friendly smiles”…
Thailand is famous for its tourism industry, being one of the countries that attracts the most tourists in the region, with an average of over 12 million visitors per year.
When you travel to Thailand, you will surely be delighted by its stunning landscapes, grand and ornate temple complexes, vibrant entertainment and amusement parks, unique traditional festivals, and especially the countless shopping opportunities in bustling, affordable shopping districts.
Epic Adventure!:
Our Nepal & Bhutan Exploration Luxury Gay Tour 2026 this trip and our Eastern and Oriental Express - Essence of Malaysia trip are all consecutive.
Book one, book two or book all three for one incredible adventure!
Day 1 - Friday, November 06, 2026
Arrive in Bangkok at the Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi Airport, where you will be greeted by a Brand g Vacations representative and transferred to the host hotel. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception and dinner at hotel.
Meals: Welcome Reception
Hotel: SO Bangkok Hotel (SO Cozy), Bangkok, 5*
Day 2 - Saturday, November 07, 2026
Begin your tour with a visit to Wat Pho, a Buddhist temple complex which holds the status of ‘Royal Monastery’ (Wat Luang), due to its proximity to the Grand Palace and its importance in Thai-Buddhist culture. The most famous resident of Wat Pho is the Reclining Buddha, a 46-metre-long reclining-positioned Buddha, a position representing Buddha’s entry into Nirvana. Wat Pho is also home to a number of chedis, scattered throughout the complex, a scripture hall, a library, guarded by the Wat Pho Giant’s statues and many other Buddhist shrines and halls. The complex is known for its connection with massage and has been a school for traditional massage since the 1950s.
Next, we will continue by foot to The Grand Palace, a complex of royal and religious buildings which has been the official residence of the Kings of Thailand since 1782. The King, his government and his court resided in The Grand Palace from 1782 until 1925. The palace today is used for ceremonial purposes and for state visits and has become a major architectural symbol of Thailand.
Begin your exploration of the complex with a visit to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew). Regarded as the most important Buddhist sites in Thailand, the Emerald Buddha is 66cm in height and sits in a state of meditation. Depending on the season, the Emerald Buddha is ordained in three different outfits: one for the summer season, one for the rainy season and one for the winter season. Behind the Emerald Buddha, you will see a mural depicting Buddhist cosmology and in front of the Buddha, guests are welcomed to meditate, pray or contemplate in the shadow of the buddha.
Note: there are strict dress codes when visiting Wat Pho and The Grand Palace complexes. Guests are to be covered up and not wear tight or torn clothing.
Lunch at local restaurant and return to hotel. Tihe afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy as you wish.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Hotel: SO Bangkok Hotel (SO Cozy), Bangkok, 5*
Day 3 - Sunday, November 08, 2026
After breakfast, we board a longtail boat and head down part of the Chao Phraya River, the main waterway of Bangkok, before turning off on to Khlong Bangkok Yai, a historical canal in Bangkok which takes you through Thonburi, the old capital of Thailand. While you cruise down the canal, pass by old wooden stilted houses, townhouses and some unfortunate dwellings which have tilted 45 degrees to the side! You will pass lush greenery, quaint Buddhist temples and occasional graffiti. You will also pass a giant buddha statue, which opened in 2023, a glorious gold statue peeking up over the historical district.
Arrive at one of Bangkok’s most iconic sights, Wat Arun is a must-see visit. Wat Arun is a Buddhist temple which sits on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The word ‘Arun’ is named after the Hindu God Aruna who is often associated with the rising sun, giving Wat Arun the nickname ‘Temple of Dawn’. Dating back to the Ayutthaya period, Wat Arun pre-dates Bangkok being founded as a city and was originally known as Wat Makok. Wat Arun was the previous royal residence of the King of Thailand and previously housed the Emerald Buddha before it was moved to the Grand Palace complex in the 18th century.
Note: there are strict dress codes when visiting Wat Arun. Guests are to be covered up and not wear tight or torn clothing.
Following our morning tour we go back to the hotel for time at leisure in the afternoon.
In the evening we enjoy a Thai set dinner at Sala Rim Naam with Thai traditional performances.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Hotel: SO Bangkok Hotel (SO Cozy), Bangkok, 5*
Day 4 - Monday, November 09, 2026
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Bangkok Airport and fly to Chiang Rai. This afternoon, we visit Wat Rong Suea Ten, known as the Blue Temple for its hues of blue throughout its design. The color blue is associated with purity, wisdom and lack of materialism, key tenets of Buddhism. A theme through Chiang Rai, the temple is a mix of traditional Buddhist styles, classic Thai architecture and eccentric modern flair. Inside the temple, you will see a classic Buddha statue in the center with stories of Buddha adorning the walls, but designed in a purely modern and intricate way.
Next, we visit Chiang Rai’s most iconic temple, Wat Rong Khun, known as the ‘White Temple’. The temple is an art exhibit, created, owned and designed by renowned national artist, Chalermchai Kostipipat. The artist considers the temple to be an offering to Buddha and believes the project will give him immortal life. The temple exterior is known for its flamboyant white structure covered in fragments of mirrored glass. Cross over the bridge of ‘The cycle of rebirth’ as you pass outreached hands which are said to represent unrestrained desire. The main temple itself is a symbol of heaven and not giving in to unrestrained desires will lead you to nirvana. Inside the temple, the walls are adorned with pop culture figures such as Michael Jackson, Neo from the Matrix and the Never Ending Story. The murals show destruction and warfare which shows an eternal message that people are inherently wicked.
After, we check-in at our hotel and enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Hotel: Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort, Chiang Rai, 5*
Day 5 - Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Enjoy a full-day tour to Thailand’s northern extremes, where Thailand meets with Myanmar and Laos to make ‘The Golden Triangle’. A place of natural beauty and known for its minority populations who live here, ‘The Golden Triangle’ is also renowned for being one of the largest opium producers in the world. Opium production began in Europe and extended across Asia with Alexander The Great in to India. During the British Empire period, British traded opium to the Chinese and when the Chinese government tried to ban opium in China, the British invaded, leading to the First and Second Opium wars, ending with the annexation of Hong Kong to the British.
To begin your tour, head to the Golden Triangle Park where you can enjoy views across the Mekong River to see in to Laos on your right and Myanmar on the left. Enjoy unique views across in to two separate nations and enjoy the Phra Buddha Nawa Lan Tue, which sits within the park. Across the road, walk to the House of Opium Museum. Here, you will learn about the history of opium in the world and how mass production ended up in South East Asia.
Following the tour, we stop for a delicious lunch overlooking the river.
Next, visit the Union of Hill Tribe Villages and Long Neck Karan people in a natural setting. The North of Thailand and neighboring region is known for its many minority groups who each have their own distinct cultures and ways of life. Here, you will have the opportunity to walk through the villages of the Akha, Yao, Lahu and Kayaw people, each with their own distinct costume and selling their unique wares. During your visit too, we will enjoy a visit to the Long Neck Karan village. This village is known for the women who reside here who, from a young age, add brass necklaces to their neck until the neck is fully covered. While here, there is an opportunity to interact with the local minority people and purchases their wares on sale.
After we return to Chiang Rai where you will have the evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Hotel: Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort, Chiang Rai, 5*
Day 6 - Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Enjoy a morning of leisure. After an included lunch, we transfer to Chiang Mai and check in to our hotel. Later this afternoon, we will visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, located on mount Doi Suthep in the west of Chiang Mai. Drive through the winding roads as you head through greenery to the foot of the temple. From here, you will take a tram to the temple grounds. Within the site, there are a number of pagodas, bells, statues and shrines, including a replica of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok, and a statue of Hindu God Ganesh. During your visit, you will often see Buddhis monks chanting in meditation which further adds to the holy atmosphere of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Not only does the temple offer a plethora of religious architecture and relics, you can also enjoy enviable views over Chiang Mai city which today we will enjoy during a beautiful Thai sunset.
After we head back for dinner at our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, Chiang Mai, 5*
Day 7 - Thursday, November 12, 2026
Today you may choose to spend the entire day at leisure, enjoying the beautiful resort or take part in one of the optional tours on offer today. See the Optional Add-Ons for more details.
Tonight, meet your experienced local guide who will take you on a tour to enjoy street food at the Chiang Mai night market.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Hotel: Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, Chiang Mai, 5*
Day 8 - Friday, November 13, 2026
Following breakfast, we head to the Chiang Mai Airport and fly to Phuket. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a visit Phuket’s historical center with a walking tour of Phuket old town. Phuket has a long history with international trade and has long been associated with both European and Chinese cultures, especially in relation to its tin mining and rubber plantation production. Since the 16th century, Europeans, originally the Portuguese, have been trading with Phuket in tin and the tin mining industry was mainly operated by Hokkien Chinese, mainly from Fujian province in south east China. There is still a core Chinese community living in Phuket and within this community, there are the “Baba” people formed by a unison of Hokkien tin miners and Thai women. The architecture of Phuket’s Old town is also very unique, with many examples of Sino-Portuguese elements in the houses, shops and streets, not dissimilar to Macau.
This evening, enjoy dinner at Blue Elephant Phuket.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: La Flora Resort Patong, Phuket, 5*
Day 9 - Saturday, November 14, 2026
Today is yours to enjoy at your leisure take part in one of the optional tours on offer today. See the Optional Add-Ons for more details.
This evening we will have a farewell reception and dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Hotel: La Flora Resort Patong, Phuket, 5*
Day 10 - Sunday, November 15, 2026
Following breakfast and a morning of leisure, transfer to Phuket Airport for your flight to Bangkok.
Upon arrival, we will transfer to Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel.
Dinner will be together at the hotel this evening.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Hotel: Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel, Bangkok, 5*
Day 11 - Monday, November 16, 2026
After breakfast at the hotel, you are transferred to the airport for your journey home or onward to Singapore if you are also participating in the Eastern and Oriental Express train expedition.
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Add-On - November 16 - 20, 2026
Still want more SE Asia, come onboard and extend your travels, on the Eastern & Oriental Express. Arrive in style to the most dynamic cities, stopping for inspiring excursions throughout Malaysia. By day, discover thrilling activities in the lush mountains’ cape or the verdant jungle of the country. By night, join the most glamorous soirées of our luxury train in Malaysia as you peacefully ride in romantic lamplit carriages.
Please visit our Eastern & Oriental Express - Malaysia tour page for pricing and more information.
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• Explore highlights of Bangkok: Wat Pho, The Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)
• Wooden longtail boat cruise on the Khlong Bangkok Yai canal, which takes you through the old capital of Thailand
• Thai dinner at Sala Rim Naam with Thai traditional performances
• Visit Wat Rong Suea Ten, known as the Blue Temple
• Chiang Rai’s most iconic temple, Wat Rong Khun, known as the ‘White Temple’
• Full-day tour to Thailand’s northern extremes, where Thailand meets with Myanmar and Laos to make ‘The Golden Triangle’
• Street food experience at the Chiang Mai night market
• Explore the famous Phuket Old Town
• Dinner at Blue Elephant Phuket
• FROM THE TIME YOU LAND UNTIL YOU LEAVE, NEARLY EVERYTHING IS INCLUDED.
• Brand g and local hosts throughout your trip
• Airport arrival and departure transfers
• Welcome reception and dinner on arrival in Bangkok
• Three nights hotel accommodation at the SO Bangkok (SO Cozy) in Bangkok
• Internal flights to Chiang Mai/Phuket/Bangkok (luggage limitation of 20kg 44lb on internal flights -additional charge applies for overweight bags)
• Two nights accommodation in Chiang Rai at the Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort (Deluxe Garden View)
• Two nights accommodation in Chiang Mai at the Anantara Chiang Mai Resort (Deluxe Garden View)
• Two nights hotel accommodation at the La Flora Resort Patong (Deluxe Pool View), Phuket
• One night accommodation in Bangkok at the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport
• 10 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches and 8 Dinners - detailed in itinerary
• Select alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages with lunches and dinners
SO Bangkok Hotel (SO Cozy), Bangkok
This stylish urban oasis boasts stunning interior design inspired by the 5 natural elements of Water, Earth, Wood, Metal and Fire. Rising 30 stories above the city, SO/ Bangkok has rooms equipped with a smart TV, free WiFi, a mini bar and much more.
Elegant and modern, the themed rooms feature full-length windows with views or the city or Lumpini Park. All come with free WiFi, a 40-inch flat-screen TV and a free minibar. Bathrooms have a bathtub and separate rain shower.
The world-class SoSPA is designed like a mythological forest, with relaxing massage treatments and rejuvenating hot tubs. There is also an outdoor pool and well-equipped fitness centre. Bicycles can be rented with a reservation.
Red Oven reminiscent of traditional market-style food fare with a contemporary twist all day dining restaurant, HI-SO Rooftop Bar captivate your senses as an array of surrounding city lights of Bangkok playfully converge into this chic rooftop restaurant and bar, Other dining options include Chocolab Café.
Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort, Chiang Rai
Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort is surrounded by mountains, historic temples and hill tribe villages. Its three-level outdoor pool overlooks the Mae Kok River, while its Parvati spa provides massage treatments.
The rooms have a large balcony and sofa which features views of the tropical greenery or river. All come with a flat-screen TV. Attached bathrooms include a separate bathtub and hot-water shower stalls.
Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort is 3 km from Chiang Rai Night Market and 10 km from the Hill Tribe Museum. It is a 15-minute drive from Chiang Rai Airport.
Parvati Spa provides oil therapies and serves herbal drinks in the treatment rooms. Guests enjoy free access to the 24-hour gym.
The riverside restaurant, Favola, serves classic Italian crusine available during lunch and dinner
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, Chiang Mai
Located along the banks of Mae Ping River, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort - SHA Extra Plus Certified features accommodation with minimalist Asian designs, a spa, and a pool. Popular points of interest near the resort include Tha Pae Gate and Chiang Mai Gate.
Rooms and suites at this property feature muted tones, teak flooring and private courtyards or balconies. Flat-screen cable TVs, free WiFi and a coffee machines are provided. En suite bathrooms offer rain showers.
Surrounded by scented gardens and water features, the spa offers massages, sauna rooms and body treatments. The resort has a well-equipped fitness centre and offers yoga and aerobics classes. Guests can also opt in for a Thai cooking class and experience at Spice Spoons.
Northern Thai specialities can be enjoyed at The Restaurant, which houses a bar serving a variety of drinks. The Service 1921 Restaurant & Bar serves contemporary Asian-inspired dishes and cocktails and offers a setting for Anantara's famous weekday afternoon tea ritual. Light bites and refreshing beverages can be enjoyed at both The Lobby and Kasara Lounges.
La Flora Resort Patong, Phuket
The luxurious La Flora Resort offers extra spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi along popular Patong Beach. It presents 2 outdoor pools, pampering spa services and rooftop dining options.
La Flora Resort Patong -SHA Plus Certified is a 5-minute stroll from Jungceylon Shopping Centre and the nightlife of Bangla Road. Phuket International Airport is a 50-minute drive away.
Decorated with wooden furnishings and clear glass windows, rooms at La Flora Patong feature flat-screen TVs and DVD players. A minibar and tea/coffee making facilities are included. Select rooms come with private pools.
Guests at La Flora Patong can enjoy a traditional Thai massage, relax in the hot tub, or work out at the fitness centre. The resort also provides a tour desk and car rentals.
The Current of the Sea Restaurant serves international and local cuisine, boasting a wide selection of wines. The Surface Restaurant & Bar features live music on the rooftop.
Chiang Mai
November 12, 2026
(you may only choose one tour for the 12th)
$125 per person
Enjoy an authentic Thai cooking class experience at Zabb E Lee Thai cooking school, located in the lush countryside just outside of Chiang Mai city. Zabb E Lee is a north-east Thai word which translates as “very delicious” and this is what you will experience during your cooking class.
Chiang Mai
November 12, 2026
(you may only choose one tour for the 12th)
$60 per person
Chiang Mai is known for its laid-back atmosphere and there is no way better to experience this city than by bicycle. Today, enjoy a half-day guided cycling tour of Chiang Mai, seeing the highlights of the city like a local. During your tour, you will enjoy a number of stops to famous sights in the city. Start your tour with a coffee at a pleasant shop where your guide will first talk through your tour with you. Next it is time to gear up and get on your bike!
Chiang Mai
November 12, 2026
(you may only choose one tour for the 12th)
$150 per person
Happy Elephant Valley, located in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand, started its journey in 2017. Moving away from commonly seen activities that allow tourists to ride, bathe and feed the elephants, the team took a step towards becoming a truly elephant-friendly venue. With the support of World Animal Protection, and some of the world’s leading travel companies, ChangChill (meaning “relaxed elephants” in Thai) is now ready to reopen its doors – offering a better life for elephants and a unique experience for visitors.
Phuket
November 14, 2026
(you may only choose one tour for the 14th)
$80 per person
Private transfer from the hotel to Phuket Town, where you’ll visit the Chu Tui Shrine – the famous and long history Chinese shrine in Phuket town. Leaning the local culture how people are praying to show their respect to the gods in the shrine. This area is the center of the vegetarian restaurant in town, where you’ll enjoy Kanom Chin or vermicelli rice noodle with curry soup and a kind of mixed local herb salad.
Phuket
November 14, 2026
(you may only choose one tour for the 14th)
$140 per person
Discover the beauty spot of Koh Phi Phi on a full-day speedboat tour from Phuket. Located in the Andaman Sea, Koh Phi Phi are known for their azure waters, limestone pillars and white-sandy beaches and were made famous as the setting for the Hollywood film, ‘The Beach’.
Begin your tour by being picked up from your hotel and transferring to the departure lounge at Royal Phuket Marina. Here, enjoy a safety briefing and a welcome tea/coffee with some snacks before boarding your two or three-engine speedboat. Transfer one hour across the beautiful waters as you relax in the natural beauty of the region. Begin your tour with a visit to Bamboo Island, known as Koh Pai, where you will have the chance to snorkel, swim or relax on the beach.
When should I schedule my flights?
Arrival
You should schedule your flights to arrive to Bangkok (BKK) by November 6, 2026. The first activity that day will be at approximately 5:30 pm.
Departure
You should schedule your flights to depart from Bangkok(BKK) at any time on November 16, 2026. Check out time from the Hotel is 12:00pm. Or, if you book the Eastern & Orient train trip you should consult that trip for your departure date and time.
What arrival and departure transfers are included?
This package includes an arrival transfer from the Bangkok airport(BKK) to the host hotel and a departure transfer from the listed host hotel, to the Bangkok airport(BKK).
If you extend your stay at the Bangkok, the transfers will still be included. Contact our team to ensure arrangements outside of these arrival and departure transfers will be included. Booked guests should provide their arrival and departure details 45 days prior to the trip to ensure transfer availability.
What are the passport and visa requirements?
Citizens of the US and Canada are required to have a valid passport, which is valid for six months after your last date of travel. Visas are not required for citizens of these countries. Citizens of all other countries should check with the consulate in their home country to verify entry requirements.
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