THAILAND WONDERS (LANTERN FESTIVAL) TK 2026 (BKK-HKT)
1. DAY ISTANBUL – BANGKOK 19 NOVEMBER 2026
We meet you, our valued guests, 3 hours before the flight at the Turkish Airlines counter in the International Departures Terminal of Istanbul Airport. After baggage drop and ticketing procedures, we depart on Turkish Airlines scheduled flight to Bangkok. Overnight on the plane.
2. DAY BANGKOK 20 NOVEMBER 2026
Upon arrival, we will enjoy a panoramic Bangkok city tour. During the tour, we will visit the world-famous Reclining Buddha statue, 46 meters long and 15 meters high, the Sitting Buddha statue, the stupas (tombs), the Royal Temple Wat Pho, and the Wat Traimit Temple, which houses the 5.5-ton Golden Buddha statue. In addition, Chinatown, the Flower Market, the Parliament Building, and the Bangkok residence of Thailand’s current king will be seen panoramically. After the city tour, we transfer to the hotel and have free time. Guests who wish may join the Bangkok Canals Tour, organized as an extra by our guide (40$). On this tour, you will have the opportunity to see unique sights that can be found nowhere else in the world by private boat through Bangkok’s historical canals. You will get to know the Thai people’s life on the canals up close and witness the blending of Thailand’s rich and poor communities. We will feed the sacred catfish in front of one of the temples and, before ending the tour, we will panoramically view Wat Arun, one of Bangkok’s three most famous temples, with its magnificent architecture. At the end of the tour, we transfer to our hotel. In the evening, guests who wish may join the optional activity, the Buffet Dinner Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise & Asiatique Riverfront Night Market Tour (60 USD – drinks excluded). On the Chao Phraya River, known as the Venice of the Far East, a live-music dinner awaits you on our 41-meter-wide boat. After dinner, we go to Asiatique, built in the area where the first trade between the ocean-going European countries and Thailand took place, rooted in the ancient Siam Kingdom, and where history and modernity are intertwined. With more than 1,500 shops and restaurants, it is Bangkok’s newest entertainment center. This is the perfect time to enjoy the view of the Chao Phraya River while shopping at leisure! After the tour, we transfer to the hotel. Accommodation at our hotel.
3. DAY BANGKOK 21 NOVEMBER 2026
After breakfast, free time. Guests who wish may join the Floating Market Tour, organized as an extra by our guide (60 USD). On this tour, we leave Bangkok and first stop at a coconut plantation in Samut Songkhram Town, the birthplace of the world-famous Siamese Twins. Here we learn how the Thai people make use of the coconut tree and see souvenirs made from this tree. You may also visit the orchid garden inside. From there, after about a 10-minute bus ride, we reach the pier where Thai-style boats depart. We then board the boats and, after an enjoyable half-hour journey surrounded by exotic Far Eastern scenery, arrive at the famous Floating Market, featured on magazine covers and in documentaries. You will see the open market set up in canoes on the river and have the chance to shop. We visit the Floating Market until it closes at noon. On the way back to Bangkok, you will taste the most famous tropical fruits of Thailand, selected by your guide. After the tour, free time. Guests who wish may join the Iconsiam Shopping Tour, organized as an extra by our guide (20 USD). On this tour, you will have shopping opportunities where you can find world-famous brands as well as local brands. After the tour, free time. In the evening, guests who wish may join the optional activity, the Buffet Dinner Baiyoke Sky & Local Night Market Tour (50 USD – drinks excluded). At 309 meters high, Baiyoke Sky is Thailand’s tallest 85-story building. In the restaurant on the 77th floor, where you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the entire city, we savor a buffet dinner with a magnificent view. After dinner, we head to Thailand’s famous local night market. In this tour, where we can best understand the region’s culture and lifestyle, you will mix with the local people and have the opportunity to shop. After the tour, we transfer to the hotel. Accommodation at our hotel.
4. DAY BANGKOK – CHIANG RAI 22 NOVEMBER 2026
After breakfast, we leave the hotel and transfer to the airport for our domestic flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Guests who wish may join the Chiang Rai Combined Tour, organized as an extra by our guide (90$ per person). Our first stop in Chiang Rai will be the hot springs and geysers (Mae Kachan). Next, we go to Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple), one of the city’s most beautiful structures. One of the most interesting features of this temple is that it belongs to a private individual. It stands out with its white color and glass decorations shining in the sunlight. The white color symbolizes the purity of Buddha, while the glass symbolizes Buddha’s wisdom. Our next stop is Baan Dam (the Black House), an extraordinary art complex and museum. Designed by the famous Thai artist Thawan Duchanee, this complex consists of traditional Lanna-style structures dominated by black, and contains animal bones, skins, horns, and traditional artworks. With its gothic and mystical atmosphere, Baan Dam offers visitors an unusual and thought-provoking artistic experience. The museum includes more than 40 structures. Afterwards, we visit the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Seua Ten), another one of Chiang Rai’s important temples.
After free time for lunch, we head to the ethnic center of the Long-Neck Women tribe, also known as Kayan Lahwi, Padaung, or Karen. What we see here will be very important experiences and memories. Then we go to Mae Sai Market, located at the northernmost point, where border trade between Thailand and Myanmar (Burma) takes place. Next, we head to the point known worldwide as the “Golden Triangle,” where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos, as well as the Ruak and Mekong rivers, meet. This region became known after World War II as one of the largest opium-producing areas. Today, opium cultivation is prohibited within Thailand, and production is mainly carried out in Myanmar. After the tour, we settle into our hotel. Accommodation at our hotel.
5. DAY CHIANG RAI – CHIANG MAI 23 NOVEMBER 2026
In the early morning, we set off with our private bus waiting for us and travel to Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second largest city. Chiang Mai is a historic city located in northern Thailand and known as the “Rose of the North.” Founded in the 13th century, it is one of Thailand’s former capitals and is known for its cultural richness, temples, and natural beauty. Chiang Mai has an atmosphere that blends traditional Thai culture with modern amenities. The city is home to important Buddhist temples such as Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, local night markets, handmade products, and restaurants serving specialties of Thai cuisine. In addition, the natural wonders around it, waterfalls, mountains, and elephant camps make it a popular destination for nature and adventure lovers. Chiang Mai’s calmer and more mystical atmosphere offers a different experience compared to larger cities like Bangkok.
Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, free time. Guests who wish may join the Doi Suthep Tour, organized as an extra by our guide (90$ per person). We will visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple on Doi Suthep mountain. We will reach this temple, located at 1,676 meters above sea level and sometimes disappearing among the clouds, by funicular, and the entire view of Chiang Mai will unfold beneath our feet. At the end of the tour, we go to our hotel and have free time. In the evening, guests who wish may join the optional activity, the Kanthoke Traditional Thai Show with Dinner (65$ per person). We will have our Kanthoke dinner accompanied by traditional Thai folklore dances and performances. Afterwards, guests who wish may join the festival celebrations. Accommodation at our hotel.
6. DAY CHIANG MAI 24 NOVEMBER 2026
After breakfast at the hotel, free time. Guests who wish may join the Doi Inthanon Tour, organized as an extra by our guide (90$ per person). We begin a very energetic, tiring, yet deeply rewarding day filled with magnificent views and experiences. On the full-day Doi Inthanon Tour, after leaving the hotel, we travel by vehicle to the highest point of Inthanon Mountain (2,565 meters). From the summit, our descent begins on foot. On this walk, which follows different trails, the moss-covered vegetation and untouched montane forests will be breathtaking. After free time for lunch, we will see the monuments built in honor of Thailand’s 9th King and his wife. Then we will see Wachirathan and Mae Klang waterfalls. Our final stop will be Hmong Market. After the tour, we return to our hotel and have free time. Guests who wish may head out into the streets of Chiang Mai for the Yee Peng and Loy Krathong festival celebrations, which attract people from all over the world. In this festival, held according to the lunar calendar each year, actually two festivals are celebrated at once. Yee Peng (Chinese) (Lantern Festival) is a Lanna tradition, and it is believed that as the lanterns called Khom Loi rise into the sky, misfortunes are driven away and wishes reach the heavens and come true. Loy Krathong (Thai) is a Thai tradition in which, with floating baskets containing lit candles released into rivers, thanks are given to the water goddess and it is believed that the bad luck of the past year is cast into the water and spiritual purification is achieved. Accommodation at our hotel.
7. DAY CHIANG MAI – PHUKET 25 NOVEMBER 2026
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Phuket by domestic airline. (Domestic flight times may change depending on the airline.) After arrival in Phuket, guests who wish may join the Elephant Safari Tour, organized as an extra by our guide (50 USD). In this tour, you will have the opportunity to meet Asia’s magnificent and highly intelligent creatures, and the approximately 30-minute adventure in the forest with your new friends will be unforgettable. After the tour, transfer to the hotel. In the evening, guests who wish may join the optional activity, the Siam Niramit Dinner Show (80 USD). Welcome to Phuket’s most famous cabaret show. After having our buffet dinner before the show, we move to the theater where the performance is held. Siam Niramit Show, which presents Thai culture and history to audiences through unique choreography, offers an unforgettable evening with its enormous stage listed in the Guinness World Records, more than 150 dancers, and the latest stage technology in the world. We watch 4D effects, dazzling stage costumes, aerial ballet, acrobatics, and the magical presentation of Thai culture through light and stage decor. After the show, we return to our hotel. Accommodation at our hotel.
8. DAY PHUKET 26 NOVEMBER 2026
After breakfast at the hotel, free time. Guests who wish may join the Half-Day Phi Phi Island Tour with Lunch, organized as an extra by our guide (90 USD). In this tour, there is approximately a 28-mile distance between the Phi Phi Islands in the Andaman Sea and Phuket. With specially made speedboats, we reach the magnificent islands in the middle of the ocean quickly and enjoyably, and while traveling among these natural wonders and islands, you will immortalize your day with wonderful photos. We have selected the best restaurants in the area for lunch. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to swim in turquoise waters and snorkel to see unique corals and fish. After the tour, we transfer to the hotel. In the evening, guests who wish may join the optional activity, the Simon Cabaret Show (50 USD). Welcome to one of the most beautiful cabaret-style shows in the Far East! With state-of-the-art light and sound systems, magnificent stage decor, dancers, and glamorous costumes, it is a show worth seeing. After the tour, transfer to the hotel. Accommodation at our hotel. Accommodation at our hotel.
9. DAY PHUKET 27 NOVEMBER 2026
After breakfast at the hotel, free time. Guests who wish may join the Half-Day James Bond Island Tour with Lunch, organized as an extra by our guide (90 USD). As the name suggests, on this tour we visit the island where the 1974 James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun was filmed, take photos in front of this unique and world-famous rock located at the far end of the world, spend time on the beach, shop from the Muslim villagers on the island, explore the unique natural wonders in canoes through caves, and enjoy many more surprises on this pleasant excursion... After the tour, we transfer to the hotel. Accommodation at our hotel.
10. DAY PHUKET – ISTANBUL 28 NOVEMBER 2026
After breakfast-boxes, we leave the hotel and transfer to Phuket Airport. After completing baggage, ticket, and check-in procedures, we depart for Istanbul on Turkish Airlines scheduled flight. Arrival in Istanbul and end of the tour
What's Included
Economy class airfare on Turkish Airlines scheduled flights on the Istanbul (IST) – Bangkok (BKK) / Phuket (HKT) – Istanbul (IST) routes
Airport taxes
8 nights of accommodation in 4-star hotels with breakfast, including 2 nights in Bangkok, 1 night in Chiang Rai, 2 nights in Chiang Mai, and 3 nights in Phuket
Panoramic Bangkok city tour
Economy class air tickets with local airlines for Bangkok – Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai – Phuket
Airport-hotel-airport transfers
Professional Turkish-speaking guide services
Not Included
Travel health insurance
Exit fee for leaving the country
All kinds of hotel extras and personal expenses
Extra tours and optional activities
Museum and archaeological site entrance fees