Bangkok – Ayutthaya – Kanchanaburi – Sukhothai – Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai – Golden Triangle – Phuket – Kuala Lumpur – Cameron Highlands – Penang – Malacca – Singapore
Discover the vibrant heart of Southeast Asia on this Best of Thailand, Malaysia & Singapore tour. The immersive journey offers a blend of rich culture, fascinating history, and stunning natural beauty. From the temples of Thailand to the lush landscapes of Malaysia and the modern marvels of Singapore, each destination unveils unique traditions and heritage. Savour mouthwatering local cuisines, from street food to fine dining, and experience exceptional service from our expert guides, who bring each site to life. Whether exploring ancient landmarks or hidden gems, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure.
Important Features
- Small group size – maximum 20
- Experienced professional guides
- No annoying shopping stops
- Quality local and Western meals
- Unlimited supply of bottled water
- Free Wi-Fi in every hotel
- Immersive cultural activities
Tour Itinerary
Meal Code: B = breakfast / L = lunch / D = dinner
Day 1/Thu: Departing for Bangkok
The trip starts with your transpacific flight departing from a city of your choice. You’ll lose a day upon crossing the International Date Line.
Day 2/Fri: Arrival in Bangkok
Meet our driver on arrival for your private transfer to the hotel. No activity or meal is arranged for today. The guide will get in touch with you tonight.
Day 3/Sat: Bangkok (B/L/D)
Located in the Chao Phraya River delta, Bangkok is the capital and the most populous city of Thailand. The city’s urban population is estimated to be around 11 million or 15% of the country’s total of 72 million. Bangkok is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon. A major financial and cultural centre in Southeast Asia, Bangkok also functions as an important hub for airlines serving the region.
We begin our sightseeing today at the royal Grand Palace. Established in 1782, the palace was dramatically expanded throughout successive reigns. The king and his royal government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925.
We then proceed to the National Museum, one of Southeast Asia’s most important collections of Thai art and historical artefacts.
Afternoon sightseeing takes in Wat Arun, a Buddhist temple on the Chao Phraya River. The temple derives its name from the Hindu god Aruna, often personified as the radiations of the rising sun. Wat Arun is among the best known of Thailand’s landmarks.
Later in the day, we board a long-tail boat for an hour-long cruise along the picturesque Chao Phraya River and the khlongs (canals) of Thonburi on the west bank. Along the way, we’ll have opportunities to observe and photograph traditional homes and temples lining the waterways.
If time permits, we’ll stop in Bangkok’s historic Chinatown.
Day 4/Sun: Bangkok – Ayutthaya – Bangkok (B/L)
Following breakfast we set out for a full-day (7 to 8 hours) excursion to Ayutthaya, a town about 90 km north of Bangkok. Founded around 1350, Ayutthaya served as the capital of the Thai state of Ayutthaya (Siam), precursor of the new kingdom established in modern-day Bangkok, until it was razed by the Burmese army in 1767. The ruins of the old city are preserved in the Ayutthaya Historical Park, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The remaining reliquary towers and gigantic monasteries in the park give visitors an idea of Ayutthaya’s past splendour.
Our sightseeing in Ayutthaya includes Wat Phra Si Sanphet (the holiest temple on the site of the old Royal Palace), Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, and Chedi Phukhao Thong – a Buddhist tower built in 1587 to commemorate Ayutthaya’s liberation from Burma three years earlier.
Day 5/Mon: Bangkok – Kanchanaburi – Bangkok (B/L)
We depart the hotel at 8:00 AM for a full-day excursion to River Kwai Bridge (Bridge over the River Kwai) and the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery nearby.
The drive to the River Kwai Bridge from Bangkok becomes increasingly scenic as we head west, transitioning from city sprawl to lush, green countryside with rice paddies, sugar cane fields, and pineapple plantations, offering a mix of rural Thai life and beautiful river views.
Our sightseeing begins at the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre (a museum) located right beside the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. The highly rated small museum and research facility is dedicated to the history of the “Death Railway” built during World War II. The interactive exhibits, short films and descriptions provide the context of the Japanese military aggression in Southeast Asia, details of their plan for the railway and the horrors faced by the prisoners of war who worked and perished during the construction of the railway.
After lunch, we proceed to the bridge over the River Kwai. The bridge gained international fame from the Hollywood film version of the French novel Le Pont de la rivière Kwaï by Pierre Boulle. The story is fictional but uses the construction of the Burma Railway (also known as Siam-Burma Railway) between 1942 and 1943 as its historical setting.
Our day trip also features an hour-long rail journey on the historic Death Railway (Thailand-Burma Railway), a poignant trip over the famous bridge and through stunning scenery.
Day 6/Tue: Bangkok – Sukhothai (B/D)
Free morning to explore on your own.
The afternoon flight to Sukhothai takes 1 hour 20 minutes.
Day 7/Wed: Sukhothai – Chiang Mai (B/L/D)
The modern town of Sukhothai lies on the Yom River, a tributary of the Chao Phraya, approximately 430 km north of Bangkok. Its main attraction is Sukhothai Historical Park, about 13 km west of the town. The park preserves the ruins of the ancient capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom, which flourished during the 13th and 14th centuries. Together with the nearby historic towns of Si Satchanalai and Kamphaeng Phet, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The kingdom reached the height of its influence under King Ram Khamhaeng (traditionally dated 1279–1298). He is credited with promoting Theravada Buddhism and developing an early form of the Thai script, although historians continue to debate aspects of these achievements. At its height, Sukhothai exercised influence over a considerable part of what is now Thailand and neighbouring regions.
We spend the morning exploring the ancient ruins inside the historical park.
After lunch, we drive approximately four hours (300 km) to Chiang Mai.
Day 8/Thu: Chiang Mai (B/L)
Nestled in high mountains and 750 kilometres north of Bangkok, Chiang Mai is the capital of Chiang Mai Province. The city was founded as the new capital of the Kingdom of Lan Na (1296–1768) by King Mangrai. Known for its artistic and cultural heritage, the city sits astride the Ping River, a major tributary of the Chao Phraya River. The Chiang Mai Metropolitan Area has a population of nearly one million, more than half the total of Chiang Mai Province.
The morning visit to the Elephant Rescue Center is a key highlight of the trip. You’ll have the pleasure of interacting with the gentle giants and watching them bathing in conditions close to their natural habitat.
Afternoon sightseeing includes Warorot Market by the Ping River, the old city centre, and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep – a Buddhist temple sitting atop the Doi Suthep Mountain about 15 km west of the city. The temple grounds offer a panoramic view of Chiang Mai on a clear day.
Day 9/Fri: Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai (B/D)
Free morning to explore on your own.
After lunch on your own, we drive 200 km (3 ½ hours) to Chiang Rai.
Visit Wat Rong Khun en route. Popularly known as the White Temple, Wat Rong Khun is a unique, contemporary Buddhist temple and art installation designed by local artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. The temple is renowned for its all-white exterior, intricate architectural details, and unconventional symbolism that blends traditional Buddhist teachings with modern pop culture references.
Day 10/Sat: Chiang Rai – Golden Triangle – Chiang Rai (B/L)
After breakfast, we drive approximately one hour north (70 km) to the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet at the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong rivers. Once one of the world’s most notorious opium-producing regions, the Golden Triangle has a complicated history shaped by geography, ethnic conflict and the international narcotics trade.
Our visit includes a boat ride and the Hall of Opium, a museum devoted to the history of opium cultivation, trade and its social consequences.
Day 11/Sun: Chiang Rai – Phuket (B/D)
Travel to Phuket by early morning flight.
Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and one of the country’s most popular beach destinations. It lies in the Andaman Sea, off the west coast of southern Thailand, and is linked to the mainland by bridge.
Explore the Old Town of Phuket in the afternoon. The Old Town is the historic heart of Phuket City. It grew during the tin‑mining boom from the 19th century, when traders and workers from China, India, Portugal, and elsewhere settled here. This mix created Phuket’s distinctive Sino‑Portuguese architecture and the Baba‑Nyonya (Peranakan) culture that still shapes local buildings, food, and festivals.
Day 12/Mon: Phuket (B)
Free day to relax or explore on your own. The luxurious resort is a short ride from the beach.
Day 13/Tue: Phuket (B)
Free day to relax or explore on your own.
Day 14/Wed: Phuket – Kuala Lumpur (B/D)
Free morning for more relaxation.
We fly to Kuala Lumpur by mid-afternoon flight.
Kuala Lumpur is the national capital, largest city, and the seat of the legislative branch of the federal government of Malaysia. The city dazzles visitors with the soaring Petronas Twin Towers, vibrant street food, and a rich mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian heritage.
Day 15/Thu: Kuala Lumpur (B/L)
Our sightseeing today takes in Merdeka Square, Sultan Abdul Samad Building, National Museum, Chinatown and Little India.
Day 16/Fri: Kuala Lumpur – Cameron Highlands (B/L/D)
This morning, we drive northbound towards Cameron Highlands.
Cameron Highlands offers a refreshing escape with its cool climate and lush landscapes. The highlands were named after British surveyor William Cameron, who explored the area in 1885. They were subsequently developed as a hill station and agricultural centre during British colonial rule. Famous for vast tea plantations and charming colonial heritage sites, Cameron Highlands is an idyllic destination for nature lovers, hikers, and those seeking tranquility amid scenic hills.
Day 17/Sat: Cameron Highlands (B/L)
Our full-day guided sightseeing brings us to local markets, waterfalls, serene gardens, and Mossy Forest.
Day 18/Sun: Cameron Highlands – Penang (B/L/D)
Free morning to relax or explore on your own.
The afternoon drive to Penang after lunch takes four hours including one or two washroom stops.
Penang Island forms part of the state of Penang, whose capital is George Town on the island. George Town is known for its British colonial architecture, diverse cultural influences (Malay, Chinese, Indian), and delicious food. Celebrated as a living museum, George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a diverse range of attractions.
Day 19/Mon: Penang (B)
Our sightseeing today includes Armenian Street, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (Blue Mansion), Kek Lok Si Temple, and Penang Hill. Sampling famous street food is another highlight.
Day 20/Tue: Penang – Malacca (B/D)
Free morning to explore on your own.
After lunch on your own, we depart for Malacca by air.
Our dinner features Malacca’s distinctive Nyonya (Peranakan) cuisine, which combines Chinese cooking traditions with local Malay ingredients and flavours.
Day 21/Wed: Malacca (B/L)
Malacca, also spelled Melaka, is a historical city and state in Malaysia. Together with George Town in Penang, Malacca was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. The city is known for its rich cultural heritage and colonial past, with Portuguese, Chinese, Dutch, and British influences evident in its architecture, neighbourhoods and landmarks.
Our schedule today includes Dutch Square, Jonker Street, St. Paul’s Hill, and Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum.
Day 22/Thu: Malacca – Singapore (B/D)
Our morning flight to Singapore takes an hour and 15 minutes.
Our sightseeing begins in Singapore’s Downtown Core, near the historic Singapore River where Stamford Raffles established a British trading settlement in 1819. The nearby Merlion and the city’s impressive skyline provide excellent photo opportunities.
We then proceed to Gardens by the Bay, a park spanning 101 hectares of reclaimed land adjacent to the Marina Reservoir. The extraordinary project brings to life the vision of the Government of Singapore to make the island city-state a “City in a Garden”.
Afterwards, we explore the historic Chinatown.
We wrap up today’s sightseeing with a tour of Singapore Botanic Gardens – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The guided sightseeing today lasts between 7 and 8 hours including lunchtime (lunch not included). Depending on group size, we may get around by taxi and subway instead of chartered vehicle.
Day 23/Fri: Singapore (B)
Free day to explore on your own.
Our recommendations include the Pinnacle@Duxton and the National Museum of Singapore.
The Pinnacle@Duxton is a landmark public housing development comprising seven interconnected 50-storey residential towers. Its publicly accessible sky garden on the 50th floor offers panoramic views of Chinatown, the central business district, Singapore Harbour and Sentosa Island. Visitor access is subject to availability and admission fees.
The National Museum of Singapore, the country’s oldest museum, traces Singapore’s history from its early beginnings through the colonial period to independence and modern development.
Guests wishing to explore beyond the city centre may consider visiting Kranji in northwestern Singapore, an area known for its farms and nature reserves. The Kranji War Memorial commemorates Allied servicemen and women who died defending Singapore and Malaya during World War II.
Day 24/Sat: Singapore – Home city (B)
Your tour of Singapore concludes this morning. Airport transfer is on your on. Taxi fare from the hotel to the airport should cost less than 45 Singapore dollars.
Hotel List
| City/Location | Night | Hotel/Resort | Category |
| Bangkok | 4 | The Landmark Bangkok | Luxury |
| Sukhothai | 1 | Sriwilai Sukhothai or similar | 4-star (best available) |
| Chiang Mai | 2 | Melia Chiang Mai | Luxury |
| Chiang Rai | 2 | Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort | Luxury |
| Phuket Island | 3 | Dinso Resort & Villas Phuket | Luxury |
| Kuala Lumpur | 2 | Crowne Plaza Kuala Lumpur City Centre | Luxury |
| Cameron Highlands | 2 | Cameron Highlands Resort | Luxury |
| Penang | 2 | Fifth Avenue Hotel | Luxury |
| Malacca | 2 | DoubleTree by Hilton Melaka | Luxury |
| Singapore | 2 | Amara Singapore | Luxury |
|
Dates & Prices
Prices are per person based on double occupancy.
| Depart (Thu) | Return (Sat) | Land Only CA$/US$ | Single Supplement CA$/US$ |
| 2027 | |||
| 07-Jan | 30-Jan | $15,950/$11,560 | $4,620/$3,350 |
| 14-Jan | 06-Feb | $15,950/$11,560 | $4,620/$3,350 |
| 21-Jan | 13-Feb | $15,950/$11,560 | $4,620/$3,350 |
| 28-Jan | 20-Feb | $15,950/$11,560 | $4,620/$3,350 |
| 18-Feb | 13-Mar | $15,670/$11,350 | $4,620/$3,350 |
| 25-Feb | 20-Mar | $15,320/$11,100 | $4,485/$3,250 |
| 04-Mar | 27-Mar | $14,980/$10,850 | $4,280/$3,100 |
| 11-Mar | 03-Apr | $14,630/$10,600 | $4,280/$3,100 |
| 18-Mar | 10-Apr | $14,280/$10,350 | $4,140/$3,000 |
| 11-Nov | 04-Dec | $15,120/$10,950 | $4,620/$3,350 |
| 18-Nov | 11-Dec | $15,660/$11,350 | $4,620/$3,350 |
What the tour price includes:
| What the tour price excludes:
See Terms & Conditions for more information. |
Know Before You Go
What are the passport requirements?
Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the end of the tour and have at least two blank pages.
Do I need visas?
Canadian, American, British and Australian passport holders generally do not need tourist visas for short visits to Thailand, Malaysia or Singapore.
However, all three countries require electronic arrival declarations. These are free and should be completed shortly before arrival using the official websites:
Thailand: Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) — within three days before arrival.
Malaysia: Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) — within three days before arrival.
Singapore: Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) — within three days before arrival.
Entry requirements may change. Please verify them before departure and contact Laurus Travel if you need assistance.
Are vaccinations required?
No routine vaccination certificates are generally required for travellers arriving from Canada, the United States, Britain or Australia. However, yellow fever vaccination certificates may be required depending on your recent travel history.
We recommend keeping routine vaccinations up to date and consulting a travel health clinic about hepatitis A and other recommended vaccinations.
When is the best time to visit?
November through March is generally the best period for this tour. Northern Thailand enjoys relatively cool, dry weather, while Malaysia’s west coast is generally drier. Phuket is usually at its best from December through March.
Singapore is hot and humid year-round, with occasional heavy showers.
How physically demanding is this tour?
This is a moderately active tour involving regular walking, stairs and uneven surfaces, particularly at historical sites. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
Lightweight clothing is recommended, along with a light jacket for cooler evenings in northern Thailand and Cameron Highlands. Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is required at many temples.
What currencies should I bring?
Thailand uses the Thai baht (THB), Malaysia the Malaysian ringgit (MYR), and Singapore the Singapore dollar (SGD).
There is no need to obtain local currency before departure. ATMs and currency exchange services are readily available in major cities. Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels and larger businesses, but some cash is useful for smaller purchases.
What health precautions should I take?
Drink bottled or properly treated water in Thailand and Malaysia. Singapore’s tap water is safe to drink. Use mosquito repellent, stay hydrated and bring any regular medications in their original packaging.
Is travel insurance necessary?
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering emergency medical expenses, evacuation, trip cancellation and interruption. Check your policy for exclusions, particularly those concerning pre-existing medical conditions.
