Celebrate New Year 2026 in Thailand! The country comes alive with festivities, making it the perfect time to visit. Enjoy ideal weather and a vibrant atmosphere as you ring in the new year. Our small group tour offers the best of both worlds: explore iconic Bangkok temples and the unique rail market, and then journey to Chiang Mai for a truly magical New Year's Eve.
As an official partner of the Chiang Mai New Year Countdown, Asia Highlights Travel guarantees prime viewing for the breathtaking sky lantern release. We'll handle all the details, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience.
*Single room supplement is US$379
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.


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Amazing service - Thailand trip
![]() We had a lovely experience with the service received from all the team of Asia Highlights (travel specialist/coordinator, guides, drivers). In particular, the representative that organized our trip, Jimmy, was amazing. He was able to prepare our trip in a very short notice and customize it to satisfy all our requests. He was knowledgeable and always replied very fast. We were very pleased with his service and we highly recommend the agency. More
Yanelis, Mar 2025
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Every Detail Attended To
![]() Our guide, Marie, was so knowledgeable, professional, and kind. She was really attuned to our needs and spoke perfect English. She even brought me a special gift this morning because she knew I was looking for a Christmas ornament representative of Thailand. We did not have to think about any of the details. More
Ekie, Mar 2025
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Ms Ying is the Guide you should ask for in Bangkok
![]() Ms Ying was our guide in Bangkok for the past 4 days and if we could give her a higher rating than 5 we absolutely would! Ying speaks English perfectly and was completely dedicated to ensuring we had an outstanding stay. More
roxanne odell, Mar 2025
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Tour Highlights
Participate in the magical tradition of releasing sky lanterns on New Year's Eve for best wishes.

Witness the largest fireworks display lighting up the Chiang Mai sky as you welcome the New Year.

Close interaction with elephants through feeding, bathing, and walking with them.


Select organic vegetables and ingredients for a Thai cooking class.


Marvel at Thailand's magnificent and oldest temples.

Take a long-tail boat along the Thonburi canals to glimpse into local life.

Creating fantastic photos and videos of Maeklong market's spectacle of the train passing through.

The Itinerary in Detail
Sawasdee krub! Welcome to Bangkok! Your Thai experience starts here in this dynamic city. Please arrange your own transfer to your hotel, allowing you the flexibility to choose your preferred mode of transportation.
- Your day begins with Thailand's largest flower market, where you can sample local fruits and snacks and witness the creation of intricate flower garlands.
- A tuk-tuk ride will whisk you away to Wat Pho, one of Bangkok's oldest temples. Here, you'll marvel at the renowned 45-meter reclining Buddha. Around 9 am, you'll experience the monks' chanting ceremony.
- From Wat Pho, a short walk to the Grand Palace, home to Thailand's most sacred Buddha image, the Emerald Buddha.
- Take a long-tail boat ride along the Thonburi klong. Stop at Wat Arun, where you'll explore the temple, a former grand royal temple of King Rama II.
- Escape to the cool interior of the Bangkok National Museum. Its vast collection of Thai sculptures and classical art provides a fascinating journey through Thailand's rich history, culture, and traditions.

- Begins from the unique Maeklong Railway Market. See the vendors setting up their stalls close to, and sometimes even on, the tracks, offering a diverse array of traditional Thai products.
- Continues to the renowned Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Here, you'll experience the vibrant tradition of vendors selling their wares from boats navigating the intricate network of canals.
- Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and witness this unique cultural experience in the markets.

Today, you'll journey to Chiang Mai! Flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai are readily available throughout the day (at your own expense), giving you the flexibility to choose a departure time that works best for you. This allows for some time to explore Bangkok before your flight. Airport transfers are not included.
- This morning, experience the magic of Kanta Elephant Sanctuary. Enjoy quality time with these gentle giants, feeding, bathing, walking alongside them, and observing them in their natural habitat.
- The afternoon is yours to relax at your hotel, preparing for the New Year's Eve festivities, which will last until midnight.
- The countdown event begins after 6 pm. Enjoy our VIP access with a smooth transfer directly from your hotel to the venue, avoiding the long queues.
- Before the clock strikes midnight, immerse yourself in Lanna culture with traditional performances and a local food bazaar. Release sky lanterns, symbolizing new beginnings, and witness a spectacular fireworks display to ring in the new year.

- Start your day at your own pace with a relaxing late wake-up and a delicious brunch.
- This afternoon, immerse yourself in the art of Thai cuisine at a charming cooking school nestled within an organic farm. You'll have the unique opportunity to explore the farm and select the freshest vegetables and ingredients for your creations.
- Learn from a seasoned chef of culinary expertise, who will expertly guide you through the preparation of six representative Thai dishes, providing clear and easy-to-follow instructions.

Depart Chiang Mai with wonderful memories of your time with us. Kindly arrange your own transfer to the airport. We hope this tour exceeded your expectations and look forward to welcoming you again on another adventure in Asia!
Hand-Picked Hotels
![]() Lanna Smile Hotel Chiang Mai
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![]() Maitria Hotel Sukhumvit 18
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Tour Price
Price Includes:
- English-speaking tour guide and business vehicle service
- All guided sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary
- Hotel listed in the itinerary or similar options
- Breakfasts at hotels and listed meals in the itinerary
- Governmental taxes
Tour code: ah-tl-12-gp
*It is possible to have a private tour with the same itinerary as this one (or a bespoke version of it). Please contact us for a quote using the tour code: ah-tl-12-gp, and let us know any customization you would like.
Price Excludes:
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure day
- Meals that are not mentioned.
- Tips for the guide and the driver
- Personal expenses
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation received up to 30 days before departure: 100% refund
- Cancellation received 14 to 29 days before departure: 50% refund
- Cancellation received 0 to 13 days before departure: 0% refund
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