If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, tour prices can add up fast. But with a quick price comparison and a simple credit card deal, we managed to book an incredible full-day Chiang Mai adventure for our family of three for just $55 total.
The $40 Airbnb Amex Offer Strategy
I recently spotted an Amex Offer for Airbnb Experiences: spend $80 or more, get $40 back.
Since spending right around the $80 mark basically cuts your cost in half, I set out to book an activity we were already planning to do anyway.
Elephant Sanctuaries: Airbnb vs. Klook
On our honeymoon in Phuket, my wife and I rode elephants. Now our animal-loving son wanted to try it, too.
I noticed the focus has thankfully shifted away from riding toward ethical sanctuaries that rescue and rehabilitate injured elephants. I specifically searched for hands-on tours where we could spend quality time alongside them.
Here is how the pricing compared:
Airbnb Experiences: The cheapest option was $45 per adult with a tiny $3 discount for kids. Total for our family of three: $132. Even after the $40 Amex credit, our net cost was $92.
Klook: I found the exact same tour with identical photos for $75 total for three adults.
The Takeaway: Klook was $17 cheaper than Airbnb—even after factoring in the Amex discount. We decided to hold off on the elephant tour and book it through Klook later.
How We Got a $55 Full-Day Tour
To get the absolute best value out of the $40 Amex credit, I continue to search for outdoor tours in Airbnb priced just over $80 i. My son loves active outdoor trips, so one option immediately stood out:
Tour: Sticky Waterfall + Wat Ban Den Temple + Thai Lunch Buffet
Duration: ~7 hours
Adult Price: $35
Child Price (Age 12): $26 ($9 discount)
Total Before Discount: ~$95
After our $40 Amex statement credit, our final out-of-pocket cost dropped to just $55 for the entire family of 3. You really can’t beat that for a 7-hour guided day trip with lunch included, even in Klook!
Tip: Always cross-check platforms before booking. Individual rates and child discounts vary wildly between Airbnb, Klook, and local operators. Since we are staying in Thailand for a month, we are holding out hope that we can find even better local deals on the ground!
