DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok

Arrive in Bangkok, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in this exciting city.

Day 2: Explore Bangkok

Today explore the chaotic capital of Bangkok, where ancient temples jostle for position with towering skyscrapers. You can visit opulent palaces and floating markets, shop in designer boutiques, explore winding alleyways, have cocktails in a rooftop bar overlooking the Chao Phraya River and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of this unique city.

Bangkok is home to the spectacular Grand Palace, the royal residence that includes Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). Immediately south of the palace complex is Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), considered a place of healing. This enormous golden statue is so large (45m long & 15m high) that it cannot be viewed in its entirety and needs to be appreciated in sections.

Other stunning temples include ancient Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), best visited at sunset, and the astonishing Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha). Wat Suthat temple has some lovely wall paintings, and the adjacent 27m Giant Swing has an interesting history. Wang Na Palace, located within the grounds of the National Museum, has an extensive collection of religious and ceremonial artifacts, ceramics, games, weapons, musical instruments, the Viceroy's throne and a collection of Buddha figures.

Bangkok is often referred to as the ‘Venice of Asia’, as parts of the city are covered in water canals or ‘klongs’. Be sure to take a boat ride through the Thonburi Klongs, where many people live in stilted houses built over the water.

To really experience Bangkok, you have to try the local cuisine, with some of the best street food found on Khao San Road. Try ‘pad thai’ (stir-fried rice noodle), ‘pad see ew’ (fried soy sauce noodles) and ‘mango sticky rice’.

If you like shopping, you can buy just about anything at Chatuchak Market, a sprawling semi-outdoor weekend market that is the largest in the world. For an even more interesting experience, Damnoen Saduak is a floating market in Ratchaburi, about 1.5 hours outside Bangkok.

Terminal 21 is a modern shopping mall where every floor has been themed to a different international city such as Paris, Tokyo, San Francisco and Istanbul. Lumpini Park is a green oasis amidst the traffic of the city, where you can relax under the shade of a Chinese pagoda or take a boat ride on the lake.

The ancient city of Ayutthaya is also within reach of the city, as it’s only 70 km north of Bangkok. Although destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th century, you can admire the remains of this second Siamese capital, with its splendid ‘prangs’ (richly carved tall spires) and huge monasteries.

Note: Remember to dress modestly when visiting Buddhist temples, with your shoulders and knees covered, and remove your shoes before entering. Never point at a Buddha statue, or raise yourself higher than it. Try not to turn your back to the statue when leaving; back away instead.

Day 3: Fly to Mueang Chiang Rai

Today transfer to Bangkok airport for your flight to Mueang Chiang Rai, which has a spectacular setting in the heart of Thailand’s Golden Triangle, surrounded by mountains and jungles.

The city is close to Thailand’s borders with Laos and Myanmar, and the Mekong and Ruak Rivers meet here.

Days 4 & 5: Mueang Chiang Rai

The next two days are free to explore Mueang Chiang Rai, which should include a scenic trip on the river in a traditional longtail boat.

The city has many temples and palaces, ranging from ancient masterpieces to the dazzling Wat Rong Khun, a lavish modern temple bedecked in white. The Navel City Pillar is a shrine consisting of more than 100 Khmer-style pillars and you can see artifacts from the ancient Lanna kingdom in the Rai Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park.

Mueang Chiang Rai is also known for its elephants. You can spend a memorable day with a mahout family, to see how they care for and bathe their elephants.

Day 6: Fly to Chiang Mai

Today fly to Chiang Mai, an important cultural and religious centre situated on the Mae Ping River, which is a tributary of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River.

In this region you can cycle around the ancient temple ruins of Ayutthaya, swim with Asian elephants, trek and zipline through the jungle, and learn to cook Thai food.

Days 7 & 8: Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai has hundreds of elaborate Buddhist temples, including the 14th century Wat Phra Singh (Golden Temple) and 15th century Wat Chedi Luang, which originally housed the Emerald Buddha before it was moved to Bangkok and now has a replica made from black jade.

The next two days are free to visit some of these temples, wander the charming lanes of the oldest part of the city, and visit the markets and temples within its ancient walls. In the evening, the night bazaar is a must, as is enjoying dinner in one of the inviting riverside restaurants.

Outside the city you’ll find a countryside of pristine rainforests, gushing waterfalls and hot springs, as well as hidden villages and elephant sanctuaries.

Your hotel is a 15 minute walk from the night bazaar, and near temples and museums such as the fascinating Wat Gate temple complex. After discovering Chiang Mai, relax on your veranda, overlooking the tranquil gardens, or unwind in the spa.

Day 9: Fly to Koh Samui

Transfer to Chiang Mai airport for your flight to the island of Koh Samui, with its sweeping white sandy beaches fringed by coconut palms and lapped by aquamarine waters.

Note: A wide variety of beach destinations are available - ranging from resorts on the southwest mainland, to spectacular islands in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea.

Days 10 to 12: At Leisure

Koh Samui is a perfect spot for indulging in some quality beach relaxation, as well as feasting on delicious world-class cuisine, visiting Buddhist temples and enjoying scenic adventures such as trekking to remote waterfalls and sailing to nearby islands in the Samui archipelago.

You can also kayak and snorkel around the islands of the Angthong Marine Park, where you can discover sheer limestone cliffs, deserted beaches and hidden lagoons and caves.

On and around the islands, you will encounter wildlife, marine life and birdlife from sea turtles and parrot fish to monitor lizards and swooping sea eagles. Alex Garland’s cult novel ‘The Beach’ (which became an equally cult film starring Leonardo DiCaprio) was inspired by these exotic landscapes.

Day 11: Fly Home

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Bangkok and connecting flight home.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. Economy flights from London, domestic flights and all local transfers are included.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance. The FCO should also be consulted.