Thailand in Style

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Bangkok

(N)

Day 2: Bangkok

Arrive and transfer to The Siam Hotel in Bangkok for a 3-night stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (N)

Day 3: Bangkok

Visit the Wat Pho temple grounds and see the celebrated 45-metre reclining Buddha. Continue to the Grand Palace, Thailands most important landmark, and see the mysterious Emerald Buddha, which is the most revered Buddha image in Thailand. Make the short walk up to the Golden Mount to enjoy a panoramic view of Rattanakosin island while listening to the chimes of hundreds of temple bells. End the day with a visit to Jim Thompson House, a teak mansion that was once home to the charismatic American silk millionaire who spent years filling it with beautiful, priceless antiques. (B, L)

Day 4: Ayutthaya

Take a day trip in a private, luxury car to Ayutthaya, Thailands former capital. Visit the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace and Wat Niwet Thammaprawat, a gothic-inspired temple beside the river. Afterwards, board a converted traditional rice barge for a private lunch cruise on the Chao Phraya river. End with a visit to the Ayutthaya Historical Park, then drive back to Bangkok in the late afternoon. (B, L)

Day 5: Fly to Chiang Rai

Fly to Chiang Rai in northern Thailand, then transfer by road and long-tail riverboat to the Four Seasons Tented Camp for 2 nights. The afternoon is at leisure before dinner is served at Nong Yao Restaurant, an open-air thatched-roof pavilion by the riverbank. In keeping with the camp’s relaxed atmosphere, theres an option to dine together at a long communal table, or privately at separate tables. (B, D)

Day 6: Chiang Rai

This morning you will meet with the camps resident professional mahouts, then either watch the elephants bath in the river or walk with them into the hills nearby. In the afternoon, take a cruise down the Mekong river on board a traditional longboat en route to the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Myanmar (Burma) and Laos meet. Explore the local market then visit the ancient Wat Chedi Luang temple. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Chiang Mai

Drive south to Chiang Mai, stopping en route at the striking Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, and the riverside Chivit Thamma Da coffee house. Stay at the Anantara Chiang Mai Resort for 3 nights. (B)

Day 8: Chiang Mai

Option to rise early and head into the foothills of Doi Suthep mountain in time to buy offerings and join the locals during the daily alms giving ceremony, a serene Buddhist procession where dozens of monks walk barefoot through the streets. Continue up the mountain to visit the Wat Doi Suthep pagoda, then on to Wat Umong where you will experience a private blessing ceremony. Return to the city to relax for the afternoon. In the evening visit a local temple to join monks in their nightly chanting, then visit the lively Warorot market, bursting with fresh flowers and local street food stalls. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Chiang Mai

Today, join a local Thai family to learn about their daily life and how to make home-cooked Thai food. (B, L)

Day 10: Fly to Phuket Koh Yao Noi

Take a morning flight to Phuket, where you will be met and transferred to the Ao Po Grand Marina Pier for a speedboat journey on to the Six Senses Yao Noi for a 5-night stay. (B)

Day 11-14: Koh Yao Noi

Spend four days at the luxury Six Senses Yao Noi, which is set on the beautiful island of Yao Noi in Phang Nga Bay. Spend your time cruising on the Andaman Sea, snorkelling, kayaking in coastal mangroves, indulging in rejuvenating spa treatments or relaxing on the beach. (B)

Day 15: Fly home via Bangkok

Cross to Phuket on the mainland on board the hotels private speedboat. From Ao Po Grand Marina Pier, continue with a private hotel transfer to Phuket airport for a flight to Bangkok, and then back to the UK. (B)