Bangkok

Experience the real Bangkok in the city’s hidden corners, sacred temples and local neighborhoods. Visit the famous Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha complex to admire its glittering gold stupas and dazzling glass mosaics. Whiz through the old city streets by tuk tuk for a short ride to Wat Pho. The historical temple complex is best known for its large reclining Buddha statue and Thai massage school.

Lunch can be enjoyed in a lovely restaurant in sala rattanakosin.

Cool down with some coconut ice cream before crossing the Chao Phraya River by public ferry. Enjoy a close-up view of the porcelain art at Wat Arun, or the Temple of Dawn

Bangkok

Morning at leisure

After lunch, your captivating experience of this magnificent city continues with a visit to the Jim Thompson Museum.

You are met by your guide and driver in the reception area of the hotel to explore the Jim Thompson House, a traditional Thai teak home with antiques and curios curated by the former magnate of Thai silk. Afterward, explore the silk shop and gallery.

5:00pm Head out to discover Bangkok after dark with a progressive dining experience in the trendy Talad Noi district and the backstreets of old Yaowarat town. Traveling by electric tuk tuk with a high-top roof, this exciting, environmentally-friendly and action-packed evening takes you to funky bars and after-dark venues that only locals know about.

Start with a drink at a 200-year-old converted warehouse overlooking the Chao Phraya River and taste Bangkok’s best satay skewers at a popular eatery which you won’t find in any guidebook. Savor traditional Thai fare such as crispy fish with spicy tamarind paste or sticky rice with pork at an old Chinese shophouse with a jazzy, modern vibe. Then end on a high with a cocktail on the rooftop of a florist’s studio, which transforms into an urban rustic bar by night.

Bangkok-Chiang Mai

Today, your local guide collects you from the lobby of your hotel for your departure transfer to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. Your guide escorts you to the counter, and assists you with check-in procedures. On the way, have a stop at the tailor shop to pick-up your bespoke clothing.

Chiang Mai, the cultural heart of northern Thailand, is a land of misty mountains and colorful hill tribes where the kings of the Lanna civilization once held court. Reaching the height of prosperity between the 13th to 18th centuries, the city is home to centuries-old artistic traditions and numerous history-filled temples framed by crumbling red-brick city walls, distant rice fields, teak forests and the Ping River in the east.

Upon arrival at Chiang Mai International Airport, after completing passport formalities at customs control, you are welcomed to Thailand in the arrivals hall by your English-speaking guide, who accompanies you during your private transfer to your hotel.

Hidden among the meandering streets of an old Chiang Mai neighborhood, 137 Pillars House is built around an old teak wood house, which once belonged to the East Borneo Company, headed by Louis Leonowens in the late 19th century. Featuring large terraces, high ceilings and traditional European furniture, each suite is a haven of tranquility surrounded by a lush and beautifully landscaped garden. The vertical plant wall and swimming pool create an unforgettable picture-postcard moment while the restaurant is an excellent choice for fine Thai cuisine.

Chiang Mai

6:30am- This morning your guide will collect you from your hotel to take you to Phra Kruba Srivichai Shrine, a monument built to commemorate the ‘Engineer Monk’ who initiated the plan to construct a road up the summit of Suthep Mountain enabling easier access to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. While at the shrine, offer alms to the Buddhist monks, an Inside Access moment that allows the opportunity to learn more about the fascinating way of life for modest monks.

After receiving a traditional prayer in return for presenting alms, you will be driven up the scenic, winding road to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, arriving before the crowds arrive and the heat rises. Local legend claims the temple was built after a bone of Buddha was carried up Doi Suthep Mountain on the back of a white elephant, who trumpeted three times before dying on the site. This was interpreted as a sign and King Nu Naone ordered the construction of the temple that stands today. The temple is reached by climbing 309 steps, but should you wish to avoid climbing the stairway a tram is also available. As well as some striking examples of architecture, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep also offers exceptional views over Chiang Mai.

After ample time to explore the elegant temple, your guide will then transfer you to a scenic spot for a delicious picnic breakfast before moving on to the Chiang Mai Gate Market. If you still have room after your picnic, while at the market your guide will introduce you to some local morning specialties, such as Chinese doughnuts, breakfast noodles and congee. Fully sated, your guide will help you burn off a few of the calories consumed with an hour-long walking tour around the city, visiting three of the former capital’s most fascinating spots: Wat Chedi Luang, The Three Kings Monument Wat Chiang Man. Afterwards, your guide will escort you back to your hotel.

Chiang Mai

Gain local insights into Thai culinary traditions with a private cooking experience led by a dynamic and knowledgeable chef. Master the art of preparing northern Thai favorites, including the chef’s signature recipes inspired by the cuisine of the 13th-century Lanna Thai kingdom.

Before heading to the kitchen, stop by a local market to wander through the maze of stalls as your chef introduces some of the unique herbs, spices and vegetables of Thai cooking. Learn how to select the right fish sauce and the freshest noodles, before donning your apron and rolling up your sleeves to prepare your culinary masterpiece. After a fun time in the kitchen with the chef’s insider tips, sit down for a delicious meal of your own creation.

Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai

Drive through rural northern Thailand on a private transfer to the Golden Triangle region (approximately four hours). En route, make a stop at Wat Rong Khun, or the “White Temple”, which is known for its ‘kanok’ architectural style. The structure is painted white and decorated with small pieces of mirrored glass to create a striking impression. Inside, the walls are covered with an eclectic mix of Buddhist images and 21st century iconography.

Nestled among northern Thailand’s scenic mountain ranges, Chiang Rai was the birthplace of the Lanna kingdom in the 13th century and acts as the gateway to the Golden Triangle region where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. Markets, local eateries and colorful temples grace the small, laid-back town area while the surrounding hillsides play host to ethnic villages, farming communities and coffee, tea and rice plantations.

Perched on a ridge overlooking rolling hills, Anantara Golden Triangle is a pleasant mountain hideaway with captivating views of the jungle-covered landscape. Decorated with Thai silks, natural cottons, teak wood furniture and local art, the rooms are stylish and comfortable and come complete with three-country views from private balconies.

Your stay includes all meals and beverages (including house wines, house beer, house spirits and selected cocktails), complimentary minibar, a visit to the Hall of Opium Museum one time per stay and one of the following resort activities per night of your stay:

Elephant Camp Experience

A rare opportunity to walk side-by-side with elephants through natural forests and grasslands. Watch them roam freely in their natural habitat; see how they eat, play then eat again. The camp’s vet or biologist provides insights into the lives of these majestic creatures along the way.

Royal Villa and River Boat Journey

Explore lifestyles and nature in the Golden Triangle. Visit the villa of Doi Tung, an understated chalet on a hill where the former Princess Mother spent her final years. Later, explore the scattered ruins of Chiang Saen, the ancient capital of the old Lanna Kingdom, and take a longtail boat for a scenic ride along the Mekong River to see small villages of Laos on the opposite bank and pass by the towering Golden Buddha statue which marks the point where three countries meet.

Spice Spoons Cooking Class

More than just a cooking class, Spice Spoons offers a rich and interactive immersion into Thailand’s world-famous gastronomy. Begin with a guided local market experience and a coffee with locals. Enjoy a picnic breakfast at an old temple before returning to the resort for a tour of the herb and vegetable garden. Then head to the kitchen to prepare a selection of authentic regional dishes which you can later savor for lunch.

Spa, Yoga or Pilates

Experience Thai traditional healing and discover wellness with your choice of a 90-minute spa treatment, private yoga practice or private Pilates session. This is an opportunity to focus on mindfulness while enjoying the view of three countries from a muslin-draped daybed or indulge in a soothing herbal experience followed by a cup of detoxifying ginger and honey tea at the spa.

Chiang Rai

Enjoy a day at leisure. You may wish to use this time to experience a treatment at the spa or activities arrange by Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort.

Chiang Rai

Enjoy another day at leisure. You may wish to use this time to experience a treatment at the spa or activities arrange by Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort.

Chiang Rai-Krabi

Today you are transferred by private vehicle with an English-speaking guide to Chiang Rai Airport to board your departure flight.

Where lush green forests meet the sparkling Andaman Sea, Krabi is a tropical haven that offers the best of both land and sea. Located on Thailand’s south-western coast, the town is an ideal base for exploring nearby Phang Nga Bay’s many islands and limestone karsts or trekking through the region’s forest-covered mountains – the perfect place to relax, unwind and simply soak up the tropical beach vibes.

You will be met at Krabi Airport’s arrival hall.  Your guide and private air-conditioned vehicle will then transfer you to Koh Lanta.

Please note: the journey, which requires two ferry crossings, may take up to 2.5hrs.

Nestled on a dreamy beachfront backed by lush tropical forests on Lanta Island, Pimalai Resort and Spa is a stylish retreat that combines southern Thai sensibilities with an understated sense of elegance. Designed to complement the original environment, the spacious rooms feature soft, natural colors and wooden furniture along with floor-to-ceiling windows that capture magnificent views of the landscape. The resort comes complete with restaurants serving authentic Thai and fine international cuisine, an intimate spa and a PADI dive center.

Krabi

Today we head out to explore the picturesque islands, beaches and other natural wonders of the Phi Phi Islands. You are picked up from your hotel and transported to your awaiting speedboat at the pier. Take in the scenic views as the boat carries you across the bay to the beautiful Phi Phi Islands. Visit Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave and Monkey Beach. Then continue to Phi Phi Don Island where you can have lunch and go snorkeling to discover an abundance of marine life. Later, head to Bamboo Island to rest and relax on the pristine white sands before returning to Krabi.

Krabi

Travel by longtail boat to the east coast of Koh Lanta where you can explore mangroves and other natural wonders near the small village of Tung Yee Peng. The mangrove forest plays an important part in the surrounding ecosystem as it provides essential nutrients that help to sustain tropical fish and plant life. A bridge nestled on the edge of the water takes you along a narrow path through the mangroves where you can take a few minutes to explore on your own. Then jump into a boat to drift through the scenic mangroves and explore more of the small canals nearby.

Optional trip extensions: Ankor Wat, Cambodia, or Vietnam