Signature Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket

Welcome to the Land of Smiles!  Arrive in Bangkok and transfer to your hotel. 

The rest of the day is at leisure.

Start the afternoon with a visit to the Grand Palace, which has served as the seat of Thailand's revered Royal Family for more than two centuries. Take a walk around the vast grounds, stopping in to explore the various temples, throne halls, the Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddhist image in Thailand and museums within the compound with a particular focus on Queen Sirikit Museum. Not only does the visit showcase high fashion but it also chronicles the Queen's life and state visits. On your way to Wat Pho, you will enjoy a coffee break in an authentic cafe. Go behind the scenes for a closer look at Buddhist culture. Continue your journey with a trip to Wat Pho which is one of Bangkok's most enchanting temples. Take a walk around Wat Pho and see the vast collection of religious treasures on display. Admire the famed reclining Buddha image, which stretches 45-meters in length. Learn about the symbolism of the Buddha's intricate footprint and witness devotees making offerings to this revered image. Enjoy the afternoon monk's chants. Witness this deeply spiritual ritual and gain a better sense of Thailand's Buddhist heritage. Following the tour of these iconic Bangkok monuments, return to the hotel.

Take an insightful walking and dining tour through the Bangrak neighbourhood of Bangkok. This area is known as the ‘Village of Love’ and is an ideal place for food lovers and curious travellers to connect with authentic local culture.

Spend the morning wandering the streets with a knowledgeable local guide. Along the way, meet with the neighbourhood’s residents and soak up the atmosphere of this village-like district. Learn about the history of the area and hear the tales behind some of its famous buildings.
Bangrak is also famous for its food and boasts many family-run stalls. Stop to taste the best local snacks, from the traditional to the exotic. The food sampled is a combination of both Thai and Chinese food molded together over time to create unique dishes. Take the opportunity to speak with the chefs and shop owners, hearing about their personal tales of life in Bangrak. Gain a better understanding of Thailand’s food culture while wandering from stall to stall.
After glimpsing into the history and culture of the ‘real’ Bangkok, say farewell to the guide and return to the hotel.

Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai (Flight not included in price). 

On arrival in Chiang Mai, transfer to your hotel.

Start the night with a welcome drink and some tasty treats before taking a short walk downtown to soak up the early evening ambience in the park as locals unwind after work. Visit a variety of interesting neighbourhoods while zipping along the back streets on the Vespa to discover the diverse and delicious cuisine, nightlife and unique urban culture of the city.

Embrace the famous Thai flavours while eating and drinking with the locals at well-known places. Experience the lively atmosphere of a colourful evening market. Enjoy a wonderful engaging food experience and create a famous local Thai speciality. Next head out and ride over the iron bridge to the riverside dining location to feast on some classic and traditional Thai dishes, accompanied by live music.

Then hop back on the Vespas and ride through the city streets to the final pit stop. This live music bar showcases local talent and features some of the best musicians in town who jam to an enthusiastic crowd. After a great night out on the town, transfer back to your hotel.

Today, head out to take a closer look at Chiang Mai's rich traditions with an early morning tour. Set off at first light and drive to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Located on a mountain top, this temple is one of Chiang Mai's most sacred sites. Arrive in time to see the monks emerge from their monasteries for the daily alms collection. Witness the saffron-robed monks shuffle silently down the streets, collecting offerings from local Buddhist residents. This serene ceremony is the perfect introduction to Chiang Mai's spiritual side. Climb up the massive staircase to the top of Doi Suthep, admiring the Golden Naga images that line the stairs. Take a stroll around the golden stupa that sits at the centre of the pagoda and admire the sweeping views of the city. Continue along the spiritual trail with a visit to tranquil Wat Umong. Dating back to the 14th century, this sacred temple contains a network of mysterious tunnels and caves. In one of these quiet corners, receive a special blessing from a local monk. Following this introduction to the spirituality of northern Thailand, head to a popular local restaurant for a snack. Order a bowl of khao soi, Chiang Mai's most famous dish which combines crispy noodles and coconut curry sauce. Slurp up the delicious noodles while reflecting on the magical morning then return to the hotel.

You will be picked up this morning for the approximately one and a half hour drive to meet your local guide, who will bring you by local van the last 15 minutes to Chang Chill Sanctuary. After an introduction and safety briefing, meet the resident elephants for a walk through the forest. About an hour into your walk, stop at a rest station for refreshments and watch the elephants splash themselves in the mud below you.

In the afternoon learn about the elephants’ diet before helping to prepare their lunch which may include sugar cane, bananas, and grass. Enjoy your own vegetarian lunch while watching the elephants eat. From here visit the local village and learn about the Karen people’s traditional way of life and try their method of weaving. Continue on to the herb garden to learn about their medicinal properties, and gather some ingredients to prepare healthy supplements for the elephants. Finish the day with a conversation with the mahouts and learn about how they came to care for the elephants and their importance to Thai culture. Depart Chang Chill Sanctuary and transfer back to Chiang Mai to your hotel.

Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai (Flight not included in price). 

On arrival in Phuket transfer to your hotel.

The balance of the day is at your leisure.

Spend a day in paradise. Leave the crowded beaches of Phuket aboard a private, Longtail Boat that has been customized for ultimate comfort. Cast off and head to turquoise waters during this full day boat trip to Phang Nga Bay. Pass by ‘James Bond’ Island, slowing down for photos of this beautiful, but touristy, site. Venture further afield to discover dramatic limestone karsts jutting out of the water and a pristine mangrove forest. Relax and enjoy the views as the boat glides across the Bay. The boat captain will seek out a secluded beach for a chance to swim in the clear waters or sunbathe on the white sandy shores.

The day continues with a visit to a privately-owned island. Go ashore at this tropical paradise and explore the tranquil beaches which are blissfully free of development. A barbeque of fresh seafood will be prepared for lunch in this incredible setting.
Spend the rest of the day swimming and lounging about, soaking up the sun’s rays and the serene atmosphere. Return to Phuket by boat and transfer back to your hotel.

Transfer to one of the top restaurants in Thailand, Jampa.

Set amidst a natural garden, Jampa Restaurant is a sustainable zero waste cuisine under the concept of Farm to Fork and Fight Against Food Waste. It offers creative gastronomy with a wide range of intricate tasty and organic menus from local ingredients harvested on a daily basis from its own farm. Its ultimate goal is to leave minimal impact on earth while giving the best farm experience plus sophisticated meals to all diners.

Upon arrival at the restaurant around 17.00, be welcomed by a friendly staff and also a mocktail and taken on the guided farm tour in brief, picking up local ingredients like eggs or organic vegetables for garnish on your own dish. The tour will take up to 30 minutes.
Following the tour, take a seat indoors with a cozy ambience, surrounded by nature from the outdoors, and enjoy your seven-course menu.

After a scrumptious meal, transfer back to the hotel.

Today is totally free and at leisure.

You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.

Following breakfast you will be transferred to the Phuket Airport for your onward flight.