Classic Thailand

Day 1: Depart UK
Depart London Heathrow on an overnight flight to Bangkok

Day 2: Bangkok
Upon arrival at Bangkok Suvanabhumi airport transfer to your hotel for check-in and time at leisure.

Accommodation: Sukhothai Hotel [Breakfast]

Day 3: Bangkok
Enjoy a private tour that takes in three of Bangkok’s most famous temples, plus the iconic Grand Palace. The first on the tour; Wat Trimit houses a houses a 700-year-old, three-meter tall golden statue, cast from five-and-a-half tons of solid gold which makes it the world's largest solid gold statue. Wat Pho features one of the largest reclining Buddha images in Thailand. It is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, situated in the Grand Palace complex, otherwise known as Wat Phra Kaew is regarded as the most sacred temple in the kingdom. It is home to the Emerald Buddha, a dark green statue which has been carved from a single jade stone. The former residence of the King, the Grand Palace, adjoins the temple.

After lunch at a local restaurant, you will spend the afternoon in the Thonburi Klongs (canals). One of the best ways to explore Bangkok is by boat. A cruise along the Chao Phraya River and the canals of Thonburi on the east side of the river reveals a scene that offers a stark contrast to the frenzied activity of the modern metropolis of Bangkok. The city’s network of canals earned Bangkok the title of “Venice of the East” we travel along these waterways by long-tail speedboat to see family homes and temples. On the return journey, we stop at the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) whose towering spire has become an iconic symbol of Bangkok. There will be ample opportunities to photograph the magnificent multi-colored porcelain-studded tower of this temple.

Accommodation: Sukhothai Hotel [Breakfast]

Day 4: Bangkok
Enjoy a private tour this morning of China Town. Experience the delights of Thai food at Talad Noi, home to some of Thailand food stalls. Stop in for a snack and experience typical Bangkok life.

Then transfer to Bangkok’s Chinatown (Yaowarat), discover shops and stalls selling a curious array of items, such as birds’ nests. Take a break at an old tea shop to enjoy people watching while sipping a cup of Chinese tea. From there, delve deeper into the smaller backstreets, or 'sois', of Chinatown. Visit Talad Kao, a market packed with fresh food, tropical fruit and Chinese herbs. Rub shoulders with the locals while perusing the various items on sale. The last stop of the walk is Wat Leng Nei Yi, a Chinese Taoist temple and learn about this traditional belief system.

After the visit, return to the hotel, and your afternoon is free at leisure.

Accommodation: Sukhothai Hotel [Breakfast]

Day 5: Bangkok – Chiang Mai
Transfer to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport for your flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival at Chiang Mai airport transfer to your hotel for check-in and time at leisure.

In the evening, you will head to the north of the city, to the excellent Rak Tha Nam Restaurant. The architect designed restaurant is located in the city, beautifully overlooking the Ping River. Enjoy the culinary delights of Northern Thailand.

Accommodation: Anantara Chiang Mai Resort [Half Board]

Day 6: Chiang Mai
In the morning travel to the outskirts of the town to visit a herb garden. Enjoy the heady aromas of the exotic plants and learn how they are used in traditional Thai cooking. Then join a long-tail boat for a half-hour cruise on the Mae Ping River. Relax and watch the passing scenery, seeing wooden houses perched on the river banks and admiring the old-world charm of Mae Ping’s neighbourhoods. Disembark near the city centre at the Warorot market. Packed with stalls, Warorot is a great place to mingle with the locals while searching for fresh fruits, spices or any of the other items on sale at this popular market.

From there, climb into a ‘samlor’, a pedal-powered traditional rickshaw transfer through the streets of Chiang Mai, passing the ancient city walls and arriving at Wat Phra Singh. Spend time enjoying the serenity of this tranquil, historic temple. Lunch will be served at local restaurant.

Late afternoon set out on a city tour of Chiang Mai, highlights include its old city walls, gates, moat, markets, Wat Suan Dok, witness local devotees deep in prayer or paying homage to the mausoleum where the ashes of the former Royal Family are interred. Learn about the beliefs and traditions of Thailand’s Buddhists. You wil continue up the mountain’s winding road to visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the final climb to the site is via a magnificent Naga (dragon-headed serpent) staircase of 306 steps. Inside is an intriguing copper-plated chedi topped by a five-tier gold umbrella which contains partial relics of Lord Buddha. On a clear day, there are incomparable views over the city of Chiang Mai. Before the sun sets, visit one of Doi Suthep’s monks and receive a blessing of good health and good fortune. Then witness the magical evening chanting of the monks, a serene way to end the day’s spiritual tour.

Accommodation: Anantara Chiang Mai Resort [Half Board]

Day 7- 8: Chiang Mai - Golden Triangle 
After breakfast transfer north to Chiang Rai through mountain scenery via Wiang Pa Pao to the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort. At the resort you can enjoy an inclusive activity each day of your stay – either an Elephant Camp experience, Golden Triangle Discovery Excursion, a cooking class or a 90-minute spa treatment

Accommodation: Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp [Half Board]

Day 9: Golden Triangle - Phuket
Transfer to Chiang Rai airport for your flight to Phuket. Upon arrival at Phuket airport transfer to your hotel for check-in and the rest of the day is free at leisure.

Accommodation: Sala Phuket Resort & Spa [Breakfast]

Day 10: Phuket
Today you have the day at leisure and you can explore the city of Phuket.

Optional Tour: Phang-Nga Hong Cruise

There are 42 islands in the Phang-Nga Bay National Park and you can go on a cruise which gives the best view of this fascinating land and seascape. Limestone cliffs rise vertically out of the sea creating a surreal image fit for a mythological legend. Kayaks are used to visit the tidal caves and washouts called “Hongs” which are part of the incredible limestone karst formations that have made the area a backdrop for countless international movies. Besides exploring the area, there is also the opportunity to swim, relax, or even make a Loy Krathong; a decorative float that the Thai people set sail on streams and rivers during the Loi Krathong festival.

A buffet lunch and dinner will be served onboard.

Accommodation: Sala Phuket Resort & Spa [Breakfast]

Day 11: Phuket
Today you have the day at leisure and you can explore the city of Phuket.

Accommodation: Sala Phuket Resort & Spa [Breakfast]

Day 12: Departure
Transfer to Phuket International Airport for your onward flight to the UK

Day 13:  UK Arrival

From £3,295.00 per person based on two people sharing*

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Inclusions
All flights, transfers, accommodation, meals and activities as specified.

Exclusions
Transfers, meals and activities not specified, visas, insurance, gratuities and items of a personal nature.

*Costs are based on travel in low season