THAILAND EXTENSIVE – 14 Nights / 15 Days

Arrive at Bangkok and check in to your hotel

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

Visit the Wat Pho temple grounds and see the celebrated 45-metre reclining Buddha. Continue to the Grand Palace, Thailand’s 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)

Take a day trip in a private, luxury car to Ayutthaya, Thailand’s 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)

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, there’s an option to dine together at a long communal table, or privately at separate tables. (B, D)

This morning you will meet with the camp’s resident professional mahouts, who will provide training on how to care for and “drive” an elephant. 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)

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)

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)

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

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)

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)

Cross to Phuket on the mainland on board the hotel’s private speedboat. From Ao Po Grand Marina Pier, continue with a private hotel transfer to Phuket airport for a flight to your next destination. (B)