Fantastic Thailand
Summary
This is a Thailand trip jam-packed with experiences and destinations that ventures beyond where most trips go. Thailand's stunning beauty and charismatic culture are ever present on this exciting adventure. Take in the sights and sounds of magnificent Bangkok and explore a handful of the best temples the city has to offer. Explore the city of Chiang Mai, including a visit to a herb garden, a cruise on a long tail boat and the local markets.
Head to Chiang Rai to stay at the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, where you can enjoy an elephant camp experience, whip up a storm at a Thai cooking class or relax with spa to end your holiday.
Duration |
12 days
Tour Includes |
- Economy class international and domestic flights
- Five-star accommodation & breakfast throughout
- Meals as detailed
- Transfers and transportation
- Airline departure taxes
Price
From £2,989.00 per person based on 2 people sharing*Best time to go
November to April is the best time to travel with amiable weather throughout the country.
Tour Highlights
- Join a long-tail boat for a half-hour cruise on the Mae Ping River
- Traditional rickshaw transfer through the streets of Chiang Mai
- A tour that takes in three of Bangkok’s most famous temples, plus the iconic Grand Palace
- A cruise along the Chao Phraya River and the canals of Thonburi
- Whip up a culinary storm and taste delicious local dishes in a Thai cooking class
- Golden Triangle Discovery Excursion
Day 1: Departure
Overnight flight to Bangkok
Day 2: Bangkok
Upon arrival at Bangkok Suvanabhumi airport and clearing customs and immigration, please proceed to the nearest exit to the Arrival Hall area and turn LEFT to meet Destination Asia guide who will be waiting holding a board with your name on it and bring you by air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel for check-in and free at leisure.
Accommodation: COMO Metropolitan Bangkok
Day 3: Bangkok
Breakfast at hotel Morning City and Temples and Grand Palace. A 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: COMO Metropolitan Bangkok [Half Board]
Day 4: Bangkok
Today begin at 08.00hrs, Experience the delights of Thai food at Talad Noi, this is home to some of Thailand food stalls. Stop in for a snack or other delicious items and experiencing typical Bangkok life.
Then transfer to Bangkok 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.
In the evening you can visit nahm at COMO Metropolitan, one of Bangkok’s most acclaimed restaurants. nahm has consistently ranked in the top 10 restaurants in Asia in the annual San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna list. In 2017, nahm was awarded one of the guide's coveted Michelin stars, putting it among the top restaurants in Asia. Nahm presents the palate with refined but true Thai flavors to give you an unforgettable introduction to authentic Thai cuisine.
Note: Pre-reservation is required
Accommodation: COMO Metropolitan Bangkok [Breakfast]
Day 5: Bangkok – Chiang Mai
Our guide will meet you at your hotel and accompany you during the transfer by air-conditioned vehicle to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport, for your flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival at Chiang Mai airport, your guide will be waiting for you and will take you in an air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel for check-in.
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, our guide will meet you at the hotel and drive north to Chiang Rai through mountain scenery via Wiang Pa Pao and continue transfer to Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort. At the resort, you can enjoy an inclusive activity (per person) for each night stayed. You can choose from an Elephant Camp experience, Golden Triangle Discovery Excursion, or a Spice Spoons cooking class, or a 90 minutes spa treatment
Accommodation: Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp [Half Board]
Day 9: Golden Triangle - Phuket
Your guide will meet you at your hotel and accompany you during the transfer by air-conditioned vehicle to Chiang Rai Airport for your flight to Phuket. Upon arrival at Phuket airport your guide will be waiting at the entrance and will transfer you 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. We use kayaks 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, we also have 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 on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar (in November). You can launch your own Krathong under a moonlit, starry night. En-route back to Phuket, we will be entertained by “Star Games” on the starlight deck. 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
Your guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you by air-conditioned vehicle to Phuket Airport for your onward flight.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Tour Includes
Visas, Other meals were not mentioned in the programme, Drinks, Overweight luggage, Personal expenses, Travel insurance, Tips & gratuities
-------------------------------------------------------------------
These itineraries are samples of itineraries we have created for our guests. Speak to one of our travel experts at 020 7843 3531 or email at info@clevelandcollection.co.uk to create your perfect holiday based on your travel requirements.
* This is a guide price, based on travel in low season