Explore the wonderful land of smiles in style with a variety of marvelous cultural experiences. Start off with a visit to the floating market in the countryside followed by a cruise on the River of Kings to witness the ancient ruins of this former Siamese capital. Then get a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with elephants, visit hill tribe villages and take in the beautiful scenic views of the three-country border in the Golden Triangle. Watch a fine display of Southeast Asian textile arts and pay respects to one of the most sacred stupas in Chiang Mai. End the holiday with a beach break at the legendary Pearl of Andaman.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
A look at Buddhist culture
Witness the daily life of monks and partake in the daily almsgiving in exchange for a private blessing
See Thailand’s most revered temples
View the most beautiful temples in Thailand including Wat Niwet Thammaprawat, Wat Mahathat and Wat Rong Khun
Cruise down majestic rivers
Take in the breathtaking sights of Chao Praya River, Mekong River and Mae Ping River
ITINERARY
DAY 1 - ARRIVE BANGKOK
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport – The Siam Hotel (36.7 km): approx. 50 min
Arrive at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and meet a representative who will fast-track the immigration procedure. They will assist with the luggage and introduce the EXO travel guide. Hop in the air-conditioned car to go to The Siam Hotel. On the way, the guide will provide some information about Bangkok, its rich history and Thai culture in general.
Overnight in Bangkok
DAY 2 - BANGKOK
Breakfast at the hotel.
Start the day early to witness the monk’s morning chanting ritual (starts at 09:00). After this uplifting and often private experience, visit the temple grounds and the famous 45-metre reclining Buddha. Continue to the Grand Palace, Thailand’s most important landmark, and marvel at the majestic building and its throne halls. Then see the mysterious Emerald Buddha which is the most revered Buddha image in Thailand. (Note: Grand Palace is one of the most popular destinations and is usually a number one must-see place in Bangkok. Not surprisingly, it receives millions of tourists annually. To get the best of your visit and avoid crowds on spot we will allow your guide flexibility to visit the temple either early morning or late afternoon if possible in your itinerary. If you by any means decide that there are too many people for your liking, the guide can bring you to an alternative temple in the area such as Wat Saket or Wat Suthat, this decision needs to be made before entering the Grand Palace.)
Lunch is at The Eatery, Sala Rattanakosin, overlooking the Chao Phraya River.
Depart for Wat Saket and make a short climb up to the Golden Mount to enjoy a panoramic view of Rattanakosin Island while listening to the chimes of hundreds of temple bells. From here, take a short walk to Soi Ban Batra, a handicraft community famed for the art of monk’s alms bowls making.
Continue to Jim Thompson’s mansion for a guided tour of the house and its Asian antiques. This teak mansion was home to the charismatic American silk millionaire who spent years filling it with beautiful, priceless antiques before disappearing under mysterious circumstances.
After that, feel free to spend the rest of the day exploring Bangkok.
In the evening, transfer to the Metropolitan Hotel for dinner at Nahm, which was ranked 22nd in a list of the “World’s 50 Best Restaurants”. At Nahm, Thai cuisine is showcased using some of the best market-fresh produce in the world, all carefully put together by Executive Chef David Thompson and his experienced team. Standout dishes feature rare ingredients from all regions of Thailand.
Overnight in Bangkok.
DAY 3 - BANGKOK - AYUTTHAYA - BANGKOK
Bangkok – Ayutthaya (82.7 km): 1.02 hr
After breakfast at the hotel, be picked up in a private luxury car for a day out to Ayutthaya, Thailand’s capital for more than 417 years from 1350 to 1776 when it was sacked by an invading Burmese army. First, visit the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace which was built by King Rama IV at a time of growing European influence in Thailand. See the Italian-inspired palace building and its surrounding temples. Also, visit Wat Niwet Thammaprawat, a gothic-inspired temple beside the river.
Make a short visit at The Wine Ayutthaya, a contemporary style restaurant with an interestingly unique design. Then grab a glass of wine from different kinds. Following this, board the traditional rice barge Thanatharee at Wat Kasatra Pier and enjoy a private lunch cruise on the Chao Phraya River. The route shows beautiful views of Wat Chai Wattanaram and a glimpse of local life on the riverside.
Disembark at Wat Kasatra Pier and visit the most important ruined temples in Ayutthaya Historical Park, Wat Yai Chaimongkol, Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wat Mahathat (where the Buddha face is naturally emerged out of the tree).
OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: “Kermit” Tuk-Tuk Ride in the Historical Park
Kermit is a special type of motorised vehicle available only in Ayutthaya and Trang. This is a unique way to explore Ayutthaya Historical Park.
Price: THB 420 per person (minimum 2 persons)
Return to Bangkok in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Bangkok.
DAY 4 - BANGKOK - CHIANG RAI
The Siam Hotel – Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (36.7 km): approx. 50 min Chiang Rai Airport – Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle (56.6 km): 57 min
Depart to Bangkok Airport to catch a domestic flight to Chiang Rai.
Arrive at Four Season’s Camp pier and continue on a traditional long-tail boat to the Luxury Camp. Feel free to relax here.
Dinner is served at Nong Yao Restaurant, an open-air thatched-roof pavilion by the riverbank, with rustic hardwood floors. Nong Yao Restaurant offers Thai, Laotian, Burmese and western cuisine. In keeping with the camp's atmosphere, there’s an option to dine together at a long family-style table, seated in suede chairs, or privately at separate tables. A bar area, complete with a double-sided fireplace in the middle, is perfect for pre-dinner drinks.
Overnight in Golden Triangle
DAY 5 - CHIANG RAI
Have breakfast and coffee at Nong Yao Restaurant, then meet with the professional mahouts who will provide training on how to care for and “drive” an elephant.
Get lunch and spend some leisure time.
In the afternoon, experience a cruise down the majestic Mekong River onboard a traditional longboat en route to the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Myanmar (Burma) and Laos come together. After passing through the Golden Triangle, board a songthaew followed by a tuk-tuk to visit a local market and an ancient temple called “Chedi Luang”. After some sightseeing, return to the hotel.
Enjoy a 90-minute spa at the open-air sala featuring treatment rooms, spa beds and a bathtub/shower area. The sala blends in with the environment with its rustic design and use of natural materials.
Grab some cocktails at Burma Bar to be followed by dinner at Nong Yao Restaurant.
Overnight in Golden Triangle
DAY 6 - CHIANG RAI - CHIANG MAI
Have breakfast and say farewell to the camp before heading to Chiang Mai via car. Stop at Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple. Have a coffee break at Chivit Thamma Da, a lovely coffee house set in an English garden and located by Mae Ping River. Also, drop by at Mae Khachan Hot Springs before arriving in Chiang Mai.
Arrive Chiang Mai just in time for a delicious bowl of Khao Soy at Monsoon Tea House Restaurant. Khao Soy is Chiang Mai's most famous dish, which combines crispy noodles and a rich coconut curry sauce for a taste that delights the senses. Following lunch, learn more about sustainable and organic Monsoon tea from the founder of the restaurant.
This evening, a scrumptious dinner will be served at Oxygen Dining Room, a Michelin star cuisine located at X2 Riverside. The restaurant serves only the freshest quality ingredients plus a wide range of creative cocktails that are a perfect accompaniment to the meal.
Overnight in Chiang Mai.
DAY 7 - CHIANG MAI
Depart the hotel at 06:00 and go to the foothills of Doi Suthep Mountain in time to buy offerings and join the locals during the daily alms giving ceremony (Note: Takeaway breakfast box will be provided at the hotel). Witness a serene Buddhist procession where dozens of monks walk barefoot through the street collecting food and everyday items. Continue up the mountain to Wat Doi Suthep and climb the 309 steps of the Golden Naga staircase to reach the golden pagodas. Proceed to Wat Umong, built in the 14th century, a heavily forested temple covered in moss and small plants. After a walk through the mysterious tunnels, arrive at the Viharn (sermon hall) of the temple to experience a private blessing ceremony. Continue to Wat Suan Dok which is a temple famous for its whitewashed Lanna stupas. Finish this lovely morning with a delicious bowl of khao soi. This famous Northern Thai dish is a combination of coconut cream, crispy noodles and plenty of spice that is sure to delight the tastebuds!
Spend the afternoon in leisure.
On this Chiang Mai night discovery tour, witness the city come to life by night. The evening tour begins at a local temple to join monks in their nightly chanting of prayer. Light some incense or burn a candle to experience this wonderful Buddhist event. From here, it’s time to eat dinner at the beautiful Rachamankha Hotel. Follow this with a drive to the lively Waroros Market. This market is the hub of local life, bursting with fresh flowers and local street food stalls. Explore the market and sample some local Thai sweets before retiring for the night.
Overnight in Chiang Mai
DAY 8 - CHIANG MAI
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for a full day trip to experience a true taste of Thai life, entering the home of a Chiang Mai family. Slip into a pair of local fisherman’s pants and join Mr. Prapat on a trip to his home in Hang Dong, discovering traditional local architecture and artisan skills that have been unchanged for centuries.
Then it's time to select the fresh ingredients needed to prepare a sumptuous home-cooked meal. Using organic produce, Mr. Prapat and his family will teach the traditional techniques and skills required to cook northern Thai cuisine. Once done, sit down to enjoy a family meal served with a glass of wine.
After lunch, spend the afternoon taking a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood to see some of the local cottage industries on show, in a truly authentic setting.
End the last evening in Chiang Mai with a nice dinner set up at the Courtyard Garden at Rachamankha Restaurant.
Overnight in Chiang Mai.
DAY 9 - CHIANG MAI - PHUKET - KOH YAO NOI
Chiang Mai Hotel – Chiang Mai Airport (13.2 km): 15 min Phuket Airport – Ao Po Grand Marina (21 km): 32 min
Depart to Chiang Mai Airport and take the flight to Phuket.
Upon arrival at Phuket Airport, be greeted by a hotel representative who will facilitate the transfer in a private minivan or luxury sedan to Ao Po Grand Marina Pier in Phuket. Upon arrival at the pier, embark on the hotel’s private speedboat to Six Senses Yao Noi.
Optional Transfer by Exclusive Helicopter
Upon arrival at Phuket Airport, be transferred to the helicopter waiting-lounge to board the exclusive helicopter to Six Senses Yao Noi on Koh Yao Noi. The transfer time is approximately 15 minutes.
Note: Max. 6 pax, and luggage allowance per pax is 16 kg. Operate during daylight hours only.
Overnight on Koh Yao Noi
DAY 10-13 - KOH YAO NOI
Get breakfast at the hotel and spend the day at the resort or try some of the suggested activities.
Suggested Activity: Koh Yao Noi Tour by Tuk-Tuk
Join this island tour to learn about Thailand’s traditions in a nonintrusive manner. Embrace local culture by touring Koh Yao Noi via tuk-tuk. Observe fish traps, visit coconut farms and rubber tree plantations and witness a unique way of life. Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Suggested Activity: Nature’s Bike Trail of Pure Serenity
This guided bike voyage goes through main roads and paths less travelled in the island. Enjoy a scenic and tranquil tour of the island’s well-kept secrets. Cruise along secluded sideroads adorned with arching rubber trees, grazing water buffalo and stunning vistas of the sea. Also, observe local plantation workers harvesting rubber the traditional way, by hand. Upon getting closer to the beach, observe islanders tinkering with the long-tail boat. The long-tail boat is inextricably linked to island locals and their humble, noncommercial way of life.
At low tide, the journey continues to a small island only 1,640 feet (500 meters) from the Yao Noi coast. That means if the tide is right, there is a chance to cycle to the next island. Trek through the sand and observe wild oysters on the rocks—this unique paradise is only 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) from the resort. Following an invigorating 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) ride, continue to the renowned Haad Yao Beach. This well-shaded and secluded beach is only accessible by bicycle or foot. It is highly recommended to go with a guide as they can show this side of the island. Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Suggested Activity: Batik Painting
Batik painting is a cherished craft throughout Southeast Asia. Here in Koh Yao Noi, islanders use batik creations to brighten sarongs, shirts and blouses as well as adorn their homes with unique but simple decor. Local batik works illustrate the beauty and allure of the lovely island. Designs showcase limestone karsts, coconut shells, pristine beaches, fruitful palm trees, vibrant flora and fauna, storied fishing boats and the island’s abundant marine ecosystems. Try batik painting and create something unique and beautiful with a brush. The finished product can be sent home to serve as a reminder of this remarkable experience. Duration: 2 hours, artwork requires 24 hours of drying time to set before packing.
Overnight on Koh Yao Noi
DAY 14 - KOH YAO NOI - PHUKET
Ao Po Grand Marina – Phuket Airport (21 km): 32 min
Get breakfast and check out of the hotel. Embark on the hotel’s private speedboat, crossing to the mainland of Phuket and arriving at Ao Po Grand Marina Pier. Continue on the hotel’s private transfers to Phuket Airport for departure.
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