Thailand... away from the cameras
Koh Samui has seen a surge in visitors over recent years thanks to popular TV shows such as The White Lotus. Whilst the droves may head to the tiny island, we have an itinerary including a couple of alternative resorts to Koh Samui to consider.
You'll be staying at some of Thailand’s best hotels, starting in Bangkok, with its heady mix of alluring sights, sounds, aromas, and flavours. A place of contrasts, you can tap into Buddhist rituals, visit towering skyscrapers, explore traditional markets, and immerse yourself in the pulsating energy of its food scene.
Then head to the cultural capital, Chiang Mai, for rural exploration of temples hidden in mountainous jungles, before unwinding on the spectacular golden sand beaches of Krabi.
Experience this...
Dine at a Michelin-starred food stall
Bangkok is one of the most exciting cities in the world for food lovers. As well as being home to 35 Michelin-starred restaurants, the city is also home to Michelin-starred food stall Jay Fai, whose eponymous owner is considered the queen of Thai street food. This seven-table spot on buzzy Maha Chai Road is an unmissable experience – don’t leave without trying the famed crab omelette, spicy drunken noodles and fragrant tom yum soup.
Meditate with a monk
Tap into Buddhist culture in Bangkok with a private meditation session with the head monk of the nearby 250-year-old Wat Yannawa temple. Meditation is ingrained in Buddhist culture and is used to help develop concentration, and achieve emotional positivity and a content state of mind. During this session, Monk Prasert helps you become aware of unhelpful thought patterns in order to reach Nibbana – a Buddhist principle where the mind is free and happy.
Explore historic Chiang Mai by samlor
Hop into a samlor, a traditional Thai rickshaw, to see some of Chiang Mai’s most interesting sights and immerse yourself in the daily life of locals. Step into the serene temple of Wat Pan Whaen and treat yourself to an on-site massage, stroll the stalls of handicrafts, and taste mouth-watering Thai dishes at the lively Chiang Mai Gate market, and make a final stop to see the giant gongs and large gilded Buddha at Wat Jet Lin.
Climb to the summit of Tiger Cave Temple
Known locally as Wat Tham Suea, the majestic Tiger Cave Temple is perched on a mountaintop and is famed for its 1,000-step climb to the summit, where you will find a gleaming Buddha statue and be rewarded with spectacular views of Krabi. Don’t miss the tiger prints at the cave, which give the temple its name, before descending for a restorative dip at the nearby hot springs or the refreshing waters of the Emerald Pool.
See the Andaman coastline from a longtail boat
Close to Rayavadee resort is Hong, one of Krabi’s most stunning islands. Soak in the dramatic views of the Andaman coastline, with its soaring limestone cliffs, turquoise waters and hidden caves, as you relax on board an iconic longtail boat. Enjoy a champagne picnic on a golden sand beach, swim in the ocean and explore the nearby lagoon, with its large open cavern, which you can only explore when the tide is at a certain level.
Suggested itinerary
Stay at Capella Bangkok, an urban oasis that puts Thailand’s majestic Chao Phraya river centre stage and is just a 10-minute walk from the city’s Old Town. All rooms come with a balcony and riverfront rooms have a private plunge pool.
In Chiang Mai, live in balance with nature at Raya Heritage, a boutique and contemporary retreat on the Ping River.
Round off your trip at Rayavadee in Krabi. Villas set amongst tropical gardens offer total privacy, and you can dine at the atmospheric Grotto, one of Thailand's most famed restaurants, hidden underneath an ancient limestone cliff by the sea. Best yet are the beaches, including Railay, which is regarded as one of Thailand's finest, with limestone karsts and calm, clear waters.
Travel style
Have your camera ready for the shared boat ride to Rayavadee. We'd also recommend exploring Krabi’s islands on a longtail boat, or taking a trip further into the Andaman - all can be arranged by your Travel Counsellor.
Your handcrafted journey starts here
Prices for this 12-night itinerary start from £4,743 per person, based on two people sharing.
The hotels and experiences in this holiday are suggestions and can be personalised to suit you by your Travel Counsellor, plus they can organise luxury enhancements such as airport lounge access and Business Class seat upgrades.
Contact your Travel Counsellor today and quote TCJ2009 to get things started.
All holidays are subject to availability, T&Cs apply.