From the spectacular temples and street food of the intoxicating capital Bangkok to gorgeous beach resorts and elephant sanctuaries, Thailand feels like many different places in one destination – and touring it means you can have several different holidays in one trip. We’ve devised an itinerary that combines all the unmissable parts of this ‘land of smiles’ with some of its most sensational places to stay.
Bangkok | Chiang Mai | Phuket | Khao Lak | Elephant Hills | Krabi
You’ll start your trip exploring Bangkok on a guided walking tour and a cruise down the Chao Phraya River, taking in major sights, including shrines, temples, and palaces. Your gorgeous base will be the Banyan Tree Bangkok, the city’s only five-star all-suite hotel. Here, you can enjoy rooftop dining, an outdoor pool, and an award-winning spa with skyline views, plus yoga, Pilates, and muay Thai classes.
There’s more glorious architecture to admire in Chiang Mai, located in mountainous northern Thailand, once capital of the Lanna Kingdom. Home to ancient walls and moats and hundreds of elaborate Buddhist temples, this city feels much more chilled than Bangkok and has remained traditionally Thai. Its Raya Heritage resort is a boutique all-suite ‘river sanctuary’ in a serene setting on the banks of the Ping River, centred around a spa drawing on regional healing techniques. This will be your base for three nights while you explore the surrounding area on jungle walks, village visits, and trips to local temples.
Moving south, you’ll discover Thailand’s largest island Phuket, with its famous beaches, diving, nightlife, and night markets. Here you’ll stay at The Shore at Katathani, a romantic and secluded adults-only resort on Kata Noi Beach, where every villa features a private infinity pool and stunning views of the ocean.
On Khao Lak’s stunning sunset beach north of Phuket, another adults-only paradise awaits you in the form of The Sarojin, a true retreat from the world with just over 50 residences surrounded by tropical garden and with exclusive access to an 11km stretch of secluded beach. Nearby are five primary forest national parks, Phang Nga Bay which is known for its sea cave canoeing, and the iconic Similan and Surin Islands national marine parks with their out-of-this-world snorkelling and diving.
Next up is Elephant Hills, which is unlike anywhere else in the world for its conscientious wildlife experiences combined with accommodation in luxury safari tents. Many of the elephants who live at this sanctuary in Khao Sok National Park worked in the now-illegal logging industry, and you can watch them play and graze within their natural environment. You can also go on a canoe safari down the Sok River and watch local dance performances.
Your final stop is the heavenly beaches and national park of Krabi, where you’ll find reefs rich in colourful marine life. The famous paradise islands can be found here: Poda, Chicken, Tub, and Hong, with their gorgeous beaches and strange rock formations, plus the iconic Phi Phi Island. Krabi Town's morning market is well worth a stroll, and there are brilliant activities, including kayaking along the green waterways of Ta Lane’s mangrove forests.
Your accommodation here is Rayavadee, an exceptional resort spread of 26 acres of lush tropical landscape and right on the edge of Krabi's National Marine Park. Thanks to its unique location, it’s perfect for those who want to reconnect with nature. The resort’s award-winning architecture evokes the atmosphere of a southern Thai village, including two-storey circular pavilions and villas scattered throughout the coconut groves, some with private pools.
To book your luxury Thailand tour, call your Travel Counsellor today.
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