Thailand Luxury Itinerary

Highlights Thailand Luxury Itinerary

• Discover Thailand, a country rich in culture, cuisine and heavenly islands.
• Immerse in the enticing and impeccable Thai hospitality.
• From luxury accommodation in off-the-beaten-track locations to privately guided tours, our in-depth, first-hand knowledge of Thailand will provide a highly bespoke experience.
• Explore the riches and bustling adventures of Bangkok, Thailand.
• Discover the Emerald Buddha (Wat Pra Kaew) and the giant gold Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho.
• Cook Thai specialties and take home exceptional recipes.
• In 12 days of of Thai experience, you’ll create memories to last a lifetime.

DAY 1: ARRIVE BANGKOK, THAILAND

Welcome to Thailand. Our host/hostess and porter will meet you at the jet way upon lading in Bangkok. You then will be escorted to the Fast Track Immigration counter where your entry into Thailand will be expedited since you will not have to wait in the queue with the other passengers. The hostess will handle all airport formalities with immigration and customs officials. Next, both will assist you in obtaining your baggage. Afterwards, you will be escorted through customs to your awaiting guide for the transfer to your hotel. The day is yours to relax. Optional evening activity available upon request.

Suggested Accommodation: SHANGRI-LA HOTEL – Krungthep Wing Deluxe Riverview Room

DAY 2: BANGKOK, THAILAND

Morning: Liquid Bangkok

Discover the original Bangkok riverside neighborhoods which are the foundation of the city’s early development. Chinese, Portuguese, Muslim and European influences blend with Thai communities along Bangkok’s famous Chao Phraya River. Using the waterway as our launch point, we’ll walk in the steps of early Bangkok merchants, exploring the architecture, neighborhood mercantile and commercial identities, as well as significant temples well off the usual beaten track. Several longtail boat starts and stops take us through Thonburi, Thailand’s capital between the Ayutthaya and Bangkok periods, visiting old artisan villages, markets and art communities.

Time: Half day morning. Explored by: Private longtail boat, and on foot

Inclusions: English speaking host, private longtail boat, plenty of snacks, soft drinks and drinking water.

Duration 3.5 hours

Afternoon City Tour

Visit some of the most important sights of Bangkok including: The Grand Palace located close to the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the Temple of Emerald Buddha (Wat Pra Kaew), the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho – a giant gold lying down gold leaf Buddah. You’ll see a perfect examples of an ancient Siamese court.

Return to your hotel in time to relax before dinner on your own. We are happy to make dinner arrangements for you and provide transportation. Fees apply.

Important: Please note that you are required to wear proper attire (no bare shoulder, bare knees or strapless-heel shoes). Shoes must be removed before entering all temple buildings.

Meals: Breakfast, Meals: Lunch at a local restaurant.

DAY 3: BANGKOK / AYUTTHAYA / BANGKOK

The ancient Siamese capital of Ayutthaya was the crowning glory of the kingdom for hundreds of years. Though the city was all but completely destroyed by a Burmese army in 1767, a vast array of temple ruins (some beautifully restored, others still dilapidated) remain scattered across the artificial island wedged between two rivers which once housed one of the most prosperous cities in Asia.

On the way to Ayutthaya, we can stop by Bang Pa-In palace which is around half way between Bangkok and Ayutthaya. Arriving in Ayutthaya, we’ll focus on visiting the following temples as they are the most impressive and offer a great diversity of styles and stories.

• Wat Mahathat, where the head of a stone Buddha statue is mysteriously entwined by the roots of a Bodhi tree
• Wat Si Sanphet, with its photogenic triad of regal stupas
• Wat Lokayasutharam, where a massive yet elegant reclining Buddha rests
• Wat Chaiwatthanaram, probably the grandest temple still standing and built in Hindu-Khmer style

Our private van will take us to each of these spots and, if you are feeling adventurous, we could do a couple of kilometers on Mary Poppins style bikes. We will stop for lunch at a delicious riverside restaurant and, in the early afternoon, enjoy a private longtail boat ride around this historical island. This is the perfect way to cap off our day to Ayutthaya before heading back to Bangkok.

This intimate exploration of Ayutthaya will leave you with a genuine appreciation for the city’s significance to the Thai people and why it is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Note: A dress code is required when visiting religious sites. To prepare for the day’s experience, please dress appropriately. Sleeveless shirts, cropped tops, see-through clothing, leggings and ripped clothing are not allowed. Men should wear pants or long shorts and women must cover their knees. For women, a shawl is recommended to cover your shoulders. Also note, your shoes may have to be removed, so comfortable, easy to take-off and put-on shoes are recommended.

Time: Full-day

Inclusions: English speaking host, transportation, private boat, bicycles, plenty of snacks, soft drinks and drinking water

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Optional ad-on Evening Activity Headlights Adventure

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATIONS: SHANGRI-LA HOTEL – Krungthep Wing Deluxe Riverview Room (B, L)

DAY 04: BANGKOK / AMPHAWA DISTRICT

(must be Friday Saturday or Sunday)

Today you are transferred by road to Amphawa district in Samut Songkram Province. This afternoon, visit Marukhathaiwan Palace. Explore Khao Wang, Hill Palace, built during the reign of King Rama IV. A collection of 13 antique wooden houses is a mix of Thai and European architectural influence.

BAAN AMPHAWA RESORT & SPA – Pool Villa (B)

DAY 5: AMPHAWA DISTRICT

(must be Friday Saturday or Sunday as this is a weekend market)

This morning, travel by boat along Amphawa’s numerous canals, visiting hidden temples and traditional wooden homes that have become part of the preserved cultural heritage. This afternoon, visit the Amphawa Floating Market. Different from other water markets that have become tourist attractions, Amphawa Floating Market is an actual functioning weekend market and probably the best kept secret in Thailand.

BAAN AMPHAWA RESORT & SPA – Pool Villa (B)

DAY 06: AMPHAWA DISTRICT / BANGKOK / CHIANG MAI

(Internal Flight required)

Today you are driven from Amphawa district to the Bangkok airport in time to connect your late morning flight to Chiang Mai. On arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. 137 Pillars Hotels & Resorts has been crafted and created as a luxury boutique brand where the essence of our hotels is hospitality above all. The creation of 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai based on the historic Baan Borneo – which was the Northern Headquarters of the East Borneo Trading Company built 125 years ago.

PM: Doi Suthep & Temples Tour

This afternoon you start your sightseeing by visiting the most sacred temple in the north of Thailand; the Wat Prathat Doi Suthep is the most sacred temple in Chiang Mai containing a holy relic of the Lord Buddha. Tucked away in the mountains at an elevation of 1,056 meters (3520 feet), the temple is reached using a Naga (7- headed dragon head serpent) railing rising along both sides. The temple compound – reachable via a 300 steps stairs offers an exhilarating view of Chiang Mai city and surrounding countryside. Drive back down to the city centre to visit some of the other impressive temples of Chiang Mai. Wat Suan Dok is one of them, which dates back to the 14^th century when it served as the pleasure gardens to the Thai monarchy. Nowadays it houses several white Chedi’s, containing the ashes of Chiang Mai’s former Royal family. This temple also houses one of the most famous Monk Schools in the whole of Chiang Mai and the Wat Jedyod, also known as The Temple of Seven Spires. Afterwards you will go to the hotel. Overnight in Chiang Mai

Suggested Accommodations: 137 PILLARS – Rajah Brooke Suite (B)

DAY 07: CHIANG MAI – Colors of Chiang Mai Bicycle Tour

Colors of Chiang Mai” is a 4 – 5 hours of energetic cycling tour through the Southern part of Chiang Mai, where participants will be able to see and learn about the rich cultural background of Chiang Mai. This tour will take you through quiet green land roads, passing by the former capital of Lana, which features temples and ruins dating back to hundreds of years. All along this cycling route, you will visit various sites: a Chinese temple, the McKean rehabilitation centre, a small pottery making factory, and much more. You will also have the great opportunity to either pay a visit to a special school for monks or an elementary school mostly attended by hill tribe children.

You will then ride along the Ping River, which shows Chiang Mai in a particular light. You will continue the cycling adventure and stop by several local places: a candy factory, some small shops, and a local bakery, where you can watch locals hand make their bakeries. You will eventually reach a local fresh market, where you can sample some of the most delicious and exotic fruits of the area, along with other snacks.

During the trip, you will stop every hour to rest and hydrate. Halfway through, we will provide you with a small Thai meal (Kao Soy Kai) in a local restaurant.

Note: The visit to the school may not be available during weekends and school holiday

Suggested Accommodations: 137 PILLARS – Rajah Brooke Suite (B, L)

DAY 8: CHIANG MAI – Cooking School Tour

9:00 AM Pick for a transfer to the Nong Hoi local market. Spend about 40 minutes joining the group purchasing fresh ingredients (chicken, prawns, herbs & vegetables) for the class as well as learning to know about tropical vegetation’s which is quite interesting.

Continue to Baan Hong Nual, situated on Chiang Mai – Lam Pang RD, only about 15 minutes away from the market. On arrival you are given a brief introduction of Baan Hong Nual which is an open kitchen in Lanna Thai Style. All students will be given aprons and headdresses as cooking uniforms after which you get ready for the 1st menu. However, before you start cooking first of all you would be introduced about all the kitchen utensils as well as the seasonings normally needed in the step for Thai cuisine. After that you are shown how to prepare the ingredients and how to cook. After the 1st menu is done, you are given some time to taste how delicious is your food. At 11:00 AM you start on the 2nd dish which needs about 30 minutes to finish including preparing, cooking and tasting. At 11:30 AM continue to cook the 3rd and 4th dishes which need an hour including preparing, cooking & having lunch with some steamed-rice serving.

Lunch is served at 1:00 PM, after which you can take a break for about 15 minutes for some tea, coffee or herbal drinks (complimentary by the school). Or you can spend time to walk around seeing herbal & vegetables plantations as well as different kinds of fruits like longan, mango, rose apple, guava, lychees & jack fruit.

Afternoon – At 1:30 PM, you get back to class and begin cooking the 5th and the 6^th dishes. At 2:00 PM, after the class is over you are handed over a cook books in English with color pictures as you say goodbye to your fellow students before you are transferred back to your hotel.

Suggested Accommodations: 137 PILLARS – Rajah Brooke Suite (B, L)

DAY 09: CHIANG MAI / BANGKOK / PHUKET

(Flight)

Today you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Bangkok and onward connection to Krabi. On arrival in Krabi you have a private transfer to your resort where the rest of the day is at leisure.

Suggested Accommodations: RAYAVADEE – Terrace Pavilion (B)

DAY 10 & 11: PHUKET

Free days at leisure.

Suggested Accommodations: RAYAVADEE – Terrace Pavilion (B)

DAY 12:  PHUKET DEPARTURE

(Afternoon flight)

BANGKOK / HOME (Flight at 8:35 PM)

Today you are transferred from your hotel to the Krabi airport for your afternoon flight to Bangkok, on arrival in Bangkok you are met and assisted to connect your onward international flight home.