A Journey through Thailand & Cambodia

Welcome to Bangkok, the Thailand capital and one of Asia’s most exciting cities, where towering skyscrapers stand next to glittering golden temples, a multifaceted blend of contrasts bursting with rich culture and tradition. Upon your arrival, you’ll be met by private transfer for the ride to your luxury accommodation. Take time to get settled in, rest and refresh before discovering some of the city’s famously mouthwatering cuisine with the smell of fresh basil and noodles filling the air. It can be found anywhere from tempting street stalls to 5-star rooftop restaurants. If you have the energy, sample some of the vibrant nightlife too.

Get an in-depth look at the city, including Thailand’s top attraction, the magnificent Grand Palace which sits alongside the river, a gilded architectural wonder with spires rising into the sky. The complex with an intricate pavilion, historic buildings and the sacred Emerald Buddha sits across beautiful grounds with swooping dragons lining the pagodas. This afternoon, continue your explorations by visiting Wat Saket, also known as the Golden Mount. Accessed by climbing over 300 steps, this Ayutthaya-era shrine with a gleaming gold chedi sits atop sits atop an over 262-foot-high hill and is one of the most revered landmarks in the city.

Meet your private guide this morning when the sun just begins to peak over the horizon. You’ll journey outside of the city to visit the famous floating markets with their chaotic splendour. The boats float across the still river and are filled with colourful produce, baked goods, fresh flowers, and just-caught seafood. It’s an adventure in itself, bringing the chance to soak up the sights, smells and energetic atmosphere. You’ll be able to take advantage of many photo opportunities and purchase items too, by pointing to what you want, holding up your fingers and haggling prices with the seller.

Enjoy a full day of leisure in Bangkok. While you can spend it as you like, we suggested visiting Siam Square, a diverse open-air shopping hotspot. It’s home to hundreds of tiny shops that specialise in every product imaginable. The hub of all things cool, it’s been likened to Fifth Avenue in New York. While new malls have been replacing street vendors, you’ll still find lane after lane to explore, with fashion and accessories galore. There are many boutiques selling colourful dresses and stores selling tailored and handmade suits. Even if you don’t buy, it’s fun to browse and do some people watching too.

Say farewell to Bangkok as you transfer to Chiang Mai with its lush jungle setting. After checking into your hotel, settle in and enjoy the luxuries, relaxing among an oasis of calm provided by the city’s verdant mountains, while Doi Suthemp temple stands in the distance. Wat Suthep sits atop a summit, or mountain throne, that serves as the temple’s base. There are over 306 steps to reach the 14th-century temple which is guarded by twin dragons and includes a decorated white elephant that legend tells chose this very location. A golden chedi houses the Buddha relic on the second-floor terrace.

Thailand is renowned for its delicious cuisine, and today you’ll get to learn how to prepare by joining a cooking class in its food capital. The experience begins in a local market that feels more like your farmers’ markets back home, with lots of fresh produce along with colourful flora and aromatic spices. You’ll gather ingredients and then head into the kitchen where your instructor will fill you in on the basics of cooking Thai cuisine, from mango stick rice to green curry and spring rolls. After the meal is completed, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy it.

With Chiang Mai’s spectacular jungle backdrop is abundant flora and fauna, from blossoming orchids to elephants. Today you’ll get to visit the country’s famous elephants, the animal that first comes to mind when thinking of Thailand. Seeing them is one of the most anticipated things to do for most travellers visiting Southeast Asia. Once revered for their power and speed, today elephants are a more beloved as a part of Thailand’s history and link to the tribes of the past. You’ll seem they display loyalty and skills to their companions, gracefully walking across the forest floor despite their size.

Leaving northern Thailand for Cambodia today, you’ll head to one of its most popular destinations, the jungle city of Siem Reap with its exotic trees and fragrant flowers, most famous as the home of the world’s largest religious monument, Angkor Wat. This evening you’ll enjoy a traditional Cambodian dinner with a fascinating performance allowing you to witness the classic Khmer culture as you dine on rich, mouthwatering cuisine. Watch the choreographed movements of folk dance, with elegant red and white costumes, and the cartoon movement of Shadow Theater which tell the history and legends of the country in the most beautiful way.

Today you’ll rise early to watch the early morning light rise about ancient Angkor, a bucket-list experience, with famous Angkor Wat highlighted in an orange glow, reflected in the still pond that sits within its main plaza. The Buddhist stupas stand over this massive complex that holds many centuries-old structures, with 12^th-century Angkor Thom royal city an expression of true genius. As the new day begins, the colours dance above the temple spires, creating a scene you won’t soon forget. This evening, you can climb to the top of Phnom Bakeng to watch a sunset behind the trees of the lush jungle.

Today you’ll visit the ancient city’s outer reaches to see the ruins of Banteay Srei, a 10th-century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The name means “citadel of beauty” or “citadel of the women,” perhaps because of its pink limestone walls. See the delicate reliefs, carved into the sandstone across the entire façade, depicting detailed accounts of Hindu folklore, including temples, gods, people and horses that are all along the gables. Each of the steps that lead to the sanctuary platform are guarded by two statues of human figures that are all kneeling and have animal heads on top.

Leaving the remarkable ruins of Angkor today, you’ll take transfer to the airport, catching a flight back to Thailand, this time arriving in Phuket. Look forward to enjoying the postcard-perfect beauty after getting settled into your hotel, with pristine white sand beaches framed by crystal-clear turquoise water while scenic trails wind through the forest. Relax on a sun lounger and sample the upscale beach bars, explore one of the many shopping areas or learn more about the region’s history in one of the museums. No matter where you are, the scenery won’t disappoint.

The day is yours to enjoy at your leisure whether you’d like to relax all day, embark on an adventure or something else. Just a few ideas include explore the beauty and history of Phuket Town, particularly showcased in Old Town with the streets lined with colonial style buildings. You’ll find candy stores and tailor shops and Phang Nga Road, while the side streets display the creativity of the locals in art galleries featuring drawings and paintings of the island and their daily lives. Don’t miss the elegant colonial mansion, Baan Chinpracha, on Krabi Road with its impressive tiled designs in the inner courtyard.

An exciting day of cruising awaits ahead. You’ll board a boat to sail across the crystal-clear emerald waters of Phang Nga Bay to see Koh Ta-Pu, often referred to as “James Bond Island.” Located about 15.5 miles north-east of Phuket, it was used as a filming site in “The Man with the Golden Gun.” You’ll be able to admire the stunning beauty of the countless limestone cliffs jutting vertically out of the sea that’s so clear you can see as far down as the sunlight can shine. Enjoy outstanding snorkelling or simply relax among the breathtaking scenery from the deck before returning to Phuket.

This morning you may want to wake up early to soak up the sights, sounds and smells of your gorgeous island setting one last time. After breakfast you’ll check out of your accommodation and take transfer to the airport to begin your return trip home. While endings are rarely easy, you’ll leave with memories of Thailand’s and Cambodia’s incredible history, culture, scenery and cuisine that are likely to call you to return again and again.