THAILAND: KNOWN FOR ITS TROPICAL BEACHES, OPULENT ROYAL PALACES, ANCIENT RUINS AND ORNATE TEMPLES
Friendly and fun-loving, exotic and tropical, cultured and historic, Thailand radiates a golden hue from its glittering temples and tropical beaches. This engaging 14 night tour explores the highlights of Bangkok and the stunning islands of Thailand where you can snorkel and sunbathe in a truly tropical paradise. This is the perfect tour for those wishing to spend time sightseeing, cooking, swimming and relaxing on the beach in beautiful Thailand.
During the first few days, spend time in Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, with opportunities to explore the city and get acquainted with local markets and bazaars. Take a food tour to sample Thai cuisine, one of the world’s most popular foods, and visit Bangkok’s Royal Grand Palace.
TOUR DETAILS
- 14 nights
- Fly to Saigon and transfer to Bangkok
- Fly from Bangkok to Phuket and transfer to Khao Lak
- Cruise the Phi Phi Islands
- Fly from Phuket back to the UK, via Singapore
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Bangkok’s Chatuchak market
- Bangkok’s night bazaar
- Bangkok’s floating market and food tour
- Royal Grand Palace of Bangkok
- Cookery course in Khao Lak
- Boat trip to gorgeous Phan Nga where James Bond’s ‘The Man With The Golden Gun’ was filmed.
- Phi Phi island adventure where the 2000 film ‘The Beach’ with Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed.
ITINERARY IN BRIEF
- Bangkok x 3 nights
- Khao Lak x 9 nights
day one
Depart UK
Depart UK and fly to Bangkok, Thailand.
Fly direct from London to Bangkok with Thai or Eva Airways in approximately 12 hours, or connect in Doha with Qatar Airways.
day TWO
Arrive & Explore Bangkok!
Arrive in Bangkok and transfer to your hotel, before enjoying dinner in the city.
Overnight in Bangkok.
Suggested hotel: Waldorf Astoria Bangkok
The Waldorf Astoria Bangkok is a beacon of luxury ensconced in the throbbing heart of vibrant Bangkok, Thailand. This splendid hotel offers a unique blend of timeless elegance and modern sophistication, embodied in its stunning architecture and design, inspired by the lotus flower. Each of the spacious rooms and suites is a sanctuary of comfort, offering breathtaking views of the bustling city and its glittering skyline. Dining at the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok is a gastronomic journey, with six distinct venues including the iconic Bull & Bear, The Loft and Peacock Alley. The hotel also features state-of-the-art amenities, such as a wellness spa and a rooftop infinity pool. Located within the magnificently integrated Magnolias Ratchadamri Boulevard, the hotel is in close proximity to some of Bangkok’s most prestigious shopping districts and tourist attractions. Staying at the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok is more than just a sojourn; it is an experience that seamlessly weaves Thai charm with the brand’s illustrious heritage.
day three
Escorted tour of floating markets and food tour
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning before departing a morning escorted tour of some of the largest floating markets outside Bangkok.
The smells and sounds of Bangkok overwhelm the senses as soon as you arrive. Bangkok is perhaps best known for the Grand Palace with its soaring roofs and gleaming spire. Stop on the bridge as you cross the canal for a fantastic photo spot!
Return to Bangkok for lunch followed by a food tour of the city which will take you over the river by local ferry to try local dishes. Perhaps the most interesting way to see the city is to travel on the ferries and long-tail boats that ply the Chao Phraya River which snakes through the heart of the city. In total contrast to urban Bangkok, Thonburi on the far bank of the river is a more serene and rural area connected by a network of canals.
Spend the evening is at leisure and sample some of Bangkok’s delicious Thai cuisines. From the local favourite Northern Thai-Isan Food, the best kept-secret Guay Tiew Gai guaranteed with a Michelin star for 2 consecutive years, and one of the best Pad Thai in town popular for both locals and foreigners alike, all bites will truly be pleasing!
Overnight in Bangkok.
day four
Escorted full day Bangkok tour
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning before being met by your guide to start your day tour. You will be picked up at 08:00 by van and met by an English-speaking guide, to explore Bangkok. The meeting point is at Phra Arthit road in the center of Bangkok, here you will board a Tuk Tuk and Ride along Rachadamnoen Avenue taking in the old quarter of Bangkok, also visit Golden Mount for a bird’s eye view of the Thai capital.
On your way to the next stop, the famous Grand Palace, you will enjoy a coffee break at the Mustang Blu. The café culture has turned the street into a harmonised mixture of old and new lifestyles which are some great spots to wander around. The remarkable colonial architectural style of the cafes and buildings comes with a long history dating back to 1905 and has been restored by preserving the original structure and fulfilling the owner’s vintage furniture collection that was selected and placed in each corner of the building.
Then visit the Grand Palace & temple of Emerald Buddha which has served as the seat of Thailand’s revered Royal Family for more than two centuries. Take a walk around the vast grounds, stopping to explore the various temples, throne halls, the Emerald Buddha the most revered Buddhist image in Thailand and museums within the grounds of the palace with a particular focus on the Queen Sirikit Museum.
For those who want a more exclusive visit, a curator from this remarkable museum will be your personal guide through the exhibit. Not only does the visit showcase high fashion but it also chronicles the Queen’s life. Before going back to the hotel, we will take you to the museum’s underground walkway near the Grand Palace, which is a project of the Museum of Siam in collaboration with the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) and Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM). When your trip is complete you will return to the hotel by Van at around 14.00. You have the remainder of the day to relax before heading out later.
Tonight, why not visit the Skybar? Famous for setting the scene in the Hangover II, the bar is suspended on a precipice 820 feet in the air, making it one of the highest rooftop cocktail bars in the world. Settle here with a drink or two and watch the city’s lights sparkle into the night…
Overnight in Bangkok.
day five
Phuket and Khao Lak
Leave Bangkok and transfer to the airport for your one-and-a-half-hour flight to Phuket.
On arrival, transfer to Khao Lak, a vast quiet stretch of exquisite beach, where you have the rest of the day at leisure.
Khao Lak, a serene paradise nestled on Thailand’s southwest coast, promises a retreat into nature’s embrace. Picture yourself lounging on its pristine beaches, where the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea gently lap against the golden sands. Venture into the lush wilderness of the Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park, a verdant haven for a diverse range of wildlife. Explore the vibrant local markets, where you can indulge in the tantalising flavours of Thai cuisine. For those seeking a blend of relaxation and adventure, Khao Lak offers a range of activities, from diving expeditions to the renowned Similan Islands to tranquil spa experiences that rejuvenate body and soul. At its heart, Khao Lak captures the quintessential charm of Thailand — peaceful, scenic, and brimming with warm hospitality.
day six
Khao Lak cookery course
Today, take part in a local cookery course in Khao Lak today. Learn how to select fresh local ingredients and prepare them Thai-style under experienced expert tuition.
The Thai Cooking Class Khao Lak provides an authentic culinary adventure nestled in the heart of this serene coastal town. Picture yourself learning the art of Thai cuisine in a traditional open-air kitchen, surrounded by aromatic herbs and spices. The course, led by local culinary experts, allows you to immerse yourself in the rich flavors and unique techniques of Thai cooking. From shopping for fresh ingredients at the local markets to mastering the balance of sweet, spicy, sour, and salty flavours, this hands-on experience culminates in the joy of savoring your self-made Thai feast. Whether you’re a culinary novice or a seasoned foodie, this cookery course is a delightful exploration of Thailand’s gastronomic culture.
Overnight in Khao Lak.
day seven
Khao Lak boat trip
Embarking on a boat trip in Khao Lak is an unforgettable experience that immerses you in the beauty and tranquility of the region’s coastal and marine landscapes. Imagine setting sail on the crystalline waters of the Andaman Sea, your boat gently bobbing with the rhythm of the waves. As you journey along the coastline, you are treated to stunning views of Khao Lak’s pristine beaches framed by lush, verdant jungle. Whether you choose to explore the renowned Similan Islands, with their rich underwater biodiversity perfect for snorkelling and diving, or prefer to experience a sunset cruise, a boat trip in Khao Lak offers a unique perspective on this serene paradise. It’s an adventure that combines relaxation, excitement, and nature’s splendour in a distinctively Thai setting.
Overnight in Khao Lak.
day eight
Boat adventure to Phang Nga Bay
A boat trip from Khao Lak to Phang Nga Bay offers an unparalleled journey into one of Thailand’s most spectacular natural wonders. As your vessel cuts through the tranquil azure waters, the bay reveals its majestic landscape, a labyrinth of towering limestone karsts jutting dramatically from the emerald-green sea. Discover hidden coves, explore mystical sea caves and canoe through mangrove forests teeming with wildlife. An encounter with the iconic James Bond Island, famed for its role in ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’, brings a touch of cinematic glamour to this adventure. From witnessing the local life at the stilted fishing villages to basking in the ethereal beauty of the hongs—secret lagoons enclosed by towering cliffs—this boat trip from Khao Lak to Phang Nga Bay unveils the captivating allure of this UNESCO-listed geopark.
Overnight in Khao Lak.
day eight
Day at leisure in Khao Lak
It’s time to relax! Spend the whole day at leisure in Khao Lak today.
Overnight in Khao Lak.
day ten
Phi Phi island day adventure
An early start today for an amazing adventure by cruise boat to the scenic Phi Phi islands, located about 45km from Phuket.
Embarking on a boat trip from Khao Lak to the Phi Phi Islands is a journey that introduces you to the mesmerising beauty of Thailand’s maritime landscape. As your boat glides over the sparkling Andaman Sea, the spectacular vista of Phi Phi, with its lush, mountainous terrain and stunning, white sandy beaches, gradually comes into view. The Phi Phi Islands, famed for their vibrant coral reefs, offer an unrivalled snorkelling and diving experience. Explore the clear, turquoise waters inhabited by a rich array of marine life, or relax on the sun-kissed sands of Maya Bay, immortalised in Leonardo DiCaprio’s ‘The Beach’. This boat trip is more than just a journey—it’s an unforgettable adventure that beautifully showcases the natural spur of Thailand.
Overnight in Khao Lak.
day eleven
Day at leisure in Khao Lak
One more day at leisure in Khao Lak today.
Overnight in Khao Lak.
day twelve
Day at leisure in Khao Lak
Another day at leisure today in Khao Lak. Overnight in Khao Lak.
day thirteen
Khao Lak
Day at leisure in Khao Lak today.
Overnight in Khao Lak.
day fourteen
Leave Thailand and fly home
Enjoy your last morning at leisure in Khao Lak, before departing this afternoon for your flight from Phuket to London, via Singapore.
day FIFteen
Arrive in the UK
Arrive back in the UK this morning.
Welcome home!