Cambodia, Thailand, and the Maldives

An adventure across Cambodia, Thailand and the Maldives

For jungle temples, tuk-tuks and bioluminescent beaches
cambodia, thailand, maldives

An adventure across Cambodia, Thailand and the Maldives

Some things are better together – like Cambodia, Thailand and the Maldives.

On this mesmerising journey, we’ll take you to not one, but three different “worlds”; experiencing some of their most spectacular sights with the knowledge and guidance of our hand-picked local guides. You’ll start in Cambodia, exploring ancient wonders in the jungles of Angkor. Then, to Thailand, where you’ll walk side-by-side with elephants in the Golden Triangle. Finally, you’ll rest up in the Maldives on your own private island encircled by coral reefs.

When

November to March

Price

From £14,500pp excl. flights
(based on 2 ppl sharing)

How long

10 nights
Ideal length
Super itinerary Thailand map
Days 1-3

Cambodia

Enchanting and wild, Cambodia – once the seat of the 12th-century Khmer Empire – is best known for UNESCO World Heritage Site Angkor Wat (the world’s largest religious structure). Nature runs deep here: in the fig tree roots snaked along Ta Nei temple, across the waterfalls and rainforests of Cardamom National Park to the Mekong River, where locals weave bags from floating water hyacinths.

Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang - Garden & Grounds 13 - © Patricia Parinejad for Zannier Hotels in Siemp Reap in cambodia
Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang - Pool 2 © Patricia Parinejad for Zannier Hotels in siem reap in cambodia
Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang - Pool © Patricia Parinejad for Zannier Hotels
Day 1
Your arrival at the “Gateway to Angkor”

Arriving in Siem Reap, Cambodia’s closest city to the temples of Angkor Wat, your private driver will take you to Zannier Phum Baitang, a traditional Khmer retreat surrounded by rice paddy fields. With private gardens, pools, and stilted thatched villas, you’ll spend the day relaxing at the hotel’s Spa Temple and dining at the Bay Phsar restaurant where rice is picked straight from the surrounding fields. At sunset, you’ll board a traditional Kongkea boat, gliding along the waters that encircle the “Great City” (or, Angkor Thom, as it’s also known).

Angkor wat temple jungle ruins in cambodia
Angkor Wat ruins sunset lake sightseeing in cambodia
Bayon Temple in Angkor Wat in Siem Reap in cambodia
Day 2
Welcome to the jungle

Waking early, your private guide will take you to see Angkor Wat at sunrise. Designed by King Jayavarman VII to represent Mount Meru (the dwelling place of Hindu gods), you’ll gaze upon lotus-like domes, lion guardian statues, and a vast moat filled with water lilies. After catching the perfect snapshots (we know just the place), you’ll head deeper into the jungle to explore more of King Jayavarman VII’s legacies, including the carved faces of Bayon Temple and Ta Nei, a hidden temple draped in snaking fig tree roots.

Cambodian buffalo field Siem Reap in cambodia
floating village Komprongpok on Tonle Sap lake in cambodia
Day 3
Of paddy fields and floating villages

Today, you’ll head deeper into the countryside. Exploring the surrounding villages by mountain bike, you’ll pass rice fields and water buffalo, learning the secrets of rice production (and sugar palm wine). Leaving land behind, we’ll take you to the floating village of Mechrey. Built on rafts of bamboo and drifting along Tonle Sap Lake, you’ll kayak between colourful houses before stepping aboard one of their wooden verandas for lunch. Just go with the flow.

Thailand super itinerary map
Days 4-7

Thailand

In 1961, American journalist Bernard Kalb described Thailand as “rejuvenating tonic” – a place where “the people seem to have found the magic elixir”. And we can’t help but agree. Filled with floating markets, tuk-tuks, and Buddhist temples (35,000, to be precise), this is the home of Songkran – a kingdom-wide festival of prosperity, hope, and water.

Four Seasons tented camp in chiang rai in thailand
Four Seasons Tented Camp swimming pool in chiang rai in thailand
Day 4
Your arrival in Chiang Rai

Saying farewell to Cambodia, you’ll hop on a flight to the “Land of Smiles” (or Thailand, as it’s also known). After touching down in Chiang Rai, we’ll take you north to Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle. Surrounded by bamboo jungles and the Myanmar mountains, you’ll rest your head at the aptly named Bamboo Tent.

Elephant washing in thailand
wat rong khun white temple in Chiang Rai in thailand
wat hyua pla kang temple in Chiang Rai in thailand
Day 5
Of Asian elephants and Chinese dragons

This morning, you’ll have the chance to walk with elephants. Accompanied by an expert guide, you’ll gain a fascinating insight into the lives of these gentle giants; watching as they weave their way through the jungle and bathe in the river. Then, you’ll set off to explore the temples of Chiang Rai like the “House of the Dancing Tiger” and Wat Huay Pla Kung (the Chinese Temple) with its grand staircase flanked by dragons.

Wat Arun The Temple in Bangkok Thailand
nighttime streets in bangkok in thailand
Day 6
Your arrival in the “City of Angels”

After hopping aboard a quick flight to Bangkok, you’ll arrive in Thailand’s capital. First, you’ll settle in at Capella Bangkok – your very own urban oasis overlooking the Chao Phraya River – before setting off to explore the city at night. With your local guide, you’ll discover illuminated temples, sizzling noodle stalls, jazz bars, and tucked-away gardens beneath the stars.

damnoen saduak floating market with vendor in a canal boat in bangkok in thailand
Bangkok longtail boat canals in thailand
Day 7
Take to the waters

Rising early, your private guide will take you to Trok Mor market for breakfast. After sampling kanom krok (sweet coconut pancakes) and grilled frog skewers, you’ll explore the canals of Thonburi and riverside villages in your own longtail riverboat.

Thailand super itinerary map
Days 8-12

The Maldives

With whale sharks, bioluminescent plankton, and five (out of the world’s seven) turtle species, the Maldives – 1,192 islands strong – offers adventures above (and beneath) the surface. Home to porcelain-like cowrie shells (the islands’ earliest currency), Dhoni sailing, and coconut leaf Bashi games, you’ll spend the last days of your trip here – in (and over) the glittering waters of the Indian Ocean.

Gili Lankanfushi villa in the indian ocean in the maldives
Gili Lankanfushi Meera Spa Treatment Room in the maldives
surfing at Gili Lankanfushi in the maldives
Days 8-11
Swap tuk-tuks for tropical islands

Leaving Thailand behind, you’ll fly to the Maldives for your final four nights, resting up at Gili Lankanfushi. Located in the Malé Atoll – just a short speedboat ride away from the island nation’s capital – this private island is the perfect place to unwind. Whether that’s relaxing in your own overwater villa, watching movies beneath the stars at the retreat’s jungle cinema, or marvelling at the marine life (and enjoying a massage) at the glass-floored Meera Spa.

Gili Lankanfushi at sunset in the maldives
Day 12
The end of three tales

After one last dip (or dive) in the dazzling Indian Ocean, you’ll head home. But we can’t help but think that one day you’ll return – to Thailand, Cambodia, or the Maldives. Or all three.

So, ready to start?

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