We love to get to know a country inside out, so we’ve searched high and low to find the hot-spots away from the tourist trail, so you can discover the real Thailand. Experience the thriving night markets and street food scenes of Bangkok, bathe and feed elephants in the north, and explore the southern islands by boat. You\u2019ll be charmed by this magical country on this luxury 12 night cultural and beach vacation in the aptly named land of smiles.<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll fly into Bangkok, where you\u2019ll be VIP fast-tracked out of the airport and straight to your stunning hotel, The Siam. Located down by the river, the city center and all the sites are just a boat ride from the hotel\u2019s dock. The city has more than 400 beautiful temples waiting to be explored. If that\u2019s not enough we’ve also picked out some more unusual activities for you to do during your stay.<\/p>\n
For an overall introduction to the local side of the city, we’ll take you on a multi-transport adventure around the capital. You\u2019ll be whizzed around in every form of local transport from tuk-tuks to bikes to see the sights. We\u2019ll make sure you get to see the must-sees such as the Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha and you\u2019ll be taken through some of the rambling side streets and remote canals of Old Bangkok which are often overlooked by tourists.<\/p>\n
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To really get under the skin of buzzing Bangkok we’ll arrange a headlights tour to explore the city’s cultural offerings by night. This is one tour\u00a0for the art buffs, as you\u2019re taken through historic districts and bustling market areas to see local artisans and crafts. The architecture of the city is unbelievably beautiful in the moonlight. After cocktails and sampling the street food, you\u2019ll end up in the famous red-light market district before heading back for a restful night\u2019s sleep at your hotel.<\/p>\n
The following morning, you\u2019ll explore Bangkok\u2019s winding waterways \u2013 and the markets which line them. Heading west of the city, you\u2019ll climb aboard a small wooden paddle boat at Tha Kha Floating Market, drifting between coconut palms and bartering for ingredients. From here, you\u2019ll continue your shopping spree at the railway markets of Talad Rom Hoob and the canals of Amphawa; watching as traders ply their wares along train tracks and mooring your riverboat at traditional wooden houses that serve freshly grilled seafood.<\/p>\n
After a few days in Bangkok, we\u2019ll take you to the north of Thailand, to Chiang Mai. Until 1920 this dazzling city was only reachable by river or rocky elephant trek, but luckily it\u2019s now just a short flight from Bangkok. You can still feel its secluded charm as you wander through the picturesque streets. Here, you’ll stay at one of our favorite sanctuaries; 137 Pillars House.<\/p>\n
Over the next few days you\u2019ll learn how to make authentic Thai dishes from scratch, meet local monks at Wat Chedi Luang and watch the sunset over the city at Wat Doi Suthep. We recommend delving into Chiang Mai Night Market during a cool evening, or two, for a spot of shopping and to taste local street food delights. We can arrange a day spent bonding with the elephants at Patara Elephant Sanctuary where you\u2019ll learn how to feed and bathe these gentle giants, as well as the subtle verbal and physical commands required for the drive. A cycle tour around the surrounding countryside is the perfect way to end your trip to Chiang Mai. Zipping along flat roads and mild hills you\u2019ll be able to enjoy the lush valleys and mountain landscapes dotted with local shrines. Take one last breath of the fresh mountain air before heading back south, and on to your beachside paradise.<\/p>\n
A quick flight down to Phuket and a short drive will take you to the exotic Trisara. Perched on a lush hillside, the resort overlooks a secluded cove speckled with immaculate beaches. Immerse yourself in the area\u2019s natural beauty and head underwater to one of the world\u2019s best diving locations. Then roam through the rainforest and spot the fantastic tropical birds. For ultimate relaxation, we’ll book you into Jara Spa for their signature six-hand massage, guaranteed to put you at ease.<\/p>\n
For your final few nights in Thailand, we\u2019ve saved our favorite idyll till last. Nestled on the secluded island of Koh Yao Noi, the Six Senses Yao Noi is a short car and boat transfer from Phuket (organized for you in advance). Set amongst turquoise-blue seascapes and mountains coated in verdant tropical greenery, every corner of the Six Senses is a haven, and effortlessly luxurious. The stunning setting of your private pool villa will ensure your final days away are the most relaxing.<\/p>\n
For a spot of activity, we\u2019d recommend making the most of the excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities Phang Nga Bay boasts, or going kayaking through its dense mangroves and sparkling green waters. Exploring other nearby islands, too, is well worth it \u2013 a trip by speedboat to Phi Phi Island is perfect for a daytime adventure. For those seeking rest and recuperation, the spa is a must-visit for traditional Thai healing practices, and the hotel\u2019s seasonal cuisine is also utterly delicious, paying homage to Thai food culture using homegrown, organic and nutritious ingredients.<\/p>\n
Time spent here can be catered to the whims of every traveler. You\u2019ll be enchanted by everything you\u2019ve seen and reluctant to leave, but we\u2019re sure you\u2019ll be back for more.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
We love to get to know a country inside out, so we’ve searched high and low to find the hot-spots away from the tourist trail, so you can discover the real Thailand. Experience the thriving night markets and street food scenes of Bangkok, bathe and feed elephants in the north, and explore the southern islands […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":101059,"featured_media":271335,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1456],"tags":[],"country":["Thailand"],"class_list":["post-184042","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized-us","country-thailand","month-april","month-december","month-february","month-january","month-march","month-november","type-experience","need-to-indulge","need-to-unwind","need-to-discover","what-beach","what-culture","who-couple","who-honeymoon","who-with-friends"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n