Amazing Thailand Vacation

You will be greeted at the aircraft door or before you enter the terminal area, escorted to a VIP area and fast-tracked through immigration. Having been helped with your bags and escorted through customs, you will then be transferred from Suvarnabhumi Airport to your Bangkok hotel by helicopter.

Remember that the helicopter will only operate in daytime hours. Those arriving at night will be transferred by private limousine instead.

In the evening, experience a romantic cruise along the Chao Praya River on the luxury Manohra rice barge, which has been converted into one of Bangkok’s finest dining venues. Passing many glittering sights, including the stunning Temple of Dawn, the illuminated Grand Palace, magnificent temples, striking bridges and other Bangkok landmarks, the cruise offers a perfect introduction to Bangkok that guests will never forget. Onboard, while the boat cruises slowly along the river, guests will enjoy a sumptuous five-course dinner, prepared in the style of a five-star hotel.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Today offers the chance for guests to explore Thailand’s rich cultural heritage. The day starts with a visit to a secluded century-old house, now open to the public as the Museum of Floral Cultural. Embark on a 45-minute guided tour through the museum, which features incredible floral art and designs reflecting Asian culture and heritage.

The museum is also home to a quaint tea house, surrounded by impeccably landscaped gardens. Guests can relax in these peaceful surroundings while enjoying a cup of tea from the renowned florist Sakul Intakul’s own collection, accompanied by some Thai desserts.

Guests then have the chance to take part in a private flower workshop, or “Dok Mai Pra Yuk”. The instructor will teach guests the fundamentals of flower arranging, equipping them with the skills to prepare floral displays for dinners or special events. At the end of the class, guests get to keep their handmade arrangements as a unique souvenir of the day.

Note: Museum closed on Mondays.

Head to The House on Sathorn for lunch. Bangkok’s latest culinary destination and one of the most recognizable landmarks of Bangkok, this restaurant is set in a restored heritage building next to W Bangkok hotel. It aims to offer unique cuisine, unparalleled service and a one-of-a-kind experience in a luxurious yet comfortable and friendly environment.

After lunch, transfer to the hotel for some time to relax.

This evening, guests will be taken to the Mahanakorn Building for dinner at VOGUE Lounge, a new destination which is getting a good reputation for its high-quality cuisine, classic cocktails and contemporary music. The VOGUE Lounge’s cuisine is presented in bite-sized servings created by Michelin-starred chef Vincent Thierry.

Overnight in Bangkok.

After breakfast at the hotel the morning is free at leisure.

In the afternoon, transfer to Issaya Siamese restaurant for lunch. While it is set in an old house, this is no ordinary Thai restaurant! Run by the ‘prodigal son,’ Ian Kittichai, Issaya offers a vibrant and exciting take on traditional Thai cuisine. The décor is bright and bold, but somehow manages to combine perfectly with the traditional heritage building. The food achieves the same high‐wire act of being resolutely traditional and thought‐provoking in equal measure. Guests will recognize most dishes on the menu, which includes organic vegetarian options.

After lunch, guests will be taken to Bangkok’s vast network of canals, or khlongs, to board a private boat. This cruise along the peaceful Klong Bang Luang passes shop houses, local temples and vendors. Once a major trading route, the canal is also lined with the impressive homes of aristocrats. The guide will point out local landmarks and cultural idiosyncrasies of the area along the way. After observing this lively area, the boat stops at Baan Silapin, a 100-year-old renovated house which now houses an art gallery. Here, guests can stop for up to two hours to enjoy the gallery, take part in an art workshop or explore the local community, before experiencing a unique puppet show performed by puppeteers trained under the Joe Louis School of puppetry (organized on private basis).

Then return to the hotel to freshen up before dinner.

This evening guests will be transferred to Sirocco for a sunset cocktail. Located on the 63rd floor of the Lebua at State Tower hotel, Sirocco is the world’s highest al fresco restaurant and one of Bangkok’s most coveted venues. It never fails to leave one mesmerized, with its breathtaking views of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya River, its amazing Sky Bar and live jazz music, which combine to create a captivating ambiance and a perfect evening.

Continue to the Metropolitan Hotel for dinner at Nahm, which was ranked 22nd in a list of the “World’s 50 Best Restaurants”. At Nahm, Thai cuisine is showcased using some of the best market-fresh produce in the world, all carefully put together by Executive Chef David Thompson and his experienced team. Standout dishes feature rare ingredients from all regions of Thailand.

Overnight in Bangkok.

This morning, guests will be met at the hotel by their guide and transported to the airport in a private, air-conditioned luxury vehicle. They will then board a private jet for the flight to Chiang Rai.

Upon arrival in Chiang Rai airport, guests will be transferred to the factory and showroom of Doi Din Dang Pottery. Little more than 20km from the town of Chiang Rai, Baan Doi Din Dang is a small pottery factory owned by a famous local artist who creates hundreds of unique, high-quality, pieces of handmade pottery which can be found nowhere else in the world.

Guests will then be driven to Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House for lunch.

Afterwards, head to Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, followed by dinner at the hotel.

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

After breakfast at the resort, guests will be met by their guide in the lobby, escorted to the elephant camp and introduced to their elephant. With amahout (elephant handler) as their guide, guests will be taken on an hour-long ride through the bamboo forest, woodland and grassland, spotting seasonal birdlife and mammals along the way. After an hour, guests will be returned to the hotel.

After some time at leisure, guests will be transferred to Chiang Mai.

Stop en route at the famous Wat Rong Khun or ‘The White Temple’, a contemporary Buddhist temple created by renowned artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, before having lunch at Boonrawd Farm.

Upon arrival at their hotel in Chiang Mai, guests can check in and spend some time at leisure.

Dinner and overnight in Chiang Mai.

Depart the hotel at 06.00 and arrive at the foot of Doi Suthep mountain, in time to buy some offerings and join the locals in the daily alms-giving ceremony. This is a serene Buddhist procession which sees dozens of monks walk barefoot through the streets collecting food and everyday items. Then continue up the mountain to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and climb the 309 steps of the Golden Naga staircase to reach its golden pagodas. Proceed to Wat Umong, which dates back to the 14th Century. This forested temple is covered with moss and foliage, giving it a unique and charming natural ambience. After a walk through its mysterious tunnels, guests reach the Viharn of the temple to experience a private blessing ceremony.

Then from 10:00 to 12:00, guests will visit Studio Naenna and meet up with Patricia Cheesman, an expert in antique Lao and Thai textiles, as well as lecturer in Thai textile, ceramics and contemporary design at Chiang Mai University.

Note: A takeaway breakfast box will be provided by the hotel.

Lunch will be served at The Service 1921, at Anantara Chiang Mai. This unique culinary experience is filled with mystery and intrigue from the moment of arrival, with a spy hole in the entrance door. Guests can watch the resident mixologist concoct Asian-inspired cocktails from high bar stools, or relax in vintage-style salons. Lunch will be created by the restaurant’s expert chefs, either in the sociable surroundings of the communal dining rooms or in the private dining room which is accessed through a secret door hidden in one of the bookshelves that line the library wall.

After lunch, guests head to the village of Hang Dong to spend the afternoon with a Thai family. In true Thai style, guests can slip into a pair of local ‘fisherman’s pants’ and discover the architecture of a traditional Thai house and rice barn. The family will also demonstrate their basket weaving skills, a traditional craft that has been practiced in Thailand for centuries. Stroll around the small, family orchard and select fresh ingredients for the home-cooked dinner, which guests will help prepare. Under the tutelage of the local family, guests will learn how to create traditional home-cooked recipes with authentic Northern Thai flavors that are considerably different from standard dishes offered in commercial cooking classes. Best of all, guests will have the opportunity to get to know a real Thai family, be their house guests for the day, and enjoy a delicious home cooked dinner together.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Today, the guide will meet guests at the Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai resort and transport them by air-conditioned car to Chiang Mai Airport, before assisting with check-in procedures ahead of the flight south to Phuket.

Upon arrival at Phuket Airport, guests will be met be a hotel representative and transferred to the hotel by private limousine.

This evening, transfer to Da Maurizio Bar Ristorante (Baan Rim Pa) for dinner. Da Maurizio Bar Ristorante offers the finest contemporary Italian cuisine in a beautiful seaside location. Guests can enjoy this sumptuous cuisine while seated just a few feet from the waves crashing onto softly-lit rocks.

Overnight in Phuket.

Guests will be picked up from their hotel this morning and transferred to the pier for a private luxury speed boat tour of Phang Nga Bay. This stunning seascape is dotted with spectacular limestone islands that rise from the emerald water, making it a must-see for anyone exploring the region. Guests will be able to cruise through this picturesque bay in comfort and privacy, taking time to stop at the famous James Bond Island and relax on a secluded, private island for a mouth-watering barbeque picnic lunch . This idyllic tour is the perfect way to relax amidst spectacular scenery, far from the tourist crowds!

Overnight in Phuket.

Depart the hotel at 7am and head to Layan Beach for a sunrise yoga session, led by a trained yoga guru.

After an hour of yoga return to the hotel for breakfast, followed by spa session.

Overnight in Phuket.

Today is free at leisure until the guest’s departure time.

The guide will meet guests at their hotel in Phuket and transfer them by air-conditioned luxury vehicle to Phuket Airport, before assisting with the check-in procedure for the departure flight.