Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Thailand – Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Koh Yao Noi
100% customisable for you
Pack your bags and set your status to holiday mode: your escape to Thailand begins today. Head to the airport, whizz through security and nip into the lounge for some downtime before your departure. Flights to Bangkok take just under 12 hours, so spend the night on board and arrive the following morning.
After landing, grab your bags and step into the heat to meet your driver for a private transfer into the city, where you’ll check in for the next three nights at a centrally located hotel.
If you’re not too tired from all your travelling, start scoping out the city on a midday stroll. Then, nip into a cafe for lunch before working up an appetite for dinner with more wandering. Or – if that sounds a little too energetic for today – indulge in some jet-lag-remedying R&R back at your hotel. There’ll be plenty of time to explore tomorrow, don’t worry.
Rise and shine – it’s your first full day in Bangkok. Fuel up on a hearty breakfast this morning before meeting a local guide for a private tour of this captivating capital.
Start with a stroll along the city centre’s wide avenues. Then, head to the banks of the Chao Phraya River to observe the comings and goings of traditional ruea hang yao (longtail) boats. As with any major city, there’s also a charming Chinatown to explore, so don’t forget to stop there, too.
For a moment of peace and serenity later on, head to Talat Noi, a historic district bursting with vibrant street art. Elsewhere, more waterside wonders await in the Thonburi district, where a series of houses stand on stilts over the khlongs (canals). Then, when legs grow weary, find a spot to perch and people watch in Bang Krachao Park. Come evening , reach out to your trusty Concierge for some stellar restaurant recommendations.
After brushing up on Bangkok’s rich culture and history yesterday, let your curiosity lead the way on your final day in this captivating capital.
Between stops for Thai iced coffee, don’t miss a visit to the Royal Palace, home to Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha). Here, you can see the green jade sculpture that has been erected in honour of the Chakri dynasty and visit the throne room, coronation room and state reception room.
Also on the must-see list today is Wat Pho, home to another Buddha statue. The difference? This one is reclining – symbolising a state of ultimate peace. It’s also decked out in gold leaf and brandishes soles inlaid with mother-of-pearl. If staring at such sumptuous feet makes your own feel a tad neglected, just head to the traditional Thai massage school in the temple.
Bid the buzz of Bangkok farewell this morning as you grab your bags and meet your driver for a private transfer to the airport to board the one-hour-and-15-minute flight north to Chiang Mai.
When you land, another private driver will be waiting to whisk you away to your next home away from home, a cosy property in the mountains where you’ll check in for a three-night stay.
Enjoy a bountiful breakfast this morning to gear up for a day of exploration in the streets of Chiang Mai. Once again, you’ll meet a friendly local for a private tour of the city. Time to peer behind the veil of another Thai icon...
Set against a marvellous mountain backdrop, Chiang Mai boasts an extremely rich history and well-preserved cultural heritage. This is because the city was only accessible by boat or – curiously – elephant until the 1930s.
When cravings hit during your wanderings today, put talkative tummies to rest with plenty of stops for street food. The foodie scene here is an attraction in its own right, and there’s so much on offer, from kai yang (barbecue chicken) to som tam (raw papaya salad). So, tuck in – it’d be rude not to.
The name of the game today: visiting as many of Chiang Mai’s temples as possible. The city is home to nearly 300 spiritual sites, Wat Chiang Man being the oldest of the lot – and your first stop after breakfast.
Just a stone’s throw from Wat Chiang Man, you’ll find the city’s most famous (and most sacred) temple, the many-named Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Be sure to scale the stairs for a stunning panorama of the surrounding landscape before you leave.
Once the sun sets this evening, head to the Night Bazaar to discover everything from street food to electronics. Then, as tuk-tuks blaze past, look out for somewhere to have a khantoke dinner tonight – a traditional meal made up of family-style platters. Food comas pending...
Rise and shine, this morning you’ll be privately transferred to the airport for the two-hour flight to Phuket. When you land, you’ll be met by another private driver who will take you to the pier to hop aboard a boat and cross over to the island of Koh Yao Noi, in Phang Nga Bay.
When you arrive, check in for (you know the drill by now) three nights, unpack and settle in. This afternoon is yours to scope out your suave new surroundings and enjoy a celebratory cocktail – or two.
Over the next few days, soak up island life of Koh Yao Noi with sunbathing stints, ocean dips and plenty of mouth-watering meals. For an adventure further afield, explore the pretty rice fields and stilted fishermen’s villages that populate the neighbouring shores of Phang Nga Bay.
One day will also be dedicated to a private cruise around the bay. So, don your seafaring caps and set sail in the shimmering waters aboard a traditional long-tail boat. Sticking with the theme, you’ll glide out to three glorious islands: Koh Talu, Koh Ma Kram and Koh Kudu Yai with stops along the way for swimming and a picturesque picnic.
Sadly, your escape to Thailand comes to an end today. After breakfast this morning, pry yourselves away from the sun-kissed shores of Koh Yao Noi to catch the boat back to the mainland and head to the airport in Phuket.
Your flight home connects through the Middle East and takes around 17 hours, so you’ll arrive in the UK the following morning, having drifted off to dreams of your next far-flung adventure.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from checking you in for your flights to our network of local Concierges
