Dream Design

Classic sights & hidden treasures

  • Wat Rong Khun (white temple) in Thailand reflected in lake
Bangkok – Golden Triangle – Chiang Mai – Krabi

Classic sights &
hidden treasures

A dilemma that transcends travellers – to visit the sights everyone is talking about or to seek out somewhere unknown? The answer is simply finding the right balance.

In Bangkok, a tuk tuk tour leads to a day ticking off the glittering shrines and busy markets, before a day in the lesser-visited riverside communities.

That then makes way for the ‘Switzerland of Thailand’ in the north and the original charm of Chiang Mai encapsulated in the small town of Lamphun. Last but not least, a tour of cave paintings and the dramatic Phi Phi Islands in Krabi eclipse any thoughts of merely lounging on a beach.

Long exposure of busy street in Bangkok
View of Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan in Bangkok from across the river with boats passing
Boat anchored off the beach in Krabi
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Where you’ll be going

Get to know where you'll be exploring in Thailand, from the rippling hills of Chiang Rai and Bangkok’s street markets to the backpacker’s worst kept secret – Phuket.

  • Asia, Thailand, Bangkok, food market
    Bangkok

    A non-stop flow that fades bustling city fears away; Bangkok is all about embracing the distraction and letting it be your guide. Vibrantly bubbling above its surface with histories, religions, and incredible cuisines telling stories as old as the rivers themselves, explorers and foodies need only step outside to discover grand temples, shrines, and the tastiest street-vendor morsels. 

    Stay at: The Siam
  • Hot air balloon over a lake in Chiang Rai
    Golden Triangle

    The point where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar (Burma) collide, this trilateral land once infamous for its opium trade is now a flurry of plantations and villages where hill tribes craft jewellery and textiles. Most frequented by wanderlusters in search of wildlife in droves, they revel in the untamed landscapes on mountain treks and leisurely sails down Ruak River.

    Stay at: Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
  • Chiang Mai

    Otherwise known as a ‘culture capital’ with over 700-years-worth of Buddhist practice embedded into its landscape; it might come as a surprise that this city is one where energy is supposed to be burnt. Yet with tranquil countrysides and mountain treks calling to nature-lovers, white-water rafts drifting adrenaline-junkies downstream; and plenty of temples to explore for those seeking spiritual enlightenment, it's only a matter of knowing where to start.

    Stay at: 137 Pillars House
  • Boat anchored off the beach in Krabi
    Krabi

    All karst limestone formations and eerie sea caves, the images conjured up or seen on Instagram feeds of the Andaman coast are most probably those of Krabi. The over 150 islands scattered around here are the picture-perfect postcard of Thailand’s oceans and it’s nice to keep that as photo-worthy as possible. Enter a barefoot day cruise aboard an eco-friendly 1906 Danish Schooner, the best base to snorkel with marine life off Koh Lao Ka and visit the lagoon of Hong Island.

    Stay at: Rayavadee
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Extraordinary
experiences

    • Uncover a hidden side to Bangkok in its riverside villages.

      Beginning in the narrow lanes of Talad Noi with its shophouses of oddities, the neighbourhoods to be explored house some real gems from both Thailand and further afield; including one of Bangkok’s first churches, the village of Kudijeen famous for its cake and of course some of its oldest and prettiest temples.

    • Mae Fah Luang Gardens in Doi Tung Thailand
      Take in the garden views in the ‘Switzerland of Thailand’.

      Doi Tung mountain – earning its nickname thanks to the villages sprinkled over it – is not only in enviable possession of some glorious views, but of some luscious botanical gardens too. After a morning wandering between the blooms, things are taken to new heights on a treetop walk 30m above the ground.

    • Paddy fields and mountains in the landscape of Chiang Mai
      Experience the timeless charm of Chiang Mai away from the modern day clamour.

      Head a little south of Chiang Mai’s confines and you’ll discover some of the region’s oldest temples and a small-town feel in sleepy Lamphun. After scouting out some of the must-see locations and learning about the history of the Hariphunchai Kingdom, get stuck into a Northern Thai cooking class with a local family.

    • Limestone formations in Phang Nga Bay, Krabi, Thailand
      Sail to Phang Nga Bay’s ancient caves and follow the stories of their paintings.

      Boarding a traditional longtail boat, cruise over the bay’s glassy water, passing karst islands and floating fishing villages on the way to the ancient burial site where paintings adorn the walls and ceilings.

Itinerary essentials
  • 14
    NIGHTS
IDEAL TIME
  • Nov - Mar
    COSY & COMFORTABLE
WHEN TO GO
  • 11hrs 30min
    LHR - BKK
FLIGHT TIME
  • 6hrs 07min
    BY ROAD
  • 3hrs 05min
    BY AIR
  • 20min
    BY SEA
ALL TRANSFERS
Get in touch your way…
We customise every trip to you and our quotes are bespoke. We’re here to offer advice, recommendations and answer your questions.
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    Explore more of
    Thailand

    Its popularity has risen like the tallest temple tower and images of its Buddha-flanked streets, corrugated rice paddies and otherworldly beaches are bountiful. So it could be argued that, nowadays, Thailand is in no need of an introduction… perhaps.