Itinerary | Eat, Play & Explore | Thailand

Eat, play
& explore

Including the country's bustling capital, natural wilderness and picturesque beaches, this is a tour of the best Thailand has to offer.

On-the-go Bangkok kicks things off; rumbling tummies are satisfied with a day tour of local restaurants and street vendors – walked off by exploring the city’s neighbourhoods, shrines and churches.

Travelling north, tranquil Chiang Mai with its magnificent temples and ancient ruins proves to be a closet adrenaline junkie, with tuk tuk tours, helicopter rides, cycling adventures, elephant greetings and river rafting. Then Ko Yao Noi and Phuket or Koh Samui enter stage left with blissful beaches just begging to be lounged upon. Exploring can’t be helped though, especially when there’re new ecosystems and cultures to be discovered with the kayaking tours and cooking classes.

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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 Mai and Bangkok’s street markets to Koh Samui's glitzy take on sleepy island life.

DAY 1 - 4

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: Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
DAY 5 - 8

Chiang Mai

Known as a ‘culture capital’ with over 700-years-worth of Buddhist practice embedded into the 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 and white-water rafts drifting adrenaline-junkies downstream, it's only a matter of knowing where to start.
Stay at: 137 Pillars House
DAY 9 - 15

Koh Samui

Over in the Gulf of Thailand, the country’s second largest island adds a bit more glitz to sleepy island life in the form of luxurious spas preaching Ayuvedic wellness, sparkling bars and even sparklier waters. Besides the sea, its most popular attraction is probably the Big Buddha at Wat Phra Yai, but for something a little different visit Heaven’s Garden, an curious art gallery in the rolling hills.
Stay at: Banyan Tree Samui

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A taste of what's to come Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Koh Samui journal

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 8

Day 12

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 8

Day 12

9pm

Just landed this afternoon and couldn’t help but (literally) ride the burst of energy we’re feeling. Hopped in a tuk tuk, drifted around the floating markets, and even gave it a good go at bartering. It might be an early night for us, but we have a feeling this city is just coming alive.

Explore
6pm

Spent the morning with our local guide, who took us on a tour of some cultural and religious heritage sites. We saw palaces, ancient ruins, and temples still in use today; each with intricate differences that really showcase this country’s diversity. Now, we’re off for a drink to take in the nightlife.

Explore
3pm

Up north today, to the land of luscious greens and gentle giants. Said hello to the family matriarch (elephants know best) at a local sanctuary, before heading on to a rafting experience downstream. Feeling like we’ve burnt a lot of energy – so it’s perfect timing for a trip to the local food markets.

Explore
6pm

Wow. The food last night was so incredible, we thought we’d give a cooking class a go. We’ve been making some family recipes that were passed down to our chef, so we’re so excited to show them to everyone back home. Our favourites were the staples pad thai and the massaman curry.

Explore
12pm

Stopping off for a quiet moment on our hike. We’ve been walking through the forests discovering plenty of waterfalls – standing next to them feels like you’re in an enormous shower. Off into a local village with rice paddies now, then we’re thinking it’s time to reward ourselves with a Thai massage.

Explore
2:30pm

Beachside living is completely different to what we’ve experienced so far, it’s a pace so set by ourselves we’re spoilt for choice. So far we’ve hiked to waterfalls and seen the fire-twirling show we’ve been told about, but we’re heading out for dinner and drink tonight and muay thai is on the agenda for tomorrow.

Explore

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04

Where you’ll be going

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

DAY 1 - 4

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: Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
DAY 5 - 8

Chiang Mai

Known as a ‘culture capital’ with over 700-years-worth of Buddhist practice embedded into the 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 and white-water rafts drifting adrenaline-junkies downstream, it's only a matter of knowing where to start.
Stay at: 137 Pillars House
Day 9 - 11

Koh Yao Noi

A quiet refuge from vibrant Phuket, this is a large, rugged island for kayaking, hiking, snorkelling, swimming and leisurely exploring. Traditional rubber farms dot the tranquil landscape, their tapping buckets hanging from the trunks. The east coast is where the beaches lie, whilst the west coast is blanketed in rice fields and lined with mangroves.
Stay at: Six Senses Yao Noi
DAY 12 - 15

Phuket

Evolving from a backpackers’ poorly kept secret to a high-end paradisiacal playground, the image conjured by the words ‘coastal Thailand’ is likely Phuket. While most are drawn in by the beaches, the practitioners of delving deep will find a culture shaped by many – from the island’s original tribes to outside influences from both near and far.
Stay at: Trisara

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04

A taste of what's to come Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ko Yao Noi & Phuket journal

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 8

Day 10

Day 14

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 8

Day 10

Day 14

9pm

Just landed this afternoon and couldn’t help but (literally) ride the burst of energy we’re feeling. Hopped in a tuk tuk, drifted around the floating markets, and even gave it a good go at bartering. It might be an early night for us, but we have a feeling this city is just coming alive.

Explore
6pm

Spent the morning with our local guide, who took us on a tour of some cultural and religious heritage sites. We saw palaces, ancient ruins, and temples still in use today; each with intricate differences that really showcase this country’s diversity. Now, we’re off for a drink to take in the nightlife.

Explore
3pm

Up north today, to the land of luscious greens and gentle giants. Said hello to the family matriarch (elephants know best) at a local sanctuary, before heading on to a rafting experience downstream. Feeling like we’ve burnt a lot of energy – so it’s perfect timing for a trip to the local food markets.

Explore
6pm

Wow. The food last night was so incredible, we thought we’d give a cooking class a go. We’ve been making some family recipes that were passed down to our chef, so we’re so excited to show them to everyone back home. Our favourites were the staples pad thai and the massaman curry.

Explore
12pm

Stopping off for a quiet moment on our hike. We’ve been walking through the forests discovering plenty of waterfalls – standing next to them feels like you’re in an enormous shower. Off into a local village with rice paddies now, then we’re thinking it’s time to reward ourselves with a Thai massage.

Explore
7am

Woke up this morning to watch the sunrise over the sea while eating our omelettes. The vibe in the South feels very different – perfect for relaxing. Our plans for the day are to go island hopping and see where a few iconic films were made.

Explore
7pm

The perfect final day on the beach today, dipping in and out of the sea. We’ve been snorkelling and saw a couple of black tip reef sharks (my dream) and we even had a go at paddle boarding. Dining on the sand tonight, watching the sunset and sipping a few cocktails.

Explore

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Explore all the
places to stay

Thailand

Banyan Tree Phuket

Cradled within the exclusive enclave of Laguna Phuket, bordered by Bang Tao Bay and the Andaman Sea lies the legendary Banyan Tree Resorts, Phuket.

Explore this place
- Thailand
  
  Anantara Layan Resort Phuket
  
  There’s a sanctuary-like air to this ravishing property on Phuket’s west coast.
  
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- Thailand
  
  The Siam
  
  In a charmingly calm district of the city, on the banks of Chao Phraya River lies this one-of-a-kind Bill Bensley masterpiece. Those seeking a genteel urban sanctuary will be delighted by this quiet boutique beauty.
  
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Thailand

Six Senses Yao Noi

Fronting Phang Nga Bay, easily one of the world’s most surreal seascapes, this is a place that is unfailingly flawless when it comes to mellowed island discovery.

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- Thailand
  
  Capella Bangkok
  
  On the fringe of one of Bangkok’s oldest and most unique districts, this thoughtful individual keeps its appearance low-key stylish, its service perfectly personalised and its experiences truly authentic.
  
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- Thailand
  
  Rosewood Phuket
  
  An idyllic ocean village set along a 600-meter beachfront on the Andaman Coast, the Emerald Bay hideaway of Rosewood Phuket is a true gem of Thailand.
  
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Thailand

Banyan Tree Samui

This sumptuous Banyan Tree haven fronts Lamai Bay on Koh Samui.

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- Thailand
  
  Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai
  
  Nestled amidst thirty two acres of lush greenery at the foothills of the tranquil Mae Rim Valley, this serene resort is designed like a traditional Thai village surrounded by rice terraces and flanked by the Suthep Mountains.
  
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- Thailand
  
  Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
  
  Cascading serenely down a forested hillside on the north west tip of Koh Samui lies a ravishing resort within a hidden cove.
  
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Thailand

Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

Since its early days as a seaman’s lodge on the fabled Chao Phraya River, the world-acclaimed Mandarin Oriental has become the favoured haunt of both dignitaries and the discerning traveller.

Explore this place

Extraordinary
experiences

- Cruise Bangkok’s riverside neighbourhoods on a private longtail boat.
  
  The catalyst for the city’s early development, the neighbourhoods straddling the river blend Chinese, Muslim and European influences with authentic Thai communities. Aboard a traditional longtail boat, sail through the former Ayutthayan capital of Thon Buri discovering old villages and lively markets.
- All-day private yacht experience around Phuket.
  
  Whether it be visiting your favourite spots for a classic-movie moment or just a gentle drift around the islands sipping a cocktail, this itinerary is custom-made to your liking. Sit back, relax, or jump off the yacht side, it's all about making your own splash in the ocean.
- Go trekking and bamboo rafting downstream the river at Mae Wang National Park.
  
  Depending on your preference, take a lighter or more active hike around the national park, stopping off to take a dip in the refreshing waterfalls and enjoy a picnic lunch. Round the day off with bamboo rafting, watching the forest sceneries slipping past as you float downstream.
- Meet best-selling author and Thai expert Philip Cornwel-Smith.
  
  Begin your deep dive into Thai culture by enjoying a no-questions-unanswered experience with the author of best-selling ‘Very Thai’. Spend your time together roaming Bangkok on a foodies tour tailored to the tastebuds that gets to grips with all the Chinese and Rattanakoskin influences in this city.
- Receive a personal blessing from resident monks at a famous Thai temple.
  
  Enjoy a close experience of the special morning prayer ritual, chanting in Pali. An essential part of Buddhist practice, participants clear their negative acts of the past and develop enlightenment. It’s all about spiritual connection, as you go on to perform a private ceremonial offering to the monks, who’ll share a personal blessing in return.
- Take a break from the beaches and tour the cultural centre of Phuket Town.
  
  Like any town with a trading history, Phuket Town has developed its own unique culture of local beliefs, architecture, cuisine and art. Visits are tailored to tastes so anything from a cup of coffee in the China Inn to visiting a resident artist in their workshop is on the agenda.
- Enjoy a private traditional Thai puppet show at the Baan Silapin Artist House.
  
  Bringing a once-lost art back to life are the highly acclaimed performers at the Artists House, located along one of Bangkok’s canals. The Traditional Hoon Lakorn Lek puppet dance then tells the story from the Hindu epic, Ramayna.
- Spend the day kayaking with John Gray’s ‘original cave explorer’ sea canoe team.
  
  Paddle among island caves, lagoons, and mangrove forests and keep your eyes peeled for macaque monkeys, water monitor lizards and different bird species. This canoeing team know all the best spots, meaning there’s no better place to finish than in the magical cave lit by natural phosphorescent plankton.
- Delve deep into the textile traditions of northern Thailand with a community of female artisans.
  
  Comprised of weavers, embroiders and designers, Studio Naenna is renowned for their environmentally friendly products. Follow founder Patricia Cheesman as she leads a tour of the studio and explains about the work they do before the chance to put skills to the test in a dying session.
- Practice the art of Thai boxing on Koh Samui’s sands.
  
  Head to the soft sands that surround Koh Samui to learn the techniques and cultural significance of muay thai with an in-house instructor.
- Design your own cocktail with a resident mixologist.
  
  Get hands on in an interactive cocktail making class learning about flavour profiles, complimenting ingredients and the proper techniques to mix the perfect beverage.