Classic Thailand
Programme Overview
Duration: 10 days
Ideal for first time visitors to Thailand, this programme includes the vibrant capital city of Bangkok, the culturally rich northern city of Chiang Mai and the tropical island of Phuket.
Highlights: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket.
Arrive Bangkok
Your travel experience starts the minute you disembark when a representative will be there to breeze you through immigration and customs through a special channel. After clearing immigration and customs, you will be transferred to the legendary Mandarin Oriental Hotel.
Upon arrival explore the many facilities the hotel has or just relax in the comfort of your room until your welcome dinner at Sala Rim Naam, Mandarin Oriental’s signature Thai restaurant. A lavish Thai set dinner menu accompanied by the region's most spectacular cultural performance and dance show awaits you.
Overnight: Mandarin Oriental
Meal Plan: D
Bangkok
This morning experience an important part of Thai culture by offering food to the monks at a local temple. Afterwards cruise along Chao Phraya and its canals where you will see family homes and temples dotted along the waterways, making it clear why Bangkok is referred to as the "Venice of the East".
Your exciting journey continues once you disembark at the public pier, here you will take a short ride on a Tuk Tuk (a motorised tricycle, one of the symbols of Bangkok) to visit the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Temple, perhaps the greatest spectacle for any
visitor to Bangkok. It consists of over 100 brightly coloured buildings, golden spires and glittering mosaics, and dates back to 1782 when Bangkok was founded. Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of Emerald Buddha) itself, is Thailand's most important and sacred temple.
This afternoon visit the Arts of the Kingdom exhibition at the Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall (closed on Mondays). The Arts of the Kingdom is an exhibition of exquisite but rarely seen traditional Thai crafts created by artists under The Foundation for the Promotion of
Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of Thailand.
Overnight: Mandarin Oriental
Meal Plan: B,L
Bangkok
This morning you will visit the home of the American adventurer, Jim Thompson. Credited with re-establishing the Thai silk industry, Mr. Thompson was an enigmatic figure who had great passion for all things oriental. After settling in Thailand following the Second World War, he set about developing the silk industry as well as amassing a considerable collection of oriental antiques and artworks. Mr. Thompson mysteriously disappeared in Malaysia in 1967 and today his home has been opened to the public for visits.
In the afternoon visit the Prasart Museum, a private family gallery that highlights the artistic splendour of Thai culture. The complex is made up of two exquisite teak houses built in the traditional Thai style, which display a wealth of handicrafts. There is also a mansion in the style of 19th century France which exhibits an extensive collection of objets d'art from both Europe and the Thai royal family’s personal collection. After visiting the gallery, chat with Khun Prasart Vongsakul, owner of the Prasart Museum and ardently devoted to preserving Thai antiquity. The opportunity to meet Khun Prasart is dependent on your travelling dates and Khun Prasart's availability.
This evening you will be alfresco dining by the river at Sirocco. What a great way to bid goodbye to Bangkok, the city of angels.
Overnight: Mandarin Oriental
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Bangkok - Chiang Mai
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival in Chiang Mai our representative will be there to accompany you to the fabulous Four Seasons Resort.
After lunch, visit Waroros Market and experience the northern Thai way of life. From the market ride along Tapae Road down through the city walls and along Rajdamnern Road to Wat Phra Singh which houses a very old and sacred Buddha image. Drive from Wat Phra Singh to Wat Phrathad Doi Suthep, which stands at 3,500 feet above sea level and is the most important temple in Chiang Mai.
Overnight: Four Seasons Resort
Meal Plan: B,L
Chiang Mai
Leave for Mae Kampong village, a perfect destination to experience the unspoiled beauty of nature. A stop will be made at a local market where you will have a chance to buy ingredients for a self-cooked dinner at the village in the afternoon.
The village is 1,300 metres above sea level with an average temperature of 10-18°C throughout the year.
Upon arrival you will walk through the community forest, where the villagers grow tea and coffee, to see how they preserve their forest and how they live in harmony with nature. It is a good example of the Thai king’s self sufficient economy theory.
After a picnic lunch at a waterfall you will return to the village to relax with a one hour Thai traditional massage. These massages are given by the homemakers of the villages, this is another initiative by Mae Kampong to provide extra income for households. Then walk around the village to witness the process of fermenting tea leaves.
In the evening you will prepare and cook your dinner with local people in their home.
Overnight: Four Seasons Resort
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Chiang Mai
This morning is at leisure.
This afternoon, visit an elephant camp where you will be taken through a private manhout training course to learn the basic commands required to guide an elephant through its daily tasks.
This evening dine along the scenic river of Mae Ping. Mae Ping River has a long history of over 700 years. The river is known as the lifeline of the Chiang Mai Province and was once used for the transport of timber from pier to pier.
After dinner, explore the bustling outdoor night market of Chiang Mai.
Overnight: Four Seasons Resort
Meal Plan: B,L,D
Chiang Mai - Phuket
This morning is free at leisure until your transfer to Chiang Mai airport for your flight to Phuket.
Phuket is Thailand ’s largest island. Located in balmy Andaman Sea waters on Thailand’s western coastline 862 kilometres south of Bangkok, Phuket is blessed with magnificent coves and bays, palm-fringed beaches, sparkling island-dotted seas, hospitable people,fresh seafood, delightful turn of-the-century Sino-Portuguese architecture, numerous sporting and leisure opportunities and a lush tropical landscape – all of which combine to create a delightful ambience for a truly memorable holiday.
Upon arrival in Phuket our representative will be there to accompany you to Amanpuri. Nestled amid coconut palms and overlooking its very own beach, Amanpuri is a tranquil haven where relaxation and regeneration come naturally.
Overnight: Amanpuri Resort
Meal Plan: B
Phuket
Today is at leisure to enjoy the sun, sand and sea on offer in Phuket.
Overnight: Amanpuri Resort
Meal Plan: B
Phuket
Today is at leisure to enjoy the sun, sand and sea on offer in Phuket.
Overnight: Amanpuri Resort
Meal Plan: B
Depart Phuket
Enjoy some free time this morning to reflect on the incredible journey that you have experienced till your departure transfer to the airport for your flight home. Upon arrival at Bangkok airport, our representative will be there with you to assist you with your transfer flight back home.
Meal Plan: B