Ultimate Luxury Thailand Explorer from Golden Triangle to Beach 13D12N

Begin your journey in the bustling city of Bangkok, where you will be picked up at your Bangkok hotel and transferred to the quaint Anantara Riverside Pier. All aboard your private luxury charter, the Loy Dream. Your floating home for the next 2 nights. Start your adventure with a celebratory welcome champagne, meet your crew and enjoy the open sundeck as you sail on a journey of fascinating discoveries.

Set sail across the serene Phraya Chao River to some majestic riverside temples contrasting old and new. Explore Wat Kanlayanamit, meaning Good Friend, a relatively newer temple built in the reign of King Rama III. Admire its highlights of a 16-meter-tall Buddha statue and the largest bronze bell tower in Thailand. Be captivated as you transition into the older temples of Bangkok to the beautiful and iconic Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. Revel at its colourfully decorated and intricate patterned spires that stand majestically over the water. While here, climb the central pang for sweeping views of the river and the Grand Palace.

Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Bangkok, where your guide will welcome you at Suvarnabhumi Airport for a transfer to your city accommodation. Along the way, your guide will introduce you to the City of Angels, share helpful information, its history and culture about the Land of Smiles that is Bangkok.

You’ll stay at a luxurious riverfront hotel on the east bank of the majestic Chao Phraya River at Capella Bangkok. Spend the rest of the day doing as little or as much as you please. Explore the many colorful temples, lively street markets, international style Michelin star restaurants or designer malls all within a short reach. Relax at a trendy roof top bar and enjoy the Bangkok skyline, stroll through hidden communities or simply pamper yourself with a Thai massage. Whether you seek to dive into the best of Thai capital or just kick back and relax within the cozy confines of the urban oasis of Capella.

An early start see’s you delving deeper into Bangkok’s majestic temples where the jewel of today is the iconic and strikingly beautiful Grand Palace.

Begin at Wat Traimit, a 700-year-old, three meters tall golden statue, cast from five and a half tons of sold gold. Here, you’ll be left to marvel at the world’s largest solid gold statue. From one beauty to another, visit Wat Pho, the temple of the largest Reclining Buddha. Appreciate its large collection of Buddha images and gain insight into the national headquarters for the teaching and preservation of tradition Thai medicine.

Be captivated by the most sacred temple in the kingdom, the renowned Grand Palace, and the official residence of the past Kings of Thailand. Marvel at an intricate and impeccable architectural wonder of golden stupas, walls and pillars encrusted in shiny and colourful mosaics and murals. While here, visit the sacred Emerald Buddha, where you will find the most revered image of Buddha in Thailand.

Retreat back to your hotel and indulge in its 5-star facilities. Savour authentic flavours of Thai cuisine, luxuriate the dishes of a celebrated 3 Michelin-Starred chef or craft cocktails with the majestic Chao Phraya as a backdrop. For those seeking for more adventure, venture further afield into the city streets and discover the many wonders Bangkok has to offer.

This morning leaves the bustling city life behind and into a serene river life experience. You will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to Anantara Riverside Pier. All aboard your private luxury charter! A charming rice barge cruise, Loy Dream, your floating home for the next 2 nights.

Your voyage takes you back in time along the River of Kings and into the fascinating discoveries of its resplendent landmarks. Begin with a welcome comfort of herbal drink and a celebratory bottle of sparkling wine. Meet your crew and enjoy the open sundeck as you set sail to explore Wat Kanlayanamit, meaning Good Friend. Admire its highlights of a 16-meter-tall Buddha statue and the largest bronze bell tower in Thailand. Be captivated as you transition into the iconic Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. Revel at its colourfully decorated and intricate patterned spires that stand majestically over the water. While here, climb the central pang for sweeping views of the river and the Grand Palace.

Step back in time at the Royal Barges National Museum showcasing an incredible collection of gilded and ornately decorated boats including his Majesty the King's personal barge. You’ll be left in awe at the unique portrayal of the Kingdom’s incredible craftsmanship. Enjoy a delicious lunch onboard before sailing across the manmade island of Koh Kret for an authentic cultural immersion. Meander this car-free island exploring its beautiful farms and many pottery shops the island is renowned for. Relax and set sail as you spend the afternoon on board capturing snapshots of the river life unfold. Enjoy a lovely afternoon high tea before visiting Wat Pathum Khong Ka. Explore its stunning temple carps and feed giant fish for a good luck tradition that offers a simple way to gain merit and promoting the Buddhist cycle. Arrive in Wat Samakkiyaram in time to watch the sunset before mooring for the night.

Freshen up in your private ensuite stateroom before indulging on aperitifs and Thai canapés on deck. Immerse in a Thai cooking class of authentic flavours and aromas with your onboard private chef and enjoy your creation over a traditional Thai dinner. Sip with a glass of wine or nightcap before drifting to a peaceful sleep in your stateroom to the soothing sounds of the river.

As the sun arises over the river, an enticing fresh breakfast is served onboard Loy Dream. Relax on the deck lounger and take in the passing floating scenic vistas of river life toward the idyllic Thai countryside.

Start with a sacred experience at Wat Bote, engaging in a wonderful chance to make merit with monks and exploring the temple. Thai Buddhists believe that by making merit they earn happiness, peace and chance to progress in their next life. An ideal way to create a harmonious start to your day.

Visit Wat Panancherng, an old monastery that is one of the most impressive and elegant Buddhist temples that is over seven hundred years old. Marvel at its jewel of an imposing gold-plated Buddha statue. The largest ancient Buddha image in Thailand. Be transferred in a limousine where you’ll meet your guide to the historically spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site of Ayutthaya. Once an important centre of global diplomacy and commerce, the ancient capital of Ayuttaya is now an archaeological ruin filled with majestic stone temples boasting with stories and precious relics from the bygone era. Embark on a guided cultural and historical immersion uncovering the city’s past and splendour of its architecture.

A limousine journey takes you to the quaint small town of Bang Pa In, one of the 16 district of Ayutthaya and known for its magnificent Royal Palace. Be inspired by well-manicured gardens and an elegant collection of building with a mix of European and Thai architecture styles. Along the way you may wish to buy a bag of fish or a cage of small birds for you to release back to nature in a local gesture of making merit.

Relax onboard where refreshing aperitifs and Thai can-apes await. Enjoy another magical riverside dinner on deck boasting traditional Thai flavours.

Today begins with a relaxed breakfast onboard before meeting your personal guide for an adventure to Wat Niwet Thammaprawat, one of the most intriguing Buddhist temples. Built in the style of an English gothic church, the temple is considered the one and only European architectural style temple in Thailand. Admire its stained-glass windows and unusual architectures defining it as one of the most distinctive Buddhist temples in Thailand.

A short walk later takes you to the Bang Pa In Summer Palace. Explore the grounds by electric carts as you marvel at the picturesque structures representing a variety of architectural styles of classical Tai. Chinese and European design. With a limousine transfer, enjoy a local experience by visiting a local market. Experience the sights of Thai house sin regional styles while gaining insight into the local village’s handicrafts such as fern basketry, silk flowers, hand-woven silk and cotton, silk dying and wood carving which make a great place to shop.

Retreat back onboard for a delicious lunch as you set sail towards Bangkok. Absorb the majestic river side scenes while devouring in a traditional afternoon high tea. A perfect time to reflect in an incredible and inspiring journey. Return at Anantara Riverside Pier in the late afternoon and be transferred to your hotel.

You’ll stay at the Mandarin Hotel, set on the banks of the Chao Phaya River, continuing your embrace of river life. Unwind into your deluxe room and indulge in its premier facilities including award winning restaurants and bars or pamper yourself at the lavish Oriental Spa.

Enjoy a relaxed riverside breakfast before a transfer to Suvarnabhumi Airport for a scenic flight to Chiang Rai. Today, farewell the bustling city and fly north to the beautiful mountain province of Chiang Rai.

Upon arrival, be greeted by your guide and transfer to the breathtaking Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort. A location that will truly take your breath away. Perched on a ridge in a tranquil jungle setting overlooking the three-country views of Myanmar and Laos.

With a choice of one unforgettable activity for every night stayed, spend the rest of the day immersing in once-in-a-life-time experiences. For the wildlife lovers take on the Elephant Experience at Dara Camp with options for Elephant Learning Experience or Walking with the Giants. For a cultural immersion, embark on the Golden Triangle Discovery for a guided adventure of three countries. The food enthusiasts may want to take on a cooking school offering a rich and interactive immersion in Thailand’s world-famous cuisines. For those who would like to take a slower pace and indulge in a little self-care, a spa package, private yoga or pilates class are also on offer.

Optional: For a truly magical and once-in-a-lifetime experience spent the night with Thailand's majestic elephants in their natural habitat while staying at a unique transparent jungle bubble suite. Be captivated as you camp in an elephant habitat from dusk to dawn. An exhilarating experience perched on a wooden deck above the forest with uninterrupted views of these majestic gentle giants with the serene stunning starlit sky above. (Additional cost dependent on availability at time of booking).

This morning, a scenic drive takes you to the breathtaking and slow-paced vibe of Chiang Rai City. Start with a journey on a traditional long tail boat for a nostalgic ride onto the mighty Mae Kok River. Drift through the heart of three countries- Thailand, Myanmar and Burma- converging to form the Golden Triangle. Soak in the scenic vistas of river life where local villages and lush jungles intertwine.

Meet local villagers with a visit to the indigenous Karem Hill Tribe Village, originating from Burma and now one of the largest hill tribes in Thailand. Call into the Lahu Hill tribe, home to a local hot spring, not to swim but an exciting and innovative way for boiling eggs. Experience an authentic cultural immersion into these tribes, as you interact, delve into their daily lives and gain insight into their rich heritage and history. Cap off an inspiring day with a pristine long tail boat cruise returning to Chiang Rai.

You’ll stay at the luxuriously tranquil, Le Meridien Resort, situated on the banks of the Mae Kok River. Unwind in your refined guestroom boasting panoramic views of mountain and jungle vistas. Indulge in a curated culinary experience at one of its on-site dining establishments including the signature restaurant at Favola. Tantalise your tastebuds with rustic Italian cuisine and a glass of wine as you dine amongst the tranquil river. Or for an exclusive chef table experience, dine at Locus Native Food Lab, for creative local-inspired dishes.

Today delve deeper into the sleepy and delightful town of Chiang Rai through its rich culture kept in the White Temple (Wat Rong Kunh) and Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suer Tean). You’ll experience their notable design striking a significant shift from the traditional golden temples.

Appreciate the temples’ fascinating fusion of traditional Buddhist values and classic Thai architecture with extremely contemporary design choices. With colours that will delight you, also learn of its symbolic elements. The White Temple, built by renowned national artist Chalermchai, is symbolically associated with the Buddha’s purity. While the resembling Blue Temple is a striking sapphire blue with gold ornamentation symbolically associated with purity, wisdom and lack of materialism that Buddhists aspire to.

Venture further into the sleepy town’s prominent architecture in the form of wooden artistry at the eerie Black House (Baan Dam). Built by nationally renowned artist Thawan Duchanee, a visit here is an extraordinary experience. Marvel at a sprawling series of sculpture, displays and installation of both orthodox and unorthodox Buddhist persuasion. You’ll be put off guard from buffalo horns, animal skulls to crocodile skins. Indeed, a grim atmosphere but playful at the same time.

Retreat back at your resort and spend the afternoon at your leisure. Indulge in a massage or refresh in one of the outdoor pools.

Immerse into an island paradise as you leave the city life and fly to the fine beaches of Phuket.

Upon arrival at Phuket airport, you’ll be chauffeured to the island’s lush tropical forest at Keemala Resort. Be captivated at the magnificent architecture, submerging you in a surreal fantasy wonderland. No ordinary resort, Keemala resembles an authentic yet imaginary Thai village. Spend the rest of the day settling into your island haven comprised of an ultra-stylish ‘tree pod’ or ‘bird nest’ shaped huts, clinging atop a hillside. With streams and waterfalls running through the resort, seamlessly immerse into nature. Feel the air of serenity, indulge your body and invigorate your mind with a massage or learn Thai cooking using herbs picked from the hotel’s own garden. With the tropical rainforest on your doorstep, stroll along the jungle walkways in search for exotic flora and fauna or simply unwind to the rhythms of the rainforest from your private tribal-inspired Clay Pool Cottage. With a sumptuous in-villa menu, private pool and spa services on hand, burrow away in your tropical hideaway.

Journey to Old Town Phuket and feel its energetic and vibrant culture. Admire the beautiful Sino Portuguese architecture, boutique shops and awaken your senses meandering the busy morning market with exotic fruit tasting along the way. Take a leisurely stroll along the streets of Phuket’s old quarter and marvel at an array of lovely architecture and buildings. Visit Baan Chinpracha, a fine example of Sino-Colonial mansion. Be evoked by Phuket’s interesting history that boasts colourful Sino-Portuguese style shop houses. Along the way, delight your tastebuds sampling local Thai snacks that bursts with unique flavours. While here, try the local favourite Thai iced milk tea and be fascinated by the process of making such a delightful drink.

Explore the Thai Hua Museum, the most beautiful and historical building in Phuket. Marvel at its intricate design and exhibition museum stepping you into Phuket’s history of its Phuket-China connection. Stroll its charming garden that exhibits large tools and machines from Phuket's tin mining years. Enjoy a refreshing roadside coconut before indulging in a scrumptious Southern style local lunch at one of the boutiques Sino Portuguese style restaurants.

Retreat back to your resort and soak in the island magic.

This morning, begin with an unforgettable journey through the lesser-known beaches and snorkeling spots in one of the most unique and peaceful marine settings in the world, Phang Nga Bay, by a private longtail boat.

The highlight of your boat adventure is the stunning 'Giant Cliff', a unique rocky cliff that resembles a giant face. Spend time soaking in the sunshine on the white sand beach, swim in its pristine waters or explore Thung Samed Khao. Be treated to a Southern Thai lunch before snorkeling at Khao Na Yak and Hua Gang where you'll discover an underwater paradise of abundant coral reef and marine life.

Retreat back to your rainforest oasis and refresh with a delightful swim and drink at the swim up bar before indulging in a decadent dinner affair.

Enjoy a sleep in before a relaxing tropical breakfast. Today, you do as little or as much as you please.

A lavish island oasis at Keemala deserves time to truly immerse into its experiences. Spend your day losing yourself in island magic and enjoy the resort’s luxury facilities. For something different, let your creativity loose with a private Cocktail Making Class. Master the technique to shaking up perfect blends of classically inspired cocktails and Mala creations.

Immerse into Keemala’s nature, enjoy its tranquil rainforest surrounds and engage in the plethora of holistic activities and cuisine to aid your wellbeing. Unwind in the delightful pool area complete with a waterfall, swim up bar and jacuzzi. Explore the jungle walkways in search for exotic wildlife. Whisk away with your loved for a destination dining experience in paradise. Enjoy intimate beach picnic and dinners for two in alluring locations. Dine under the starry night on the rooftop or unleash your inner chef in a private cooking class creating a 5-course menu. For those in search of adventure further afield, a close journey takes you to the pristine Kamala Beach and the liveliness of Patong Beach for an immersive dynamic action of Phuket’s social life. Or simply cocoon away in your majestic cottage and enjoy the sanctuary of your private pool overlooking scenic rainforest vistas. Your choices are endless!

Soak in your last moments in paradise over a relaxed breakfast. A perfect time to reflect on an incredible immersive Thailand journey. You’ll be transferred to Phuket Airport for your onward travels.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.