Thailand Uncovered

Arrive at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, where a representative will assist with fast-track immigration before introducing your EXO Travel guide. Transfer by private vehicle to your hotel, with insights into Bangkok's history and Thai culture shared along the way. This evening, venture into Bangkok's bustling Chinatown by tuk tuk with an English-speaking guide, soaking up the sights, sounds and smells of one of the city's most vibrant neighbourhoods, stopping to sample street food along the way. (Note: not available on Mondays.) Overnight in Bangkok.

Travel by Skytrain and public boat to Wat Pho in time to witness the monks' early morning chanting ritual. Thailand's oldest temple, Wat Pho is home to the reclining Buddha and the country's first school of traditional medicine and Thai massage; enjoy an optional 30-minute foot massage here. Continue on foot to the Grand Palace, the nation's most revered royal monument, home to the Emerald Buddha. Lunch is at Eat Side Story. In the afternoon, board a colourful private longtail boat and cruise the Chao Phraya, taking in the Bangkok skyline before veering into the Thonburi khlongs. Stop at Wat Khun Chan and Wat Paknam, two temples rarely visited by tourists, before continuing to Poomjai Garden, a century-old organic permaculture garden and restaurant run by a local Thai family on the canal's edge, for a walk through the garden and a signature drink. Overnight in Bangkok.

Drive to Samut Songkhram province, visiting a rural railway market where vendors pack up their stalls each time a train passes. Continue to Damnoen Saduak floating market, boarding a paddle boat to explore its labyrinth of canals lined with traditional homes. (Note: the less-touristy Tha Kha floating market may be visited instead, depending on the day.) Return to the market for lunch. Continue by longtail boat through the waterways, stopping at a local Buddhist temple off the tourist trail before visiting King Rama II Memorial Park to learn about the life of the former king. (Visits falling on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday also include the weekend floating market at Amphawa.) Overnight in Bangkok.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai. On arrival, meet your guide for a private vehicle transfer to your hotel. This evening, wander from the South Gate of Chiang Mai's old city to its evening street food market, sampling local dishes such as kanom jeen, kanom krok, pad Thai and sweet mango with sticky rice, guided by your host to the best of what's on offer. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Uncover the secrets of Thai cooking at Grandma's Home Cooking School, starting with a visit to a fresh market to collect ingredients before learning to prepare a full meal under the guidance of a local chef, then sitting down to enjoy what you've cooked. In the afternoon, explore Chiang Mai's old town and its crumbling city walls, then step into the secret jungle temple of Wat Phalad for a monk's blessing. Continue up into the hills to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, climbing to its 14th-century gilded stupa for panoramic views, and close the day with the temple's evening chanting ceremony. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Drive into the hills north of Chiang Mai to Kanta Elephant Sanctuary. Change into traditional clothing, prepare fruit for the elephants, and spend the day feeding, interacting and bathing with them in their natural environment, learning about their behaviour and history along the way. Spend the afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

After breakfast, transfer to Chiang Mai Airport for your flight to Phuket. On arrival, meet your guide for a private vehicle transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Phuket.

Leave Phuket's crowded beaches behind aboard a private longtail boat for a full-day trip to Phang Nga Bay. Stop at a natural sea cave and pass James Bond Island before venturing further among the bay's dramatic limestone karsts. Go ashore on a privately owned island for a barbecue seafood lunch, then spend the rest of the day swimming and lounging before returning to Phuket as the sun begins to set. Overnight in Phuket. Days 9-11: Phuket Spend these days at leisure at your resort. Overnight in Phuket each night.

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Phuket Airport for your onward flight.