The journey
Eleven days at the very top of Thailand travel, from a helicopter arrival and a private villa buyout in Bangkok to Michelin dining, a private speedboat charter in Phang Nga Bay, and sunrise yoga in Phuket.
Thailand: A Luxury Journey opens with a private helicopter transfer into Bangkok and doesn't let up from there. Explore an exclusively booked private villa on the Chao Phraya, dine at some of the city's most celebrated tables, then head north to the Golden Triangle for elephant encounters and river views over three countries. In Chiang Mai, spend an evening cooking with a local family, before flying south to Phuket for a private speedboat charter through Phang Nga Bay, sunrise beach yoga and a spa massage to close out the trip.
Highlights
- Arrive in Bangkok by private helicopter transfer from the airport, with VIP fast-track service throughout
- Enjoy an exclusive private buyout of Siri Sala Villa, Bangkok's only waterfront private traditional Thai villa, with a flower garland workshop and private dinner
- Dine at Nahm, ranked among the World's 50 Best Restaurants, then cap off Bangkok with cocktails at the world's highest al fresco restaurant and dinner at a two-Michelin-starred table
- Cruise the Golden Triangle by private long-tail boat and ride with elephants through the forests near Chiang Rai
- Spend a home-hosted evening with a Thai family in Hang Dong, cooking traditional Northern dishes together
- Charter a private luxury speedboat through Phang Nga Bay to James Bond Island with a private-island BBQ picnic, then unwind with sunrise beach yoga and a spa massage in Phuket
Included
Accommodation
10 nights across Bangkok, the Golden Triangle, Chiang Mai and Phuket
Activities
Saffron Cruise by Banyan Tree dinner cruise · Private Hacker-Craft boat transfer, Siri Sala Villa private tour, flower garland workshop & dinner · Nahm lunch · Private khlong canal boat tour & Baan Silapin art gallery · Sirocco sunset cocktails & Mezzaluna dinner · Doi Din Dang Pottery visit · Chivit Thammada Coffee House · Golden Triangle private long-tail boat cruise & temple visits (Wat Pa Sak, Wat Chedi Luang, Phra That Pu Khao) · Mahout-guided elephant ride · Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) · Boonrawd Farm & Phu Phirom Restaurant lunch · Alms-giving ceremony & Wat Phra That Doi Suthep · Wat Umong & a private blessing ceremony · Studio Naenna textile visit · Home-hosted cooking evening in Hang Dong · Private luxury speedboat tour of Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island · Sunrise beach yoga · Spa massage
Also included
Helicopter transfer from Suvarnabhumi Airport with fast-track service · Fast-track departure service at Phuket Airport · Private guide & luxury vehicle throughout · Farewell gift from Doi Din Dang Pottery · Breakfast daily from Day 2, plus 6 lunches and 8 dinners · Entrance fees
The route
Eleven days across Thailand
4 stops · Bangkok to Phuket
Bangkok
Golden Triangle
Chiang Mai
Phuket
Stop 1 of 4
Journey's end
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Day by day
The route in detail
Day 1
Arrival in Bangkok
Arrive in Bangkok and be greeted at the aircraft door before entering the terminal, where a VIP escort will fast-track the immigration process, with luggage assistance provided throughout. From Suvarnabhumi Airport, transfer to your Bangkok hotel by private helicopter. (Note: the helicopter service operates during daytime hours only; nighttime arrivals are transferred by private limousine.) This evening, enjoy a Thai set dinner aboard the Saffron Cruise by Banyan Tree, a dining cruise along the Chao Phraya River blending modern and traditional influences, with award-winning cuisine and entertainment celebrating Thailand's culture and gastronomy. Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 2
Siri Sala Villa
Enjoy breakfast and a free morning at leisure. In the afternoon, transfer by private luxury vehicle to a local pier for an exclusive Hacker-Craft boat transfer, a classic mahogany boat and the only one of its kind on the Chao Phraya River. Cruise past Bangkok's cultural landmarks before turning onto a canal to arrive at Siri Sala Villa, Bangkok's first and only waterfront private traditional Thai villa, exclusively yours to explore for the afternoon. Learn the history of the house, pay respects at the spirit house, and admire the intricate design and craftsmanship throughout this traditional Thai residence, before an elegant afternoon tea with assorted Thai snacks in a private dining room. Join a hands-on Thai flower garland workshop, stringing and tying your own garland to offer at the villa's spirit house as a symbol of good luck. Relax and soak in the villa's ambiance before a luxury dinner is served in this exquisite setting. Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 3
Nahm, the Khlongs and Sirocco
Enjoy breakfast and a free morning at leisure. In the afternoon, transfer to lunch at Nahm, ranked among the World's 50 Best Restaurants, where Thai cuisine is showcased using the finest market-fresh ingredients and rare regional produce. After lunch, explore Bangkok's canals, or khlongs, by private boat, cruising the peaceful Khlong Bang Luang past shop houses, local temples and vendors, with a stop at Baan Silapin, a 100-year-old renovated house now serving as an art gallery and gathering point for the community's artisans. Return to the hotel to freshen up before an evening of sunset cocktails at Sirocco, the world's highest al fresco restaurant, located on the 63rd floor of the Lebua at State Tower Hotel, followed by dinner at Mezzaluna, a two-Michelin-star restaurant serving exquisite European cuisine on the floor above. Overnight in Bangkok.
Day 4
Onward to the Golden Triangle
Transfer by private luxury vehicle to the airport for a guided transfer for your flight to Chiang Rai. (Optional: a private jet is available upon request.) On arrival, transfer to the factory and showroom of Doi Din Dang Pottery, a small workshop producing unique handmade pieces, with the chance to meet owner Mr. Somrak and hear the story behind his work. Continue to Chivit Thammada Coffee House for lunch, meeting the owner for a conversation about the coffee house and its story. Conclude the day with relaxation at your resort in the Golden Triangle before dinner. Overnight in the Golden Triangle.
Day 5
The Golden Triangle and Its Temples
After breakfast, board a private long-tail boat from the resort's jetty for a cruise along the Rusk River and the mighty Mekong, where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet to form the Golden Triangle. Enjoy the scenic views before visiting the ancient temples of Wat Pa Sak, Wat Chedi Luang and Phra That Pu Khao. Lunch and dinner are both served at the resort. Overnight in the Golden Triangle.
Day 6
Onward to Chiang Mai
After breakfast, meet your guide for an escort to the elephant camp for an introduction to the resident elephants. Accompanied by a mahout, embark on an hour-long ride through bamboo forests, woodlands and grasslands, spotting seasonal birdlife and other wildlife along the way, before returning to the resort for some leisure time. Transfer to Chiang Mai, stopping en route at Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple, a contemporary Buddhist temple created by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, who may be present to share the story of the temple in person. Continue to Boonrawd Farm, an 8,000-rai estate known for its tea plantations, strawberry farms and orchards, for lunch at Phu Phirom Restaurant, with panoramic views over the tea plantations. Check in to your hotel in Chiang Mai and enjoy some leisure time. This evening, dine at Oxygen Dining Room, among Thailand Tatler's Best Restaurants, serving an extensive range of Thai and fusion cuisine. Overnight in Chiang Mai.
Day 7
Doi Suthep and a Home-Hosted Evening
Depart early for the foot of Doi Suthep Mountain to join the daily almsgiving ceremony, a serene Buddhist procession of monks collecting offerings on foot. Continue up the mountain to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, climbing the 309 steps of the Golden Naga staircase to its golden pagodas, then proceed to Wat Umong, a 14th-century forest temple, for a private blessing ceremony. Visit Studio Naenna to meet a leading expert in antique Lao and Thai textiles, then enjoy lunch at The Service 1921, dining in the sociable communal rooms or a private dining room accessed through a secret door hidden in a library bookshelf. In the afternoon, head to the village of Hang Dong to spend time with a Thai family. Dress in local fisherman's pants and explore the architecture of a traditional Thai house and rice barn, then stroll the family orchard for fresh ingredients before learning to prepare authentic Northern Thai recipes under their guidance. Share a home-cooked dinner together to close the evening. Overnight in Chiang Mai.
Day 8
Onward to Phuket
Meet your guide for transfer to Chiang Mai Airport for your flight south to Phuket. On arrival, be greeted at the aircraft door and assisted through a VIP fast-track immigration process, before transferring by private luxury vehicle to your hotel. Optional dinner this evening at Da Maurizio Bar Ristorante (Baan Rim Pa), serving contemporary Italian cuisine in a seaside setting just feet from the waves. Overnight in Phuket.
Day 9
Phang Nga Bay by Private Speedboat
Transfer to the pier for a private luxury speedboat tour of Phang Nga Bay, a seascape dotted with spectacular limestone islands rising from emerald waters, with a stop at the famous James Bond Island. Relax on a secluded private island for a barbecue picnic lunch, far from the tourist crowds. Overnight in Phuket.
Day 10
Sunrise Yoga and Spa
Depart early for a sunrise yoga session led by a trained instructor at Layan Beach. Return to the hotel for breakfast, followed by a 90-minute aromatherapy oil massage using organic oils and traditional techniques. In the evening, dine at Palm Seaside, a stylish seaside restaurant serving fresh seafood, grilled BBQ and Thai and international dishes, before a nightcap at Catch Beach Club. Overnight in Phuket.
Day 11
Departure
Enjoy a free morning at leisure until your guide transfers you by private luxury vehicle to Phuket Airport for your onward flight.
Moments
Along the way
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