Deluxe Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket
This 10-day deluxe trip serves as a great introduction to Thailand, taking you to bustling Bangkok, relaxed and culture-rich Chiang Mai, and the sprawling beaches of Phuket.
Bangkok, the Thai capital since 1782, is a national treasure with its Buddhist temples, palaces, floating markets on small canals, legendary nightlife, and abundant shopping opportunities. It offers visitors the opportunity to experience fascinating glimpses of Thailand's rich traditions and gentle culture amid the bustle of a diverse metropolis.
This dynamic city has successfully combined the ancient and modern worlds. Bangkok, the Thai capital since 1782, is a national treasure with its Buddhist temples, palaces, floating markets on small canals, legendary nightlife and abundant shopping opportunities. It offers visitors the opportunity to experience fascinating glimpses of Thailand's gentle culture amid the bustle of a great and diverse metropolis.
Your stay begins with a visit to the renowned Grand Palace, the former residence of Thai kings. In this complex, you will be able to relive the splendour and pageantry of the past. A highlight will be the impressive Emerald Buddha. Continue to Wat Po, one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok where the large Reclining Buddha is housed. In the evening, you will take a cruise on the Chao Phraya River which cuts through the city, taking in spectacular sights on both banks including the Temple of Dawn, and the Grand Palace. Thai delicacies will be served during the cruise.
The following morning, head outside the city to Damnoen Saduak to see the colourful floating market where the customers travel in their boats to the merchants who are lined up on the sides of the canals selling their wares. Also visit the tallest Buddha pagoda in the world, the Phra Pathom Chedi. After lunch at the nearby Rose Garden, you will be entertained by a Thai cultural show including music, singing and the martial arts. Return later back to Bangkok.
Chiang Mai is the principal city in the north surrounded by the highest mountains in the country. The atmosphere here is much more serene than Bangkok. With a wall surrounding the old part of the city and over 300 ancient temples, "The Rose of the North" is famous for its history, culture, spirituality, lush hills, shopping, and fascinating tribal people.
During your stay, visit the Wat Chiang Man Temple, the oldest in the city built in the 13th Century with its two statues of Buddha, one of which is made of crystal. You'll also visit the Wat Phra Singh, built in Northern Thai classical style with its exquisite wood carvings and the Wat Chedi Luang with its Lama style chedi (a conical shaped stupa). The last temple to be visited is the Wat Suan Dok built in the 14th Century and one of the most famous for Monk studies. After this, head to the expansive Varoros Market, where you can buy almost anything. The afternoon is free to explore further, shop etc.
The next morning, travel outside the city to Doi Suthep, a temple built on top of a mountain with amazing views of the surrounding countryside and even Chiang Mai in the distance. After this, visit a hill tribe village and meet the Hmong tribe close up with their colourful outfits and special way of life.
Fly the next day to the south of Thailand to the beach resort of Phuket, your home for the next three nights. Phuket is blessed with magnificent coves and bays, powdery white beaches, hospitable people and lushly forested mountains - everything necessary for a memorable, relaxing stay. The next morning, you will enjoy a boat ride to PhiPhi Island where the movie “The Beach” was filmed. You are free to explore the charms and serene beauty of the island. Later, you will have the opportunity to travel on a small boat to a secluded beach to swim, snorkel or just relax. After lunch here, enjoy free time before it’s time to travel back to Phuket.
The following day is totally at leisure to explore, swim, relax or go shopping as you wish.
Photo: Long boat in the Phang Nga Bay, Thailand
