Sherri Pittman
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Bangkok
Welcome to Bangkok - the quintessential eastern metropolis and Southeast Asia’s most vibrant capital city. Known in Thai as the city of angels, Bangkok is a city of mind-boggling history and spirituality, where you can expect ancient Thai temples that rise magnificently from the riverbanks, colorful palaces that glisten spectacularly in the sunlight, and a snaking river that audaciously wind its way through the heart of the city. Fabulous shopping awaits you, whether you’re after high quality artisanal handicrafts or excellent bargains in Asia’s most stylish shopping centers. If you’re a food lover, you will delight at the exceptionally delicious meals that can be enjoyed at every corner of the city.
Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed at the airport by your guide, who will take care of the transfer to your hotel. Prepare to be left mesmerized by this urban wonderland.
Overnight Capella Bangkok
Day 2
Cycle through the Bangkok countryside
Today you will discover an unexpected and rejuvenating side of Bangkok on a gentle cycling tour. Cycling through the countryside with skyscrapers in the distant background, you will visit the botanical garden of Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park and pass through Bang Krachao’s villages. If your timing is right, you might visit the charming and authentic Talad Nam Pueng floating market, which is held on weekends only.
After, you will get to visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew temple. While Wat Phra Kaew is the most important temple for Thais, hosting the revered image of the Emerald Buddha; The Grand Palace is an emblematic example of the combination between traditional Thai architectural style and Western style. It is believed that by placing the Emerald Buddha statue in the palace, it would have brought luck to the royal family as well as prosperity and wealth to the whole country. Located next to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho is the biggest and oldest temple in Bangkok. It houses more than one thousand Buddha images, as well as one of the largest single depictions of Buddha: the Reclining Buddha. Wat Pho is also renowned for being the first massage school in Thailand.
Overnight Capella Bangkok
Day 3
Visit the floating market and Bridge on the River Kwai
In the early morning you will travel to the well-known Damnoen Saduak floating market, which has been drawing curious visitors for centuries due to the remarkable practice of buying and selling goods almost entirely on water. Jump in a canoe and gently glide on the canals among hundreds of small boats loaded with all kinds of goods, from juicy fruits to colorful fabrics.
After, you’ll drive Northwest of Bangkok to Kanchanaburi province. Here you will spot the bridge on the River Kwai, timelessly immortalized in history and the subject of the famous film. Continue to the World War II cemetery where 6,982 allied prisoners died during the construction of the infamous Death Railway. Finally take a stunning train ride on the Death Railway, spectacularly snaking along on a solid wooden support system.
Overnight The Float House River Kwai, Kanchanaburi
Day 4
Kanchanaburi
This morning, you will start your day in the green surroundings of Kanchanaburi. You will start by the Erawan National Park, famous for its dense jungles and thundering waterfalls. Admire how the crystal clear water cascades elegantly on the smooth rocks to form azure water pools. There is no better place to dip into regenerating waters. Going for a swim and rewarding yourself for the trek will almost seem like a necessity before hiking back.
Overnight The Float House River Kwai, Kanchanaburi
Day 5
Drive to Hua Hin
Today you will drive to Hua Hin (about 3.5 hours) and enjoy the scenery along the way. When you reach your hotel, you will have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy being at ease.
Overnight AVANI Hua Hin
Day 6
Explore Sam Roi Yot National Park
Venture away from the town where there is some real natural beauty to be explored, with lush forest, impressive mountains and deserted beaches. Today, you will drive to Sam Roi Yot National Park, located about 1 hour south from Hua Hin. The national park consists of a range of spiky mountains that give the name to the park and which means "three hundred peaks". The most well-known attraction in the park is the scenic Laem Sala beach from where you can enjoy an invigorating hike to the Phraya Nakhon cave. To reach the beach you will board a local boat at Bang Pu, a small fishing village. The boat takes you through the village where you’ll observe life along the canal. At Laem Sala beach you will have some time to relax before hiking to the enchanting Phraya Nakhon cave. The cave has become famous with locals since King Rama V visited and built a small shrine in the cave. Under the right conditions, the light shining down on the shrine is an amazing sight. Upon returning to the beach you will have some time to relax and take a dip in the sea. After the hike, you can refuel with a local meal at the restaurant and enjoy some more free time to explore the beach looking for dusky langurs, or enjoying a swim in the sea.
In the afternoon, you will return to Bang Pu where you disembark on the beach and then continue to the lesser known wetlands located further inland. These wetlands are the largest in Thailand and home to a wide variety of birds and other fauna. At a hidden local pier a boat will take you to explore these magnificent surroundings. The majestic peaks of Sam Roi Yot and the warm light of the late afternoon sun create the perfect backdrop to end the day.
Overnight AVANI Hua Hin
Day 7
Day at Leisure
Today is a full day for you to slow down, relax, and reflect on all of you have experienced so far. You can enjoy the amenities at your hotel, take a stroll in town, and connect with your family or friends before the adventures pick up again tomorrow.
Overnight AVANI Hua Hin
Day 8
Drive to Bangkok
Around noon, you will drive back to Bangkok and enjoy one more day taking in the sights before heading to your next island destination.
This evening, you will be treated to a food tour on a tuk tuk and a night stroll around Chinatown, where you will experience the real Bangkok lifestyle. Hop on a tuk tuk and start a twilight tasting adventure into bustling Chinatown. Your driver will let you go for a walk on Yaowarat Road and see its countless and colorful Chinese neon signs. Along lively street food stalls or old shops and hidden family stalls, you will have the opportunity to make new culinary discoveries. You will be absorbed by the spectacle of these artists of street food, with expert hands shaped by tradition and family know-how. This is a great opportunity to discover simple but unique dishes that are popular with locals.
Continue your evening on your tuk tuk towards Pak Klong Talad, the swarming flower market. Here, when the heat of the day has subsided, the florists, porters, merchants, and sellers of betels or other offerings, work to deliver their goods on time for the next day. You will quietly leave this unique and colorful atmosphere for the silence and serenity of a temple and its illuminated stupas at night.
Overnight Capella Bangkok
Day 9
Bangkok to Phuket
This morning, drive to Bangkok airport with you guide for your flight to Phuket.
Upon arrival at Phuket airport, your car and guide will transfer you to Khao Sok, one of the oldest evergreen forests in the world and famous for its karst landscape and thick flora of the biggest flowers on earth - rafflesias. Declared a National Park, it offers a range of hiking trails and tours in the jungle and alluring Cheow Lan Lake with its raft houses. Remoteness and adventure is within reach at this prime Thai natural wonder.
Arrive at Khao Sok Riverside Cottages by 2:00pm for check in and be shown to your room. In the afternoon, explore the river by canoe or have a relaxing Thai massage.
At 7:30 PM, you’ll have a night safari to look for nocturnal wildlife in the park.
Overnight Riverside Cottages, Khao Sok
Day 10
Visit Cheow Lan Lake
After breakfast, go on an all-day trip to the stunning Cheow Lan lake. Accompanied by a local guide, take a boat ride through the scenery to a floating bungalow where you will have lunch.
In the afternoon, swim in the clear waters and go jungle hiking or relax at the raft.
You will return to Riverside Cottages at sunset.
Overnight Riverside Cottages, Khao Sok
Day 11
Trek in Khao Sok National Park
Start the day with breakfast and then a half day trek in Khao Sok National Park, or skip the hike and get a relaxing Thai massage.
After check out, drive to Krabi and check in at your hotel.
Overnight The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort
Day 12
Explore the Hong Islands
Today you will get to explore the Hong Islands by long-tail boat, along with kayaking at Ao Thalane. At Koh Hong, you will paddle around the island and have time for snorkeling. Later, you will explore mangroves, canyons, lagoons, and limestone paintings.
In the evening, you will be free to relax and enjoy the surroundings at your hotel.
Overnight The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort
Day 13
Day at Leisure
Your final day in Thailand is free for you to enjoy as you would like. Walk on the beach, take a swim, or head into town if it suits you. This is your final chance to really soak in all the impressions you have experienced throughout the trip, and relish the happy memories you made.
Overnight The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort
Day 14
Departure
On your final day, you will be transferred to Krabi airport in time for your onward departure.
