Eat, play & explore
Eat, play
& explore
Including the country's bustling capital, natural wilderness and picturesque beaches, this is a tour of the best Thailand has to offer.
On-the-go Bangkok kicks things off; rumbling tummies are satisfied with a day tour of local restaurants and street vendors – walked off by exploring the city’s neighbourhoods, shrines and churches.
Travelling north, tranquil Chiang Mai with its magnificent temples and ancient ruins proves to be a closet adrenaline junkie, with tuk tuk tours, helicopter rides, cycling adventures, elephant greetings and river rafting. Then Ko Yao Noi and Phuket or Koh Samui enter stage left with blissful beaches just begging to be lounged upon. Exploring can’t be helped though, especially when there’re new ecosystems and cultures to be discovered with the kayaking tours and cooking classes.
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Where you’ll be going
Get to know where you'll be exploring in Thailand, from the rippling hills of Chiang Mai and Bangkok’s street markets to Koh Samui's glitzy take on sleepy island life.
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DAY 1 - 4
Bangkok
Stay at: Mandarin Oriental, BangkokA non-stop flow that fades bustling city fears away; Bangkok is all about embracing the distraction and letting it be your guide. Vibrantly bubbling above its surface with histories, religions, and incredible cuisines telling stories as old as the rivers themselves, explorers and foodies need only step outside to discover grand temples, shrines, and the tastiest street-vendor morsels.
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DAY 5 - 8
Chiang Mai
Stay at: 137 Pillars HouseKnown as a ‘culture capital’ with over 700-years-worth of Buddhist practice embedded into the landscape; it might come as a surprise that this city is one where energy is supposed to be burnt. Yet with tranquil countrysides and mountain treks calling to nature-lovers and white-water rafts drifting adrenaline-junkies downstream, it's only a matter of knowing where to start.
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![Drone shot of Silver Beahc on Koh Samui, Thailand at sunset]()
DAY 9 - 15
Koh Samui
Stay at: Banyan Tree SamuiOver in the Gulf of Thailand, the country’s second largest island adds a bit more glitz to sleepy island life in the form of luxurious spas preaching Ayuvedic wellness, sparkling bars and even sparklier waters. Besides the sea, its most popular attraction is probably the Big Buddha at Wat Phra Yai, but for something a little different visit Heaven’s Garden, an curious art gallery in the rolling hills.
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A taste of what's to come Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Koh Samui journal
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 8
Day 12
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 8
Day 12
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9pm
Just landed this afternoon and couldn’t help but (literally) ride the burst of energy we’re feeling. Hopped in a tuk tuk, drifted around the floating markets, and even gave it a good go at bartering. It might be an early night for us, but we have a feeling this city is just coming alive.
Explore -
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6pm
Spent the morning with our local guide, who took us on a tour of some cultural and religious heritage sites. We saw palaces, ancient ruins, and temples still in use today; each with intricate differences that really showcase this country’s diversity. Now, we’re off for a drink to take in the nightlife.
Explore -
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3pm
Up north today, to the land of luscious greens and gentle giants. Said hello to the family matriarch (elephants know best) at a local sanctuary, before heading on to a rafting experience downstream. Feeling like we’ve burnt a lot of energy – so it’s perfect timing for a trip to the local food markets.
Explore -
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6pm
Wow. The food last night was so incredible, we thought we’d give a cooking class a go. We’ve been making some family recipes that were passed down to our chef, so we’re so excited to show them to everyone back home. Our favourites were the staples pad thai and the massaman curry.
Explore -
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12pm
Stopping off for a quiet moment on our hike. We’ve been walking through the forests discovering plenty of waterfalls – standing next to them feels like you’re in an enormous shower. Off into a local village with rice paddies now, then we’re thinking it’s time to reward ourselves with a Thai massage.
Explore -
![Long exposure shot of fire twirling artist on Koh Samui]()
2:30pm
Beachside living is completely different to what we’ve experienced so far, it’s a pace so set by ourselves we’re spoilt for choice. So far we’ve hiked to waterfalls and seen the fire-twirling show we’ve been told about, but we’re heading out for dinner and drink tonight and muay thai is on the agenda for tomorrow.
Explore
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Where to stay
Where to stay
Where to stay
Where to stay
Where to stay
Where to stay
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04
Where you’ll be going
Get to know where you'll be exploring in Thailand, from the rippling hills of Chiang Mai and Bangkok’s street markets to the backpacker’s worst kept secret – Phuket.
-
![]()
DAY 1 - 4
Bangkok
Stay at: Mandarin Oriental, BangkokA non-stop flow that fades bustling city fears away; Bangkok is all about embracing the distraction and letting it be your guide. Vibrantly bubbling above its surface with histories, religions, and incredible cuisines telling stories as old as the rivers themselves, explorers and foodies need only step outside to discover grand temples, shrines, and the tastiest street-vendor morsels.
-
![]()
DAY 5 - 8
Chiang Mai
Stay at: 137 Pillars HouseKnown as a ‘culture capital’ with over 700-years-worth of Buddhist practice embedded into the landscape; it might come as a surprise that this city is one where energy is supposed to be burnt. Yet with tranquil countrysides and mountain treks calling to nature-lovers and white-water rafts drifting adrenaline-junkies downstream, it's only a matter of knowing where to start.
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Day 9 - 11
Koh Yao Noi
Stay at: Six Senses Yao NoiA quiet refuge from vibrant Phuket, this is a large, rugged island for kayaking, hiking, snorkelling, swimming and leisurely exploring. Traditional rubber farms dot the tranquil landscape, their tapping buckets hanging from the trunks. The east coast is where the beaches lie, whilst the west coast is blanketed in rice fields and lined with mangroves.
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DAY 12 - 15
Phuket
Stay at: TrisaraEvolving from a backpackers’ poorly kept secret to a high-end paradisiacal playground, the image conjured by the words ‘coastal Thailand’ is likely Phuket. While most are drawn in by the beaches, the practitioners of delving deep will find a culture shaped by many – from the island’s original tribes to outside influences from both near and far.
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A taste of what's to come Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ko Yao Noi & Phuket journal
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 8
Day 10
Day 14
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 8
Day 10
Day 14
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9pm
Just landed this afternoon and couldn’t help but (literally) ride the burst of energy we’re feeling. Hopped in a tuk tuk, drifted around the floating markets, and even gave it a good go at bartering. It might be an early night for us, but we have a feeling this city is just coming alive.
Explore -
![]()
6pm
Spent the morning with our local guide, who took us on a tour of some cultural and religious heritage sites. We saw palaces, ancient ruins, and temples still in use today; each with intricate differences that really showcase this country’s diversity. Now, we’re off for a drink to take in the nightlife.
Explore -
![]()
3pm
Up north today, to the land of luscious greens and gentle giants. Said hello to the family matriarch (elephants know best) at a local sanctuary, before heading on to a rafting experience downstream. Feeling like we’ve burnt a lot of energy – so it’s perfect timing for a trip to the local food markets.
Explore -
![]()
6pm
Wow. The food last night was so incredible, we thought we’d give a cooking class a go. We’ve been making some family recipes that were passed down to our chef, so we’re so excited to show them to everyone back home. Our favourites were the staples pad thai and the massaman curry.
Explore -
![]()
12pm
Stopping off for a quiet moment on our hike. We’ve been walking through the forests discovering plenty of waterfalls – standing next to them feels like you’re in an enormous shower. Off into a local village with rice paddies now, then we’re thinking it’s time to reward ourselves with a Thai massage.
Explore -
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7am
Woke up this morning to watch the sunrise over the sea while eating our omelettes. The vibe in the South feels very different – perfect for relaxing. Our plans for the day are to go island hopping and see where a few iconic films were made.
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7pm
The perfect final day on the beach today, dipping in and out of the sea. We’ve been snorkelling and saw a couple of black tip reef sharks (my dream) and we even had a go at paddle boarding. Dining on the sand tonight, watching the sunset and sipping a few cocktails.
Explore
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Where to stay
Where to stay
Where to stay
Where to stay
Where to stay
Where to stay
Where to stay
Explore all the
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Extraordinary
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Cruise Bangkok’s riverside neighbourhoods on a private longtail boatThe catalyst for the city’s early development, the neighbourhoods straddling the river blend Chinese, Muslim and European influences with authentic Thai communities. Aboard a traditional longtail boat, sail through the former Ayutthayan capital of Thon Buri discovering old villages and lively markets.
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All-day private yacht experience around PhuketWhether it be visiting your favourite spots for a classic-movie moment or just a gentle drift around the islands sipping a cocktail, this itinerary is custom-made to your liking. Sit back, relax, or jump off the yacht side, it's all about making your own splash in the ocean.
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Go trekking and bamboo rafting downstream the river at Mae Wang National ParkDepending on your preference, take a lighter or more active hike around the national park, stopping off to take a dip in the refreshing waterfalls and enjoy a picnic lunch. Round the day off with bamboo rafting, watching the forest sceneries slipping past as you float downstream.
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Meet best-selling author and Thai expert Philip Cornwel-SmithBegin your deep dive into Thai culture by enjoying a no-questions-unanswered experience with the author of best-selling ‘Very Thai’. Spend your time together roaming Bangkok on a foodies tour tailored to the tastebuds that gets to grips with all the Chinese and Rattanakoskin influences in this city.
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Receive a personal blessing from resident monks at a famous Thai templeEnjoy a close experience of the special morning prayer ritual, chanting in Pali. An essential part of Buddhist practice, participants clear their negative acts of the past and develop enlightenment. It’s all about spiritual connection, as you go on to perform a private ceremonial offering to the monks, who’ll share a personal blessing in return.
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Take a break from the beaches and tour the cultural centre of Phuket TownLike any town with a trading history, Phuket Town has developed its own unique culture of local beliefs, architecture, cuisine and art. Visits are tailored to tastes so anything from a cup of coffee in the China Inn to visiting a resident artist in their workshop is on the agenda.
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Enjoy a private traditional Thai puppet show at the Baan Silapin Artist HouseBringing a once-lost art back to life are the highly acclaimed performers at the Artists House, located along one of Bangkok’s canals. The Traditional Hoon Lakorn Lek puppet dance then tells the story from the Hindu epic, Ramayna.
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Spend the day kayaking with John Gray’s ‘original cave explorer’ sea canoe teamPaddle among island caves, lagoons, and mangrove forests and keep your eyes peeled for macaque monkeys, water monitor lizards and different bird species. This canoeing team know all the best spots, meaning there’s no better place to finish than in the magical cave lit by natural phosphorescent plankton.
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Delve deep into the textile traditions of northern Thailand with a community of female artisansComprised of weavers, embroiders and designers, Studio Naenna is renowned for their environmentally friendly products. Follow founder Patricia Cheesman as she leads a tour of the studio and explains about the work they do before the chance to put skills to the test in a dying session.
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![Two men in traditional attire practicing muay thai on the beach in Koh Samui]()
Practice the art of Thai boxing on Koh Samui’s sandsHead to the soft sands that surround Koh Samui to learn the techniques and cultural significance of muay thai with an in-house instructor.
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![Thai cocktail with chilli garnish and ingredients]()
Design your own cocktail with a resident mixologistGet hands on in an interactive cocktail making class learning about flavour profiles, complimenting ingredients and the proper techniques to mix the perfect beverage.
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Itinerary essentials
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