Cultural Highlights of Thailand & Krabi Beach Break

Relax with complimentary airport lounge access before boarding your overnight flight to Bangkok.

On arrival in Bangkok, a private transfer will see you to your luxurious resort accommodation on the west bank of the Chao Phraya. Set amongst 11 acres of greenery, Anantara Riverside is a true oasis of calm. Explore Bangkok’s network of canals, its gilded temples and busy streets, perhaps pausing to taste local food at vendor’s stalls or to shop for souvenirs in one of many markets. Visit the famed Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, take a bike ride along the river, or simply lounge by the pool at the hotel, drinking cocktails from the Loy Nam Bar.

Stay: Anantara Riverside, Bangkok (Superior)

Today, your guide will bring you directly to the River City Pier to join the White Orchid River Cruise. As you float along the Chao Phraya, you’ll pass Wat Arun, one of the city’s most important religious sites; and the Royal Grand Palace, famous for its fine art and traditional architecture. As you continue out of Bangkok, watch pretty rural villages and stilted houses go by as you enjoy a delicious lunch onboard. On arrival in Wat Chong Lom, visit the Klang Dong Fruit Market for some seasonal produce before continuing directly to Khao Yai, rounding the day off with a sunset cave tour and the extraordinary sight of thousands of wrinkle lipped bats flying out in search of food.

Stay: Kirimaya Atta Lakeside Resort (Superior)

The breathtaking Khao Yai National Park is home to thousands of flowers, hundreds of birds, and plenty of exotic animals, including elephants, tigers and gibbons. A two-hour guided trek through the rainforest will introduce you to ancient trees, tropical ferns and, of course, the wildlife, topped off with lunch prepared by the field staff and Ranger at the base camp. This afternoon, help make a salt lick for wild animals at a nearby pond – if you’re lucky, you might spot some elephants. Tonight you’ll be whisked away for a traditional Thai meal at the Chai Homestay, just outside the national park.

Stay: Kirimaya Atta Lakeside Resort (Superior)

You’ll check out of your hotel and head to Ayutthaya for a guided visit to Wat Phra Sri Sanphet – the prototype of the famous Grand Palace in Bangkok – and Wat Mahathat, where you’ll encounter the famous Buddha Head in the banyan tree. After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll return to Bangkok and continue on to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai. Check into the romantic Na Nirand hotel, a masterpiece in Lanna-Colonial architecture. The next day, get to know your mountainous surrounds – Chiang Mai’s Old City still retains vestiges of ancient walls and moats, and is dotted with hundreds of elaborate temples.

Stay: Na Nirand – Romantic Lanna Grand Deluxe (Superior)

You’ll be collected today from your hotel for a visit to the Chiang Dao caves, pausing first at a local rice noodle factory. The caves themselves lead to the Doi Chiang Dao, a rocky monolith some 2,000 metres tall, and are set next to a fishpond teeming with carp, which visitors can feed. Take in the scenery as you dine at Sanae Doi Luang, before continuing on to the Huai Luek Royal Project – an initiative aimed at tackling poverty and the effects of deforestation. Meet the locals at an Akha hilltribe village on the way to your hotel, a peaceful mountain resort surrounded by nature.

Stay: Phu Chaisai Mountain Resort – Upper Mountain Cottage (Superior)

If you wish, you can take an early morning transfer to a nearby village to participate in the morning alms giving ritual, before returning for breakfast and check-out at the hotel. You’ll head on to Doi Tung, pausing at the Mae Fah Luang Garden and Doi Tung Royal Villa before lunch. A narrow, steep and picturesque mountain road brings you along the Thai-Burmese border to Mae Sai, Thailand’s northernmost city, where you can cross the Ruak River and explore the gemstone markets, perhaps adding on an optional visit to Tachilek. Later, a scenic drive to the Golden Triangle area offers panoramic views of the Mekong valley, where a final river cruise finishes the day.

Stay: Serene at Chiang Rai – Deluxe River View Room (Superior)

After a morning visit to the Hall of Opium, a unique museum depicting the substance's history and origins, you’ll transfer to Wat Pa Sak forest temple in Chiang Saen, one of the most beautiful Lanna-style structures in northern Thailand. You’ll also call in to Baan Dam – Black House – the unique creation of the late national artist, Thawan Duchanee, before enjoying a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant in Mae Chan. This afternoon, tour Wat Phra Kaew Chiang Rai, which once housed the Emerald Buddha, before a stroll through a local market and a thrilling rickshaw ride bring you to tonight's hotel.

Stay: The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa – Superior Studio Room (Superior)

Your first stop today is Wat Rong Khun, the white temple of Chiang Rai, followed by a fascinating tour of a nearby rice mill. After lunch, the sightseeing continues at Wat Jed Yod, a temple complex on the outskirts of Chiang Mai, which showcases Lanna, Rattanakosin, Lao, Chinese and Indian influences in its stunning architecture. At Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, overlooking the city, a sacred nightly ceremony sees monks gathering in the prayer hall to chant ancient Buddhist verses.

Stay: Banthai Village – Deluxe Room (Superior)

After checking out of your hotel this morning, you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight to Krabi. The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort awaits, tucked away on a white sand beach on the edge of the Andaman Sea. Over the next few days, indulge at the unique L’escape Spa, go paddleboarding and kayaking off the shore, or simply relax by the pool, cocktail in hand. Rooms are fittingly exotic – think dark woods and high ceilings accented by white walls and soft linens – and feature outdoor sunken bathtubs for sunset soaks. An upgrade to a Pool Villa will see you taking dips in a private plunge pool and jacuzzi and revelling in all the extra space. Come evening, the resort has plenty of dining options, from the Italian-inspired Di Mare to the beachfront Arundina; or perhaps you’ll organise a private dinner for two on the beach.

Feeling totally relaxed and refreshed, it’s time to return to the airport for your flight home.