Travelers exploring Southeast Asia are hard-pressed to avoid Bangkok, the region’s most important transportation hub. Fortunately, this city happens to be one of Asia’s most exciting and intriguing places, with an array of exquisite hotels that rank among the best in the world. After three days exploring its grand temples, colorful markets, sybaritic spas and extraordinarily rich culinary heritage, head north. Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai make perfect bases for touring Thailand’s green and picturesque hill country. From there you can return to Bangkok and depart, or continue your trip with a relaxing stay on Phuket or Koh Samui, two idyllic islands lined with alluring white-sand beaches.
Our itineraries are for your inspiration. Please contact a travel advisor to customize this itinerary to fit your needs.
After having arrived the evening before, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and meet your guide. Begin your explorations by boat, gliding past skyscrapers, monumental wats, mansions and traditional wooden houses until you reach the Grand Palace. This mini-city comprises formal gardens, ornate halls and elaborate temples, including Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha). Nearby, the immense Wat Pho contains an enormous golden statue of the Reclining Buddha and Thailand’s most famous massage school. After lunch, climb the Golden Mount for excellent views, and meander through the Monk’s Bowl Village, where craftsmen create metal alms bowls in a traditional Khmer technique. The lightweight, lacquered bowls make ideal souvenirs. Late this afternoon, return to your hotel, where you might indulge in a relaxing spa treatment.
Spend today touring the opposite side of the river, beginning with the spectacular Royal Barges Museum. Here it’s easy to understand why Bangkok was once known as the Venice of the East. Majestic Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, rises about a mile downriver, its towering spires encrusted with colorful ceramics.
Board a private longtail boat and embark on a tour of Bangkok’s khlongs, or canals, which flow throughout the city. Over the years many khlongs were filled in to make way for roads, but numerous canals remain intact, inviting leisurely exploration. You might like to stop at a floating market, where traditional boats laden with flowers and produce vie for prime water real estate.
Consider starting today with a Thai cooking lesson in a traditional wooden house on the river. Learn how to prepare dishes such as grilled pumpkin with curry sauce, northeastern-style herbed soup with chicken or black sticky rice with taro in scented coconut syrup, and dine on your creations for lunch.
In the afternoon, head inland to the exquisite house of Jim Thompson, who almost singlehandedly revived the Thai silk industry. The six teakwood houses he assembled and converted into a modern home stand on Khlong Saen Saep. Some of Bangkok’s most upscale and interesting shops are nearby in the Siam Square neighborhood.
Transfer to the airport and fly north to Chiang Rai, the capital of a region still inhabited by traditional hill tribes. Mr. Harper recommends staying a bit farther north, close to the Mekong River and the ancient Lanna city of Chiang Saen. Spend the rest of the day settling in and enjoying the amenities of your resort.
Visit an elephant training camp, a remarkable and moving experience and a real highlight of any visit to northern Thailand. Observe how mahouts (trainers) communicate commands to the animals, and even learn to drive and bathe elephants yourself. You can also embark on an elephant trek through the surrounding forests, bamboo groves and floodplains.
Spend today continuing to explore the area, perhaps taking a longtail boat ride on the Mekong River to a peaceful island in Laos, or visiting some of the villages of the local hill tribes, many members of which still dress in colorful hand-woven attire.
Transfer four hours through the green hill country to the city of Chiang Mai, home to some particularly enchanting resorts. After this long drive, take the rest of the afternoon to relax. (A Thai massage would be an ideal way to unwind.)
Take a day to explore old Chiang Mai, a walled city of about 150,000 renowned for its artisans. Silver jewelry and intricate woodcarvings are local specialties.
Make a day trip to the mountainside Wat Phra That, one of Thailand’s most dramatic temples, and Bhubing Palace, the royal family’s summer residence. Return to your resort in the afternoon for additional relaxation among the landscaped grounds and rice paddies.
One of Thailand’s most impressive temples can be found just to the south in Lamphun, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the country. In addition to its temples and museums, the town is known for its high-quality hand-woven cottons and silks.
Fly back to Bangkok, or extend your trip with a journey south to Phuket or Koh Samui, two idyllic islands lined with alluring white-sand beaches.
Contact a travel advisor to book your custom itinerary. Fill out the form or call (630) 734-4610.
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