Itinerary

Day 1 Bangkok

Bangkok is a frequently chaotic jumble of traffic, temples, savory food and entertainment. Over the last few years, the opening of a slick new elevated tramway that enables visitors to glide over the chaotic scenes below, coupled with the cheap and frequent river boats and the reasonably priced air-conditioned taxis, have made tourism in the city newly appealing. Within the city limits is a wealth of over 300 Buddhist temple and shrines. Most famous are Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple), Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and Wat Trimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha). One of the largest temple complexes in the country is Wat Pho. Altogether, there are over 30 individual temples scattered here, of which the Temple of the Reclining Buddha is the largest. The Buddha's statue is enormous, an amazing 47.5m (156ft) long and 15m (49ft) high. Wat Phra Kaeo is a temple complex that houses the Emerald Buddha.

A private vehicle with English speaking guide & driver will transfer you between the airport and your hotel.

The Mandarin Oriental was founded in 1876 on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The hotel is regarded as one of the world’s most luxurious hotels and has accommodated royalty, dignitaries and distinguished travelers for more than a century. The Mandarin offers lavish rooms and suites, exquisite restaurants and bars, and one of the most beautiful spas in the world. It is rich in history and is filled with the stories of celebrated guests who have made this hotel an essential stop on their world travels. Enjoy genuine teak and traditional Thai silks in the elegant rooms with clear views of the River and take advantage of a personal butler that is available at all times to cater to your every need.

Overnight at Mandarin Oriental (5*).

Day 2 Bangkok

A visit to the Royal Grand Palace, the nation’s landmark and most praised royal monument in Thailand, with the enclosed and dazzling Wat Phra Keo with its revered Emerald Buddha, the Golden Chedi, the Pantheon of the Chakri Kings and the Eight Coloured Towers, is a must. In Thailand by many, it is considered to be a living example of classical Siamese Court, being the former residence of the kings of Thailand. Wat Pho is also regarded as the first centre of public education and is sometimes called ‘Thailand’s first university’. Mural paintings, inscriptions, and statues found in the temple-educated people on varied subjects such as literature, warfare, archaeology, astronomy, geology, meditation and to be considered, home of the Thai traditional massage. Here, you will enjoy a 30-minutes’ Thai massage as an excellent break after a morning sightseeing. Experience an afternoon trip along the bustling Chao Phya River and the quiet Klongs (canals) in a long tail boat enjoy scenes of life by water.   We bring you to a more traditional way of living, more serene and traditional, away from all the high-rise and modern buildings of Bangkok City Centre, as we gently pass Thonburi residential areas. A stop will be made at the “Temple of Dawn” (officially named Wat Arun). Finally, a visit to the Flower and vegetable market will round off this day. Located close to the Chao Phraya River, this part of Bangkok brings you to a rural piece of Bangkok where they have a vast selection of all kinds of flowers, especially orchids and tropical flowers and see how the merchants create very special flower garlands. The end of this Bangkok day ends at the Golden Mountain.  Photography is permitted in the Royal Palace Grounds and in the compounds of the Emerald Buddha Temple, but not inside the buildings.  Note: Please dress respectfully by not wearing sleeveless, shorts or sandals, when visiting the Grand Palace and temple complex.  The Palace may be closed without prior notice during Royal ceremonies and officials/head of state visits. The inner courts of Grand Palace are frequently closed on Sundays; we recommend not to book this excursion on Sundays to avoid disappointment.

Overnight at Mandarin Oriental (5*).

Day 3 Chiang Saen

On the banks of the Mekong River at the southern-most point of the Golden Triangle tourist area is the ancient city of Chiang Saen. The town is still very small. Chiang Saen today is an interesting place to spend some time, although most visit on a day trip from Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai. You can easily make out the remains of most of the city's walls and moat, as well as several temples and defences.

A private vehicle with English speaking guide & driver will transfer you between the airport and your hotel.

Fly from Bangkok to Chiang Rai.

Transfer from Chiang Rai to the Golden Triangle (Chiang Saen).

The Anantara Golden Triangle Resort and Spa is perched on a ridge overlooking the hills of Myanmar and Laos, Anantara's Golden Triangle resort is as enchanting as the region in which it is located. This Golden Triangle resort offers 58 deluxe guest rooms and 19 spacious suites that combine traditional Thai art and high design, featuring hardwood floors, double balconies and open bathrooms with over sized tubs, as well as a mystical view of three countries. Anantara Golden Triangle resort features a unique on site Elephant Camp, offering its guests experiences as mahout training courses, elephant trekking and other conservation activities.

Overnight at Anantara Golden Triangle Resort and Spa .

Day 4 Chiang Saen

A skilled mahout can guide his elephant through its working day with around 70 soft commands, light touches behind the ear and years of understanding between the elephant and his master. A short half-hour lesson will teach you the basic commands and actions, give you the thrill of riding on the neck of this magnificent beast and having it respond to your commands. A trek through our forest will include many habitat types from thick bamboo to riverine flood plain and an ideal chance to see the birds and small mammals that inhabit the area. During the hot weather, elephants love nothing more than to take to the water. Bathing is fun to watch and even more fun to take part in! Take a pair of sandals and some short trousers down to the Ruak River or the bathing pool, help the mahout and really get to know our elephants.

Overnight at Anantara Golden Triangle Resort and Spa .

Day 5 Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai in the far north is Thailand's second-largest city and a center for excursions to the region's ancient and beautiful temples, the teak forests and their working elephants, caves and waterfalls, and journeys to visit the northern hill tribes. The main attractions are the Doi Suthep temple and elephant trekking. Doi Suthep is one of the most famous temples in northern Thailand. Perched high on a hilltop, it offers fine views over the city on clear days. The trip up can either be made via a funicular or a grand staircase with 400 steps. The banisters alone are worth a visit: a giant green-and-red glazed serpent winds its way down to end in a magnificent dragon's head.

Transfer between Chiang Saen and Chiang Mai with private guide and driver. Enjoy the beautiful mountainous scenery along the way.

Drive up the serpentine road to the magnificently situated Wat Doi Suthep. Perched on a forested mountain, this most sacred Chiang Mai temple (3,280 ft) provides a superb view over the city, as well as a wealth of images and frescos. You then pass the city's biggest market, Talat Warorod, before going to two important temples - Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Sing.

Spacious Lanna-style pavilions overlook terraced rice fields and the mountains in the beautiful Mae Rim Valley, minutes from the artistic and cultural heritage of Thailand's northern capital. Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai offers 64 elegantly appointed pavilions, each with a private covered verandah, and 16 magnificent residences. All are furnished in a style consistent with a luxurious northern Thai home and fitted with all modern conveniences. Experience everything the Four Seasons has to offer, from the Thai cooking school to the acclaimed spa and overall flawless service. Sample the diversity of Thailand by experiencing the urban oasis that is the Four Seasons Hotel.

Overnight at Four Seasons Chiang Mai (5*).

Day 6 Chiang Mai

Opportunity to learn how to cook real Thai food in a traditional Thai setting, with skilled and friendly teachers who can impart the secrets of Thai cooking to you in a fun atmosphere, actually doing rather than watching. By the time you complete your course, you will not only have learned about Thai cooking but will also have had a most memorable experience. Lunch is included.

 

Overnight at Four Seasons Chiang Mai (5*).

Day 7 Koh Samui

Over the last decade or so Ko Samui, once a backpacker's haven, has developed into a more sophisticated beach resort, complete with an airport that offers regular flights to and from Bangkok and Krabi. Ko Samui is Thailand's third-largest island, and although tourism is now the main industry, its lingering rustic charm is summed up by the fact that coconut farming is still a major industry.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

Fly from Chiang Mai to Koh Samui, with a short stopover in Bangkok.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English speaking guide.

The Six Senses Hideaway hotel is located on a headland on the northern tip of Samui Island, approximately six kilometers from the airport. It is set amongst 20 acres of indigenous plantings and offers stunning views of the surrounding sea and outlying islands. The spacious villas are located amongst natural vegetation around a gently sloping headland, which ensures maximum privacy while offering unsurpassed panoramas. All villas are split level and have an open-style bathroom, which creates an atmosphere of space and light in the room, and also maintains views of the surrounding seas and islands from almost every location in the villa.

Overnight at Six Senses Hideaway.

Day 8 Koh Samui

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Overnight at Six Senses Hideaway.
    
Day 9 Bangkok

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English speaking guide.

Fly today between Koh Samui and Bangkok.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Fly out of Bangkok International airport for your flight back home.

Overnight at Depart.

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