Treasures of Thailand

After arriving at Suvarnabhumi airport you will be transferred to your hotel – Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel.  You will spend one night here so you can get some rest before boarding your next flight to Phi Phi Island.

After a short night’s sleep, take the shuttle service of Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel to the airport for your departure flight to Phuket.

Upon arrival at Phuket Airport, collect your luggage and proceed to the exit gate where you will find the representative of Phi Phi Island Resort waiting for you holding a signboard with your name on it. There is only one exit gate in the domestic arrival’s terminal. Your transfer to Ao Por pier will be about a 40-minute drive. Once at the pier, you will transfer to Phi Phi Island by the resort speed boat.

Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort 

Thai Island holidays have become increasingly popular in recent years and when you cast your eyes over the gorgeous Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort, it isn’t hard to see why. The remote Phi Phi Islands in the Gulf of Thailand’s Malacca Strait is a slice of heavenly perfection, and this exquisite resort reflects this by seamlessly blending with its surroundings. 

With the only 800 metres stretch of private beach in Phi Phi Don, a 5 star PADI dive centre, early morning excursion options to Maya Bay, plus boat transfers from Ao Po Grand Marina in Phuket directly to the resort in less than 90 minutes, this resort has everything holiday-seekers need for a perfect trip. Stunning natural beauty including palm fringed rainforests, undulating hills and golden beaches give way to dazzlingly blue waters. The thatched huts poke like mushrooms from the lush foliage, as you sink into the landscape. 

Perched on a hillside above the resort is the Wana Spa, a jungle retreat and beautiful haven for signature Thai massage and therapies. Meanwhile, back on the water, there’s a PADI dive centre, and the waters here are teeming with tropical fauna. Alternatively, guests can try out all manner of watersports in the secluded bay or relax by one of two swimming pools. Exceptional Thai cuisine, amongst others, is served at the three onsite restaurants before beautiful sunset scenes. Refreshing libations can be found at the resort’s four bars.

Enjoy your breakfast while overlooking the pristine white sandy beach and the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea.  Then head to the beach or go for a swim in the refreshing pools.

Perched on a hillside above the resort is the Wana Spa, a jungle retreat and beautiful haven for signature Thai massage and therapies. Today is a great day to schedule a treatment.  Wana Spa has massage/treatment rooms and couple’s treatment room(s). Services include Thai massages, massages, facials, and body wraps. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy. The spa is equipped with a sauna.

Check-out Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort.  Embark on the boat back to Ao Por Pier in Phuket.  Your transfer will be about 1 ½ hours to the mainland.  Enjoy the views! 

Arrival to Ao Por Pier – Phuket. Transfer to Phuket Airport with the representative of Phi Phi Island Resort. Travel time from the Ao Por Pier to the Phuket Airport is 40 minutes.

Upon Arrival to Phuket International Airport, please proceed to your gate for your flight to Bangkok.  Enjoy your quick flight!

Upon arrival at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Domestic Airport, please proceed to the Arrival Hall on the second floor.  Your private driver will be holding a signboard with your name at Gate A.

Transfer from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport to your hotel.  For example, here is an amazing hotel – The Banyan Tree Bangkok – a resort-style hotel in Bangkok’s central business and embassy district. This soaring, all-suite high-rise blends Thai and Art Deco design inside and out.  This one-of-a-kind gem combines luxurious accommodations, world-class dining, and unparalleled hospitality and service, all within a vibrant city sprawling with exotic foods, panoramic views, and shopping that can only be found in Bangkok.  

Today you will visit Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, a former summer retreat for the Royal Court in the 17th Century. Originally built by King Prasat Thong in 1632, across the river from the Palace is Wat Niwet Thammaprawat, which is the only Neo-Gothic monastery in Thailand.  It is located on an island in the Chao Phraya River.

Next, depart for Wat Phra Sri Sanpetch at Anuthaya Province to explore and visit three ancient pagodas situated on the city island in Ayutthaya’s World Heritage Park. This monastery was the most important temple of Ayutthaya and is situated within the Grand Palace grounds.  It served as a model for the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok.

Next you will enjoy an authentic Thai lunch at a local restaurant. 

Following lunch, you will travel to Wat Mahathat, which hosts the well-known image of the Head of the Buddha – a monument with a tree trunk and roots growing around it.  The temple is believed to be built during the 14th Century A.D. (the early Ayutthaya period).

Lastly, you will visit Wat Chaiwatthanaram, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, outside Ayutthaya island.  The temple was constructed in 1630 by King Prasat Thong.

Your first stop is Wat Pho – a temple famous for its enormous gold-plated Reclining Buddha. The image is named Phra Phuttha Saiyat which was built during the reign of King Rama III in 1832. It is 46 meters long and 15 meters high and is covered with layers of gold leaf.

Wat Pho is also known as the birthplace of Thai massage and became a center for knowledge and study about traditional Thai medicine. The massage school that was founded here still exists today.

Next stop, Wat Ratchanadda which is a Royal Temple best known for the Loha Prasat or Metal Castle, a very unique structure in the Bangkok skyline.  Loh Prasat – which means iron castle or iron monastery, has 37 black metal spires symbolizing the 37 virtues that are required to reach enlightenment.  The 36-meter-high metal castle consists of 3 levels, the bottom one has 24 spires, the middle one 12 and the top level has 1 spire, totaling 37 spires.

Finally, you will visit Wat Sakat, also known as the Temple of the Golden Mount. As one of the oldest temples in Bangkok, it offers spectacular views of Rattanakosin Island.  It is an ancient temple dating back to the Ayutthaya Period. The Golden Mount was built under the rule of King Rama V.  The steep climb is worth the spectacular view over Rattanakosin Island – Bangkok.

River Cruise Aboard the Wonderful Pearl

In the evening, enjoy a river cruise aboard the Wonderful Pearl, a luxurious cruise liner on the Chao Phraya River. You will be welcomed with a refreshing Thai beverage as musician Jose Neto plays traditional Thai music on his guitar. While sipping your drink, enjoy the beautiful night scenery on both sides of the Chao Phraya River. Your captain will be leading the Wonderful Pearl up to the Pinklao Bridge and then, you will have an unique opportunity to take some photographs of the two most wonderful night spots in Bangkok, Prang Wat Arun – The Temple of Dawn and the Grand Palace & Wat Pra Kaew – The Temple of Emerald Buddha.  Take note of the architecture of the temples on both sides of the river.  You will also have views of Wat Kallayanamit, Thai Royal Navy Club, Wat Rakangkosittaram and King Rama 8 Bridge.  

Delight in a Traditional Thai and International Cuisine Buffet dinner which will be served under the moonlight. A Thai Classical Dance show will be performed while dining. 

Your driver will transport you to the Blue Elephant Cooking School!  Get ready for some tasty authentic Thai cuisine! 

The Blue Elephant Cooking School welcomes you to a dazzling century old mansion where you will discover and experience the culinary wonders of Royal Thai Cuisine. The building’s architecture is stunning, and the sunlit rooms give this cooking school an air of sophistication. 

You will begin your adventure with a trip to the local market with their resident chef (via Sky Train) to help you select the freshest ingredients for your meal.  Then you will return to the Blue Elephant Cooking School to prepare the meal and enjoy your creations!

The school’s kitchen is on the top floor of the building with cooking stations in one room and a classroom in another. Blue Elephant Cooking School is quite enjoyable because the chef will offer explanations before the class begins so you can really gain some valuable insights into Thai cuisine.  You will be involved in the preparation and will sample the fruit of our labor.

The instructors are passionate about their work and enjoy educating others about Thai cuisine. The Blue Elephant Cooking School is part of the Blue Elephant Restaurant Bangkok.

Arrive to Sathorn Pier and board a private long-tailed boat for a journey along the Chao Phraya River. Along this journey, you will stop at Wat Arun located on the Thonburi west bank, which is better known as the Temple of the Dawn. Wat Arun is one of the best-known landmarks and one of the most published images of Bangkok.

After the tour of Wat Arun, you will explore the Klongs (canals) of Thonburi, once considered Bangkok’s main arteries, which gave the city the name of “Venice of the East”. 

After visiting Wat Arun, you will visit The Royal Grand Palace which was built in 1782 and consists of several buildings with highly decorated architectural details. The Royal Grand Palace is home to the Royal Chapel, Wat Phra Kaeo and the Emerald Buddha and is the most sacred image of Buddha in Thailand. 

Jim Thompson House

In the evening, you will enjoy a private visit of the Jim Thompson House.  Often credited with reviving the Thai silk industry, Jim Thompson retired to Bangkok after serving in World War II and created the Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company.  Since his (somewhat mysterious) disappearance in 1967, little has changed at his house, which was once the city’s most celebrated social center.  The house is a museum in central Bangkok that houses a magnificent collection of Asian art. For his contribution to the development of the Thai Silk industry, Jim Thompson was awarded the Order of the White Elephant, a decoration bestowed upon foreigners for having rendered exceptional service to Thailand. Thompson’s success story in Thailand has become one of the most popular post-war legends in Asia.  

After all the sightseeing, it is time to relax!  Divana Spa has created a stress-free ambience.  A well redesigned, high-ceilinged postmodern Thai house is home to Divana Massage & Spa. Inside you’re met with the refreshing and soothing scent of citrus orange essential oil. Greeted with cold herbal tea and a cold towel with an oriental bloom on the side, served by friendly staff dressed in simple traditional Thai style, make you feel pretty much more than just home. There are 6 major types of services provided by Divana: Massage Therapy, Spa Treatments, Full Day Spa, Facial Treatments. Divana Mantra and Divana Ayurvedic Gems Therapies. Each service ranges from 1 hour to a full day spa program.  Enjoy every moment!

Enjoy a relaxed start to your day! You will have the opportunity to experience one of Asia’s largest shopping centers- Central World at Centara Grand. Stroll through one of the largest shopping centers in Asia located adjacent to the Centara Grand Hotel. This is a shopaholics dream! You will find 500 shops, on over 7 floors, with a range of international and Thai brands as well as a cinema and kids edutainment zone. 

Join other travelers for a unique opportunity to compete in various challenges followed by a hearty meal at an Organic Farm. 

Upon arrival to Sampran, each team will receive instructions and the necessary equipment for the challenges along with the briefing of the day’s events. The Teams will be led to the hotel’s pier for a short boat ride across the river to the certified Organic Farm.  

Teams will begin their adventures and tackle 6 exciting challenges.  Get ready to have some fun and laugh often!

1. Rice Farming
2. Raising Ducks
3. Vegetable & Herbal Garden
4. All About Bananas – the most beautiful tree
5. Coconuts
6. Authentic Thai Cooking lesson using traditional methods and freshly picked ingredients

Each team will have 90 minutes to complete 6 challenges. Get ready for efficient time management, precise planning skills and creativity. Each team will be judged on the time it takes to complete each task as well as the quality of each product created. 

Results will be announced, and the winning team will be awarded prizes. Enjoy a local picnic lunch that you will prepare with your teammates!

Siam Niramit – The Largest Stage Production in the World

In the evening, journey to the Enchanted Kingdom of Siam to see one of the largest stage productions in the world. Siam Niramit is a state of the art theater which showcases one of the largest stage productions in the world. As part of the overall excursion, you will have the opportunity to participate in a number of different activities, including photography with elephants/performers, carnival games, an outdoor performance and of course, the Siam Niramit performance. 

Now it’s time to explore Northern Thailand. Your private driver will transport you from your hotel to Bangkok International Airport. Upon arrival at Chiang Mai Airport, please proceed to the Information Booth opposite the entrance gate of Exhibition Hall.  Here you will find you a representative from the Ping Nakara Boutique Hotel & Spa waiting for you holding a signboard with your name on it. 

Ping Nakara Boutique Hotel & Spa

In the early 1900s Chiang Mai was at the center of a thriving teak industry. Foreign managers oversaw logging concessions throughout the forests of Northern Thailand. With the help of local labor and hardy elephants they performed their arduous and dangerous work, extracting teak logs and floating them downstream for grading and sale.Today the teak wallahs are gone. But the river and forestry station remain, and the relaxed ambiance of Chiang Mai city is just as enticing as ever. The Ping Nakara takes inspiration from these times past with an intimate hotel built in the elegant colonial style of the period.

The hotel’s graceful gingerbread architecture is accented by hand-carved fretwork and creates a cool and restful environment. Throughout the nineteen rooms you’ll find thoughtful use of natural materials and a distinctive yet practical style. This sophisticated design is matched by relaxed yet professional service, providing a welcoming retreat for the traveler.

Enjoy the serenity of the veranda next to the pool, curl up with a book in our library, or unwind with a drink in the rotunda. Whatever your preference, we’re sure you’ll enjoy this return to elegance.

In the afternoon, visit a vibrant food and flower market where local Thais do their shopping. Continue to Wat Suan Dok, final resting place for the ashes of former kings of Chiang Mai and the Royal Family.  Drive 30min to Doi Suthep Mountain, enjoying the spectacular views of Northern Thailand as you head past mountains and forests, towards Wat Phra That, one of Northern Thailand’s most sacred temples. Founded in 1383 AD, the temple is reached by climbing 309 steps. The climb up is rewarded with a superb panoramic view over the city.

Return to Chiang Mai and enjoy a 20min rickshaw ride through the quiet streets of the old town before returning to your hotel. 

In the morning, your driver will transport you to Patara Elephant Farm where you will join the “Elephant Owner for a Day” program. Especially designed for those who want to learn about and interact with elephants as an elephant owner would, the program teaches you how to approach your elephant, discern the elephant’s temperament, feed it and check its health. You will also learn how to take care of your own elephant, bathe and brush it in the river, how to ride on its neck, and communicate through different spoken commands. You will also get a chance to ride bareback on your elephant and visit a local temple to learn about elephants in relation to Buddhist beliefs as well as how elephants are regarded by Thai people. Then continue on to a waterfall where you will enjoy a picnic lunch and a refreshing moment in/around the water with your elephant. The camp has adopted/rescued elephants from unsuitable living conditions nursed them back to health and has so far released eight back into their natural habitat.

Learn Thai cooking secrets in a family environment with a well-known local chef.  As a trekking guide, Chef Sawat noticed that travelers were interested in preparing food with him.  His passion for cooking and experience as a chef in several restaurants inspired him to set up an organic farm where he has a spacious garden full of Thai herbs, vegetables and tropical fruits.  You will enjoy a one-hour drive north of Chiang Mai to the organic garden at the chef’s farmhouse and pick some fresh herbs for use in the hands-on cooking experience where you will learn how to pound curry paste and to make authentic Thai Curry.  Create a dessert with the fruits you pick right from the trees.  Enjoy your culinary efforts for lunch, along with learning to make a few more dishes before returning to your hotel.

Enjoy your last breakfast in Chiang Mai.  Check out Ping Nakara Boutique Hotel & Spa and transfer to Chiang Mai International Airport. Arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport and then head to the International terminal for your departure home.