China & Thailand (15 Days)
Beijing, Guilin, Yangshuo, Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Bangkok, Chiang Mai
Highlights of Thailand
(10 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis) Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket or Koh Samui
This tour features the best of Thailand’s cities, rural countryside, and beautiful beaches, with an emphasis on regional culture, history, arts and cuisine. Accommodation is at Thailand’s most highly regarded luxury resorts and hotels, and private touring is with expert local guides who provide exceptional insight and connection to the local people and culture.
Begin with comprehensive touring in Bangkok. With your own private guide, enjoy a fascinating, private long-tail boat tour through Bangkok's canals. Visit the most important temples. Learn about Buddhist practices and influences on daily life. Hear monks chanting at a morning ceremony. Explore colorful markets selling textiles, flowers, food and crafts. Visit small museums and interesting local neighborhoods. When not sightseeing, enjoy time at the world’s leading spa, swim, play tennis, shop for exquisite Thai silks and art work, and dine on some of Southeast Asia’s best cuisine.
Spend several days in rural Chiang Mai in northern Thailand at one of Asia’s most luxurious and atmospheric resorts, surrounded by mountains and lush fields of terraced rice paddies. Browse craft districts specializing in celadon ceramics, silver, teak furniture, paper umbrellas, and beautiful silk weavings. Visit revered mountaintop temples, the royal family’s Winter Palace, an elephant camp, and local hill tribe villages. A day will be at leisure to enjoy the resort's spa, cooking school, golf, or pool. Additional cultural excursions are also available.
Next, fly to one of the islands of the south (Phuket or Koh Samui) and enjoy several days at one of Thailand's leading luxury resorts. Spend your days relaxing on pristine beaches, indulging at the spa, swimming, playing tennis or golf, taking cooking classes or yoga lessons, diving, or exploring nearby islands by luxury boat.
Return to Bangkok for some last minute shopping or touring before departing Thailand.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1
Arrive Bangkok
VIP airport assistance on arrival. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights
Day 2
Bangkok
Half-day private city tour, including private longtail boat ride
Day 3
Bangkok - Chiang Mai
Private transfer to airport for flight to Chiang Mai. Private arrival transfer to resort for 3 nights, with touring en route
Day 4
Chiang Mai
Option for sunrise alms-giving. Half-day excursion to elephant camp or cultural touring. Private round-trip transfer to night market
Day 5
Chiang Mai
Morning market visit and Thai cooking lesson. Afternoon at leisure
Day 6
Chiang Mai - Phuketor Koh Samui
Private transfer to airport for flight to Phuket or Koh Samui. Private arrival transfer to resort for 3 nights
Day 7
Phuket or Koh Samui
Half-day yacht cruise to surrounding islands (Phuket) or sunset cruise (Koh Samui)
Day 8
Phuketor Koh Samui
At leisure at resort
Day 9
Phuket or Koh Samui - Bangkok
Private transfer to airport for flight to Bangkok. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 1 night. Afternoon flexible private touring or shopping
Day 10
Depart Thailand
Private airport transfer
Hotels
Bangkok:
Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
Chiang Mai:
Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai or
Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi
Phuket or Koh Samui:
Amanpuri Resort (Phuket)
or Four Seasons (Koh Samui)