Best of Thailand & Angkor

(13 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Siem Reap (Angkor)

Anytime we travel to Thailand, it’s hard for us to resist the temptation to make a short side trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia, to explore the spectacular ruins of Angkor. This tour is the perfect combination of the highlights of both countries, including the bustling city of Bangkok, the tropical beaches of Phuket, the breathtaking scenery and cultural attractions of northern Thailand, and the magnificent ancient ruins of Angkor. Accommodations are among the finest in Asia, including Four Seasons and Aman resorts.

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.

Next, spend several days in Chiang Mai at the luxurious Four Seasons Resort, surrounded by mountains and terraced rice fields. With your private guide, visit revered mountaintop temples, the royal family’s Winter Palace, and an elephant camp and hill tribe village. Also browse Chiang Mai's craft districts selling celadon ceramics, paper umbrellas, silver, teak furniture, and beautiful silk weavings. A day will be at leisure to enjoy the resort's renowned spa, cooking school, infinity pool, or to go golfing.

Next, fly to Phuket for three nights at the island’s most exclusive beach resort. There, enjoy the resort's excellent spa and beautiful white sand beach. Another day, take a yacht cruise among the islands of Phang Nga Bay.

Continue to Cambodia to visit awe-inspiring Angkor—the ruins of the ancient Khmer empire. Stay at the exclusive Amansara, a peaceful and intimate luxury hotel and spa in the heart of Siem Reap. Artisans of Leisure will arrange for your own expert guide so you have the most educational and comfortable tour possible. Visit important ruins, such as Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, and discover lesser known jungle-covered ruins that are just as awe inspiring. All sightseeing is carefully designed to avoid crowds and see the ruins when they are most magical. Depending on your interests, also visit craft workshops, a local orphanage, take bike rides, have us arrange a Khmer cooking class, or charter a helicopter to a remote jungle temples.

Return to Bangkok for some last-minute shopping or touring before departing Thailand.