Best of Thailand & Cambodia

(13 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket or Koh Samui, 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. Enjoy a fascinating, private longtail boat tour through Bangkok's canals. Visit Bangkok’s most important attractions, including the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho and Wat Arun. Learn about Buddhist practices and influences on daily life. Explore colorful markets selling textiles, flowers, Buddhist items, food and crafts. There will also be time to enjoy one of the world's leading spas, swim, shop for exquisite Asian art, and dine on some of Southeast Asia's best cuisine.

Continue to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. Stay at an exclusive luxury resort surrounded by mountains and lush fields of terraced rice paddies. During private touring, visit a revered mountaintop temple and see monks collecting their morning alms. One day, take an excursion to an elephant sanctuary and learn about these fascinating animals. Also explore Chiang Mai's historic temples and wonderful markets. Other optional activities can be arranged, upon request, such as golfing, hiking, biking, shopping excursions, family activities, in-depth Buddhist experiences, cooking classes, rice planting and more.

Continue to one of the islands of the south (Phuket or Koh Samui) and enjoy several days at one of Thailand's best luxury beach resorts. Spend your days relaxing on pristine beaches, indulging at the spa, swimming, playing tennis or golf, taking cooking classes or yoga lessons. If desired, Artisans of Leisure can arrange a diving or snorkeling excursion on Koh Samui, or a yacht cruise among the islands of Phang Nga Bay on Phuket.

Next, fly to Siem Reap to explore incredible Angkor, the wondrous ruins of the ancient Khmer empire. With your private guide, tour the most interesting parts of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including Angkor Wat, an enormous temple city built as a model of the Hindu universe in stone; Angkor Thom, an ancient capital filled with iconic sites such as the Bayon, Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King; Ta Prohm, a temple being devoured by the jungle; and serene Preah Khan, a former monastery and school. Also visit Banteay Srei, a petite temple with elaborate carvings in pink sandstone, and other lesser-known temples. One day, visit more remote temples or enjoy an excursion to Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake and an ecological wonder. Enjoy a boat cruise among the lake's floating villages, markets and gardens. Also cruise through the flooded forest to learn about the Tonle Sap ecosystem and spot birds and other wildlife.

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

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Bangkok, Thailand VIP airport assistance. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 2 nights Day 2 Bangkok Full-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 Day 4 Chiang Mai Option for sunrise alms-giving. Private tour of town, temples and markets. Private evening visit to night market Day 5 Chiang Mai Private excursion to elephant sanctuary Day 6 Chiang Mai – Phuket or Koh Samui Private transfer to airport for flight Phuket or Koh Samui. Private arrival transfer to resort for 3 nights Day 7 Phuket or Koh Samui At leisure at resort Day 8 Phuket or Koh Samui At leisure at resort Day 9 Phuket or Koh Samui – Siem Reap, Cambodia Private transfer to airport for flight to Siem Reap. Fast-track assistance through immigration. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights. Sunset private tour of ruins Day 10 Siem Reap Private touring of temples and ruins Day 11 Siem Reap Private touring and private cruise on Tonle Sap Lake Day 12 Siem Reap – Bangkok, Thailand Private transfer to airport for flight to Bangkok. VIP airport assistance through immigration. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 1 night Day 13 Depart Bangkok Private airport transfer. VIP departure assistance

Hotels

Bangkok: Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok or Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River Chiang Mai: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai Phuket or Koh Samui: Amanpuri or Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui Siem Reap: Amansara or Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor

Cost

$23,780 Per person (double occupancy)