Highlights
- Venture into Bangkok's Chinatown after dark for a street food feast
- Swim in the seven-tiered waterfalls of Erawan National Park
- Take your pick of beaches as you explore the Phi Phi Islands by speedboat
- Catch a colorful sunrise over the spires of Angkor Wat
- Live like a local for the day in a rural Cambodian village
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Bangkok (Thailand), Street Food Tour of Chinatown | Bangkok |
| Day 2 | Embark on a Temple Tour of the City, Cruise Down the Chao Phraya River | Bangkok |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Kanchanaburi via Damnoen Saduak, Visit Elephant's World | Kanchanaburi |
| Day 4 | Explore Erawan National Park, Pay Your Respects at Krasae Cave | Bangkok |
| Day 5 | Fly to Phuket, Traditional Thai Massage | Phuket |
| Day 6 | Luxury Boat Tour of the Phi Phi Islands | Phuket |
| Day 7 | Explore Phuket at Your Own Pace | Phuket |
| Day 8 | Discover Phuket's Many Beaches | Phuket |
| Day 9 | Fly to Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Tour the City in a Cyclo | Phnom Penh |
| Day 10 | Visit the Royal Palace, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum & Toul Tumpong Market | Phnom Penh |
| Day 11 | Transfer to Siem Reap, Gateway to the Angkor Ruins | Siem Reap |
| Day 12 | Watch the Sunrise Over Angkor Wat, Explore Angkor Thom & Ta Prohm | Siem Reap |
| Day 13 | Day Trip to the Local Village of Chansar | Siem Reap |
| Day 14 | Visit the Floating Villages of Tonlé Sap, Depart Siem Reap |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok (Thailand), Street Food Tour of Chinatown
Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand and its bustling capital Bangkok. Your driver will be waiting at the airport to transfer you to your hotel, where you can take some time to get settled in and rest up for tonight's adventures. For ultimate refresh after your flight, head to one of the area's many spas for a Thai massage, which combines pressure and stretching techniques to eliminate tension, starting your trip on a relaxing note.
As evening falls, meet your guide for a street food tour of Chinatown, where you'll try Thai classics like satay kai, pad thai, and ba mee moo dang, an egg noodle dish with barbecue pork and crushed peanuts. Treat yourself to some delectable Chinese or Thai desserts, such as mango sticky rice or Thai pancakes, and wash everything down with a Chinese herbal tea before hopping on a tuk-tuk back to your hotel.
Day 2: Embark on a Temple Tour of the City, Cruise Down the Chao Phraya River
Today you'll follow your guide on a tour of Bangkok's many colorful temples, starting with Wat Trimit. Also known as the Temple of the Golden Buddha, this Chinatown landmark houses a gold statue of a seated Buddha, measuring nearly 16 feet (5 m) in height. Continue to Wat Pho, the oldest Buddhist temple complex in the city, to admire its 150-foot (46 m) Reclining Buddha statue and explore the serene temple grounds before heading to the Grand Palace, the former residence of the kings of Thailand.
Today, the royal family and the Thai government use this opulent palace for ceremonial purposes. Walk around the large palace complex to see its dazzling gold spires and intricate architecture that exudes a sense of grandeur and opulence. Visit the coronation hall, funeral hall, and Emerald Buddha Temple within the palace's confines. After all that walking, sit down to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. When you're done eating, explore the rural areas of the city by long-tail boat cruise along the Chao Phraya River before disembarking and ending the tour at Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn.
Day 3: Transfer to Kanchanaburi via Damnoen Saduak, Visit Elephant's World
Leave the frenetic energy of the capital behind this morning as you transfer to the small town of Kanchanaburi, located three hours outside of Bangkok along the Kwae Noi and Kwae Yai Rivers. On the way, stop at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where vendors in boats sell all kinds of goods, from noodles to hats to pineapples to handicrafts. Buy handcrafted souvenirs or try Thai dishes like som tham, a green papaya salad as you explore the surrounding canals for an interesting glimpse of rural life in Thailand.
Continue to Elephant's World, an animal rescue that cares for sick, aged, and abused elephants. Start with an introduction to go over the safety rules, then enjoy a buffet lunch. In the afternoon, you'll help prepare food for the elephants and walk with them to the river to have a mud bath. Have a quick shower to wash off the mud, then feed the elephants fresh fruits and vegetables. When it's time to pry yourself away from your newfound friends, say goodbye to the gentle giants and continue to your hotel in Kanchanaburi for the night.
Day 4: Explore Erawan National Park, Pay Your Respects at Krasae Cave
After breakfast, you'll venture into the nearby Erawan National Park, renowned for its lush tropical rainforests and emerald-green waterfalls. The highlight of the park is the seven-tiered Erawan Waterfall, named after the three-headed elephant from Hindu mythology. Swim in the mineral-rich water as you explore each tier, surrounded by diverse flora and fauna—you may even spot playful monkeys or colorful birds. After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, head to the Burma Railway, better known as the "Death Railway," to learn about this area's wartime past.
Hop on a train and ride to Krasae Cave, which holds a somber history, as it used to house prisoners who were forced to build the railway during World War II. Walk along the old wooden tracks of the original railway to enter the cave and pay your respects at the shrine dedicated to those who suffered. When you exit, take in the scenic beauty of the Khwae Noi River and remember the hardships endured here during this dark chapter of history. After your quick visit to Kanchanaburi, you'll transfer back to Bangkok for the evening.
Day 5: Fly to Phuket, Traditional Thai Massage
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Have one last breakfast in Bangkok before heading to the airport for your flight to Phuket. Thailand's largest island is known for its postcard-perfect beaches, warm, shallow waters, and glittering nightlife, but you'll also find an unspoiled interior to explore, as well as countless surrounding island paradises.
Upon arrival, your driver will take you to your hotel, then it's time for some relaxation as you enjoy a two-hour traditional Thai massage at a local spa. Your masseuse will perform slow movements across your entire body—pressing, kneading, and stretching. This helps energize, rejuvenate, and increase blood and oxygen circulation. Refreshed and rejuvenated, head to one of Phuket's many boisterous night markets for dinner.
Day 6: Luxury Boat Tour of the Phi Phi Islands
Explore the waters surrounding Phuket today as you embark on a luxury boat tour of the Phi Phi Islands. This island group is home to pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. Start your adventure at Ko Phi Phi Ley, a pristine island home to the famous Maya Bay from the movie "The Beach." Enjoy views of the bay from the boat and continue around the island to Pileh Cove to swim in the turquoise waters.
Next, cruise to the nearby Viking Cave to see the ancient paintings lining its walls and hanging bird's nests locals use for culinary and medicinal purposes. Head to Ko Phi Phi Don to visit Monkey Beach, where you can get up close and personal with the playful monkeys that inhabit the area. Swim or snorkel around the island to see the colorful coral and fish before enjoying a local lunch on land. End your cruise at Bamboo Island, where you can swim and relax before heading back to Phuket.
Day 7: Explore Phuket at Your Own Pace
Today is free for you to explore Phuket at your own pace, so start by visiting Wat Chalong, the most important Buddhist temple on the island. Stroll through the temple grounds and climb to the famous 148-foot-tall (45 m) Big Buddha statue for a bird's-eye view of the surrounding area. Head back down the hill to visit the lively Old Town, full of Sino-Portuguese shop houses, colonial mansions, and quaint cafés.
Before sunset, make your way to Cape Promthemp to enjoy sunset views over the Andaman Sea. Watch as the sun descends and transforms the sky into a canvas of vibrant pinks, purples, and oranges. Once night falls, find your way to Bangla Road—an avenue of bars, clubs, and entertainment venues. You can bar hop, enjoy street food, or just sit down to listen to live music. Once you're partied out, take a tuk-tuk back to your hotel to enjoy the warm breeze in your hair.
Day 8: Discover Phuket's Many Beaches
Devote today to some uninterrupted beach time on some of Phuket's many gorgeous beaches. Opt for Kata Beach on the west coast of the island for soft, white sand, shady palm trees, and a laid-back atmosphere. Enjoy the gentle waves as you swim, or head to the southern end of the beach to surf if you have experience. When you get hungry, visit one of the many restaurants or cafés dotting the coastline.
If you're up for an adventure, you can visit Freedom Beach instead. This beach is more secluded than others, as it's only accessible only by boat or a steep hike. You can catch a taxi boat from Patong, Karon, or Kata Beach, so you could even visit both beaches today. When you arrive, you'll be greeted with powdery sand, turquoise waters, and lush jungle surroundings. Relax in the water or rent a snorkel to appreciate the colorful marine life living in the nearby coral reefs.
Day 9: Fly to Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Tour the City in a Cyclo
Savor your final morning in Phuket with one last swim, or visit a nearby market to pick up some last-minute souvenirs or sample some more Thai street food. When it's time, bid farewell to Thailand as you catch a flight to Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh.
After settling into your hotel, head out for an orientation tour of the city on a cyclo, a pedal-powered rickshaw. Hop in the cyclo and admire the view as your guide winds down the bustling streets, passing vibrant markets, historical landmarks, and beautiful parks.
Day 10: Visit the Royal Palace, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum & Toul Tumpong Market
Today you'll get a closer look at some of the landmarks you passed on your cyclo tour, starting with the Royal Palace, the residence of Cambodia's royal family. Once inside, visit the Silver Pagoda, a temple covered in silver tiles. Its shimmering interior is full of cultural treasures, such as a 200-pound (90 kg) golden Buddha encrusted with 2,086 diamonds. Continue your tour at Wat Phnom, one of the most important temples in the city. Ascend the grand staircase, flanked by mythical naga serpents, and the ornate architecture surrounded by lush gardens will greet you at the top.
In the afternoon, make a sobering stop at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a secondary school turned security prison from 1975 to 1979. More than 17,000 people were held here and taken to the extermination camp at Choeng Ek to be executed. Walk through the museum to see the cramped cells where prisoners were held and tortured for a somber look into the Khmer Rouge's dark history. End the tour at Toul Tumpong Market, where you can find a large selection of souvenirs, such as clothing, wood carvings, silk, silver jewelry, and classic musical instruments.
Day 11: Transfer to Siem Reap, Gateway to the Angkor Ruins
Meet your driver this morning and hit the road north on a five-hour transfer toward Siem Reap, the second-largest city in Cambodia. Settle in at your hotel, then drop in at the Artisans Angkor, a social project preserving traditional Khmer crafts that provides education and job opportunities to young people from rural areas across the country. Here you can see how local artisans create their masterpieces and buy beautiful handmade products, such as silk, textiles, jewelry, and wood carvings.
If you visit during the dry season from November to April, you could also opt to experience a panoramic view of the iconic temple complex, Angkor Wat, from a hot-air balloon. In the evening, visit Kanell restaurant to try artfully prepared Cambodian dishes and enjoy an Apsara dance show, a classical Khmer performance rooted in Hindu and Buddhist mythology. After dinner, continue to Pub Street, a lively hub of entertainment, dining, and nightlife, for a drink and a little dancing, or wander one of the many night markets along the street for some shopping.
Day 12: Watch the Sunrise Over Angkor Wat, Explore Angkor Thom & Ta Prohm
Wake up early and embark on what's sure to be a highlight of your trip—a full-day exploration of Angkor. Catch a sunrise over the temple's spires, then fuel up with breakfast before continuing to Angkor Thom, established in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII. Enter through the iconic South Gate, flanked by towering stone statues, as you cross over the moat into the city's fortified walls. Explore the many temples and structures within, such as the enigmatic stone faces lining the Bayon Temple or the bas-reliefs sculpted into the Terrace of Elephants.
It's on to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat next, where you'll get a deeper look at the massive temple complex with the help of your knowledgeable guide. Admire the intricate stone carvings, look into the serene reflection pools, and stand in the expansive courtyards to wonder at the grandeur of the Khmer Empire. Finally, follow your guide to Ta Prohm, a temple built in 1186 CE. Kapok trees have intertwined with the structure over centuries, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that blends natural and humanmade elements to dramatic effect.
Day 13: Day Trip to the Local Village of Chansar
Leave the city behind today as you travel to Chansar, a local village, to gain firsthand insight into authentic Cambodian rural life. Start with an ox-cart ride around the village before learning from a local family about the process of broom-making. Have a go at making one yourself, then enjoy a guided walking tour to appreciate the villager's time-honored way of life.
If you're up for it, try out fishing and farming as the locals do to really immerse yourself in the experience. Chat with the villagers over a simple but delicious lunch, then head back to Siem Reap. On the way, you'll stop at a local temple to receive a blessing from a Buddhist monk.
Day 14: Visit the Floating Villages of Tonlé Sap, Depart Siem Reap
Your trip comes to a close today, but one more adventure awaits before you head to the airport. This morning your guide will take you about 11 miles (18 km) south of Siem Reap toward Tonlé Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Connected to the Mekong River, Tonlé Sap is one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world. Hop on a private boat and cruise across the lake to its famous floating villages and permanent communities, including schools, markets, and restaurants—all built on the water.
Learn how the communities sustain themselves throughout the seasons, visit one of the many floating restaurants, or take a boat ride through flooded forests of mangrove trees. After your aquatic adventure, return to the hotel to grab your bags and transfer to Siem Reap International Airport for your flight home. Safe travels!
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