Culture & Beaches in Southeast Asia: Bangkok, Phuket & Siem Reap - 10 Days

Highlights

• Explore Bangkok's many temples and the iconic Grand Palace
• Swim and snorkel around the pristine Phi Phi Islands
• Enjoy a traditional Apsara dance show
• Visit the Angkor ruins and watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok (Thailand), Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya River

Welcome to Thailand's capital city, the beautiful Bangkok! Meet your driver outside Bangkok International Airport for a private transfer to your hotel. Stay in to relax and recover from jet lag or head out to explore on your own for a few hours. Walk around the city, admiring the many temples you'll get a deeper look at tomorrow, or visit one of the many spas to get a Thai massage and wind down after your flight. Your tension will disappear as Thai massages incorporate a mix of stretching and acupressure techniques.

Return to your hotel to get ready for a luxury dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River, the city's arterial waterway. Admire some of Bangkok's most iconic landmarks from the water, which look even more spectacular at night, such as the temples of Wat Arun and Wat Pho and the Grand Palace. As you watch the incredible scenery pass by, enjoy a delectable buffet dinner accompanied by a traditional Thai dance performance. After the cruise, your guide will pick you up at the pier and escort you back to the hotel.

Day 2: Tour the Temples & Grand Palace of Bangkok

Wake up bright and early to visit some of the landmarks you spotted on last night's cruise, starting with Wat Pho. Watch as the monks complete their morning chanting ritual, giving you a spiritual introduction to one of the oldest temples in the city. After the ritual, explore the temple grounds before going inside to see the famous 150-foot-long (46 m) Reclining Buddha. Then, head to Chinatown to visit Wat Traimit, the Temple of the Golden Buddha and marvel at the towering solid gold Buddha statue inside.

Afterward, head to Wat Arun, better known as the Temple of the Dawn, named for its shell and porcelain-decorated spires that glitter in the morning sun. In the afternoon, move on to the Grand Palace, the highlight of today's tour. It was the official residence of the country's kings from 1782 to 1925 but is now used for ceremonial purposes. Walk through the massive grounds and enter the adjoining Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha Temple), the most important Buddhist temple in the country. Learn more about Thailand's traditional art and architecture here with your guide's help.

After resting your feet at your hotel, your guide will take you to some favorite local spots to try authentic Thai dishes for a late dinner, such as the well-known noodle dish, pad thai, or wattana panich, a beef noodle soup. The last stop is a rooftop bar along the Chao Phraya River. Have a drink at the top and admire the sparkling city lights spilling over the river. At the end of this action-packed day, a driver will drop you off at your hotel.

Day 3: Visit the Mae Klong Railway Market & Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Make your way out of the city this morning to visit one of the most unique markets in the world, the Mae Klong Railway Market. Vendors set up their stalls on an active railway track, and each time a train approaches, they swiftly retract their awnings and merchandise to make way for the passing locomotive. Witnessing this incredible feat of coordination and precision allows you to understand the ingenuity of the local vendors. Once you've seen this spectacle, stroll through the bustling aisles of the markets to savor delicious street food or shop for souvenirs.

Head to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market next, where you can observe a plethora of vendors peddling on small wooden boats adorned with colorful fruits, snacks, and souvenirs. Wind your way along the narrow canal banks and capture candid snapshots of authentic Thai life or hop in a boat yourself to explore the wares up close. Many merchants cook and sell food from their boats, too, such as tom yum noodles, a spicy seafood soup with noodles and shrimp. Take your time exploring the market and discovering the local culture before returning to your hotel in Bangkok.

Day 4: Fly to Phuket, Guided Tour of the Island

Day 5: Speed Boat Tour of the Phi Phi Islands & Khai Island 

Get your bathing suit on and head to the pier to board a speedboat to the Phi Phi Islands, an island group between Phuket and the Straits of Melaka. Your tour stops first at Ko Phi Phi Ley, a small island that's home to Loh Samah Bay and Maya Bay, which you may recognize from the movie "The Beach." Jump into the crystal-clear waters with your snorkel to see the colorful coral reef and abundant sea life. Cruise to Viking Cave next to admire the ancient paintings lining its interior and the edible bird's nests locals harvest for culinary and medicinal purposes.

It's on to Monkey Beach next, aptly named for its resident monkey population, who you can typically see frolicking along the shoreline or in the nearby jungle. Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch on land before sailing to Tonsai Bay on Ko Phi Phi Don. Explore the village at your own pace, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, then jump back on the boat to cruise to your final destination, Ko Khai Nui. Swim, snorkel, or relax on the white sandy beach, then say goodbye to the islands as you cruise back to your hotel in Phuket.

Day 6: Explore the Beautiful Island of Phuket at Your Own Pace

Enjoy a free day to explore Phuket at your own pace. If you're looking for a quiet, laid-back experience, head to Mai Khao Beach on the northwestern side of the island. The Andaman Sea is shallow and calm here, so you can float across the warm waters. Animal lovers can visit one of the many ethical elephant sanctuaries on the island to interact with and learn about these magnificent creatures, many of which were saved from a life of logging or entertainment. Head to Chillva Night Market in the evening and stroll through the lively lanes filled with food, handicrafts, clothing, and accessories.

Day 7: Fly to Siem Reap (Cambodia), Apsara Dinner Show at Angkor Village Resort

Bid farewell to beautiful Thailand as you fly to the Cambodian city of Siem Reap—the gateway to the Angkor ruins. Meet your driver outside Siem Reap International Airport to transfer to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a classical Cambodian dinner at the Angkor Village Resort while watching a live Apsara dance performance. This traditional dance—first performed in the seventh century for the Khmer kings at Angkor—is based on the Hindu myth of beautiful female creatures called Apsaras that descend from heaven to entice men with their enchanting dance.

After the show, pop in for a happy hour at the outdoor Scribe Bar & Grill before visiting Pub Street, an avenue of clubs, bars, and restaurants. Stop in one of these establishments for a drink or head to the night market for a late-night snack. If you have a sweet tooth, try tuk-a-loc, a sweet, chewy ball made from glutinous rice and coconut milk that's then rolled in grated coconut. Hit up one of the clubs if you want to continue the night or head back to your hotel to rest before an action-packed day of exploring the city's many ruins. 

Day 8: Explore Angkor Thom & Angkor Wat

Today you get to explore the landmark Siem Reap is most known for—the great ancient temple complexes of Angkor. Start at Angkor Thom, which means "Great City" in Khmer, and discover the ruins of what was once the most impressive royal city of the Khmer Empire. Enter at the famous South Gate, flanked by stone-face towers, and walk through the archaeological site, stopping at Bayon Temple, composed of 54 Gothic towers, all covered in sculpted faces.

Head to Angkor Wat next; built in the 12th century and famed for its beauty and splendor, this complex is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology. Its five towers are so iconic that they're actually emblazoned on the Cambodian flag. Immerse yourself in the ruins as you stroll through galleries, libraries, pavilions, and courtyards. Your guide will time your tour perfectly to end with a memorable sunset viewed from Bakheng Hill.

After all that walking, return to Siem Reap and head to Pub Street, a vibrant avenue of restaurants, bars, and clubs where you can sit down, enjoy a delicious meal, and have a cold drink. Once you're refueled, browse some of the city's night markets with your guide. If you're feeling up for it, continue your evening at one of the many bars or nightclubs or head back to the hotel to relax.

Day 9: Watch the Sunrise Over Angkor Wat, Visit More Angkor Temples

Set your alarm clocks for an early morning wake-up call to ensure you don't miss the sun rising over Angkor Wat. After enjoying this colorful show of light gilding the complex, head back to the hotel for breakfast to refuel and prepare for the next temple, Banteay Srei, also known as the "Citadel of Women". This 10th-century Cambodian temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, stands out for its exquisite red sandstone carvings. Next up is Banteay Samre, a temple that showcases the characteristic Khmer architectural elements, including intricate bas-reliefs, elegant colonnades, and finely carved lintels.

In the afternoon, continue your tour among the ruins of Ta Prohm, where the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers have crept throughout the temple. Other viewing sites include the Banteay Kdei, characterized by its weathered sandstone structures, picturesque courtyards, and elegant carvings. End the tour at Prasat Kravan, a small, private temple built in the 10th century and dedicated to Vishnu with its unique brick sculptures. If your feet aren't too tired, you can take a walk along the languid Siem Reap River and the adjacent Royal Independence Gardens in the evening.

Day 10: Depart Siem Reap

Your Southeast Asian adventure draws to a close today. If you have some free time before your flight, you could continue to explore the city on your own. Rent a bike and head out into the countryside, or pop into one of the many art galleries to browse contemporary and traditional Cambodian art. When the time comes, your driver will transfer you to Siem Reap International Airport for your flight home. Safe travels! 

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