Highlights of Cambodia & Thailand: Siem Reap, Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket -11 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Siem Reap (Cambodia), Explore at Leisure

Welcome to the vibrant city of Siem Reap, home to the largest religious complex in the world. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in. The rest of the day is free for you to recover from jet lag or explore the area at your own pace. A good place to start is the Angkor National Museum, where you can learn about the Khmer Empire. As you wander through the galleries, you'll encounter an impressive collection of artifacts, sculptures, and relics from the Angkorian period, like crowns and ornaments worn by Khmer royalty and nobility.

When darkness falls, make your way to Pub Street, a bustling thoroughfare lined with colorful neon lights, lively bars, and enticing street food stalls. Indulge in local delights like fresh spring rolls, banh chao (savory pancakes filled with meat, vegetables, and spices), or lok lak (stir-fried beef with a savory, peppery sauce). If you're feeling brave, you can also find fried tarantulas here. After a sweet treat of rolled ice cream or mango sticky rice, grab a drink at one of the many bars or return to your hotel for the night.

Day 2: Full-Day Tour of Angkor Thom & Angkor Wat

Spend a full day exploring the world-famous Angkor ruins today, starting at Angkor Thom, the last great capital of the Khmer Empire. After entering through the grand South Gate, you'll be greeted by the colossal stone faces and intricate bas-reliefs carved into the walls of Bayon Temple. Continue strolling through the site to see highlights like Baphuon Temple, a sprawling pyramid structure that once served as a state temple, and Terrace of the Elephants, showcasing an intricately carved 1,148-feet-long (350 m) wall depicting royal processions and scenes of mythical creatures. 

After exploring the ancient city, head to Angkor Wat, a grand Hindu temple dating back to the 12th century. Step through the eastern gate and look up at the central tower rising majestically above the horizon, which you may already recognize from the Cambodian flag. Wander through the temple to reveal its beautifully landscaped gardens, serene ponds, and intricate stonework, getting a close-up look at the carvings depicting scenes from Hindu epics like the "Ramayana." End the day atop Phnom Bakheng or in the less crowded Pre Rup to watch the sunset over the ancient temples and cities. 

Day 3: Full-Day Tour of Banteay Srei, Ta Prohm & Ta Keo

If you're an early riser, start your day back at Angkor Wat to watch the sunrise over the spires. After breakfast, explore some rustic villages on the one-hour transfer to Banteay Srei, a 10th-century temple. The temple's name translates to "Citadel of Women" because its elaborate and delicate stonework made locals believe it was built by women. Wander through the temple complex to appreciate the artistry that adorns every surface, from elaborate depictions of deities and celestial figures to elegant floral motifs. 

Return to Siem Reap to visit the 12th-century Ta Prohm, famous for the colossal trees and their roots that entwine with its stone structures. Navigate the crumbling corridors and ivy-clad ruins, pretending like you're Angelina Jolie, as the 2001 movie "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" was filmed here. Your last stop is Ta Keo, believed to be the first temple constructed entirely of sandstone. Climb the pyramid-like structure, passing unfinished carvings and terraces to enjoy panoramic views of the Angkor temples and cities from the summit. 

Day 4: Half-Day Tonlé Sap Tour, Transfer to Bangkok (Thailand)

Before you leave Cambodia behind, set off on a boat tour of Tonlé Sap, the country's largest lake. Glide across the tranquil water, passing floating villages, where houses, bustling markets, and even restaurants stand on stilts or floating platforms. You might encounter local fishermen navigating their boats, women selling goods from floating stalls, or children learning at a floating school. After the cruise, transfer to the airport for a 1.5-hour flight to Bangkok, Thailand's vibrant capital city. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in.

Day 5: Explore Pak Khlong Talat, Wat Pho & the Grand Palace, Boat Cruise

Join your guide on a full-day tour of Bangkok, starting at Pak Khlong Talat, a bustling 24-hour flower and produce market. Wander the maze of stalls full of tropical fruit and fresh flowers like orchids, jasmine, marigolds, and lilies. Then, head to Wat Pho, better known as the "Temple of the Reclining Buddha," for the 150-foot-long (46 m) statue gilded in gold leaf. The complex is also home to the country's first traditional Thai massage school, where you can partake in a rejuvenating session with one of the students.

Your next stop is the Grand Palace, an iconic complex known for its elaborate facades, shimmering gold tiles, and intricate carvings that reflect the opulence of Thailand's former royal court. Visit the on-site Wat Phra Kaew to admire the statue of Buddha carved from a single block of jade and draped in elaborate golden robes that are changed seasonally by the king. Grab lunch at a local restaurant before ending the day with a long-tail boat ride through the city's klongs (winding canals). Pass traditional wooden houses, lush greenery, and the towering spires of Wat Arun, known as the "Temple of Dawn."

Day 6: Fly to Chiang Mai, Visit Doi Pui & Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Trade Thailand's capital for its second-largest city as you head to the airport for a one-hour flight to Chiang Mai, nestled in the northern mountains. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in and get ready for a half-day tour of Doi Pui, a Hmong village perched high in the misty hills. Wander through the village, passing traditional wooden houses, vibrant flower gardens, and stalls full of handmade goods like intricate textiles and locally grown coffee and tea. Meet the Hmong people dressed in their vibrant traditional attire and learn about their culture. 

Then, continue to the nearby Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of Thailand's most revered and iconic temples, perched high on a mountain overlooking Chiang Mai. Enjoy a scenic drive up the winding mountain road, then climb the 306-step staircase surrounded by ornate Naga serpent statues, or take a tram to reach the temple's entrance. Once inside, you'll be greeted by a colossal golden chedi (stupa), which gleams in the sunlight and houses relics of the Buddha. Walk around the chedi, surrounding yourself with the sound of chiming bells and the scent of incense, before returning to your hotel.

Day 7: Spend the Day at Baan Chang Elephant Park

No visit to Thailand is complete without spending some time with the national animal, the elephant. Although elephants have been used as a means of transport and heavy labor for over a thousand years, laws have been passed in recent decades to protect these gentle giants. Today, you can find plenty of sanctuaries across the country that focus on the well-being and conservation of rescued and orphaned elephants, like Baan Chang Elephant Park, two hours north of Chiang Mai.

During your visit, you'll learn about the elephants' history, their behavior, and the challenges they face in the wild. Then, spend the day preparing meals, feeding the elephants, and walking alongside them through the lush forest. Elephant riding and performances are banned at the park, but you can touch and play with them. If you're lucky, there may be baby elephants you can visit in the nursery. After spending the day with the elephants, transfer back to your hotel in Chiang Mai.

Day 8: Free Time in Chiang Mai, Fly to Phuket

The morning allows you to explore more of Chiang Mai at your own pace. Visit centuries-old temples like Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang or book a traditional Lanna cooking class to learn how to make authentic Northern Thai dishes. If you want to shop for souvenirs, head to Kad Luang, one of the city's largest and oldest markets. Peruse the stalls brimming with everything from fresh produce and aromatic spices to textiles and traditional handicrafts. You can also find diverse street food stalls here, offering local delicacies like khao soi (coconut curry noodle soup) and sai ua (pork sausage).

When it's time, transfer to the airport for a two-hour flight to Phuket, Thailand's largest island. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in. Stay in to relax and enjoy the hotel's amenities, or venture out to one of the island's many beaches, such as Patong Beach. By day, you can enjoy the sun on the expansive sandy shores or partake in water sports. At night, watch the beach transform into a hotspot of entertainment, with an array of nightclubs, bars, and restaurants coming alive as darkness falls.

Day 9: Explore Old Phuket Town or Visit Phuket FantaSea

The rest of your time in Phuket is free for you to spend as you wish. You could soak up the sun on the beach or head to Old Phuket Town, renowned for its well-preserved Sino-Portuguese architecture. Admire the colorful buildings featuring ornate facades and intricate tilework housing quaint cafés, stylish boutiques, and local art galleries showcasing paintings, photography, and mixed media. If you're visiting on a Sunday, wait until darkness falls to visit the weekly night market held along Ratchadamnoen Road. Browse the stalls full of traditional textiles, handmade crafts, and delicious street food. 

If you like amusement parks, opt for an evening at Phuket FantaSea instead. This cultural theme park has three sections: a small village designed to resemble a whimsical carnival, a theater that hosts a grand nightly performance, and a dining area featuring a large buffet serving international and Thai dishes. When it's time, make your way to the theater to watch the show, which features elaborate costumes, dramatic dance routines, special effects, and a captivating storyline showcasing Thailand's rich cultural heritage.

Day 10: Discover Wat Chalong & the Big Buddha or Phi Phi Islands Boat Tour

Set off on a self-guided cultural tour of the island, starting at Wat Chalong, the largest and most revered Buddhist temple in Phuket. Wander through the complex to see the central chedi adorned with elaborate decorations and detailed murals depicting Buddhist teachings. Then, head to the Big Buddha, a 147-foot-tall (45 m) statue perched atop Nakkerd Hill. Look up at the white marble statue of Buddha and enjoy panoramic views of the rolling hills, verdant forests, and rugged coastline in the distance.

If you'd rather spend the day in the sun, consider booking a boat tour of the Phi Phi Islands, an archipelago of six islands in the middle of the Andaman Sea. Cruise past dramatic limestone cliffs, lush greenery, and pristine beaches like Maya Bay, where Leonardo DiCaprio's movie "The Beach" was filmed. Many tours include the opportunity to snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, where you can spot clownfish, parrotfish, and butterflyfish. In some areas, you might see larger marine creatures like reef sharks, rays, and sea turtles.

Day 11: Depart Phuket

Spend your final morning in Thailand soaking up the sun on one of Phuket's beaches, like Kata Beach, an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying gentle waves. The area is also dotted with cafés and restaurants, so you can enjoy local dishes like pla pao (grilled fish seasoned with Thai herbs) or moo pad krapow talay (stir-fried seafood cooked with Thai basil, chili, and garlic), overlooking the water. When it's time, return to the hotel to grab your bags, meet your driver, and transfer to the airport for your flight home with a possible layover in Bangkok. Safe travels!