Luxury Thailand & Cambodia: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Angkor Wat & Song Saa - 14 Days

Highlights

• Board a luxury dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok
• Visit a private home for a Thai cooking class and market tour in Chiang Mai
• Explore magnificent Angkor Wat and other temples within the archaeological site
• Spend four nights in a luxurious villa on the private island of Song Saa 

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok (Thailand), Rooftop Fine Dining Experience

Day 2: Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew Tour, Afternoon Luxury Spa Treatment

Kick off the day with freshly brewed coffee and crunchy Thai roti pancakes ahead of this morning's big adventure to the Grand Palace. This must-see royal building complex features glittering halls, pavilions, and temples set around open lawns, gardens, and courtyards. Your private guide will lead you through the site, sharing the significance of the space. Afterward, continue to the adjoining Wat Phra Kaew, where you'll see the green-jade Emerald Buddha within what's regarded as Thailand's most sacred Buddhist temple.

After an early start and deep immersion into Bangkok's heritage, it's time to relax. This afternoon, you're booked into a luxurious spa to spend a few hours relaxing your mind and body. Choose from different styles of massages and treatments, from aromatherapy to hydrotherapy. Return to the hotel to refresh and change ahead of another memorable dining experience this evening.

Day 3: Thai Markets & Culture Tour, Luxury Dinner Cruise

Today you'll get to know Thai culture through two famous markets. After breakfast, your driver and guide will take you on a 90-minute journey to Mae Klong Railway Market, where you can witness the local vendors retract their stalls with remarkable speed before and after a train passes through. Next, you'll continue to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where you'll see small boats adorned with colorful fruits, snacks, and souvenirs. Stroll along the narrow canal banks and capture candid snapshots of authentic Thai life. After, return to Bangkok.

This evening, you'll board the Manohra Luxury Cruise to see Bangkok from a different angle. Enjoy an exquisite dinner while cruising along the Chao Phraya River on a Thai-style traditional teak wood boat decorated in classic style. Appreciate the after-dark skyline views of the Thai capital as you relax and enjoy your dining experience. After, you'll return to the hotel.

Day 4: Fly to Chiang Mai, Luxury Afternoon Tea at Four Seasons

Bid the Thai capital farewell this morning as a private transfer returns you to the airport for your 90-minute flight north to Chiang Mai. Thailand's second-largest city is often referred to as the "Rose of the North" due to its natural beauty, fascinating Lanna culture, historic temples, and lush mountain scenery. This northern gem was founded in 1296 and still has traces of its past as a cultural and religious center. On arrival, a local guide and driver will meet you inside the airport and transfer you to 137 Pillars House, a luxurious 30-suite boutique hotel set within a 19th-century colonial teak homestead.

Day 5: Warorot Market Tour & Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Monk Chanting

Today kicks off with a thrilling trishaw (a tricycle/rickshaw hybrid) ride around Chiang Mai, where you'll admire the Old City's wall and moat, landmark gates, and statues. Pause at the vibrant Warorot Market, a favorite spot where the locals shop for everything, from fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers to spices, baked goods, and handicrafts. After, your local guide will continue to Wat Umong, a temple set within dense forest at the foot of the sacred Doi Suthep mountain range. Walk through its mysterious tunnels, and experience a private blessing ceremony at the viharn (assembly hall).

Stop for a delicious and authentic Thai lunch, then continue to the hilltop temple, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Climb up a 306-step staircase to the top, admiring the intricate naga carvings along the way. From the peak, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views over the city and scenic countryside, best enjoyed at dusk. Wander around the awe-inspiring temple complex, where hopefully you'll catch a mesmerizing chanting session with the monks. Return to the hotel in time for dinner.

Day 6: Half-Day Cooking Class, Free Time in Chiang Mai

Learn to cook Thai food like a local during a private workshop at a Chiang Mai resident's house. Together you'll visit an authentic local market out of town, where you'll pick up ingredients for your dishes. Afterward, head to a Chiang Mai home, where you'll pick organic vegetables from the garden and get to work. You'll prepare five Thai dishes to enjoy for lunch. Some famous northern Thai favorites that you might make include larb (spicy minced meat salad), green papaya salad with sticky rice, or khao soi (curry noodle soup influenced by Chinese Muslim cuisine).

Day 7: Fly to Siem Reap (Cambodia), Apsara Dinner Show

Enjoy a slow morning in Chiang Mai ahead of your flight to Cambodia, sleeping in and enjoying the hotel's breakfast. Later, a private driver will collect you and your bags for a transfer to the airport. The flight to Siem Reap usually requires a connection in Bangkok, so travel will take most of the day. Siem Reap is often called the "Gateway to Angkor" as this is the perfect base for exploring the Angkor Archaeological Park, which you'll do tomorrow. On arrival, a private driver will take you to your hotel, the luxurious and tranquil Amansara, once a residence for guests of King Sihanouk.

Check into your room and freshen up for a special evening experience. Tonight you'll enjoy a classical Cambodian dinner while watching a memorable apsara dance performance. This traditional style of dance—first performed in the seventh century for the Khmer kings at Angkor—is based on the Hindu myth of beautiful female creatures (apsaras) that descend from heaven to entice men with their enchanting dance. Afterward, head to happy hour at Scribe Bar, then explore Siem Reap's famous Pub Street and it's quiet side alleys.

Day 8: Explore Angkor Thom & Angkor Wat

Wake up ready to explore some of Angkor's most beautiful temples. On today's private tour, you'll start at Angkor Thom, which literally means "Great City." These are the ruins of what was once the most impressive royal city of Cambodia's Angkor period. You'll stop at the Bayon temple, comprised of 54 Gothic towers and commissioned by Jayavarman VII in the 12th century. His smiling face and glaring eyes are represented in its 216 stone sculptures. You'll also see the quieter temple of Baphuon, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King.

After Angkor Thom, you'll tour the most famous temple of all: Angkor Wat. Famed for its beauty and splendor, this 12th-century complex is designated a 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. Angkor Wat's five towers are so iconic that they're emblazoned on the Cambodian flag. Take in the sunset at Bakheng Hill or the 10th-century Pre Rup temple, then return to the city and visit Siem Reap's famous night market with your guide.

Day 9: Explore More Angkor Temples: Banteay Srei, Ta Prohm & Prasat Kravan

Today you'll continue exploring one of the largest religious and archaeological sites in the world. Meet your guide bright and early to head for a fabulous sunrise at Angkor Wat and listen to singing birds over this ancient land. You'll return to the hotel for breakfast, then venture back out to Banteay Srei, which is also known as the "Citadel of Women." This 10th-century Cambodian temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and is known for its exquisite carvings. Next up is Banteay Samre, a temple where you can take gorgeous pictures without crowds.

In the afternoon, continue to visit the fantastic Ta Prohm, which is embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers. You'll also see Banteay Kdei, which is surrounded by four concentric walls, and the Prasat Kravan, a small private 10th-century temple dedicated to Vishnu. After a day of exploring, return to the city, where you can take an evening walk along the languid Siem Reap River and the adjacent Royal Independence Gardens.

Day 10: Fly to Sihanoukville, Boat to Song Saa Private Island

It's time to switch gears as you jet off to a private island off the southern coast of Cambodia. After breakfast, take a private transfer to the airport for your 70-minute direct flight to Sihanoukville. From here, a driver will take you 25 minutes to Sihanoukville Port to board a 45-minute speedboat to Song Saa Private Island. If that sounds like too much trouble, you can catch a 90-minute helicopter from Siem Reap to the island, which sits in the undeveloped Koh Rong archipelago on a marine reserve established by the Song Saa Foundation.

Song Saa Island is a peaceful haven of barefoot luxury where you can experience Cambodian culture and relax. Check into a private villa, where you can unwind with the sound of lapping waves or set off to explore. Activities on offer include waterskiing, snorkeling, trekking with a conservation expert, or taking a boat trip to the local village. Plus, a chef is always ready to prepare delicious meals whenever you're hungry. For dinner, stroll over to the Vista Restaurant and Bar, which sits over the sea and offers breathtaking 360-degree ocean views.

Day 11: Water Activities on Song Saa Island

Wake up to the sound of lapping waves and dive straight into your villa's private pool. A local chef will prepare you a floating breakfast for you to enjoy while kicking back in the pool, which enjoys awe-inspiring ocean vistas. Today you can continue with the water theme, seeking out the many water-based activities available at the resort. You could join a snorkeling expedition to Coral Reef Island with the resort's marine specialists, who will point out local fish species, from vibrant parrotfish and delicate damselfish to seahorses and spotted rays. You might even spot a sea turtle or two.

Day 12: Traditional Buffalo Cart Trip, Private Picnic

Start your morning with a handful of sun salutations during a poolside yoga class. As you stretch and breathe in the fresh morning air, you'll feel energized and ready to take on the day. Change into comfortable clothes next, then board a buffalo cart to visit a local farm and fishing village, where you'll learn about traditional agricultural practices and observe fishermen at work. This is a chance to see rural Khmer life and culture, and you may get to interact with some of the villagers to learn about their daily lives and centuries-old traditions.

Day 13: Free Time on Song Saa Island

It's your final full day on Song Saa Island, so use today as you wish. You might just like to bask in the sun by the poolside or on the beach, or maybe adventure calls. If you're passionate about the outdoors, join an exhilarating trek through the lush rainforest with one of the resort's esteemed conservation experts. They'll share knowledge about the intricate local ecosystem and the measures being implemented for its preservation.

Later on, as darkness falls, you can join an extraordinary night snorkeling experience amid bioluminescence. Witness the sea aglow like a celestial sky, with plankton casting light into the water. This only happens after dark, so it's especially special to see up close. The resort's staff will make sure you stay safe while seeing this mesmerizing spectacle.

Day 14: Boat to Sihanoukville, Depart

Your idyllic vacation draws to a close today. A sleek speedboat will return you to the mainland, and from Sihanoukville Port, a private driver will transfer you to Sihanoukville International Airport for your departing flight or onward adventure. Safe travels!

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