Highlights
- Stay in a 5-star Bangkok hotel and an adult-only Phuket pool villa resort
- Enjoy a guided tour of Bangkok's markets, temples, and Grand Palace
- Island-hop around the idyllic Phi Phi archipelago by private speedboat
- Experience Thailand's national sport with an evening of Muay Thai
- Take a guided trip to Phuket's vibrant markets and historic Old Town
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Bangkok, Explore | Bangkok |
| Day 2 | Private Tour of Bangkok's Temples, Palaces & Markets | Bangkok |
| Day 3 | Fly to Phuket, Explore the Island | Phuket |
| Day 4 | Private Phi Phi Islands Speedboat Tour | Phuket |
| Day 5 | Free Day in Phuket & Muay Thai Evening Experience | Phuket |
| Day 6 | Private Tour of Phuket's Markets | Phuket |
| Day 7 | Depart Phuket |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok, Explore
Welcome to Thailand! Touch down in the buzzing capital Bangkok, which is beloved for its chaotic energy, tasty street food, nightlife, and Buddhist sights. Your driver will take you to the 5-star Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort, where you'll settle into an elegant room overlooking the Chao Phraya River. The peaceful resort is set among 11 acres (4.5 ha) of lush gardens and features a range of high-end restaurants, a pool, and the opulent Spice Spoons Spa.
Spend the afternoon relaxing at your lavish resort or explore Bangkok independently. Soak up some Buddhist culture with a trip to Wat Saket, a hilltop temple that offers supreme sunset city views. Afterward, satisfy your taste buds at the Michelin-starred street food stall, Jay Fai, where you can enjoy their famous crab omelet. End your day in the lively Khao San Road, or head to Chinatown to browse the traditional food stalls and markets.
Day 2: Private Tour of Bangkok's Temples, Palaces & Markets
Start the day early with a privately-guided trip to Khlong Lat Mayom, an authentic floating market where vendors sell produce and cook delicious snacks from tiny wooden boats. Get a glimpse of local life while you wander the market, stopping to buy some exotic fruit or perhaps a classic hoi tod (oyster omelet). Next, you'll visit Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn (named after the Indian dawn god, Aruna), followed by a ferry across the Chao Phraya River to Wat Pho. This temple was founded during the 16th century and houses a giant, 150-foot-long (46 m) reclining Buddha statue whose feet are inlaid with mother-of-pearl.
Take a break for lunch before touring the Grand Palace, a complex of intricate temples and palaces built in 1782, which served as the royal family's home for 150 years. Today, the palace is used for royal ceremonies such as weddings, funerals, and state banquets. Highlights include the Reception Hall, Coronation Hall, and Wat Phra Kaew, which houses the Emerald Buddha statue.
Hop on a tuk-tuk next to visit Chatuchak Weekend Market. With more than 15,000 stalls, it's one of the world's biggest outdoor markets and sells everything from clothes and flowers to food and antiques. Pick up some souvenirs and sample some street food snacks before returning to your resort for a final evening in the city. Anantara's rooftop bar, SEEN, is a great place to sip cocktails with twinkling skyline views.
Day 3: Fly to Phuket, Explore the Island
Say goodbye to Bangkok this morning and fly to Phuket, Thailand's largest island. Set on the Andaman Coast, Phuket is known for its powdery beaches, neon nightlife, and world-class resorts. The island is also home to diverse landscapes ranging from dense rainforest to palm-fringed beaches and craggy limestone cliffs.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Your driver will be waiting to take you to The Shore at Katathani, a romantic adult-only resort. Check into your luxury pool villa, set in a secluded cove overlooking the beach of Kata Noi and surrounded by gardens. Villa features include an infinity pool, sunken lounge, and sea views. The award-winning resort also offers a Serenity Spa and various unique dining experiences, including six-course seafront feasts and candlelit cove meals.
Spend the rest of the day chilling in your villa, or explore Phuket independently. Start in the Old Town with its 19th-century shophouses and Sino-Portuguese architecture. Visit the Baan Chinpracha mansion, a testament to the island's tin mining history, as well as Thai temples, markets, Chinese shrines, and museums.
Day 4: Private Phi Phi Islands Speedboat Tour
Discover the Phi Phi Islands today, an archipelago 25 miles (40 km) east of Phuket, known for its film-worthy beaches. Board a speedboat for your private island-hopping tour, complete with your own tour guide and a delicious onboard lunch. Zip across the azure Andaman Sea to Phi Phi Ley, where you'll see Maya Bay, the setting for the Leonardo DiCaprio movie, "The Beach." You can also moor at Pileh Lagoon and Viking Cave for swimming and snorkeling.
Sail on to beautiful Phi Phi Don, perhaps stopping at Monkey Beach along the way, known for its cheeky macaques. Bamboo Island is another highlight, with white sands perfect for basking beneath a palm tree, cocktail in hand. There's plenty of time to spot colorful marine life flitting among pristine coral reefs. When you've had your fill of tropical island life, return to Phuket for dinner and a restful evening at the resort.
Day 5: Free Day in Phuket & Muay Thai Evening Experience
Today is yours to relax and enjoy Phuket. Sunbathe by your resort's spectacular beach-front infinity pools, or take advantage of the on-site yoga and cooking classes. For some real indulgence, book a session at The Shore's Serenity Spa, which offers a range of decadent massages, facials, and herbal steam baths. If you're craving beach time, the soft sands of Kata Noi are right on your doorstep, or you can head farther afield to Phuket's Freedom and Nai Harn beaches.
This evening, you'll experience the exciting world of Muay Thai (Thai boxing). Regarded as Thailand's national sport, this traditional martial art form evolved over centuries, and many of its techniques are today used in kickboxing and MMA (mixed martial arts). Your driver will drop you at a Muay Thai stadium, where you'll join locals to watch professional matches and soak up the frenetic atmosphere.
Day 6: Private Tour of Phuket's Markets
Spend today exploring Phuket's vibrant markets and historic Old Town with a private driver and guide. Begin at the modern Banzaan Market, where you'll browse stalls heaving with fresh produce and a food court offering typical dishes, from pad thai (stir-fried rice noodles) to tom yum (hot and sour soup) and som tum (green papaya salad).
Continue to the popular Jungceylon Shopping Mall for retail therapy before heading to the Old Town, where you'll peruse unique handicraft and textile stores. End the day at one of Phuket's sprawling night markets. Chilya Market offers food and fashion in upcycled shipping containers, or if you're visiting on a Sunday, catch the vibrant Phuket Walking Street Market.
Day 7: Depart Phuket
Today your luxury Thailand getaway comes to an end. Spend a final few hours on the beach or shopping for souvenirs before your private airport transfer. Safe travels!
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