Luxury Thailand Food, Culture & Beaches: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Ko Samui - 14 Days

Day 2: Bangkok Temples, Palaces & Canals Tour

Take a private guided tour of Bangkok's cultural wonders today. Start with a visit to Wat Pho, a temple founded during the 16th century that houses a 150-foot-long (46 m) reclining Buddha statue whose feet are inlaid with mother-of-pearl.

Move on to 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, a 26-inch (66 cm) jade statue of a meditating Buddha.

Next, board a wooden long-tail boat for a private journey through the snaking Thonburi canals, where you'll get a glimpse of local life and authentic Thai-style stilt houses on the riverbank. Sail over to Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn (named after the Indian dawn god, Aruna), where you'll marvel at the glass and Chinese porcelain architecture. Finish with a meal at the acclaimed Sala Rattanakosin before returning to your hotel.

Day 3: Cooking Class at Blue Elephant Cooking School

Get a taste of Thailand this morning with a private cooking lesson at Blue Elephant Cooking School. Meet the expert chefs who'll teach you to create up to five typical Thai dishes. Start with a trip to the local market, where you'll shop for ingredients, from colorful produce to fragrant herbs and spices.

Return to the school afterward to cook up dishes such as tom yum koong (hot and sour prawn soup), som tum (papaya salad), and paneang kai (red curry with chicken). Afterward, you'll receive a culinary certificate and feast on your creations in the Blue Elephant Restaurant before returning to your hotel.

Spend the rest of the afternoon as you please. Relax by the hotel pool with a cocktail, or head to the opulent on-site spa to indulge in various treatments. Choose from a menu of massages themed around the European seasons, or try the couple's Royal Siam Signature Experience, which includes a body scrub, Thai herbal bath, massage, facial, and soothing hot oil scalp massage.

Day 4: Kanchanaburi War History & Erawan Waterfalls

Today starts with a three-hour trip from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi. This town lies on the confluence of the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai Rivers, surrounded by mountains and forests. Kanchanaburi is known for its turbulent World War II history when the Japanese built the Thai-Burma Railway Line. This 258-mile (415 km) railway was constructed between 1942 and 1943 using Asian laborers and European prisoners of war; over 102,000 men died in the process.

Explore this history with a private trip to the Jeath Museum and a reflective war cemetery, Don Rak. Continue to the bridge on the River Khwae, made famous by David Lean's 1957 film of the same name, which tells the story of the so-called Death Railway. You'll board a train along the notorious train line, taking in Thai countryside views before disembarking at Tham Kasae Station, where you'll visit a cave.

Next, explore one of Thailand's most beautiful national parks: Erawan. This lush oasis is home to a seven-tiered waterfall set among forests filled with monkeys and butterflies. Take a break for lunch and follow a marked 1.5-mile (2.5 km) trail to the different sections of the waterfall, stopping to cool off in the clear pools. You'll head back to Bangkok in the late afternoon for a restful evening.

Day 5: Professional Muay Thai Lesson & Michelin-Starred Dining

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and tranquil morning at the hotel, or savor some retail therapy at the luxury Siam Paragon Mall. For lunch, try one of your hotel's three popular restaurants, which include Korean cuisine at Edward Kwon, Mediterranean food at ALATi, and Thai-inspired gourmet dishes at Michelin-starred Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin.

In the afternoon, you'll take a private transfer to the Thai Boxing School for a professional Muay Thai (Thai boxing) session. This traditional form of martial arts evolved centuries ago in Thailand, and many of its techniques are today used in kickboxing and MMA. Learn from a Muay Thai expert in this one-on-one training class.

After a well-earned rest at your hotel, head out this evening for a fine dining experience at Nahm. This Michelin-starred eatery has been listed as one of the top 10 restaurants in Asia in the annual San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna lists and is known for its diverse menu of regional Thai dishes. Try favorites such as gang chak som (orange smoked kingfish curry) and tom yum gung (river prawn and mushroom soup).

Day 6: Free Day in Bangkok

Spend a final free day in Bangkok. If you're visiting over the weekend, don't miss Chatuchak Market—with more than 15,000 stalls, it's one of the world's largest outdoor markets and sells everything from clothes and flowers to food and antiques. Alternatively, see a puppet show for some ancient culture or browse Warehouse 30 for modern art exhibitions.

For more shopping, travel to the outskirts of the city to Amphawa Floating Market, where vendors trade from hundreds of wooden row boats, selling Thai snacks and souvenirs. The Mae Klong Railway Market is another favorite, located along the tracks; when a train pulls in or out of the station, the vendors quickly clear their stalls, only to set them up again moments later when the train has passed.

Head to Chinatown in the evening to sample the area's street food. Here, you can gorge on local classics like kai satay (barbecue chicken with sweet and sour peanut sauce), pad thai (stir-fried rice noodles), and ba mee mhoo daeng (crispy noodles with pork). Finish off your feast with some Thai desserts and Chinese herbal drinks.

Day 7: Fly to Chiang Mai, Explore the City

Say goodbye to Bangkok today and fly north to the temple-studded city of Chiang Mai. Set in the cooler, mountainous north of Thailand, Chiang Mai was once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom and still retains its moat-encircled Old City. The city is a key cultural hub, home to historical architecture and over 300 temples where orange-robed monks live and worship.

A driver will be waiting to take you to 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai, where you'll check into an elegant suite overlooking the gardens. This boutique hotel lies in an original teak house that dates back to 1889, which has been carefully restored. Each suite has high ceilings, handcrafted furniture, a Victorian bathtub, and a veranda. In the flower-filled gardens, you'll find a stunning lap pool.

Settle into your hotel with a swim, some afternoon tea in the gardens, or a massage at the Nitra Serenity Centre. 137 Pillars House lies in Chiang Mai's Wat Ket neighborhood, less than a 20-minute walk from the Old City walls. If you're feeling active, wander the tree-lined streets of the Old City, popping into ancient temples. Wat Phra Singh is the place to enjoy a fiery sunset, then make your way to the Night Bazaar to shop for everything from clothing to paintings and handicrafts.

Day 8: Chiang Mai Markets & Temples Tour

Discover Chiang Mai's cultural treasures today on a private guided tour. Begin with a stroll through the winding alleyways of Wat Ket Karam, an old trading community, before moving on to Warorot Market. This bustling market is a food lover's paradise, offering various local snacks, fresh produce, and ready-to-eat meals.

Continue to Wat Chedi Luang, one of the city's most impressive temples, built in typical Lanna style with a towering stupa. Here, you can make offerings to monks and receive their blessings. Take a break to sample a creamy bowl of khao soy, a famous northern Thai dish with crispy noodles, coconut cream, and a spicy kick.

The day's highlight is visiting Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a sacred temple atop the mountain. Climb the 309 steps of the naga (serpent) staircase to the temple's pagodas and copper-plated chedi, which contain relics of Lord Buddha. On a clear day, the temple grounds offer sweeping views of Chiang Mai. Afterward, return to the city for dinner and a relaxing evening; browse the stalls at the Night Bazaar or rest at your luxury suite.

Day 9: Elephant Caregiver Experience

Get to know Thailand's iconic national animal today with a private elephant care experience. You'll travel to a valley outside the city, where you'll meet mahouts (professional elephant caregivers). They'll teach you how to approach and befriend these gentle creatures and perform healthcare inspections.

You'll get a chance to feed the elephants a mixture of sugar cane and banana and take them for a walk down to the river to be washed and brushed. Have lunch at the project and then say goodbye to the animals before returning to Chiang Mai, where you can spend the rest of the afternoon by the pool.

Day 10: Lanna Cooking Class, Fly to Ko Samui

Savor a taste of northern Thailand today with an exclusive cooking experience. Head to a village in the countryside where you'll meet a Lanna family, the Raunkaew-Yanons, who live in a traditional teak home. Take a walk through the family's orchard and garden, where they grow everything from mangos and coconuts to Thai herbs and vegetables. Pick ingredients for your three-course cooking class, then dine on your creations on the terrace.

In the afternoon, you'll take a two-hour flight south to the picturesque island of Ko Samui. Situated in the balmy Gulf of Thailand, the island is loved for its beaches lined with coconut groves. You'll find acres of mountainous rainforest in the island's interior, dotted with crashing waterfalls and exotic wildlife. Ko Samui is also known for its wellness culture, which ranges from vegan eateries to yoga retreats and spas.

A driver will be waiting to take you to your 5-star accommodation at Silvadee Pool Spa Resort. Check into your private suite or villa, each made from natural teak, cedar, and bamboo, and set on a clifftop overlooking Laem Nan Beach. Soak up sea views, cool off in your private infinity pool, or relax with a massage at the on-site spa. End the day with Thai food at The Height restaurant and settle in for drinks at the Star Rooftop Bar.

Day 11: Angthong Marine Park Speedboat Tour

Experience the natural wonders of Angthong Marine Park today on a private speedboat tour. This far-flung archipelago of 42 islands lies just a short speedboat ride from Ko Samui and offers everything from blue lagoons to hidden caves and kayaking. Zip across the topaz-colored sea to Ko Wao to snorkel among reefs that thrum with marine life.

Continue cruising the marine park, stopping at one of its most famous attractions: Emerald Lake, also known as Blue Lagoon. Located on Ko Mae Ko, forested karst walls surround this turquoise lake; hike a steep staircase for dramatic views. Have lunch at the fishing village of Ko Phaluay and dock on a remote beach for free time to swim, snorkel, kayak, or sunbathe.

Return to Ko Samui in the late afternoon, where you can freshen up in your villa before being whisked to The Tent Beachfront Restaurant and Bar for a gourmet meal. Relax on the outdoor deck, a private gazebo, or a beachfront table and gorge on fresh seafood, western dishes, and Thai cuisine, accompanied by sea views.

Day 12: Free Day on Ko Samui

Today is yours to enjoy Ko Samui at your leisure. Chill by your resort's two striking infinity pools or beach-hop around the island. Some of the best stretches of powdery sand include Chaweng and Lamai, where you can lie in a hammock under the shade of a palm tree, sipping on cocktails or coconuts. More secluded beaches like Laem Yai and Mae Nam offer extra tranquility.

If you're feeling more active, visit the Bophut Fisherman's Village for shopping and seafood dining, then head to Wat Plai Laem for some temple culture. To discover Ko Samui's waterfalls, take a car to Namtok Hin Lat and Namtok Na Mueang waterfalls, where you can trek through thick forests and cool off in clear pools.

In the evening, your driver will take you to the swanky Pak Tai Restaurant at the Ritz Carlton Hotel for a showstopping dinner. Pull up a chair in a private dining alcove overlooking the resort's unique reef pool and order an array of southern Thai dishes. If you're visiting on a Sunday, peruse the stalls at the Lamai Night Market afterward.

Day 13: Ko Samui Temple & Town Tour

Take a private tour of Ko Samui this morning, starting with a visit to the Big Buddha Temple, a 40-foot-tall (12 m) golden statue that locals worship at Wat Phra Yai. Climb the dragon-decorated staircase to reach a giant gold Buddha statue and enjoy bird's eye views of the island. Continue to the peculiar rock formations of Hin Ta and Hin Ya (Grandma and Grandpa rocks), steeped in legend.

Next, explore Ko Samui's Chinese history with a trip to the Guan-Yu Ko Samui Shrine and visit Wat Kunaram, a temple that houses the mummified body of Buddhist monk Luang Pho Daeng, who passed away while in a meditative state. Your final stop is Ko Samui's capital, Nathon, where you can wander through streets lined with Chinese buildings, shop for souvenirs, and feast on street food before returning to your villa.

Spend your final afternoon in Ko Samui by your villa pool or on the resort's private beach, enclosed by granite boulders. Don a snorkel to spot colorful marine life, or pamper yourself with a spa session.

Day 14: Depart Ko Samui

Today your luxury Thailand getaway comes to an end. Spend a final few hours on the beach or shopping for souvenirs before your airport transfer. Safe travels!

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