Luxury Thailand from North to South - 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok, Explore the City & River Cruise Dinner

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 five-star Capella Bangkok, an award-winning resort on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Check into a suite with a balcony and floor-to-ceiling windows for admiring the river views; each one features custom art, a king-size bed, a lounge area, and a luxe marble bathroom.

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 try their famous crab omelet. 

You'll end the day with a dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River. Board the luxurious Manohra, an antique wooden rice barge once the primary mode of transport on the river during the mid-18th century, when Bangkok was a major trading destination. Sail along the water, admiring Bangkok's twinkling night skyline while you enjoy fine Thai dining and drinks. Pass illuminated landmarks, from the Grand Palace to Beaux Arts-style mansions.

Day 2: Bangkok Bike & Boat Tour, Gourmet Afternoon Tea

Uncover a different side of Bangkok today on a private bicycle and boat tour. Start by cycling through the city's vibrant Chinatown, where you'll feast on a Thai meal. Wind along narrow alleys and side streets, passing colorful temples, shops, and markets selling everything from fresh fruit to medicinal herbs and street-food snacks.

Next, you'll board a long-tail boat and sail along the city's peaceful klongs (canals) that have earned the city its nickname, the "Venice of the East." As you cruise, pass riverside temples and wooden-stilt houses, and catch a glimpse of locals washing clothes in the river. Dock and hop back on a bicycle to cycle through Bangkok's lesser-visited green belts and tranquil plantations on the city's outskirts.

After the tour, you'll enjoy a gourmet afternoon tea at Baan Dusit Thani, a tradition introduced by the Duchess of Bedford in 1840. Tuck into a deluxe spread, including scones, sandwiches, and a pastry collection, while sipping premium tea blends. Return to your hotel afterward for a refreshing dip in the pool, a treatment at the renowned Auriga Spa, or a meal at the Michelin-starred Côte by Mauro Colagreco restaurant.

Day 3: Transfer to Kanchanaburi via Floating & Railway Markets

Today starts with a three-hour private transfer 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 built between 1942 and 1943 using Asian laborers and European prisoners of war; over 102,000 men died in the process.

On the way to Kanchanaburi, you'll visit the Mae Klong Railway Market, which runs along the railway line and is known for its excellent seafood. Continue to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market to immerse yourself in local life, watching shoppers barter with vendors for fresh produce and goods. Peruse the range of handicrafts and enjoy a Thai lunch, with time to shop and absorb the atmosphere. Afterward, you'll drive the final two hours to Kanchanaburi.

Your driver will drop you at The Campster Kanchanaburi, a unique site on the Khwai Noi River that offers luxury glamping experiences, from domes to campervans and chic river-front villas. Settle in and take a dip in the pool, watch the sunset over the river, and end the evening around the firepit beneath the stars.

Day 4: River Khwae Bamboo Raft Ride

Enjoy a leisurely day in Kanchanaburi, relaxing at your riverside resort or exploring the area's war history. Pay your respects at the Allied Cemetery, where 7,000 prisoners of war were laid to rest. 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 also experience the beauty of Kanchanaburi with a bamboo river raft ride. The native Mon people make these rafts, which have served as a means of transport for centuries. Let a private guide paddle you along the river as you sit back and watch the lush riverbanks pass you by, home to birds and monkeys. Afterward, return to your hotel for a final evening in Kanchanaburi.

Day 5: Fly to Chiang Mai, Tuk-Tuk Food Tour

Take a private car back to Bangkok this morning and fly north to 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. Chiang Mai is a cultural hotspot, home to historical architecture and over 300 temples where orange-robed monks live and worship.

Meet your driver for the journey to RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort, set on the banks of the Ping River. Check into your elegant room, decked out in northern Lanna style with teak and traditional artwork. Cool off by the infinity pool or head to the acclaimed spa for a massage, complete with an herbal steam room and Jacuzzi session.

This evening, you'll get a taste of the city on a private food tour. Board a tuk-tuk and journey to Warorot, the city's century-old market. Browse the stalls, stopping to sample seasonal fruit and sai oua (northern Thai sausage), accompanied by iced tea. Next, continue to the vibrant Night Bazaar, where you'll try typical dishes such as khao kha moo (stewed pork leg) and bua loi (fresh coconut milk dessert).

Day 6: Sunrise Balloon Flight, Visit Doi Inthanon National Park

Rise early today for a private hot-air balloon flight over the ancient city of Chiang Mai. As you drift into the clouds, watch the sunrise illuminate the city and surrounding countryside in shades of orange and gold. The exclusive experience ends with a Champagne reception.

After breakfast, head north to Doi Inthanon National Park, named for Thailand's highest mountain, Inthanon, towering over 8,400 feet (2,565 m) above sea level. Your driver will take you to the top of the mountain, where you'll make the final steep climb on foot to the summit for panoramic views over the countryside. Stop at a stupa where the remains of Chao Inthawichayanon, the last independent ruler of Chiang Mai, are enshrined.

You'll also get a chance to walk the scenic Ang-Kha Nature Trail, lined with ferns and, in January and February, bright rhododendrons. Continue to the park's purple-hued twin pagodas, built by the Thai Air Force in honor of the Thai King and Queen for their 60th birthdays. Afterward, drive to a Hmong tribal market and have lunch at a nearby restaurant.

This afternoon, explore the flower farms run by the Royal Project, established to provide income for locals like the Khun Klaang, the area's biggest Hmong community, who previously made a living growing opium. Wander through greenhouses and gardens of beautiful flowers before stopping at the Karen village of Baan Sop Had and Wachiratarn Waterfall on your way back to Chiang Mai.

Day 7: Fly to Phuket, Private Tour with Rum Tasting

Say goodbye to Chiang Mai 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. Your driver will be waiting to take you to The Pavillions Phuket, a five-star retreat perched atop one of the island's highest points. Check into a suite with a lounge and bar area or the extravagant spa and pool villa, which comes with a private steam room, sala, and pool.

Uncover Phuket's treasures this afternoon on a private guided tour. Start at the 147-foot tall (45 m) Big Buddha statue and the sacred Wat Chalong temple, which is the biggest in Phuket and dates back to the 19th century. Next, stroll through the streets of Phuket's Old Town, discovering Sino-Portuguese architecture, Thai temples, Chinese shrines, museums, and stately mansions.

As the sun sets, head to Chalong Bay Rum Distillery for an exclusive rum-tasting and cocktail-making experience. Learn about creating handcrafted rum from first-press organic sugar cane, with flavors ranging from cinnamon to Thai sweet basil. Sip a mojito and join an expert mixologist to create innovative cocktails, including cane crush, Siam twist, and lemongrass caipirinha. End the day by witnessing a buttery sunset over the sea from Phuket's second-largest hill, Khao Rang.

Day 8: Sunset Dinner Cruise on a Private Yacht

Today is yours to relax and enjoy island life in Phuket. Laze by the pool or indulge in a massage at the resort's elegant spa and wellness sanctuary. You can also take the complimentary shuttle to paradisiacal Layan Beach or the boutique Laguna shopping area for some retail therapy.

In the late afternoon, board a private yacht for a sunset dinner cruise with views over the flawless Promthep Cape. Watch the sun paint the sky shades of yellow and pink as you sail past Nai Harn, Rawai, and Krating Cape, then drop anchor for a delicious barbecue dinner.

Day 9: Kata Beach Surfing Lesson

Spend your final day in Phuket on Kata Beach, which is loved for its pale sand and picture-perfect palm trees and has plenty of food vendors and market stalls to browse. Kata's southern end is considered a surfing mecca; head here for a private surf lesson with Phuket Surf. You can also opt for some kayaking or standup paddleboarding. Take some time to bask on the golden sands before returning to your villa for a final night in Thailand. Savor some gourmet dining and take in views of the Andaman from your show-stopping balcony.

Day 10: 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 airport transfer. Safe travels!

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