This seven-day tour is a perfect taster of Southeast Asia's many wonders. It begins in Thailand's buzzing capital, Bangkok, for temple tours and a food market expedition. Fly to the island paradise of Phuket to lay on the white-sand beaches of the Andaman Sea and cruise through the famous Phi Phi Islands, then continue on to Siem Reap in Cambodia to immerse yourself in the culture and history of Angkor Wat.

Highlights

  • See Bangkok from a long-tail boat as you cruise along the ancient canals
  • Visit the idyllic beaches of Phuket, known for their white sands and warm water
  • Snorkel and sail through the Phi Phi Islands
  • Discover ancient temples in the jungle at Angkor Wat

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Bangkok (Thailand), Explore the Capital Bangkok
Day 2 Grand Palace & Temples City Tour, Bangkok Street Food Experience Bangkok
Day 3 Fly to Phuket, Optional Activities Phuket
Day 4 Island Hopping in the Phi Phi Islands Phuket
Day 5 Fly to Siem Reap (Cambodia), Traditional Apsara Dance Dinner Show Siem Reap
Day 6 Discover the Temples of Angkor Wat Siem Reap
Day 7 Depart Siem Reap  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok (Thailand), Explore the Capital

Self - Guided Day in Bangkok
Welcome to Bangkok, Thailand's ancient yet modern capital

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Once you arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, you'll be transferred via private transportation to your hotel. From here, your adventure in Bangkok officially begins! After you check in, the rest of the day is yours to relax at the hotel or explore Bangkok at your own pace.

Thailand's capital city is iconic for its chaotic energy, flavorful cuisine, buzzing nightlife, and sacred Buddhist sights. Start in Chinatown to sample some fragrant street food, or go to Siam Paragon, one of Thailand's largest shopping malls. If you're in Bangkok during the weekend, browse Chatuchak Market, which has over 15,000 stalls selling clothes, flowers, food, antiques, and nearly anything else you can imagine.

After shopping or browsing, watch a kickboxing match, Thailand's signature sport, at Rajadamnern Boxing Stadium, or watch a traditional puppet show at the Joe Louis Theatre. Head to Warehouse 30 to experience Bangkok's contemporary art scene, watch a film, or find a hip restaurant to sample modern Thai cuisine.

Day 2: Grand Palace & Temples City Tour, Bangkok Street Food Experience

Temples, Grand Palace & Klong Tour
See some of the treasures in Bangkok's iconic temples

Today, you'll be guided through the hustle and bustle of the city to explore Bangkok's most remarkable sites. Begin at the elaborate Wat Traimit, home of one of the largest solid gold Buddhas in the world. Continue to the intricate Wat Po to visit the 150-foot-long (45 m) reclining Buddha. Spend time at the sensational Grand Palace, once home to the king of Siam, and visit its Coronation Hall, Funeral Hall, and the famous Emerald Buddha. This 15th-century figurine is made from one solid piece of green jade, with clothing made of diamonds and gold.

In the afternoon, get an overview of the city via a long-tail boat. Cruising along the canals is a great way to see traditional Thai houses and typical rural life on the outskirts of Bangkok. Wrap up your sightseeing with a visit to Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), one of the city's most beautiful temples.

As evening falls, your guide will take you on a street food tour, highlighting some of the best eats in Bangkok. Begin in Chinatown, where you can try finger foods such as kai satay (barbecued chicken) with sweet and sour peanut sauce or sweet sauce with red onion and cucumber. Try the most well-known Thai menu item, pad thai, seafood boiled rice, or ba me mhoo daeng (dried noodles with red pork). After you've finished with traditional Thai and Chinese desserts, hop on a tuk-tuk for a night drive through the lights of Bangkok.

Day 3: Fly to Phuket, Optional Activities

Phuket Beach
Swing near the sea on the island paradise of Phuket

It's time to head to your next stop: Phuket! Take a short flight from Bangkok to Thailand's largest island, where a driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. A free afternoon of beach time, swimming in the turquoise Andaman Sea, or exploring the charming town awaits. 

Plan your trip to Thailand
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Set on the Andaman coast, Phuket is known for its beaches, nightlife, and luxury resorts. Its diverse landscapes range from tropical rainforests to palm-fringed beaches and craggy limestone cliffs. Head for the beach to sunbathe and sit back with a cold drink, go for a swim, or try snorkeling. To see more of Phuket from its underwater angle, visit the aquarium in Cape Panwa. If you're feeling adventurous, Hanuman World Phuket offers the chance to soar through the jungle on its ziplines. In the evening, eat seafood for dinner, browse a night market, or go for a drink on lively Bangla Road.

Day 4: Island Hopping in the Phi Phi Islands

Full day Phi Phi, Maya, Bamboo Island - Join speed boat and Private car
Sail among the picturesque beaches and coves of the Phi Phi Islands

Explore the famous Phi Phi Islands today, an archipelago 25 miles (40 km) east of Phuket, known for its movie-worthy beaches and top snorkeling spots. The trip starts with an early-morning speedboat trip to Phi Phi Ley, where you can see the famous Maya Beach, the setting of several films, from the water. The boat will also moor at the picturesque inlet of Pileh Lagoon for snorkeling and at Viking Cave to see the cave art.

Sail on to Phi Phi Don, stopping at Monkey Beach along the way, known for its cheeky macaques. Before lunch, you'll have time to snorkel in the clear waters, spotting colorful marine life. Spend the afternoon on idyllic Bamboo Island to sunbathe on the beach or enjoy more swimming and snorkeling. The trip ends with a transfer back to Boat Lagoon Pier in Phuket and your hotel.

Day 5: Fly to Siem Reap (Cambodia), Traditional Apsara Dance Dinner Show

Traditional Aspara show with dinner
Enjoy the traditional art of Aspara dance in Siem Reap

Today, you'll hop on a short flight from Phuket to Siem Reap, Cambodia's famous "Temple Town." After arriving at your hotel, take in Siem Reap's many charms. Considered the gateway to the world wonder of Angkor Wat, the largest religious complex in the world, Siem Reap is surrounded by dense jungle and temple ruins and brims with vibrant culture.

Later, you'll be welcomed to Cambodia with an evening performance of the ancient art of Apsara dance, as depicted on the walls of Angkor's temples. Dating back to the seventh century, the royal dance is characterized by ornate costumes and mesmerizing dance moves that tell a story of prosperity. Every movement of the fingers has meaning and requires immense flexibility, so the training in Apsara begins when women are children. Enjoy the show with dinner at a traditional restaurant before returning to your hotel.

Day 6: Discover the Temples of Angkor Wat

Siem Reap is the gateway to Angkor Wat
Explore the temple complex of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap

Your adventure of the day will take you to the bucket-list site of Angkor Wat. Start by exploring the wondrous ancient ruins of Angkor Thom, famous for its colossal human faces carved in stone. You'll also see the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, and the Terrace of the Leper King. Explore the largest and most complete temple, Angkor Wat itself, an architectural masterpiece constructed in the 12th century, surrounded by a moat and a large exterior wall covering over 500 acres (210 ha).

Stroll around the many galleries with columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards, and ponds full of water, reflecting the towering temple before heading to the jungle-covered Ta Prohm. The enormous fig trees and gigantic creeping roots engulf the stone foundations of the temple, demonstrating the power of nature. Enjoy the sunset over the redbrick temple of Pre Rup before you return to the hotel for your final night in Cambodia.

Day 7: Depart Siem Reap

Enjoy one last sunrise in Cambodia before catching your flight home
It's time to say goodbye to Siem Reap and the rest of Southeast Asia. If you have time before your flight, visit the local markets for a last-minute souvenir stop. Afterward, your private driver will transfer you to the airport for your onward journey. Safe travels wherever life takes you next!

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Map of Wonders of Thailand & Cambodia: City, Beach & Temples Tour - 7 Days
Map of Wonders of Thailand & Cambodia: City, Beach & Temples Tour - 7 Days