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
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
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.
Day 3: Fly to Phuket, Optional Activities
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.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Island Hopping in 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
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
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
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!More Great Thailand Itineraries
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