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Thailand unfolds in gold, green, and glittering blue. In the capital, stand spellbound beneath glittering temples, drift past riverfront palaces, and taste flavours that set your heart racing. History hums through ancient ruins tangled in banyan roots, while the pulse of Muay Thai electrifies the night. Up north, it’s silver-clad temples and sticky waterfalls you can actually climb. Then comes an island paradise with yachts skimming seas, fiery sunsets, and treetop dining under the stars. A trip so unforgettable, you’ll be longing to hit rewind!
November to March
10 days
Beaches, Food & Shopping, Nature & Landscape, Wildlife & Safari
Luxury boutique hotels
Step into Thailand’s royal past with a historian leading you through the Grand Palace, a dazzling complex of golden spires and jewelled mosaics. Did you know the Emerald Buddha, enshrined here, is the Thailand’s most sacred icon? Next door, stretch your legs at Wat Pho, home to a 46m reclining Buddha and the birthplace of the traditional Thai massage. Continue to the Jim Thompson House, where a silk-loving American revived Thailand’s textile industry. As the sky blushes, catch the glow of Wat Arun across the Chao Phraya River. End on a high at Gaggan, Bangkok’s Michelin-starred restaurant for avant-garde Indian cuisine.
The Peninsula Bangkok
Kick off with a sensory overload at Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the largest markets in the world with over 15,000 stalls, from hand-carved crafts to vintage finds and every street snack imaginable. In the afternoon, slow the pace with tea at the Mandarin Oriental served with the views of the Chao Phraya. Then swing by Terminal 21, a shopping mall where each floor is themed after a global city! As night falls, board a private Manohra Dinner Cruise. Glide past glittering temples and palaces while feasting on refined Thai classics, the river breeze carrying the city’s heartbeat right to your table.
The Peninsula Bangkok
Roll up your sleeves for a Thai cooking class with a local chef, but not before a guided stroll through a bustling local market. Learn to pick kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and the fiery bird’s-eye chillies before whipping up classics like tom yum and green curry. Then step into ICONSIAM, Bangkok’s temple of luxury. Beyond Cartier and Chanel, it doubles as a cultural hub with art displays and even an indoor floating market. Catch a breather at Lumpini Park, watch monitor lizards roam freely, and locals practice tai chi. By night, toast to the skyline at Vertigo and Moon Bar atop the Banyan Tree Hotel.
The Peninsula Bangkok
Step out of the city early and straight into history with a private guided journey through Ayutthaya. Founded in the 14th century, this UNESCO site was one of the world’s largest cities before it was sacked in 1767. Its crumbling temples and weathered stupas still echo the grandeur of a lost empire. Wander the ruins where stone Buddhas sit wrapped in saffron cloth and roots of giant banyan trees coil around ancient statues at Wat Mahathat. Cruise the Chao Phraya by longtail boat for a royal view of riverside stupas. Back in Bangkok, shift gears entirely with a ringside seat at the national stadium for Muay Thai for an electrifying finale in Bangkok.
The Peninsula Bangkok
Ease into the afternoon with a guided walk through the heart of Old Town Chiang Mai. Marvel at an entire temple crafted from silver, Wat Sri Suphan. Step into the grounds of Wat Chedi Luang, once home to the famed Emerald Buddha, and admire the intricate murals at Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan. Pause by the Three Kings Monument, a symbol of the city’s founding. Later, ascend to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, perched on a mountain with sweeping views over the city; it’s said you haven’t truly seen Chiang Mai until you’ve stood here. Let your senses lead you through the buzzing Chiang Mai Gate Night Market, a haven for irresistible street eats!
The Empress Premier Chiang Mai
Begin with a raw and humbling half-day ethical elephant experience, spend time feeding, walking beside, and learning from these gentle giants in their natural jungle setting. Cool down at the famous Bua Tong ‘Sticky’ Waterfall, where the limestone is grippy enough to climb barefoot against the flow. Yes, you can literally walk up this waterfall! Continue the adventure with a serene bamboo rafting trip down a forested river. By evening, sink into bliss at the Anantara Chiang Mai Spa, where signature Lanna-inspired treatments melt away every trace of adventure fatigues, then savour a refined riverside dinner at the hotel’s acclaimed Bodhi Terrace.
The Empress Premier Chiang Mai
Time to conquer Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand’s highest peak at 2565 m. The air is cool, the forests are alive with birdsong, and the views stretch forever. Pause at scenic viewpoints to watch clouds drift across the mountain tops, nature’s theatre at its finest. Walk the Pha Dok Sieo Nature Trail, winding past bamboo groves, rice terraces, and hidden waterfalls until you reach the Karen Hill Tribe village. Here, sip locally grown coffee with the people who’ve farmed these hills for generations. Next, stand in awe at the Twin Pagodas, built to honour the late King and Queen. Cap it all off at the thundering Wachirathan Waterfall.
The Empress Premier Chiang Mai
Ease into the island life at Mae Nam Beach, a long golden stretch where the vibe is blissfully laid-back and the water calm enough for a lazy float. Then wander into Bophut Fisherman’s Village, a maze of chic boutiques, old wooden shophouses, and seafront cafes where East meets West. Hungry? Drop into Cafe 69, a quirky spot known for Thai fusion plates that pack a punch. Later, head to Wat Plai Laem, a striking temple complex with an 18-armed statue of Guanyin rising over the lake. As the sun dips, snag a beanbag at Coco Tam’s Beach Bar. Sip a mojito with toes in the sand while fire dancers light up the night sky.
Sandalwood Luxury Villa Resort
Set sail in style on your very own private yacht charter to Ang Thong Marine Park. Explore emerald lagoons, hidden caves, and 42 jungle-clad islands scattered across the Gulf of Thailand. Kayak into secret coves, snorkel with tropical fish, or just stretch out on deck with cocktails in hand. It’s a day of pure island bliss and the time drifts as gently as the waves beneath you. Back on land, indulge in some retail therapy at Central Samui Mall, where luxury brands sit alongside chic island boutiques. As night falls, retreat into the treetops! Tree Tops Signature Dining offers a private canopy table, fine wines, and a dinner that feels like dining in the sky.
Sandalwood Luxury Villa Resort
Go off-road with a 4WD Wild Jungle Safari Tour that takes you straight into the island’s heart. Marvel at Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks, cheeky natural formations with local legends to match. Pause at Wat Khunaram, home to the mummified monk who has sat in meditation since 1973. Cool off at Na Muang Waterfall, then wander through the whimsical Tarnim Magic Garden, dotted with stone Buddhas and jungle sculptures. End the circuit at Wat Phra Yai, the island’s iconic Big Buddha, shining gold over the sea. Cap the day barefoot on Chaweng Beach, with cocktails and one last sunset swim.
Sandalwood Luxury Villa Resort