Thailand Highlights with Koh Samui

Flying into Thailand's gorgeous capital of Bangkok, you will be warmly welcomed at the airport by your local guide and transferred to your downtown hotel in a comfortable private vehicle. The rest of the day is on your own to relax or go around by yourself.

Your guide will be waiting in the lobby to lead you on a full-day discovery of the city's essential sights. Start by visiting a colorful flower and vegetable market to experience authentic local life. Carry on to the renowned Grand Palace, Thailand's most important landmark. This former royal residence houses glittering halls, pavilions and temples, including the sacred Wat Phra Kaew. The afternoon continues with a long-tail boat ride through the canals, known locally as Khlongs, to see Thai houses on stilts and the typical rural life of the local people. At the end of the cruise, admire the truly spellbinding Wat Arun from the boat on the river. Disembark and walk into the nearby Wat Pho to witness the 45-metre gilded reclining Buddha. Finally, return to your hotel, with the rest of the day to relax.

Today, delve into the country's rich history as you drive north to Ayutthaya, once the capital of the Siamese Kingdom from the 14th to the 18th centuries. Pause on route to visit Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, which was used by the Thai Kings as a summer retreat. Continue on the transfer to the UNESCO-designated Ayutthaya Historical Park, where atmospheric ruins of palaces, Buddhist temples and statues can be found. You will then be guided to explore some significant ruined temples, like Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, Wat Mongkhon Bophit and Wat Maha That. After your visit, transfer back to Bangkok airport for a late afternoon flight to Chiang Rai in northern Thailand. Upon arriving, meet your new guide and driver for a private transfer to your hotel for the night.

This morning, leave the energetic Bangkok behind and fly north to the laid-back Chiang Mai. You will be collected from the airport on arrival by your new guide and transferred to your hotel. Check-in and freshen up before heading out to witness traditional hilltribe life in a Hmong village. End today's trip at the highly revered Wat Phra That Doi Suthep on the mountaintop of Doi Suthep, which grants fantastic views over Chiang Mai city and its scenic surroundings.

The Elephant has been Thailand's national animal for a very long time. Today, drive out of the city into the lush countryside to Elephant Nature Park for a join-in group tour. First, get to know the sanctuary's rescue efforts for elephants, buffaloes, dogs, cats and other animals. You will then walk on an elevated boardwalk and around the park, observing how elephants socialize in their herbs, eat with their long trunks, play in the mud pit, and bathe themselves in the river. This will be an unforgettable day in the company of these gentle giants.

This morning is reserved for a cooking class at a local Lanna family to discover the secret of authentic Thai cuisine. You will be shown around the host family's graceful teakwood houses, collect different kinds of herbs and vegetables from the orchard, and try your hands at making some delectable home-cooked dishes under guidance. After cooking, enjoy your creations for lunch. Finally, transfer back to your hotel and spend the remainder of today at leisure.

Koh Samui, the final stop, welcomes you with the tropical breeze, passionate sunshine, white sandy beaches and breathtaking seascapes. As you fly into the island paradise, a private transfer will whisk you to your resort for the next four nights. For the rest of today, relax, indulge and explore your beautiful surroundings.

A day at leisure which you are free to enjoy as you wish. Alternatively, you may like to descend into the clear, tropical waters and explore the aquatic paradise at one of the world-class dive sites around Koh Samui.

Another day at leisure. We recommend taking a day trip out to the nearby Koh Tan (Coral Island) by longtail boat, Angthong National Marine Park by speedboat, and other islands. Please feel free to ask your travel consultant for optional daily excursions.

Today is your final full day by the beach before heading home. A list of fun activities for you is relaxing on the beach, tasting freshly caught seafood, and enjoying a signature spa treatment.

Say goodbye to the little piece of Thai paradise you have been enjoying today. You will be collected from your hotel and taken to the airport in time for your flight back to Bangkok, where you will catch your international flight home.