The Heart of Thailand

Depart London

Fly to Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand. (N) 

Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals

Arrive Bangkok

Arrive in Bangkok. Here, gilded temples share the skyline with glittering high-rises that overlook a web of waterways. Locals bustle in the colourful food and flower markets, and Michelin-worthy restaurants and street-food vendors vie to entice passersby. Transfer to Ariyasom Villa – a heritage house lovingly converted into a boutique property – for 3 nights. (N) 

Bangkok

Today, a tour will reveal authentic Bangkok, taking you between hidden corners, sacred temples and local neighbourhoods. Visit the famous Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha complex to admire its gold stupas and glass mosaics. Then whiz through the streets by tuk-tuk to Wat Pho, a historical temple complex best known for its large reclining Buddha statue and Thai massage school. Conclude this afternoon at the National Museum, where you can learn more about Thai history through ancient fine arts and artefacts. (B) 

Bangkok

After a morning at leisure, visit the Jim Thompson House, once the residence of an American textiles magnate who almost single-handedly revived the Thai silk industry. The house today is a gallery displaying the late Thompson’s valuable collection of antiques and curios from Thailand, China, Myanmar and Cambodia. Explore the silk shop and gallery, then cross to the opposite side of the Chao Phraya River to Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). Witness the intricate ceramic and stucco work up close, and enjoy the spiritual atmosphere amid the aroma of incense. (B) 

Khao Yai National Park

Transfer from Bangkok to the lush greenery of Khao Yai National Park, recognised by UNESCO for its ecological importance. After an escorted walk through the jungle, visit a lookout tower for a chance to spot wild elephants. Relax by the Haew Suwat Waterfall and keep an eye out for a variety of birds, monkeys and butterflies along the walking trails. Overnight at Kirimaya Golf Resort & Spa. (B) 

Ayutthaya

Drive to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Ayutthaya, Thailand´s former capital, which prospered between the 14th and 18th centuries. Here you see the remains of red-brick temples in the old town, and a Buddha head wrapped inside the roots of a tree at Wat Mahathat. Visit a local cafe and discover the former Grand Palace, whose towering old chedis (bell-shaped stupas) inspired the design of many temples in Bangkok. Afterwards, transfer to Centara Ayutthaya hotel for 1 night (B) 

Kanchanaburi

Drive from Ayutthaya to Kanchanaburi province. While the region is admired for its mountains, rivers and waterfalls, it is also connected to some of the darkest moments of Thailand’s wartime history. Explore this past at the infamous Death Railway and the Bridge over the River Kwai, where over 16,000 allied soldiers lost their lives during the second world war. Afterwards, transfer to River Kwai Resotel where you stay 2 nights. (B) 

Kanchanaburi

Today you visit the JEATH War Museum to learn about the hardships faced by prisoners during the second world war, then pay homage to fallen soldiers at the War Cemetery. (B) 

Samut Songkhram

Depart Kanchanaburi and enjoy a leisurely journey to Amphawa in Samut Songkhram province. You pass through local communities where the more traditional, agrarian lifestyle overlaps with modernity, witnessing how the region has transformed over time. Arrive and check in at Asita Eco Resort for 2 nights. (B) 

Samut Songkhram

Your day is at leisure to unwind at your riverside eco-resort. Alternatively, visit the Khao Chong Phran Cave at sunset to witness thousands of bats emerge in dancing waves similar to starling murmurations. You can also explore the Khao Prathap Chang Wildlife Sanctuary, a habitat for monkeys, mongooses, tortoises, civets, porcupines, pangolins, and a colourful array of birds. (B)  

Hua Hin

Begin early today for your journey south to Hua Hin, a peaceful seaside retreat. En route, stop by the century-old Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, a traditional Thai marketplace where floating vendors sell goods from their small wooden boats. Switch to smaller rowboats to navigate the narrow canals more easily and to sample the market's offerings, including tropical fruits, local snacks, Thai desserts, and bowls of fresh noodles in hot broth. Continue to Hua Hin, set on the Gulf of Thailand coast, and check in at Rest Detail Hotel for 2 nights. (B) 

Hua Hin

Your day is at leisure. You could sample Hua Hin’s celebrated seafood plucked fresh from the water, soak up the ocean scenery, or perhaps visit Klai Kangwon Palace – once a summertime retreat for Thai royalty. (B) 

Fly home

Transfer from Hua Hin to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok for your flight home. (B) 

Meal basis:
As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.