11 Days - Five Star Thailand

Welcome to Thailand. On arrival at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, you will be met at the gate inside Immigration by our dedicated representative holding a sign with your name. They will assist with carry-on luggage and guide you through the fast track immigration counters, ensuring all paperwork and formalities are handled smoothly. Should you require a Visa on Arrival, our staff will help complete the forms and documentation before you proceed to the counters, making the process as seamless as possible.

After collecting your luggage from the baggage claim area, your representative will accompany you through customs and out into the arrivals hall, where your driver and private vehicle will be waiting. The transfer into the city usually takes 45 minutes to one hour depending on traffic, offering your first glimpse of Bangkok’s skyline, its expressways lined with high-rise buildings, temples, and bustling neighbourhoods.

Your accommodation this evening is The Siam, one of Bangkok’s most exclusive boutique luxury hotels. Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in the historic Dusit district, the property combines Art Deco elegance with Thai heritage design. Its suites and villas are set in lush gardens with private courtyards, pools, and serene spaces that feel worlds away from the city.

After check-in, the remainder of the day is free at leisure. You may choose to relax in your Siam Suite, enjoy a treatment at the Opium Spa, or take a dip in the riverside infinity pool. With its intimate atmosphere, curated antiques, and personalised service, The Siam provides a refined introduction to Thailand and a perfect place to rest after your international flight.

After breakfast at The Siam, begin your day with a journey along the Chao Phraya River, the lifeblood of Bangkok. Board the Chaophraya Express Boat and glide past shimmering temples and grand buildings until you arrive at Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. This striking riverside landmark is decorated with colourful porcelain and features steep prangs that can be climbed for a panoramic view of the city. Here, your guide will explain the temple’s significance and share stories of how Buddhism continues to shape everyday Thai life.

From Wat Arun, transfer to a traditional long-tail boat and meander through the smaller canals, or khlongs, which reveal a quieter side of the city. Along the waterways you will see wooden houses on stilts, local markets, and small temples tucked into the neighbourhoods. Disembark at Baan Silapin, the Artist House, set in a centuries-old teak family home. This creative hub brings together painters, photographers, and performers, and offers a chance to enjoy a coffee break while surrounded by art and history.

Continue by boat to Wat Khun Chan, known for its giant statues and colourful grounds, before transitioning to Bangkok’s modern MRT system for a short ride to Sanam Chai station. End your daytime exploration at a riverside restaurant where you can enjoy a refreshing drink while watching the sun dip below the horizon, painting the Chao Phraya in shades of gold and crimson.

In the evening, set out for a private culinary adventure through Bangkok’s Chinatown, a district that has thrived for more than 200 years. Begin with a riverside bar stop for sunset drinks, before hopping into a tuk-tuk to explore narrow lanes brimming with food stalls. Taste a curated selection of delicacies, from steamed rice cakes and seafood dumplings to sweet shaved ice desserts. Your guide will share the stories behind each dish and introduce you to the families who have been preparing them for generations. End the evening with a final cocktail, reflecting on a day that blended culture, tradition, and flavour.

Return to The Siam, where your Siam Suite provides a serene retreat with its spacious interiors, private courtyard, and curated antique furnishings. The hotel’s riverside location and intimate setting ensure the perfect balance to a day spent exploring the city’s lively heart.

After breakfast at The Siam, meet your driver for your private transfer to Suvarnabhumi Airport. Depending on traffic, the drive takes between 45 minutes to just over an hour. Your representative will assist with check-in procedures for your domestic flight to Chiang Rai, allowing plenty of time for security and boarding. The flight itself is just over 1 hour and 30 minutes, taking you from the bustle of the capital to the serene landscapes of Thailand’s far north.

On arrival at Chiang Rai Airport, benefit from the complimentary private transfer service to your accommodation, the world-renowned Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle. The drive takes around 1 hour, winding through lush countryside, small villages, and forested hills. As you approach the Golden Triangle, where Thailand meets Laos and Myanmar, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, offering a sense of anticipation for your wilderness retreat.

Check in to your Bamboo Tent, part of the camp’s signature adventure range. Each tent is beautifully designed, combining safari-style canvas with elegant Thai details, polished wood floors, and hand-crafted furniture. From your private deck, you’ll have sweeping views over the Ruak River and dense jungle, with elephants sometimes visible in the distance. Despite the natural setting, the tents provide complete comfort, with spacious bedrooms, outdoor showers, and freestanding bathtubs.

Your stay includes a rich programme of activities designed to connect you with the surrounding landscape and culture. Highlights include the My Elephant & I experience, where you’ll learn about and interact with rescued elephants in their forest habitat, and a Golden Triangle excursion, featuring a long-tail boat ride along the Mekong River, visits to local temples, markets, and panoramic viewpoints. Also included are all meals and beverages, nightly sundowners at Burma Bar, a private wine and cheese tasting, and a 90-minute spa treatment per person once per stay.

This evening, settle into camp life and enjoy dinner served in the open-air restaurant, with flavours inspired by northern Thai cuisine. Surrounded by lanterns and the sounds of the jungle, the Four Seasons Tented Camp sets the stage for an immersive and luxurious adventure unlike anywhere else in Thailand.

Wake to the sounds of the jungle and enjoy breakfast overlooking the misty hills of the Golden Triangle. Today is reserved for you to take full advantage of the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle and the array of exclusive activities included in your stay. In addition to the signature elephant encounters and Golden Triangle excursion, the camp offers a range of experiences designed to connect you with the culture, nature, and tranquillity of northern Thailand.

For those drawn to wellness, indulge in your included 90-minute spa treatment, set in an open-air sala surrounded by bamboo groves and forest sounds. Therapies draw on traditional Thai techniques and natural botanicals, creating a restorative experience in harmony with the jungle setting. Yoga and meditation sessions can also be arranged, offering peaceful moments to recharge amidst the trees.

If you prefer to explore, consider joining a guided nature walk along forested trails surrounding the camp. Learn about native plants, local bird species, and the delicate ecosystems that make this area so unique. Alternatively, take part in a cooking class, where the chef introduces the herbs, spices, and recipes of northern Thailand before guiding you through the preparation of traditional dishes you can later recreate at home.

Cultural discovery is also woven into camp life. Guests may enjoy visiting a local market with a guide to see daily trade in action, or learning about the crafts and textiles of the hill tribe communities who live nearby. Back at camp, private wine and cheese tastings are included in your stay, offering a refined way to spend the afternoon while watching the river flow past.

As evening falls, gather at Burma Bar for sundowners with fellow guests before enjoying a candlelit dinner in the open-air dining pavilion. Surrounded by jungle and lantern light, the Four Seasons Tented Camp offers a blend of intimacy, luxury, and adventure that makes each day feel both restful and extraordinary.

After breakfast, check out of the Four Seasons Tented Camp and begin your private overland journey south to Chiang Mai, a scenic drive of approximately 5 hours covering around 300 kilometres. Along the way, you will make several stops to explore the cultural and natural highlights of northern Thailand, turning what could be a long transfer into a day of discovery.

The first stop is Wat Rong Khun, better known as the White Temple. This contemporary masterpiece, designed by the Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, gleams with white plaster embedded with tiny mirrors that shimmer in the sunlight. Symbolic sculptures and murals combine Buddhist themes with pop culture references, creating a temple that is both spiritual and surreal. The grounds are equally striking, offering endless opportunities to admire the detail and artistry that make this one of Thailand’s most photographed landmarks.

Continue your journey through rolling countryside to Mae Suay, where you will pause for a traditional northern Thai lunch at a local restaurant. Dishes here are prepared with fresh regional ingredients, often including herbs, vegetables, and curries that highlight the flavours unique to Lanna cuisine. The meal provides a welcome break before resuming the drive deeper into the highlands.

In the afternoon, stop at Mae Kachan Hot Springs, a popular rest point where natural thermal waters bubble up from underground. You may choose to soak your feet in the warm mineral pools, believed to have therapeutic properties, or simply enjoy the view of steam rising against a backdrop of forested hills. Afterwards, visit Wat Sri Muang, a temple at the heart of a Tai Lue community. The Tai Lue are an ethnic group with their own traditions, weaving techniques, and architectural styles. The temple’s wooden viharn and intricate carvings offer a glimpse into this distinct cultural identity that continues to thrive in northern Thailand.

Arrive in Chiang Mai by late afternoon and check in to 137 Pillars House, one of the city’s most elegant boutique hotels. The Rajah Brooke Suite combines colonial-inspired design with modern luxury, featuring high ceilings, a private veranda, and plush interiors. The property is set in a lush garden enclave, just a short distance from the old city, and offers exceptional service and a sense of refined tranquillity. After a day of travel and exploration, unwind in your suite or enjoy the pool and dining options before beginning your Chiang Mai discoveries the following day.

After breakfast at 137 Pillars House, set out on a full-day excursion to one of Chiang Mai’s ethical elephant sanctuaries, located around 1.5 hours north of the city. The drive takes you through scenic landscapes of rice paddies, small villages, and forested hills, providing a glimpse of rural life in northern Thailand. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by sanctuary staff and introduced to the resident elephants, each with their own history of rescue and rehabilitation.

Slip into traditional mahout-style clothing and begin your day by preparing food for the elephants. Under guidance, help chop fruit, mix nutritional supplements, and learn about the unique diets required to care for these gentle giants. Feeding time is an opportunity to stand close to the elephants and interact with them, fostering a sense of trust and respect while ensuring their health and happiness.

After lunch, the program continues with insights into elephant behaviour and the challenges of conservation in Thailand. Guides share the stories of individual elephants, explaining how they were rescued from logging or tourism industries, and how the sanctuary provides a safe, natural environment for them to live. You will also have the chance to prepare traditional sticky rice balls, a treat enjoyed by elephants and a way to contribute directly to their enrichment.

In the afternoon, walk alongside the elephants to a nearby river. Here, you may watch or join in as the elephants bathe and play in the water. This natural interaction is one of the most memorable parts of the day, as the elephants splash, roll, and display their playful personalities. Afterwards, take time to relax with tea and coffee at the sanctuary before beginning the return drive to Chiang Mai.

Arrive back at 137 Pillars House in the late afternoon. The Rajah Brooke Suite offers a serene retreat, with a veranda perfect for unwinding after an active day. You may wish to enjoy a swim in the hotel’s elegant pool or a quiet dinner in the lush gardens. The blend of meaningful animal encounters and the luxury of your hotel makes this day a highlight of your journey.

After breakfast at 137 Pillars House, your driver will meet you in the hotel lobby for a private transfer to Chiang Mai Airport. The drive takes around 30 minutes depending on traffic. Your representative will assist with check-in for your domestic flight to Phuket, ensuring a smooth departure from northern Thailand. The flight itself takes approximately 2 hours, carrying you from the cultural landscapes of Chiang Mai to the turquoise waters of the Andaman coast.

On arrival at Phuket International Airport, collect your luggage and proceed to Exit 2 where a representative from Six Senses Yao Noi will be waiting, easily identifiable in a light blue shirt and holding a wooden hotel sign. You will then be escorted to a private vehicle for the 40-minute drive across Phuket to Ao Po Grand Marina, located on the island’s northeastern shore.

From the marina, board a speedboat for the crossing to Koh Yao Noi. The journey takes about 45 minutes, gliding across the emerald waters of Phang Nga Bay. Along the way, admire the dramatic limestone karsts rising from the sea, their sheer cliffs draped in lush vegetation. The contrast between these striking formations and the tranquillity of the surrounding water makes the trip itself a memorable experience.

On arrival at Koh Yao Noi, check in at Six Senses Yao Noi, one of Thailand’s most exclusive eco-luxury resorts. Your Hideaway Pool Villa is designed for seclusion, with its own private infinity pool, spacious deck, and sweeping views of tropical greenery. Built with natural materials, the villa blends harmoniously with the environment while offering the comfort and elegance expected of a five-star property.

The remainder of the day is yours to relax and enjoy the resort. You may wish to swim in your private pool, explore the organic gardens, or take a leisurely stroll along the beach. With its focus on sustainability, wellness, and personalised service, Six Senses Yao Noi provides a serene base for the next stage of your journey.

This morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast on your villa deck, followed by time to relax in your private pool overlooking the lush greenery. Begin your day with a yoga or meditation session at the resort’s hilltop pavilion, where the panoramic views across Phang Nga Bay provide a peaceful backdrop.

Late morning, join a cooking class using ingredients sourced from the resort’s organic garden. Under the guidance of the chef, learn how to prepare Thai dishes such as spicy salads, curries, and refreshing desserts. Enjoy the meal you’ve prepared for lunch, paired with herbs freshly picked from the farm.

In the afternoon, indulge in the Six Senses Spa, a signature experience at the resort. Hidden among the forested hills, the spa features open-air salas where treatments combine Thai traditions with modern wellness practices. Choose from a range of therapies, from herbal compress massages to restorative facials.

As evening falls, relax with a cocktail at the Hilltop Reserve, the resort’s most iconic spot, where the infinity pool blends seamlessly into views of the limestone cliffs. Dinner may be enjoyed here or back at your villa for a private dining experience under the stars.

After breakfast, set out on a private cycling tour of Koh Yao Noi, an island that remains largely untouched by mass tourism. Ride through coconut plantations, rice paddies, and small fishing villages, with plenty of stops along the way to meet locals, visit small shops, and admire the island’s gentle pace of life. The tour can be tailored for easy or moderate routes depending on your preference.

Return to the resort for a relaxed lunch, then spend the afternoon kayaking along the shoreline. Paddle past mangroves and secluded beaches, keeping an eye out for colourful kingfishers, herons, and other birdlife that thrive in the island’s protected ecosystems.

Late afternoon is at leisure, giving you time to unwind in your villa or perhaps join a sustainability tour of the resort to learn about its eco-friendly initiatives, from organic farming to waste reduction.

As the day ends, experience a private barbecue dinner on the beach, with fresh seafood grilled to perfection as the waves lap the shore. Lanterns light up the evening, creating a memorable atmosphere for your final night of adventure.

This morning, take a speedboat excursion to nearby islands, beginning with Hong Island, famed for its hidden lagoon and sheer limestone cliffs. Swim in clear waters, snorkel among vibrant fish, or simply relax on the sand before continuing to Phak Bia Island for more swimming and beach time. The excursion returns to the resort by early afternoon.

After lunch, unwind at leisure. Enjoy the resort’s infinity pool, take part in an afternoon Thai boxing class, or simply spend time reading on your villa deck. Six Senses also offers outdoor cinema evenings, where classic films are projected under the stars, should you wish to add this to your evening plans.

As the sun sets, join the daily sundowner ritual at the Hilltop Reserve, where drinks are served with uninterrupted views of Phang Nga Bay. For your final dinner, consider the “Dining by the Rocks” experience, a private table perched on the hillside with uninterrupted views, combining fine dining with complete privacy.

Enjoy your final morning on Koh Yao Noi at leisure. Wake to the sounds of the sea and take time for a relaxed breakfast on your villa deck, with sweeping views across Phang Nga Bay. Depending on your flight time, you may wish to take a last swim in your private pool, stroll along the beach, or simply savour the quiet atmosphere that has defined your stay at Six Senses Yao Noi.

At the scheduled time, you will be met by resort staff and assisted with check-out before boarding the speedboat for the return journey to Phuket. The crossing to Ao Po Grand Marina takes around 45 minutes and offers one last chance to admire the limestone karsts and emerald waters of Phang Nga Bay - a fitting farewell to Thailand’s island beauty.

On arrival at the marina, meet your driver for a private transfer to Phuket International Airport. The drive takes approximately 40 minutes, passing through the island’s busy towns and coastal roads. Your representative will ensure you arrive in good time for your flight, assisting with luggage and check-in as required.

For international departures, check-in is recommended three hours prior to departure, while domestic flights require at least one hour. After completing immigration and security, continue to your departure gate for your onward journey.

This concludes your 11-day Five Star Thailand luxury tour package, a blend of cultural encounters, natural wonders, and exceptional stays at some of the country’s most celebrated luxury resorts.