Hidden Charms of Thailand & Cambodia - 15 Days

Welcome to Thailand! Upon landing in Bangkok, you'll be greeted at the airport by your private driver, who will be holding a sign with your name. From there, you'll be escorted to your accommodation conveniently located in the heart of the city.

Once settled, you have the rest of the day to either unwind at the hotel or explore Bangkok at your own pace.

At around 8:00 we will pick you up from your hotel in Bangkok and set off for Ratchaburi Province to visit the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, a renowned destination for travellers in Thailand.

Our journey takes us southwest of Bangkok, passing notable sights like a sugar palm factory, where you can observe the process of making sugar from palm trees. Upon arrival at the pier, we will board a traditional long-tail boat. This boat ride offers an up-close view of the local life along the narrow canals.

At the floating market, you'll witness vibrant scenes of local vendors selling goods such as fruits, vegetables, and flowers from their boats, while customers shop from the riverbanks. You can sample local delicacies like coconut water and fresh fruit juices, or perhaps purchase a souvenir for loved ones. Return to Bangkok for the night.

Begin an authentic Thai culinary journey at one of Bangkok's premier cooking schools, guided by professional instructors. At Sompong Thai Cooking School, we start the day with a visit to a local market to learn about selecting the best ingredients for our dishes. This includes an insightful introduction to the rich culinary history of Thai cuisine.

Back at the school, each participant will have their own cooking station and equipment. We'll master three traditional Thai main dishes and a dessert, and we'll also learn to make curry paste from scratch. The instructors will adjust to suit your skill level, ensuring everyone can join in, and vegetarian options are available. Special care is taken to cater for allergies.

After cooking, you'll savour your creations, and there's the option to take some home to share with loved ones.

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before we transfer you to Bangkok airport for your flight to Chiang Mai. On arrival at Chiang Mai International Airport, our local representative will greet you and arrange your transfer to the hotel for check-in.

The remainder of the day is yours to unwind or to start discovering the enchanting city of Chiang Mai at your own pace.

Begin your journey in Chiang Mai with a tour that offers a comprehensive introduction to this historic city, which boasts over 700 years of cultural heritage.

We will ascend the picturesque road to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the most significant temple in the area, situated 3,500 feet above sea level. Built 600 years ago, it is renowned for its city symbol, a copper-plated Chedi crowned with a five-tiered gold parasol, housing relics of Buddha.

The 306-step Naga staircase, adorned with mythical dragon-headed serpents, leads to a terrace offering panoramic views of the city on clear days - a reward for climbing the stairs.

In addition to Doi Suthep, we'll visit Wat Suan Dok, known for its magnificent flower gardens and the prominent central stupa, as well as Wat Chedi Luang, home to an impressive Chedi that dates back to 1411.

The day is free to explore Chiang Mai as you please - the old city, the night bazaar, or simply a quiet morning at a local cafe. For those wanting something more structured, an optional half-day Elephant Jungle Sanctuary tour is available at an additional cost.

Departing at around 06:30, we set off on a 1.5-hour drive south of Chiang Mai, passing through picturesque landscapes of rolling hills, forests, and agricultural areas.

Upon arrival at the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, you'll learn about the elephants and their habitat. You'll also have the chance to wear traditional Karen clothing and make herbal medicine for the elephants.

Later you'll feed, administer medicine, and interact with the elephants while discovering more about their behaviour and history. Capture memorable moments with photos. Enjoy a mud spa with the elephants and walk with them to a river for a bathing experience.

Savour a traditional meal before bidding farewell to the elephants. Depart from the sanctuary and drive back to Chiang Mai, arriving in approximately 1.5 hours.

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll arrange your transfer to Chiang Mai International Airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Once you've landed, our local representative will greet you and accompany you to your hotel for check-in.

The remainder of the day is yours to unwind or start discovering the quaint allure of Siem Reap.

Begin the day with breakfast at the hotel before we set off to explore the wonders of Angkor Thom. First, we enter through its imposing South Gate. Inside, we marvel at the Bayon Temple, renowned for its 54 towers adorned with serene, smiling faces, constructed by King Jayavarman VII between the late 12th and early 13th centuries.

We then visit the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King, each steeped in history and offering unique insights into Khmer culture.

Next, we head to Preah Khan Temple, another of King Jayavarman VII’s magnificent creations, dedicated to his father. This vast monastic complex once hosted over 1000 monks and served as a centre of Buddhist learning.

In the afternoon, we explore Ta Prohm, dramatically engulfed by the jungle, providing a striking visual spectacle.

Finally, we visit Angkor Wat, the world's largest temple complex, famed for its grand scale and architectural brilliance. This immense site spans 200 hectares, encircled by a moat and an exterior wall measuring 1300 by 1500 metres.

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel. We then head to Tonle Sap, the largest permanent freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Here, we'll enjoy a private boat tour with a guide on this extraordinary lake, which connects to the Mekong River in Phnom Penh via the Tonle Sap River.

During our excursion, we will explore a fascinating "floating village" where you'll see homes, schools, and even a police station - all floating on the water. This unique community moves with the water levels and currents, offering a dynamic way of life that is both intriguing and resilient.

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before we transfer you to the bus station for your five-hour journey to Phnom Penh. On arrival in this vibrant city, you'll be taken to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy your overnight stay in Phnom Penh, a city rich in history and culture.

We begin the day with a visit to the Royal Palace, home to His Majesty the King of Cambodia and the royal family. This architectural marvel also gives you a glimpse into the regal history and traditions.

Next, explore the Silver Pagoda, less a temple and more a treasure trove, featuring a stunning 90 kg golden Buddha adorned with 2,086 diamonds.

Our tour continues with Wat Phnom Temple, a key religious site in Phnom Penh. Built in 1373 by the affluent widow Daun Chi Penh, it sits atop an artificial hill and holds historical significance for the city.

In the afternoon we venture to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, once a school and then a prison under Pol Pot's regime. It stands as a stark reminder of Cambodia's tragic history, where over 17,000 were taken to be executed at Choeng Ek.

Our final stop for the day is the Russian Market (Toul Tumpong). This vibrant market offers an array of items, including affordable clothing, Buddha images, woodcarvings, betel-nut boxes, silk, silver jewellery, and traditional musical instruments.

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before we drive you to Sihanoukville port. Here, you will board a speedboat to the stunning island of Koh Rong. You will have the evening to explore and relax as you wish. Spend the night on the island, where pristine beaches and clear waters await.

Please note: There is no guide escort provided for this transfer.

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a free day on Koh Rong - swim, sunbathe, explore the island's quieter beaches, or simply do very little. The island has its own pace, and today is entirely your own.

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel. Another day to enjoy Koh Rong at your own pace. Whether you're back on the beach or venturing further around the island, there's no agenda today.

After breakfast, we will take a speed boat back to Sihanoukville's mainland port. Upon arrival, our driver will greet you (please note there is no guide escort) and transfer you to Sihanoukville Airport for your departure flight.