The day begins with a visit to the Mae Klong Railway Market, a working fresh market famously set up along an active train line. Several times a day, a train rolls straight through the narrow market, prompting a flurry of movement as vendors pull back their awnings and goods just in time. As soon as it passes, stalls snap back into place and trading resumes.
Next, take a ride on a traditional longtail boat through the narrow canals of neighbouring villages on your way to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, one of Thailand’s largest and most famous floating markets known for its local wares and produce.
Be welcomed into a local villager’s home and hear firsthand about the history of coconut palm tree plantations and the traditional method of creating organic palm sugar from coconut flowers – a harvesting process passed down for generations.
Arrive in Kanchanaburi and make your next stop at the war cemetery, a somber yet important site where you can pay respects to those who lost their lives during the war. Next, you’ll visit the infamous Bridge on the River Kwai, a historical landmark with a profound story.
Climb back aboard your boat to finish the day with a scenic trip to your accommodation for the evening – The FloatHouse River Kwai Resort, situated over the jungle waters. You’ll stay in a scenic overwater villa, with panoramic vistas of the river and jungle beyond.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market visit
The FloatHouse River Kwai Resort floating villa stay
Depart this morning for Hellfire Pass and its memorial museum, taking a moment to reflect on the workers and prisoners of war who died constructing the Thai-Burma railway. Then, take a scenic train ride from Tham Krasae Railway Station to the River Kwai Bridge, a fantastic vantage point on the river, before stopping at the Nam Tok railway station.
Enjoy a local lunch, then continue on to Erawan National Park and cool off in the waters of the seven-level Erawan Falls.
Return to your floating accommodation for an evening at leisure where the rivers Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai meet.
The FloatHouse River Kwai Resort floating villa stay
After breakfast, journey to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient Ayutthaya – once the second capital of the Kingdom of Siam and formally one of the most powerful cities in Asia. Take a guided tour through the Buddhist temple of Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, then continue to Wat Phanan Choeng temple with its sitting Buddha statue.
After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy an afternoon exploring the 14th-century ruins of Wat Phra Mahathat, famed for its stone Buddha head, engulfed by the thick roots of the Banyan tree.
This morning, visit Wat Tha Sung temple. Continue to a local pier in Uthai Thani and board a traditional rice barge for a cruise along the Sakae Krang River. Enjoy a delicious lunch as you glide along the waterway.
After your cruise, disembark for your onward journey to Sukhothai and check in at your hotel. Settle in for the evening with either a traditional Thai massage or foot massage.
Spend your morning exploring the ruins of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sukhothai Historical Park. Hop on a provided bike and peddle around the park’s gardens and lakes, then sit down to a home-cooked picnic lunch. If time permits, visit a local ceramicist for a glimpse of local artisan heritage.
The remainder of the day is spent at your leisure.
Take it slow this morning before driving to Chiang Mai. On the way, stop off at the city’s most popular site, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, renowned as one of Thailand’s most sacred temples.
Check in at your Chiang Mai hotel and spend the rest of your day as you please, wandering the busy streets or strolling the bridges outside the city walls. Later, re-join your group for dinner at a popular Chiang Mai eatery.
After breakfast, travel to a sustainable village in the San Kamphaeng district and discover the area’s textile history. Meet with a range of local artisans, who will show you the basics of bamboo and cotton weaving, pottery and natural tie-dying. You’ll even have a chance to create your own design under the guidance of experts.
Later, visit Wat Phan Tao, a Chiang Saen-style temple constructed of golden teakwood, dating back 600 years. Stop for lunch at an organic farm where fresh ingredients are grown onsite.
Return to your hotel for a cooking class run by local chefs, uncovering the secrets of Thai cooking. At the end of this culinary demonstration, feast on your fragrant dishes with your fellow travellers.
Local Thai cooking class
Rise and shine for an early visit to an elephant sanctuary to meet these famed gentle giants. Get up close and personal as you walk alongside these gentle giants and watch as they play in their natural habitat, learning about the organisation’s eco-tourism and strict no-riding policy.
This afternoon is yours to spend as you please.
Once you’ve had breakfast, transfer onward to Chiang Rai. On the way, stop at Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, rebuilt to its former glory after falling into disrepair in the late 1990s. Continue to Wat Rong Suea Ten – the Blue Temple – before arriving in Chiang Rai to check in at your hotel for the evening.
Today, make your way to the famous Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet along the Mekong River. Aboard your cruise for the day, drift along the river on a guided tour and discover the history of the local opium poppy trade.
Later, visit to the Hall of Opium at the Golden Triangle Park. This afternoon is yours to relax before a farewell dinner at Sala Rim Naam located within the hotel.
After breakfast, farewell Chiang Rai and transfer to the airport for your flight to Phuket with a brief stop in Bangkok en route.
Touch down at Phuket International Airport (HKT) and meet your transfer, who will whisk you away to the opulent Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket. From here, your journey takes a slower turn – no more hotel changes, just uninterrupted beachfront bliss along the pristine sands of Karon Beach, surrounded by landscaped gardens.
Settle into your Premium Deluxe room, where a plush king-sized bed, decadent ensuite bathroom with a deep-soaking bathtub and private balcony or terrace await you.
Over the next six nights, embrace the laid-back rhythm of resort life. Plunge into one of four swimming pools (including an adults-only pool), step out onto the secluded beachfront to sink into the shimmering waters, or indulge in exceptional drinks and dining at a host of bars and restaurants. The exceptional SPA Cenvaree offers unparalleled relaxation with ten treatment suites, many featuring jacuzzis, dedicated areas for reflexology and an outdoor relaxation zone, guaranteeing an unforgettable spa retreat.
For those seeking adventure, the resort is conveniently located just a 10-minute drive from the bustling Patong with its array of shopping and dining options. The resort is within easy reach of scuba diving sites, golf courses and local attractions, making it the perfect base for your Phuket adventure.
Your Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket inclusions:
- Guaranteed upgrade from Deluxe room to Premium Deluxe room
- Daily buffet breakfast at The Cove
- Daily choice of lunch at COAST Beach Club & Bistro or dinner at COAST Beach Club & Bistro or The Cove
- One hour of daily free-flow drinks at COAST Beach Club & Bistro, Splash Pool Bar or Ripples
- One 30-minute massage per adult at SPA Cenvaree
- 15% discount at COAST Beach Club & Bistro and The Cove
- 25% discount at SPA Cenvaree
Six nights at Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket
Wake to another day in paradise, with time to explore all that Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket has to offer – swim in one of four pools, sip cocktails by the sea or book a treatment at SPA Cenvaree.
Your Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket inclusions:
- Guaranteed upgrade from Deluxe room to Premium Deluxe room
- Daily buffet breakfast at The Cove
- Daily choice of lunch at COAST Beach Club & Bistro or dinner at COAST Beach Club & Bistro or The Cove
- One hour of daily free-flow drinks at COAST Beach Club & Bistro, Splash Pool Bar or Ripples
- One 30-minute massage per adult at SPA Cenvaree
- 15% discount at COAST Beach Club & Bistro and The Cove
- 25% discount at SPA Cenvaree
Whether it’s reclining by the pool, dining by the sea or treating yourself at the spa, today is all about unwinding at your own pace.
Your Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket inclusions:
- Guaranteed upgrade from Deluxe room to Premium Deluxe room
- Daily buffet breakfast at The Cove
- Daily choice of lunch at COAST Beach Club & Bistro or dinner at COAST Beach Club & Bistro or The Cove
- One hour of daily free-flow drinks at COAST Beach Club & Bistro, Splash Pool Bar or Ripples
- One 30-minute massage per adult at SPA Cenvaree
- 15% discount at COAST Beach Club & Bistro and The Cove
- 25% discount at SPA Cenvaree
Rise to a new day in tropical bliss, drifting between the pool waters and sun-kissed shoreline – and maybe even explore the buzz of Patong.
Your Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket inclusions:
- Guaranteed upgrade from Deluxe room to Premium Deluxe room
- Daily buffet breakfast at The Cove
- Daily choice of lunch at COAST Beach Club & Bistro or dinner at COAST Beach Club & Bistro or The Cove
- One hour of daily free-flow drinks at COAST Beach Club & Bistro, Splash Pool Bar or Ripples
- One 30-minute massage per adult at SPA Cenvaree
- 15% discount at COAST Beach Club & Bistro and The Cove
- 25% discount at SPA Cenvaree
Another day of sun and sea beckons at this lavish Phuket resort.
Your Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket inclusions:
- Guaranteed upgrade from Deluxe room to Premium Deluxe room
- Daily buffet breakfast at The Cove
- Daily choice of lunch at COAST Beach Club & Bistro or dinner at COAST Beach Club & Bistro or The Cove
- One hour of daily free-flow drinks at COAST Beach Club & Bistro, Splash Pool Bar or Ripples
- One 30-minute massage per adult at SPA Cenvaree
- 15% discount at COAST Beach Club & Bistro and The Cove
- 25% discount at SPA Cenvaree
Enjoy your last full day in this tropical haven – soak up every ray of sunshine, swim in one of four pools, sip cocktails as the sun sets or book a treatment at SPA Cenvaree.
Your Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket inclusions:
- Guaranteed upgrade from Deluxe room to Premium Deluxe room
- Daily buffet breakfast at The Cove
- Daily choice of lunch at COAST Beach Club & Bistro or dinner at COAST Beach Club & Bistro or The Cove
- One hour of daily free-flow drinks at COAST Beach Club & Bistro, Splash Pool Bar or Ripples
- One 30-minute massage per adult at SPA Cenvaree
- 15% discount at COAST Beach Club & Bistro and The Cove
- 25% discount at SPA Cenvaree
After breakfast, wave goodbye to the sun-kissed shoreline of Karon Beach as you’re transferred to Phuket International Airport (HKT) for your onward journey.