Bangkok & Beach Escape with Koh Samui

Bangkok is a buzzy and bold city, planned not from the top down but created from the bottom up. That exact spirit of innovation and unconventionality has made the Thai capital the perfect locale for our Asia flagship, with The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon. Located in one of the most iconic buildings in the city, the 155-room hotel is already a landmark. With rooms ranging from 29 sqm to a sprawling 144 sqm penthouse, a terrace pool, fitness center, meeting rooms and a dynamic variety of food, drink and nightlife venues, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon is a fit for any traveler, at any time of day or night. There's The Parlor, the hub of the hotel for socializing, cocktails, work, lounging, live music, lectures and more, the eclectic and unexpected Tea Room, American steakhouse classics at The Standard Grill, and an award-winning Chinese cuisine by Mott 32.

Start the morning with a trip to Wat Pho, arguably Bangkok's most enchanting temple. Arrive just as the resident monks gather for their morning chants. Witness this deeply spiritual ritual and gain a better sense of Thailand's Buddhist heritage. After the chants, take a walk around Wat Pho and see the vast collection of religious treasures on display.

The tour then continues to the nearby Grand Palace, which has served as the seat of Thailand's revered Royal family for more than two centuries. Take a walk around the vast grounds, stopping in to explore the various temples, throne halls and museums within the compound. Visit the Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddhist image in Thailand, and hear about its mysterious origins.

Take a break for lunch in a riverside restaurant, enjoying delicious Thai food with fabulous views. Then continue onwards to visit Wat Trimitr, on the edge of Chinatown, which houses the world's largest solid gold Buddha.

Afterwards take a long-tail boat and move away from the high rises of the city and venture through the quiet canals upon which the city was originally built. Catch glimpses of the olden days, passing by charming neighbourhoods built on the water's edge. Return to the main waterway, the Chao Phraya River, to visit Wat Arun and admire its incredible decoration with ceramic tiles depicting figures of Chinese soldiers and animals.

After a full day of exploring Bangkok, you'll be returned to your hotel in the late afternoon.

This evening, you will be met at your hotel by your guide who will travel with you on public transport to the meeting point near Hua Lumphong Station for 5:30pm. Here, you'll bet met and greeted by your local food guide who will offer a short briefing before this fun evening excursion commences.

From here, hop on Bangkok's iconic 3-wheel tuk tuk to begin your night adventure to visit the best local eateries in town. Bangkok is claimed to be the city that never stops eating and locals usually find themselves eating out at night, especially street food, which the city is so well-known for.

Enjoy the ride and make various stops at local places in which the smells will ignite ones taste buds. From the local favourite Northern Thai-Isan Food, the best kept-secret Guay Tiew Gai guaranteed with a Michelin star for 2 consecutive years, and one of the best Pad Thais in town; popular with both locals and foreigners alike.

In between your tasty samplings, visit Wat Pho, an iconic sight of Bangkok for a night time perspective and be wowed by its illuminated chedis while learning all about the history of the temple. Walk through the city's largest flower market, Pak Klong Talad, which is busy 24-hours a day with wholesale vendors and local shoppers. Explore the stalls where orchids, other flowers, vegetables and other items spill over the crowded stalls. Here, there is a chance to taste some local snacks or fruits.

The night ends with a final stop outside a secret, hidden bar located by the river. Sip on a chilled Thai beer or a non-alcoholic drink while enjoying amazing night views of the Chao Phraya River along with the glittering Temple of Dawn.

After the tour finishes, you'll be transferred back to your hotel by tuk tuk.

Melia Koh Samui is a perfect blend of traditional Thai hospitality and modern architecture that is ideal for romantic getaways and family holidays overlooking the glorious Choeng Mon Beach. The stylish, U-shaped resort features well-appointed guest rooms and luxurious suites. The property is also home to the award winning YHI Spa.

Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.

Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.

Today's tour will begin with a short drive from your hotel to the Samui Elephant Kingdom. You will be met with a warm welcome and introduction to the Samui Elephant Kingdom project. Learn about the elephants and the sustainable work that the Samui Elephant Kingdom is adopting. Discover a Napier grass plantation and help cook supplementary food for elephants in a PowerBall Kitchen.

Provide a fruit basket of love to feed the gentle giants on the 400-meter-long skywalk, observe these beautiful gentle giants expressing their natural habits and lives with freedom, from above. View, meet and walk with the elephants in their kingdom to observe their healthy bathing behavior and a protective mud spa. Enjoy a Thai vegetarian buffet lunch and seasonal fruit.

Leave Samui Elephant Kingdom and transfer back to your hotel.

Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.