Classic Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket

U Sathorn Bangkok is located in a peaceful part of the capital where natural beauty sits alongside the hustle and bustle of this busy Bangkok district. Luxuriously appointed U Sathorn consists of 86 rooms featuring Superior, Superior Garden, Deluxe Garden and Suite accommodation in three low rise wings set in a courtyard style surrounded by restful green areas with a swimming pool as the centrepiece. The overall design of this urban resort was conceived in a French Colonial style with a contemporary twist inspired by Sri Lankan Geoffrey Bawa who was regarded as one of the most influential Asian architects of the twentieth century. The design breaks down the barriers between the inside and outside and between interior design and landscaped architecture which reduces the buildings to a series of delightfully conceived spaces separated by natural features.

This morning, you'll be collected from your hotel at 8:00am to go behind the scenes for a closer look at Thailand's Buddhist culture. Start the morning with a trip to Wat Pho which is one of Bangkok's most enchanting temples. Arrive just as the resident monks gather for their morning chants and witness this deeply spiritual ritual to 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. Admire the famed reclining Buddha image, which stretches 45-metres in length. Learn about the symbolism of the Buddha's intricate footprint and witness devotees making offerings to this revered image.

Your 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.
Following your tour of these iconic Bangkok monuments, you'll be returned to your hotel.

Take a loved one on a memorable and romantic evening cruise through the glittering city of Bangkok. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner while gazing at stunning iconic sights such as the illuminated Temple of Dawn and Grand Palace.

You'll experience the romance of Bangkok in style on the luxury Manohra rice barge cruise that has been converted into one of Bangkok's finest dining venues as you cruise along the Chao Phraya River. From the stunning Temple of Dawn, the illuminated Grand Palace, magnificent temples, striking bridges and other Bangkok's landmarks, this cruise offers a truly memorable evening experience in Bangkok.

While cruising down the river, you'll enjoy a sumptuous five-course dinner.

Following your cruise, you'll be returned to your hotel.

This morning, travel away from Bangkok's city centre for a visit to local markets and countryside neighbourhoods. Take a one-hour drive, leaving the high-rises behind and entering a land of lush landscapes and traditional wooden houses.

Stop at a local railway station where a bustling country market has sprouted up along the tracks. As a train pulls into the station, witness the vendors quickly clearing their stalls off the railway. Then, after the train departs, watch them set up shop and resume business as usual.

From here, continue to the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Although these days the stalls are mostly selling items for tourists, this market remains the best example of a traditional floating market. Take a stroll around and admire the floating shops, many of which are selling fresh fruits and typical Thai snacks.

Leave the main market area and take a relaxing paddle boat ride. Pass by an old section of the floating market and enter a labyrinth of quiet canals. See houses built alongside the waterways and catch glimpses of local life in this rural Thai province.

Following your tour, you'll be returned to your hotel in Bangkok.

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.

U Chiang Mai is a boutique hotel in the largest and most culturally important city in the northern Thailand. The hotel is only a step away from the city's famous Sunday walking streets in front of the hotel as well as the well-known shopping area of Tha Phae Road. Many major temples are within walking distance of our hotel such as Wat Chedi Luang, a must see for visitors to Chiang Mai and Wat Phra Sing, famous for its fine examples of Lanna art. The boutique hotel provides the ideal base for guests wanting to enjoy diverse activities such as hill-tribe tourism and trekking, the Elephant Nature Park and Thai cookery courses at many of the city's schools.

Today, be introduced to the culture and history of the city on this great orientation tour. Head to the centre of town with a local guide and visit Tapae Gate, the main entrance to the old walled city. See the crumbling walls and hear about Chiang Mai's rich past.

Then hop on a pedal-powered trishaw to explore the old town. Visit the Three Kings Monument on the way to Wat Phra Singh, one of the city's most revered temples. See the various buildings in the compound, admire its ancient Buddha image and hear about its 700-year history. Then continue foot to Wat Chedi Luang, an impressive monument that once housed the country's famed Emerald Buddha.

Continue onwards to Chiang Mai's silver making district, one of the city's traditional crafts neighbourhoods. Observe silversmiths at work on impressive murals unique to Northern Thailand and admire their skilled craftsmanship. Then take a short drive to Wat Sri Suphan, a unique temple made from ornate silver.

Following this introduction to Chiang Mai's heritage, culture and temples, you'll be returned to your hotel.

Take a closer look at Chiang Mai's rich traditions with a morning tour to Wat Umong Temple. A number of tunnels dug out of a mound contains shrines with Buddha images, where devotees can pay their respect to the Buddha. The large, shady temple grounds are often filled with the sounds of monks' chanting. The temple's setting in a forested area with a natural lake makes Wat Umong an excellent place for meditation.

Continue higher into the hills, travelling by songtaew (a local truck) as you're driven along dirt roads to the Chang Khien Coffee Research Project. Enjoy a fresh cup of locally-grown Arabica coffee and hear about the flourishing coffee industry in northern Thailand.

Afterwards, take a short drive onwards to a local hilltribe village inhabited by the White Hmong people. Spend time exploring the village, meeting the inhabitants and learning about the traditions and customs of this unique ethnic group. This Hmong tribal village is a big village consisting of a museum, beautiful garden, houses and souvenir shops.

Following your tour, you'll be transferred back to your hotel.

Escape to a heavenly corner of earth at the Vijitt Resort Phuket where the pace of life is slow and the scenery is simply breathtaking. Situated on a tranquil beach away from the bustling tourist crowds, this luxury all-villa Phuket resort offers a rejuvenating retreat that exudes Thai charm. The exquisite location of the Rawai hotel was handpicked for its outstanding natural beauty offering wide open spaces with tall swaying palms and lush green lawns that gently slope towards the Andaman Sea.

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.