Deluxe Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Phuket

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.

You will be picked up at 8:00 am. Go behind the scenes for a closer look at Buddhist culture. 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. Admire the famed reclining Buddha image, which stretches 45-meters in length. Learn about the symbolism of the Buddha's intricate footprint and witness devotees making offerings to this revered image.

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.

Following the tour of these iconic Bangkok monuments, return to the hotel.

Enjoy an unforgettable evening at a riverside oasis home to Thai royalty. Be enraptured by the charming Italian-style villa reflecting the history of Thai art, cuisine and culture while dining on a special Royal Thai cuisine dinner. Soak in the spectacular glittering views of the Temple of Dawn and Wat Pho for a night out like no other.

You will be picked up at 6:00pm by a luxury private speedboat from your riverside hotel and cruise along and across to the Chao Phraya River towards the Chakrabongse Villa.

As a riverside oasis nestled in the historic district of Bangkok, the Italian-style Chakrabongse Villa was built by Prince Chakrabongse as a retreat from his palace life, and it is now in the hands of his granddaughter Narisa. The charming villa and the garden reflects the history of her royal family, Thai art, cuisine and culture that captures all visitors the moment they enter the property. Here, experience the serene and privileged lifestyle of a bygone era while being served a welcome cocktail. Then, enjoy a luxury meal carefully prepared with authentic Royal Thai cuisine using original family recipes from the palace kitchen. Indulge in the meal while soaking up the spectacular view of the Temple of Dawn from the riverside terrace.

After dinner, embark on a private air-conditioned transfer for a ride to Rattanakosin Island. Make a brief stop at Wat Pho to enjoy the glittering chedis at night before returning to your hotel.

Today, be met at your hotel by your guide and take a longtail boat through Bangkok's canals to discover the true heart of the city. Start with a ride along the Chao Phraya River, also known as the 'River of Kings'. Admire the passing skyline where glittering pagodas stand in the shadows of towering skyscrapers. The boat then turns off the main waterway and onto the canals, or 'klongs'. See why Bangkok is often called the 'Venice of the East', while cruising along the intricate network of canals. Capture glimpses of small villages on the water's edge and enjoy the slower pace of life away from the city centre.

Make a stop at the Royal Barge Museum. See the eight spectacular boats used by Thailand's royal family to mark special occasions. Carved from teak and intricately decorated with gold leaf and mosaics, the barges are a truly impressive sight.

Afterwards, return to the boat and cruise back onto the Chao Phraya for one final stop to see Wat Arun, a 79-metre-high pagoda built in a style similar to Angkor Wat. Meaning 'Temple of Dawn', Wat Arun is one Thailand's most beautiful temples and the perfect last stop on the day's tour.

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

Rati Lanna Riverside Spa Resort is a luxury boutique resort nestled serenely along the bank of the Mae Ping River in center of Lanna historical city. Chiang Mai is only minutes away and the hotel is close to the city's popular Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.
All 75 luxurious guestrooms feature private balconies, widescreen plasma televisions, home theatre, broadband internet and bathrooms with built-in LCD TVs and rain showers. RatiLanna, the 5 star luxury resort, offers the highest standard of services and tasteful facilities.

Today, be met at your hotel by your guide and venture away from the city centre of Chiang Mai for an insightful look at Thailand's rich culture. Start with a visit to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Situated on a mountain rising high above the city, this sacred pagoda offers fabulous views of Chiang Mai and its surroundings. Walk up the stairs to see the exquisite gilded stupa and learn about Thai Buddhist beliefs.

Afterwards, continue higher into the hills, traveling by songtaew, a local truck. Drive along rough dirt roads to the Chang Khien Coffee Research Project. Enjoy a fresh cup of locally-grown Arabica coffee and hear about the North's flourishing coffee industry.

It's a short drive onwards to a village inhabited by the White Hmong hilltribe. Spend time exploring the village, meeting the inhabitants and learning about the traditions and customs of this unique ethnic group.

Following this insightful village visit, return to the songtaew and drive back to Chiang Mai. You will be transferred back to your hotel at the end of your day tour.

Experience a charming evening of discovery in Chiang Mai. With a local guide, enjoy a night out on the town embracing the spiritual traditions and rich heritage that make Chiang Mai so special.

Start with a visit to a local temple at sunset, watch as the monks gather for their evening prayers and be soothed by the calm sounds of their chanting. Join local devotees in lighting incense and candles, offerings of good luck and health.

After this unforgettable experience, it's time for dinner. Travel through the illuminated city streets to 137 Pillars House, one of Chiang Mai's top tables. Enter the incredible courtyard which was inspired by ancient Chinese dwellings. In this atmospheric setting, enjoy a dinner of exquisite dishes of Thai cuisine.

Cap off the evening with a trip to Warorot Market. Busy from morning till late at night, the bustling market is a hub of local life. Browse stalls overflowing with fresh food, flowers, and more and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Sample Thai desserts from a popular street vendor, providing a sweet end to an enchanting evening.

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

Bond and care for Asian elephants in a perfect paradise located on a secluded hill in the jungle of Chiang Mai. Learn from mahouts how to communicate, bathe and feed them. Then, spend some quality time interacting with these lumbering gentle giants.

This morning you'll be met at your hotel and transferred to the Elephant Discovery Camp which is located on a hill in Mae Wang district. Have a fun experience on a short bamboo raft cruising up to the camp.

Upon arrival at the camp, meet an elephant mahout, be introduced to the elephants, and learn about their story and daily lives. Interact and play with the elephants under the mahouts' supervision and watch them play in the mud pond. Learn to communicate with them and how to prepare nutritional food using various natural ingredients. Also, have fun bathing and soaking the elephants in a big pond. Lunch will be served at the camp.

Few things say "tropical paradise" quite like white-sand beaches, azure seas and an intimate luxury resort. Welcome to The Pavilions Phuket, your indulgent escape on one of Thailand's most beautiful islands.

Perched dramatically atop one of Phuket's highest points, each of our private villas and suites is a haven of tranquillity. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or looking to relax and reconnect, we'll deliver everything you need to enjoy all that island life has to offer.

Let us treat your tastebuds with three award-winning restaurants and bars serving exceptional gourmet cuisine. Unwind with state-of-the-art amenities, including a spa and wellness centre, a lap pool and a fully-equipped fitness centre. Now, the only thing missing is you.

Today, spend a day at sea visiting beautiful Phang Nga Bay from Phuket. After breakfast, you'll be met and driven to the jetty where a private, longtail boat awaits. Climb aboard and cast off to begin your adventure!

Cross the emerald-green waters of the bay, passing by dramatic limestone karsts and uninhabited islands. Go ashore at 'James Bond Island', a distinctive rocky island that is a popular place for photos.

The day is filled with several fantastic stops. Cruise through a pristine mangrove forest, getting a close look at the incredible ecosystems created by these ancient plants. Stop at secluded beaches to go swimming alongside colourful tropical fish. There is plenty of time to explore secluded beaches and soak up the sun. Around midday a scrumptious picnic lunch will be served in a scenic location. Enjoy the fresh air and tropical breeze while dining on a delicious meal.

As the sun begins to dip low into the sky, return to Phuket arriving in time to watch the sunset at the end of the day. You'll be transferred back to your hotel.

Start your Thai culinary journey with a visit to Phuket's morning market where you'll learn to select and buy the perfect Thai ingredients for your personal cooking lesson at Blue Elephant Cooking School. After a morning market, you will head over to the school for an insightful culinary class. The instructor will explain the culinary techniques and demonstrate how to prepare each dish. Then you will begin to learn how to cook a variety of popular dishes with a qualified Thai chef. The class is followed by a meal in Blue Elephant's delightful restaurant sampling your own cooking as well as additional Thai dishes.