From Thailand to Bali: culture & relaxation

Bangkok

Day 1: A warm welcome to the land of smiles

As you fly into the gorgeous capital of Bangkok, your local guide will meet you with a Thai smile, ready for your private transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to rest and recover from the long-haul flight.

Bangkok

Day 2: Bright, bustling, irresistible Bangkok

Today's Bangkok city tour begins with a colorful flower and vegetable market, before moving on to the Grand Palace, an enormous complex of temples and royal residences. Within the palace compound, look out for the famed Wat Phra Kaew housing the sacred statue of the Emerald Buddha.

After lunch at a local restaurant, board a long-tail boat and sail along the canals - locally known as khlongs - to explore the more peaceful, day-to-day life behind the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. As the cruise concludes, admire the splendid Wat Arun from the boat on the river.

Disembark and walk into the nearby Wat Pho to witness the 45m gilded reclining Buddha. Afterwards, return to your hotel.

Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Chiang Rai

Day 3: Awe-inspiring Ayutthaya

This morning, embark on a journey back in time to the ancient capital of the Siamese Kingdom - Ayutthaya. Inside the grand UNESCO-recognised Ayutthaya Historical Park you'll explore: Wat Mahathat, renowned for its Buddha head intertwined in the roots of a banyan tree; Wat Phra Si Sanphet, located on the site of the royal palace of the Ayutthaya Kingdom; and Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit, sheltering a large seated bronze Buddha image.

The tour also includes a break at the Bang Pa-In Palace, a royal summer retreat featuring beautiful architecture of different styles, scenic lakes, and green spaces.

After the tour, return to the airport in Bangkok for a late-afternoon flight to Chiang Rai. On arrival there, head to your hotel by private transfer and relax for the rest of the day at leisure.

Chiang Rai

Day 4: Gorgeous northern temples & tea plantations

Start the day with a visit to the Wat Rong Suea Ten, named the Blue Temple for the gorgeous hue covering its walls, roof, and surrounding statues. Later, journey to the hilltop Mae Salong village and stroll around the tea plantations. Continue with a visit to the intriguing Golden Triangle in Chiang Saen district, where the three borders of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand meet.

Return to Chiang Rai in the late afternoon, to relax at your hotel or explore its surroundings at your own pace.

Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai

Day 5: Spectacular visit to the White Temple

Proceed to Chiang Mai after breakfast. En route, visit Wat Rong Khun, also famously known as the White Temple. Marvel at how the exterior of plaster and glass sparkles in the sun, in a glorious mountainside setting.

Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, settle into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Chiang Mai

Day 6: Memorable day at Kanta Elephant Sanctuary

On a full day out, the Kanta Elephant Sanctuary offers visitors the chance to interact with these remarkable animals and gain a deeper understanding of their daily lives and behaviors, all while supporting ethical and responsible elephant tourism.

At the sanctuary, these gentle giants are provided a safe and nurturing environment, where they are happy and can roam freely in their natural habitat. During your visit, enjoy plenty of interaction with the elephants, with the opportunity to feed and cook them herbal supplements, walk with them, and bathe them in the river. It's an immersive experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for these magnificent creatures.

Chiang Mai - Bangkok

Day 7: Authentic experience with a Lanna family

This morning, a 45-minute drive will take you to a traditional Lanna family home in an authentic Thai neighborhood. Admire local architecture built from teak wood, stroll through the small family orchard filled with typical herbs and organic vegetables, and then join your host in cooking authentic Northern Thai flavors. The hands-on culinary experience will culminate in sharing a delicious home-cooked lunch.

After the meal, transfer to the airport for a late-afternoon flight back to Bangkok. There, you'll have an overnight stay close to the airport.

Bangkok - Denpasar - Ubud

Day 8: Flight to Denpasar, Indonesia

Journey on to Bali, the famous island paradise in Indonesia, and your destination for the next six days. Upon arrival at Denpasar's Ngurah Rai International Airport, meet your local guide for a private transfer to your hotel in Ubud. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore at leisure.

Ubud

Day 9: Spectacular spirituality of Ubud

Kick off the day by watching a wonderful Barong and Kris dance performance, then head off to the mysterious Goa Gajah (locally known as the Elephant Cave), a significant Hindu archaeological site.

Following this, dive into the deep spirituality of Balinese people at two remarkable Hindu temples, Besakih (the Mother Temple of Bali) and Tirta Empul, built around the sacred holy spring. Relish the natural beauty of Mount Batur and Lake Batur for a while, before returning to your hotel in Ubud.

Ubud - Sanur

Day 10: Must-see sights of Bali

An exciting day unfolds as you venture out to the UNESCO-recognised Jatiluwih Rice Terraces. This is relatively untouched tropical countryside surrounded by rice fields, where local cultural heritage has been well-preserved around the water irrigation system (traditionally called Subak).

After lunch, transfer to your resort in the beach town of Sanur for the next three nights. The rest of the day is free to settle into your hotel and relax in your surroundings.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Sanur

Day 11: Spectacular shores, magical sunsets

Indulge in a full day at leisure in Sanur. There is plenty to see and do: relax on the postcard-perfect beaches, try your hand at one of the local cooking courses, and enjoy a private yoga class in a peaceful setting. For something more adventurous, join in with dynamic activities like white-water rafting, plus much more.

Sanur

Day 12: Soak up the sun in Sanur

Spend your final day in Sanur at leisure. Enjoy a lazy day in the resort, or explore a little further afield to the famed Dreamland Beach and Uluwatu Temple.

Sanur

Day 13: Departure day

After breakfast, pack and check out the hotel. Transfer to the airport in time for your flight home.