Thailand: City Culture & Coast

The day’s highlights include a visit to the Royal Grand Palace, Thailand’s most iconic landmark. Wander through the palace grounds, including the Throne Halls and Halls of Residence. As the former seat of the Chakri dynasty, the palace reflects the formality and grandeur of the old Siamese royal court. Within the same compound stands Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, regarded as the most sacred site in the country. The temple grounds also feature the Golden Chedi, the Pantheon of the Chakri Kings, and the Eight Coloured Towers. A short walk brings you to Wat Pho, one of Bangkok’s oldest temples. Regarded as the first centre of public education in Thailand, it features murals, inscriptions, and statues once used to teach subjects such as literature, astronomy, and meditation. It is also considered the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Continue by shuttle boat across the Chao Phraya River to Wat Arun. Known as the Temple of Dawn, its porcelain-encrusted central prang rises 79 metres and sparkles in the sunlight. For lunch, enjoy the city’s most famous Pad Thai at Thipsamai Padthai Pratu Phi.

Accommodations: Deluxe - New World Saigon Hotel
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch

Chiang Rai, Thailand’s northernmost province, is known for its forested mountains and the enduring legacy of the ancient Lanna Kingdom. Following a short flight, meet your private driver and local guide to begin the journey to the Golden Triangle. The Golden Triangle is a remote, jungle-covered border region of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos – once known for the cultivation and trade of opium. Stop at Sop Ruak, considered the centre of the Golden Triangle, at the confluence of the Mekong and Ruak Rivers, where the borders of the three countries meet. From the hillside viewpoint, the landscape opens across all three nations, divided by broad, calm waterways. Visit the privately owned House of Opium, with exhibits tracing the complex history of the trade and its ties to the traditions of local hill tribe communities. Later, explore Chiang Saen ancient city, perched above the Mekong River and one of the oldest settlements in northern Thailand. Once an important centre of the early Lanna Kingdom, it is known for its moated old town and quiet ruins that hint at a once-flourishing past. Among these stands Wat Phrathat Pha Ngao, a peaceful temple home to the revered image of Luangpho Pha Ngao, discovered in 1976 and believed to be between 700 and 1,300 years old. A short uphill path reaches Phra Borommathat Phuttha Nimit Chedi, set on the hilltop behind the temple, offering sweeping views that extend across the river into Laos. Return to Chiang Rai for check-in and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Accommodations: Deluxe - New World Saigon Hotel
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch

The drive to Chiang Mai takes around four hours, passing through tranquil countryside and mist-shrouded hills. Once the seat of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai remains northern Thailand’s cultural heart, seamlessly combining rich ancient history and tradition with an increasingly modern side. En route, stop at the White Temple, an architectural masterpiece built by a local artist. Locally known as Wat Rong Khun, the temple is a testament to the transformative power of passion and devotion. Its striking white façade, embedded with mirrored fragments, creates an ethereal beauty rich in symbolism. Arrive in Chiang Mai with time to relax before setting out on a Vespa adventure to discover the authentic culture, cuisine, and nightlife of the city. Riding through hidden alleyways and a lively market offers some of Chiang Mai’s most captivating scenes. Sample street snacks, sip a welcome drink, and enjoy a hands-on session preparing som tum, the city’s iconic green papaya salad. Later, sit down to a Thai dinner at a locally loved spot, followed by one final drink at a live music bar, a fitting close to your first night in northern Thailand.

Accommodations: Deluxe - New World Saigon Hotel
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch

Thai cuisine is known for its balance of sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy flavours. Rooted in regional traditions and shaped by centuries of cultural exchange, it draws on fresh herbs and seasonal produce. From north to south, each dish reflects Thailand’s culinary depth and refined sense of flavour. A visit to a local country market offers an introduction to fresh Thai ingredients, with guidance on selecting produce for the day’s cooking. The morning continues in a peaceful, semi-rural cookery school, where each dish is prepared step by step through hands-on instruction. The session ends with the opportunity to taste and appreciate your own creations. Following the return to the hotel, the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Accommodations: Deluxe - New World Saigon Hotel
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch

The days are free to enjoy Krabi at your own pace. With its clear waters and limestone cliffs rising above the sea, Krabi offers an ideal setting for quiet relaxation. Beyond the shoreline, there are gentle ways to spend the day – cruise by longtail boat to hidden coves, take a Thai cooking class, unwind with a traditional spa treatment, or browse the lively night market in Krabi Town.

Accommodations: Deluxe - New World Saigon Hotel
Meals: Breakfast