8-Nights Highlights of Bangkok & Phuket from $2,187

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok

Transfer: Bangkok Airportto Bangkok - Riverside

Hotel: Riva Surya Bangkok (4 Star Rating)

Situated along the enchanting Chao Phraya River, Riva Surya Bangkok offers an idyllic urban getaway in the heart of this cosmopolitan city. This modern boutique hotel in Bangkok features 68 beautifully designed rooms, elegant dining options, a riverside swimming pool and leisure facilities that cater to the needs of both business and leisure travellers.

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.

Bangkok is a city that truly comes to life after dark. Spend an evening exploring the vibrant streets and tranquil temples with a local guide, getting a different perspective of the capital.

You'll be met in the lobby of your hotel by your guide and will start the evening with a BTS Skytrain or tuk-tuk ride to the central pier. From here, continue onwards by longtail boat sailing up the Chao Phraya River to Wat Arun. See all the buildings and temples lit up and see passing river cruises with lots of lights. Disembark at Wat Arun pier, spending time there before crossing the ferry to a local pier. Walk through the market down to Riva Arun Hotel to enjoy a refreshing cocktail. Enjoy dinner at a great local restaurant on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. With the majestic Wat Arun glittering in the distance, you'll enjoy a delicious traditional Thai meal. Following dinner, take a stroll to the temple grounds of Wat Pho to soak up the beauty of its glittering chedi at night.

Then hop on a tuk-tuk and traverse through the city's historic quarter for a visit to Pak Klong Talad. One of the country's largest fresh markets, the site is busy 24-hours a day with wholesale vendors and local shoppers. Explore the stalls where orchids, flowers, vegetables and other items spill over the crowded stalls.

This unforgettable evening tour ends with a transfer back to your hotel.

Transfer: Bangkok - Riverside to Bangkok Airport

Transfer: Phuket Airportto Phuket - Rawai Beach

Hotel: The Vijitt Resort Phuket (4 Star Rating)

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.

Escape to a quieter, more natural side of southern Thailand with this day trip from Phuket. Travel by speedboat across the Andaman Sea to the six scenic Phi Phi Islands. The journey to Phi Phi takes around 45 minutes, passing by spectacular limestone karsts that jut out from the blue seas. Sit back and relax, enjoying the views as the boat cruises closer to paradise. Cruise by Maya Bay, arguably one of Thailand's most beautiful places. The bay is stunning and was used as the setting for the famous Hollywood movie 'The Beach'.

Continue around the islands, Phi Phi Lay Cove and Monkey Beach. Each of these stretches of island boasts swaying palm trees and white sands. There are also calm, clear waters brimming with fish for those who wish to discover Thailand's underwater beauty.

During the day, lunch will be served at Tonsai Bay. This southern stretch of Phi Phi Ley Island offers sweeping views of the surrounding sea. The afternoon is spent cruising to Bamboo Island and possibly other islands nearby, for more chances to snorkel and swim in the Andaman Sea.

After a spectacular day cruising the Phi Phi Islands, it is time to return to Phuket. Transfer back by boat and car, arriving at your hotel early this evening.

Take a closer look at Phuket's rich cultural heritage on this unique tour.

You'll be met at your hotel and start with a visit to the island's historic quarters, where a delightful mix of old and new buildings can be found. See Phuket's oldest Chinese shrine, learning about the Chinese migrants who came to the island in the 19th century to work in the tin mines.

Continue past Sino-Portuguese buildings which attest to the island's past as a key stop on the Asian trading routes. There is also a chance to visit a colourful fruit market where locally-grown tropical fruits are sold.

Following this insightful walking tour, return to the vehicle and drive to the summit of Rang Hill. Enjoy sweeping views of the town, seeing the heritage buildings from a different point of view. A refreshing cocktail and light snack will be served at this scenic location.

The tour comes to a close with dinner at a great local restaurant. Afterwards, you'll be transferred back to your hotel.

Transfer: Phuket - Rawai Beach to Phuket Airport