Timeless Kingdoms - Thailand to Cambodia Expedition

Begin a spiritually uplifting day at Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. We arrive precisely to experience the serene and ancient monk’s early morning chanting ritual (starting at 9:00 AM)—an often private, meditative moment that sets a peaceful tone for the day. After this spiritual encounter, you will be awed by the 45-meter Reclining Buddha and explore the temple grounds, which house 95 pagodas and served as Thailand’s first open university. A profound experience awaits as you have the opportunity to meet and converse with one of the temple’s resident monks. Next, step into the spectacular heart of the nation at the Grand Palace and Royal Chapel (Wat Phra Kaew). Be humbled by the sheer grandeur of the throne halls and behold the revered Emerald Buddha, carved from a single piece of jade. The afternoon transitions to the water as you board a long-tail boat on the Chao Phraya River. Observe the striking contrast of modern luxury condominiums juxtaposed with traditional ruined houses along the "River of Kings." The journey culminates at Wat Arun, the magnificent 'Temple of Dawn,' an 86-meter Khmer-style prang adorned with thousands of multi-glazed Chinese porcelains, symbolically representing the entire Buddhist universe.

Accommodation: Riva Surya Bangkok or Kimpton Maa Lai Bangkok.

After breakfast, your private transfer takes you to the airport for a flight south to the island of Phuket. Upon arrival, a scenic one-hour drive brings you to the tranquil, verdant landscapes of Khao Lak. In the afternoon, your cultural immersion begins with a poignant visit to the Tsunami Memorial Boat 813, a Thai police boat carried far inland by the tragic 2004 waves—a moment for quiet reflection on the catastrophe. To refresh your spirit, you will then embark on a ride using the most ancient Thai transportation on the river: a bamboo raft. Your attentive paddler will guide you through the jungle-fringed waterway, asking you to keep a keen eye skyward for the wildlife that often sleeps along the tree branches: monitor lizards, monkeys, or even small snakes, depending on the day. You return to the hotel, rejuvenated by the peaceful current.

Accommodation: U Samui or Anantara Lawana Koh Samui.

Today is dedicated to the breathtaking natural splendor of Cheow Larn Lake. After transfer, you board a local long-tail boat to glide across the shimmering, emerald water, absorbing the stunning scenery often dubbed the “Guilin of Thailand” (including the iconic three-karst formation of Khao Sam Klur). The adventure continues with an easy 40-minute jungle walk through the deep, lush interior, where a motorized bamboo raft awaits to transport you across a tranquil section of the lake. After witnessing this magnificent, untouched view, you will be transported to a charming floating bamboo raft house for a well-earned, traditional lunch. The long-tail boat then returns you to the pier and your private transfer back to Khao Lak.

Accommodation: U Samui or Anantara Lawana Koh Samui.

The morning offers a heartwarming, up-close encounter with Thailand’s gentle giants. You will visit a specialized camp for a unique and responsible elephant feeding and bathing experience - a joyous activity focused purely on interaction, with absolutely no riding involved. You enjoy lunch at the elephant camp before proceeding to the Turtle Conservation Center based at the Thap Lamu Naval Base. Here, you will learn about the crucial efforts being made to protect and care for sea turtles before they are released back into the wild, gaining insight into local marine conservation efforts. You return to your hotel with memories of the jungle and the coast.

Accommodation: U Samui or Anantara Lawana Koh Samui.

After checking out, you transfer to Phuket airport for your flight to the cultural capital of the North, Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, your guide greets you and immediately begins an ascent to one of Northern Thailand's most sacred sites: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Located 1,050 meters above sea level, you may choose to climb the 306 steep stairs, flanked by tremendous mythical Nagas (symbolizing the journey to Nirvana), or take the tram. At the summit, marvel at the marvelous golden chedi, which houses holy relics of the Lord Buddha, and drink in the breathtaking panoramic view of Chiang Mai City and the Ping Valley. Afterward, visit an Artisan Village to experience the high quality of local silk and exquisite silverware. As the sun sets, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and diverse flavors of a guided Street Food Tour.

Accommodation: Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, or Na Nirand Boutique Resort, or Raya Heritage.

An early start today for a cultural pilgrimage to Chiang Rai. Your first destination is the visually astonishing White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), a magnificent, contemporary, unconventional structure that seems to shimmer against the sky. You then journey on to the historical Golden Triangle, the famed meeting point of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. Here, you take a long-tail boat ride on the Khong River to truly appreciate the tri-border perspective. After a satisfying lunch, the aesthetic journey continues to the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), celebrated for its striking, sapphire-hued architecture and intricate ornamentation, before you make the return drive back to the tranquility of Chiang Mai.

Accommodation: Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, or Na Nirand Boutique Resort, or Raya Heritage.

Today, explore the breathtaking heights of Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand’s highest peak (2,565 meters). Your adventure begins with a stimulating 2-hour jungle trek along a narrow mountain trail that leads you to a stunning hidden waterfall—a pristine oasis in the middle of the lush landscape. Before reaching the Pagagayaw Karen hill tribe village, you pass through farmland showcasing coffee plantations and beautiful rice terraces. You will discover the village, sample a cup of locally grown coffee, and learn about the local way of life. Next, feel the thunderous spray of the 70-meter high Vachiratharn Waterfall. The day is capped by a visit to the exquisite twin pagodas, Napamaytanidol Chidi and Phra Mahathat Napaphon Bhumisiri, built in stunning architecture to honor the 60th birthdays of the revered King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit.

Accommodation: Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, or Na Nirand Boutique Resort, or Raya Heritage.

Enjoy your last Thai breakfast before transferring to the airport for your flight to the Khmer capital, Phnom Penh (via Bangkok). Upon arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport, you will process immigration (Visa on Arrival is available, or you can use the e-visa), collect your luggage, and be warmly greeted by your local English-speaking guide at the Exit Gate. After introductions, you are privately transferred to your hotel to check in, allowing time to relax and prepare for your Cambodian adventure.

Accommodation: Rosewood Phnom Penh, or Palace Gate Hotel & Resort by EHM.

Your exploration of this lively city begins with a truly authentic experience: a tour by Cyclo, an original Phnom Penh means of transportation. Your driver navigates you to Wat Phnom, the revered hilltop pagoda and city's founding place, before gliding through the beautiful architecture of the old French Quarter. You then visit the magnificent Royal Palace compound and the adjacent Silver Pagoda (The Emerald Buddha Temple), glittering with statues adorned in diamonds, emeralds, and silver. Continue to the National Museum, a distinctive red building housing over 5,000 pieces of Khmer art, and the imposing Independence Monument. The afternoon transitions to a necessary, somber reflection: a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21), ironically a former school, which chronicles the harrowing history of the Khmer Rouge regime. Conclude this emotional day with a tranquil 1-hour sunset cruise along the vital “Four Arms” convergence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers.

Accommodation: Rosewood Phnom Penh, or Palace Gate Hotel & Resort by EHM.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic overland journey by private vehicle, accompanied by your knowledgeable guide, from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. This is more than a drive; it is an intimate glimpse into the Cambodian soul, passing through fascinating provincial towns and bucolic villages, often pausing for water buffalo or horse-drawn carriages. Along the way, you stop for an intriguing boat trip on the vast Tonlé Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. Here, you visit Kompong Phluk (season permitting), a unique village with houses built on tall stilts, gliding past floating homes and the impressive flooded forests, gaining rare insight into life on the water. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you check into your hotel before enjoying a special Dinner with Apsara Dance Show at Angkor Village. Witness the hypnotic, traditional Khmer dance-drama that tells ancient stories—a true cultural highlight, embodying the elegance of a bespoke travel planner experience.

Accommodation: Angkor Village Hotel, or FCC Angkor by Avani.

The morning begins with an immersion into Cambodian gastronomy: a Join-in Cooking Class. Committed to sharing the nation’s culinary heritage, you will tour the restaurant gardens, pick your own fresh ingredients, and engage in a hands-on lesson to master four authentic Khmer dishes from the Lom Orng kitchen. Enjoy the fruits of your labor for lunch. In the afternoon, you delve into the Angkor complex, starting with Angkor Thom, the fortress and masterpiece of King Jayavarman VII. Explore the eccentric, creatively genius faces of Bayon Temple, before visiting the Terrace of the Leper King and the Terrace of Elephants. The spiritual journey deepens at a local pagoda, where Buddhist monks perform the ancient “Water Blessing,” chanting in Pali as they splash water to wish you health and safe travels—a very special, private moment. Next, find the magical, haunting beauty of Ta Prohm, the temple famously left to the jungle, where colossal tree roots embrace the stone blocks. The evening concludes with a truly inspiring performance of Phare, the Cambodian Circus, an hour-long blend of theater, dance, and contortionism by professional artists from Phare Ponleu Selpak.

Accommodation: Angkor Village Hotel, or FCC Angkor by Avani.

Today is a spiritual and natural adventure to the sacred Phnom Kulen National Park, the birthplace of the Khmer empire. Rising from the flat countryside, the sandstone plateau offers a refreshing, cooler climate. Your morning begins with a short 2-hour trek up a series of stairs to the summit, where the famous River of 1,000 Lingas runs its gentle course before plunging over a high fall. Here, you can relax near temple ruins, connect with this ancient sacred site, and, if the water flow permits, take a well-earned dip in the pools. After lunch and rest, you visit Cambodia’s largest Reclining Buddha and surrounding religious sites. On the way back to Siem Reap, you pay homage to the mother of all temples, Angkor Wat. Take time to admire this magnificent fusion of symbolism and symmetry—the world's largest religious building—a profound source of Khmer pride.

Accommodation: Angkor Village Hotel, or FCC Angkor by Avani.

Savor your final breakfast in Siem Reap. The morning is yours for any last-minute relaxation or souvenir hunting. At the appointed time, your private transfer will take you to Siem Reap Airport for your onward flight, carrying with you the golden memories of Thailand’s vibrant culture and Cambodia’s timeless majesty.