CLASSIC THAILAND

Arrive in Bangkok, where you will be met and transferred to your landmark hotel on the legendary Chao Phraya River. Over the next few days, you’ll have ample time to experience the vibrant street life, ornate shrines and eclectic markets of Thailand’s capital.

The fragrant Flower Market is a must-see. However, you should also stop at the brilliantly coloured Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, including the Funeral Palace, Throne and Coronation Halls. After seeing Wat Arun and the 46-metre-long reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, you can cruise along the Thonburi klongs (canals) to watch life on the river banks go by – a serene contrast to the busy city.

Stay: Two nights in a Deluxe Balcony Room at The Peninsula Bangkok – breakfast included

This morning, you’ll transfer to the airport for your short flight to Chiang Mai. Check into your hotel which was designed after the chapel of one of Thailand’s most beautiful temples.

The next day, you’ll drive up a winding road to reach the magnificently situated Wat Doi Suthep. Perched atop a forested mountain with sweeping views of the city below, this most sacred of Chiang Mai’s temples houses a wealth of Buddha images, murals and Buddhist art. Climb the 290-stepped Naga staircase to reach the temple before taking a local truck to the Hmong village of Khun Chang Kian, where locals still retain their traditional hill tribe clothes and 500-year-old culture.

You will spend the following day at the Elephant Nature Park, an elephant rescue and rehabilitation centre in Northern Thailand, where these gentle giants are free to interact and play in natural surroundings, including a nearby river, custom built pools and mud pits. Enjoy meeting the elephants, feeding them fruits and watching them play in the water as you learn about their individual histories.

Stay: Three nights in a Deluxe Room at the Rachamankha – breakfast included

This morning, you’ll bid goodbye to Chiang Mai and hop on a flight to Phuket, where you’ll spend six nights in peaceful seclusion at The Surin.

Located on one of the island’s prettiest beaches, you’ll be able to alternate your time between relaxing on white sands beneath shady coconut palms; dips in the black-tiled swimming pool; and treatments at the impressive spa with its indoor and outdoor spa cottages. Of course, you’ll have a host of watersports at your fingertips and access to the onsite tennis courts and golf at nearby courses.

Stay: Six nights in a Superior Cottage at The Surin – breakfast included

Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.