Essential Bhutan and Bangkok Holiday

Spend the first couple of days of your luxury holiday at the Oriental Residence in Bangkok, spoiling yourself with delicious Chinese dishes at the hotel restaurant or luxuriating in a cabana by the fourth-floor pool. Marvel at traditional Thai architecture with a visit to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, and sample the sizzling street food of Chinatown during your stay here.

An early morning flight will take you to Paro, to begin your exciting holiday in Bhutan. It’s a 90 minute transfer to Thimphu, the scintillating capital that dazzles with regal monasteries alongside a burgeoning nightlife scene. Explore the Memorial Chorten, a temple dedicated to the memory of the late Third King, and Changangkha Lhakhang which is the oldest temple in the valley and affords sweeping views. Meet the young monks at the Dechenphodrang monastic school and interact with the nuns at Zilukha nunnery. You’ll stay at the enchanting Taj Tashi, where you can dine on local and European fare and indulge in a soothing spa session.

It’s a three-hour drive to Punakha, but on the way you’ll cross over Dochula Pass which towers at a height of 3,200 metres. Drink in the astonishing landscape of bucolic mountain peaks, and take a pit-stop to hike through the paddy field to reach Chimi Lakhang, the temple of fertility, before arriving at Dhensa Resort, a spiritual property on the banks of Mo Chhu River. During your stay in Punakha you’ll witness the extraordinary art and architecture of the region by exploring the temple Punakha Dzong, and venture out on bicycle rides or hikes to nearby ancient villages, including Rinchengang which overlooks the ruins of Wangdi Dzong.

Before returning to Paro, visit the nunnery and enjoy incredible views of Punakha and Wangdi Valley. Upon arrival in Paro, you can admire the collection of fine art, textiles and jewellery at the National Museum, encased in a 17^th century watch tower and affording spellbinding vistas of Paro Valley. Your home for the final few days is Naksel Boutique, a sumptuous bolt-hole just outside of town. In the morning, take the 3-hour hike to Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most esteemed temple which clings to the granite cliffs above Paro Valley – the climb is certainly worth it. If you are keen to squeeze in one last temple visit, Kichu Lakhang is one of the oldest in the country and embodies the birth of Buddhism in Bhutan. We’ll transfer you to Paro airport the next day for your flight home via Bangkok.