TEMPLE BELLS & INCENSE

Your vacation begins in buzzing Bangkok, where ancient temples jostle for position with towering skyscrapers, and where you can visit opulent palaces and floating markets, and have a cocktail in a rooftop bar overlooking the Chao Phraya River and the city beyond. Enjoy a sightseeing trip along the river, maybe in a traditional khlong boat or on a sunset dinner cruise, for alternative views of the city as it goes about its daily life. Pass by the beautiful Wat Arun, or Temple of Dawn, on the waterfront, which is an iconic landmark in Bangkok. Shop in designer boutiques, explore the winding alleyways, and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of this unique city.

The COMO Metropolitan Bangkok is a chic escape where you can refresh and relax after your flight, and it’s also a welcome haven to return to after a day exploring Bangkok.

Your next stop is Chiang Rai, which has a spectacular setting among mountains, jungles and elephants in the heart of Thailand’s Golden Triangle - where the Mekong and Ruak rivers meet and the borders with Laos and Myanmar aren’t far away.

Explore incredible temples and palaces, from ancient masterpieces to the dazzling Wat Rong Khun, a lavish modern temple bedecked in white. Animal lovers won’t want to miss the chance to see the elephants and spend a memorable day with a mahout, to learn how to care for and bathe them.

The Legend Chiang Rai is nestled in tropical gardens on the banks of the Mae Kok River. Enjoy a scenic boat trip on the river on a traditional longtail boat, relax with a swim in your private pool, and linger over a delicious barbecue and a cocktail or two, accompanied by live music.

Chiang Mai sits beside the Mae Ping River, a tributary of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, and is a showcase of historic splendour. Wander the charming lanes of the oldest part of the city, and visit the markets and temples within its ancient walls. Chiang Mai is home to hundreds of ornate temples, and here you’ll find some of the oldest. In the evening, the night bazaar is a must, as is enjoying dinner in the inviting riverside restaurants.

Around the city, you’ll find a countryside of pristine rainforests, gushing waterfalls and hot springs, as well as hidden villages and elephant sanctuaries.  

Your hotel, 137 Pillars House, is just a 15-minute walk from the night bazaar and is also near temples and museums - visit the fascinating Wat Gate temple complex on the doorstep. After discovering Chiang Mai, relax on your veranda, overlooking the tranquil gardens, or unwind in the spa.

The A-list island of Koh Samui may be small but certainly packs a punch, its aquamarine waters fringed by sweeping white sand beaches looked over by coconut palms. Stay at the beautiful SALA Samui, which looks out over a pristine, unspoilt beach and has a blissful spa.

Koh Samui is a perfect spot for indulging in some quality beach relaxation in Thailand, as well as feasting on delicious world-class cuisine, visiting Buddhist temples and enjoying scenic adventures such as trekking to remote waterfalls and sailing to nearby islands in the Samui archipelago. Kayak and snorkel around the islands of the Angthong Marine Park, where you can discover sheer limestone cliffs, deserted beaches and hidden lagoons and caves.

On and around the islands, encounter wildlife, marine life and birdlife from sea turtles and parrot fish to monitor lizards and swooping sea eagles. Alex Garland’s cult novel The Beach (which became an equally cult film starring Leonardo DiCaprio) was inspired by these exotic landscapes.