...Trip idea
Thailand Top to Toe
Discover the best that Thailand has to offer, from elephant encounters in tented camps to pristine beaches and glittering temples
Days 1-3: Golden Triangle
After arriving in Bangkok, fly north to Chiang Rai for three nights exploring the highlands of northern Thailand. The region is best known for its 800,000 or so minority peoples, known collectively as hill tribes, or Cha Khao in Thai, who farm the region where the borders of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand meet – a region referred to as the Golden Triangle.
While the tribes share some traits, each has its own distinctive dress, language and customs. Visiting their villages, trekking among rich mountain scenery, interacting with elephants in their natural habitat, and motoring down the Mekong on longtail boats are just a few of the activities on offer in the region.
Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
Strung out along a hillside among thick bamboo forest, with views of Myanmar and the mountains of Laos, the 15 air-conditioned tents of the all-inclusive Four Seasons are imbued with the spirit of the 19th century. But it’s neither tents nor setting that are likely to leave the most lasting impression. That honour goes to the resident elephants that the hotel has rescued from Thailand’s crowded streets. There are several ways to interact responsibly with these gentle giants, including bathing them, feeding them and trekking beside them along verdant jungle pathways.
Days 4-5: Chiang Mai
Thailand’s laidback second city will be your next destination. Though a great base for trekking and rafting adventures, Chiang Mai has plenty to offer of its own, with upmarket bars and shopping outlets, top-notch restaurants and smart hotels, as well as peaceful wats (temples) and busy street markets, many within the boundaries of its 19th century moat.
The city’s annual flower festival, in February, is an excellent time to visit, with colourful displays of orchids and other regional flowers, together with street parades.
137 Pillars, Chang Mai
Atmospheric charm surrounds classy 137 Pillars in Chiang Mai, where the original 19th century teak homestead forms the focus of the historic hotel, located in the riverside Wat Gate neighbourhood. The serene gardens are where the gorgeous pool is located, bordered by a vast green wall. Suites are also roomy, peaceful spaces that come with roll top baths and elegant verandas – the upper floor bedrooms have the biggest, while the ground floor suites offer cooling plunge pools. Drop into the spa for a traditional Thai massage and enjoy refined Thai cuisine in the lantern-lit, teak dining house, accompanied by the ever-smiling service that Thailand is known for.
Days 6-10: Andaman Coast
If by now you’re yearning for those beautiful Thai beaches, then the Andaman Coast will tick all your boxes. Imposing limestone stacks rise up from secluded bays fringed by fine-sand beaches, and coral-rich marine parks reveal some of the country’s best dive sites.
Phuket is the gateway to the region and where you’ll fly in to. Further south, Krabi’s craggy coastline attracts birders, climbers and kayakers alike, and serves as a jumping-off point for trips by longtail boat to popular Koh Phi Phi and quieter Koh Lanta. Perhaps our favourite spot, however, is Phang Nga Bay, home to the heavenly Six Senses Yao Noi.
Six Senses Yao Noi
Six Senses has set a high bar for resorts all across Asia, and its offering on Yao Noi, an island sheltered among the calm waters and jutting limestone pinnacles of Phang Nga Bay, is no exception. True, its spacious villas – all with private infinity pools – are not technically on the beach, but that’s easily forgiven when you see the breathtaking views that their hillside position affords them. Add a sensational spa and a roster of excursions that includes Muay Thai boxing and kayaking to Scaramanga’s lair from The Man with the Golden Gun and you know you’re on to a winner.
Days 11-12: Bangkok
Complete your Thai adventure with two nights beside Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River. The Thai capital’s attractions are almost endless, but if this is your first visit then not-to-be-missed sites include the vast reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, the opulent Grand Palace, and a boat trip down the canals to see the city’s floating markets.
End by toasting your trip at one of the city’s excellent rooftop bars, like the Sky Bar at Lebua State Tower, one of the highest rooftop bars in the world.
The Siam
This urban sanctuary is a Bangkok one-off, a welcome departure from the city’s many vast and corporate luxury hotels. In a way you’re going full circle, as design of The Siam – a fusion of Thai-colonial and Art Deco styles – was entrusted to Bill Bensley, the same avant-garde designer behind the Four Seasons Tented Camp in Chiang Rai. Swim laps in the river-view infinity pool, catch a movie at the private cinema, work on your wellbeing at the Opium Spa, or take the hotel’s private riverboat to visit sites on the Chao Phraya.
Stephanie Carthy
Personal Travel Designer
01488 689700 stephanie.carthy@baileyrobinson.com Read Stephanie’s profile
In conversation
Meet the Maker: Bill Bensley
We talk to the man behind some of Asia's most 'out there' wilderness retreats, including Cambodia's Shinta Mani Wild and Bali's Capella Ubud
Booking with Bailey Robinson means access to the finest travel experiences. When planning your holiday we do all the hard work – in-depth research and meticulous organisation. You can be confident in the individual care for your holiday from your dedicated and experienced Personal Travel Designer and Concierge.
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