Thailand : An Authentic Experience
- A Secret Retreats journey -
This journey has been personally designed by Nattinee Kulsin, Born in Sukhothai and Head Concierge at Secret Retreats
All our itineraries have generally been constructed on the basis of the rooms that have the most charm or best view, and not necessarily the first prices, nor the most expensive suites.
We can of course adjust according to your request.
What separates us apart from others? Secret Retreats creates tailor-made journeys.
Passionate about travel, Secret Retreats will design and create the perfect journey to match both your time and budget.
We have designed journeys throughout the country, and we introduce guests to the local people and their traditions. We offer authentic experiences that will sway your heart, including choosing the best guide to match your needs, taking you to a dreamy small island, or along cultural paths and historic sites of interest, complemented by a small charming hotel or an inviting villa discreetly tucked far away from busy crowds amid nature. Secret Retreats’s exclusive programs include «The Bohemian Residence Strolls», itineraries towards the south near Khao Sok, and discoveries in the rural province of Isan.
Discover Bangkok’s canals, its charming temples and river, then Thailand’s ancient cities in the North, and without missing the Golden Triangle. The following is what you can expect on this 10-day journey filled with discovery.
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Your Journey Day by Day
from 2,800 USD / person for 10 days / 9 nights
Day 1 : Bangkok (-)
Arrive in Bangkok in the morning where you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Free time. In the early afternoon, you will be transferred to the edge of the river, where you will board a boat to discover the fascinating Thonburi canals (klongs) on the other side of the river, followed by a visit to majestic, coloured ceramic Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) on the edge of the river. Return to hotel. Lunch and dinner at leisure.
HOTEL: CHAKRABONGSE VILLAS (GARDEN SUITE) 4* BOUTIQUE
Day 2 : Bangkok (B/-)
In the morning you will visit the Pak Klong Talat market. Just nearby you will continue with a visit to Wat Pho, a temple known for its reclining Buddha and Thai massage school. The next stop will be at the must-see Grand Palace with its golden arrows, chedis, colourful hallways, richly adorned reception halls, and of course, the Royal Palladium, Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Keo). Wander along the piers near the palace to witness the clusters of people going up and down the river in their boats, and soak in the atmospheric street vendors and amulet market. If you like, you can have lunch at one of the little restaurants near the river, at Supanniga Eating Room for example. In the afternoon, you will meet up at the canal near to Wat Saket, and embark on a bus-boat like all the locals do to discover the canal and a lesser-known area in Bangkok, which will bring you to the Jim Thompson house that is also a museum. There you will get to see typical Thai architecture, Thai pavilions, a magnificent collection of objects d’art its tropical garden. Return to the hotel. Lunch and dinner at leisure.
HOTEL: CHAKRABONGSE VILLAS (GARDEN SUITE) 4* BOUTIQUE
Day 3 : Bangkok – Ayutthaya – Suphanburi (B/-/D)
In the morning, you will head north to Ayutthaya to visit the ancient royal capital. You will first take a one-hour excursion on board a « tuk tuk kermit » (a large tuk tuk that seats 6 people) that will take you along the river to witness the remains of the ancient capital. You will visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the symbol of Ayutthaya in the heart of the ancient royal palace, and Wat Mahathat with its Buddha head buried in the roots of a banyan tree. You will then proceed in your minivan and head to the outer part of the island with its majestic Wat Chaiwatthanaram that lies on the edge of the river. You will also see the very picturesque Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, and its reclining Buddha and various other statues. You will then continue onwards to the Suphanburi region. Your minivan will stop along the river where the fish will be waiting for you to feed them. Next you will take a boat up the river to a small, quaint village and check into your villa. Enjoy some free time to swim in the pool and explore the peaceful environs. Lunch at leisure. Dinner is included at the villa.
HOTEL: BOHEMIAN’S RESIDENCE (Villa) 4*
Day 4 : Suphanburi – Uthai Thani – Sukhothai (B/L/-)
After breakfast you will leave this small village and head North. In the middle of the rice paddy fields situated North of the small town of Uthaï Thani, nature created a small wondera mini valley hidden amid enormous ferns and lush vegetation interspersed with natural caves. Your car will then drop you off at the entrance to Uthaï Thanin so that you can visit the incredible Thasung Temple that is covered in small mirrors. Next, you will take a boat cruise along the picturesque Sakaekrang River and pass by small houses and floating gardens. Lunch will be served onboard the boat. You will then travel by road and arrive to Sukhothai at the end of the afternoon. Check-in and dinner at leisure.
HOTEL: SRIWILAI SUKHOTHAI (Deluxe) 4* boutique
Day 5 : Sukhothai (B/-)
Today will be dedicated to visiting Siam’s first capital. It will begin on a bicycle (or a portion of it on a little tram if you prefer) in the Sukhothai’s historic park, home to Wat Mahathat, and the pretty Wat Sa Si located on a little Island. You will also see Wat Si Sawai. Outside the park there are diverse temples and ruins scattered throughout the countryside including Wat Si Chum and its 15-metre High « talking Buddha » as well as the rarely visited Wat Phra Pai Luang. You will have time to relax and explore the lawns, water features and mature trees at your own pace. On the edge of Wat Saphan Hin’s hillock there is a 12-metre high Buddha replete with panoramic views over the plains. You will then return to your hotel for some leisure time to explore the area, swim in the pool, and relax. Lunch and dinner at leisure.
HOTEL: SRIWILAI SUKHOTHAI (Deluxe) 4* boutique
Day 6 : Sukhothai – Lampang – Chiang Rai (B/-)
In the morning, you will leave for Lampang. There, you will take a horse-drawn carriage to discover this historic town, its small roads near the river, its inviting atmosphere, and pretty old teak wood homes. Visit one of these houses, Baan Sao Nak. You will continue north of Lampang to Phayao, stopping along the way at a place where women sell fruit, vegetables, and produce foraged from the forest. From there you will take a short stroll along a small path set alongside a cliff laden with big trees and witness historic paintings. Next you will north in the direction of Phayo, with a stop near a lake that is one of Thailand’s most important water resources. At the edge of the lake there are many colourful and imaginative Buddhist Hell statues. You will then continue onwards to Chiang Rai. Check-in at the hotel. Lunch and dinner at leisure.
HOTEL: THE LEGEND (Pool View Bungalow) 3* boutique
Day 7 : Chiang Rai – Golden Triangle – Mae Chan (B/-)
Better known as the Golden Triangle, explore the Chiang Saen region. Stop at Sam Moum Muang Mountain and embrace the superb views of the Golden Triangle and its three country borders. Embark on a motorized wooden boat and take a one-hour ride along the Mekong. Visit the Hall of Opium (closed Mondays), a museum depicting 500 years of history. Continue onto Mae Fah Luang. Visit the botanical garden and its magnificent flowerbeds (in full bloom during the winter), and a royal chalet. Next stop at Doi Thung, where on a clear day the views expand over the mountains of both Burma and Thailand. Arrive to your little farm hotel located in the middle of paddy fields in the Mae Chan region. Lunch and dinner at leisure.
HOTEL: AHSA FARM (DOUBLE ROOM) 3* CHARM
Day 8 : Mae Chan – Mae Salong – Chiang Mai (B/-)
Situated just a few minutes from your hotel and surrounded by hills, you will find the Tham Pa Asha Thong Temple. As the temple is so isolated, the monks go to receive their alms on horseback. You too can participate in the offering ritual. Set in the mountains, the Mae Salong region leads to a small town founded by the Kuomintang that is filled with ethnic minorities and rich culture. Stop to admire the countryside filled with tea plantations, visit a tea plantation and watch the workers pick the tealeaves off the plants, and view how tea is made from start to finish. Next, you will stop at the large village of Thaton located just next to the Myanmar border. In the afternoon you will head towards Chiang Mai via Chiang Do. There one can access Chiang Dao’s caves and little pavilions before entering the caves and see stalactites that are in the lit up the different chambers. You will arrive to your hotel to relax at the end of the afternoon. Lunch and dinner at leisure.
HOTEL: RACHAMANKHA (Superior) 4* boutique
Day 9 : Chiang Mai (B/-)
Depart for Mae Taeng located approximately an hour North of town. You will go down the river on a bamboo raff. If you wish, for a nominal sum you can take a ride on an elephant in one of the elephant camps. You will continue to Sri Lanna park and stop to see a lovely waterfall set around a forest. You can climb up to the top of the waterfall, go down to the foot, or take a refreshing swim. Return to town. In the afternoon, you will go to the mountain that that dominates Chiang Mai and visit the highly regarded 1056-metre high Doi Suthep Temple. Access to this temple is via a large staircase with ramps in the shape of naga, the mystical serpent. You can also access the temple on a little funicular to embrace the views of Chiang Mai and the valley below. Return to hotel. Lunch and dinner at leisure.
HOTEL: RACHAMANKHA (Superior) 4* boutique
Day 10 : Chiang Mai – Departure (B/-)
Early in the morning you will be driven to Wat Srisoda to participate in the alms bowl offering, a ritual that locals participate in every day. Return to your hotel for breakfast. Next you will visit Ton Lam Ya, a local market where people shop for food, take a leisurely stroll around the little nearby roads, then take a rickshaw ride to the old town with a stop at Wat Chiang Man, the city’s oldest temple. Return to your hotel or transfer to the airport to take you to your next destination.
Your Accommodation on this Asia Travel Itinerary
Thailand : An Authentic Experience
10 days / 9 nights
from 2,800 USD / person
The total price includes :
Accommodations for 9 nights
All meals as mentioned in the program
All transfers from airport, to airport and all destinations visited (private A/C car)
Guided visits, activities and excursions mentioned in the program
English speaking guide for local sightseeing.
Government tax and service tax
The total price does not include :
Domestic and International flight to and from Bangkok
Early check in or late check out
Extra activities and meals not mentioned in the program
Personal expenses, drinks, tips, etc
Travel Insurance
This Secret Journey was designed in cooperation with Nattinee and Green Trails (License 24/00060).
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