Arrive in Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling capital and your stopover gateway en route to the Philippines. After clearing immigration, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel in the city. Along the way, glimpses of golden temples, lively street stalls and towering skyscrapers give you a first taste of Bangkok’s electric energy.

The remainder of the day is free for you to relax after your long flight. Unwind by the hotel pool, take a gentle walk to a nearby market, or simply rest in preparation for the adventures ahead. For those keen to venture out, Bangkok’s riverside restaurants and colourful night markets provide an atmospheric introduction to Southeast Asia.

This short stopover offers the perfect balance of comfort and discovery before your onward flight to Manila, where your Philippines exploration begins.

A full day to enjoy Bangkok at your own pace. Relax at the hotel, take a leisurely stroll through nearby neighbourhoods, or immerse yourself in the city’s cultural treasures on an optional guided sightseeing tour. Highlights include the dazzling Grand Palace, the serene Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho), and a cross-river ferry ride to the porcelain spires of Wat Arun.

Alternatively, glide along the Chao Phraya River and through quiet canals on a long-tail boat, witnessing life along the waterways, or browse one of Bangkok’s famed markets for handicrafts, textiles, and street food. For the evening, you may choose to enjoy a traditional Thai dinner cruise as the city lights twinkle on the riverbanks.

However you spend it, today offers the chance to balance exploration with relaxation before continuing your journey onward to the Philippines.

A short journey north from Bangkok brings you to Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former Siamese capital. Wander the sprawling Ayutthaya Historical Park, where weathered brick chedis, serene Buddha images and palace ruins evoke centuries of royal splendour amid banyan roots and birdsong.

Explore highlights such as Wat Mahathat (the Buddha head entwined in tree roots), the elegant riverside spires of Wat Chaiwatthanaram, and the royal temple complex of Wat Phra Si Sanphet. Later, drift along Ayutthaya’s canals and encircling rivers on a gentle boat tour for a different perspective of the ruins and lush riverbanks.

As the day softens towards sunset, the silhouettes of chedis and prangs glow amber—an atmospheric finale before returning to Bangkok.

• Discover Ayutthaya Historical Park with a local guide.
• See Wat Mahathat, Wat Chaiwatthanaram and Wat Phra Si Sanphet.
• Optional river boat tour for sunset views.

Leave Bangkok behind for the jungle-fringed landscapes of Kanchanaburi, a place where poignant history meets river-bend serenity. Begin at the iconic Bridge on the River Kwai, a stark reminder of the WWII-era “Death Railway.” Walk the span for views over the Kwae Yai and listen to stories that bring the past into focus.

Continue to the War Museum and the beautifully maintained Kanchanaburi War Cemetery to pay respects. Time permitting, ride a short section of the historic railway along cliffside tracks above the river—an atmospheric journey through limestone outcrops and bamboo thickets. Check in to your riverside accommodation and enjoy a calm evening by the water.

• Walk the Bridge on the River Kwai.
• Visit the War Museum and War Cemetery.
• Optional Death Railway train ride.

Trade steel and sleepers for emerald pools on a day trip to Erawan National Park. Follow the jungle path past seven terraced cascades of the famed Erawan Falls; swim in clear turquoise basins where tiny fish nibble at your toes and sunlight filters through bamboo and teak. Nature lovers can extend along forest trails for wildlife and birdsong, or simply linger at a favourite tier to soak up the scene.

Alternatively (or time permitting), visit the poignant Hellfire Pass Memorial, where an interpretive trail and museum illuminate the human stories behind the railway’s most difficult section. Return to your lodge by late afternoon; evenings are peaceful on the river—perfect for a longtail cruise or a quiet dinner to the sound of cicadas.

• Swim at Erawan Falls turquoise pools.
• Optional visit to Hellfire Pass Memorial.
• Evening cruise or riverside dinner on the Kwai.

Travel south to the Andaman Sea, where the serene island of Koh Lanta awaits. Check in at your beachfront resort and let the pace of life slow to island time. Spend the afternoon at leisure: stroll barefoot along golden sands, dip into clear waters, or simply recline beneath palms with a cooling drink. As dusk falls, watch a spectacular Andaman sunset over the horizon.

A free day to savour Koh Lanta at your own rhythm. Bask on uncrowded beaches or set out on a snorkelling trip to nearby reefs teeming with colourful marine life. For those seeking exploration, optional excursions head to Koh Rok or Emerald Cave on Koh Mook, offering crystalline lagoons and dazzling underwater worlds.

As the day winds down, enjoy freshly grilled seafood at a rustic beachside shack, accompanied by the sound of waves and lantern light.

Today offers the chance to discover Koh Lanta’s wilder side. Head inland for gentle treks through lush jungle trails in Mu Koh Lanta National Park, home to macaques, monitor lizards, and exotic birds. Pause at lighthouses and scenic viewpoints for sweeping ocean panoramas. Alternatively, wander through traditional fishing villages where wooden stilt houses and colourful boats reveal the island’s authentic way of life.

Return to your resort in the afternoon for time to relax by the pool or beach. Evenings on Koh Lanta are peaceful, often spent with a sunset cocktail followed by dinner under the stars.

Your final day on Koh Lanta is free to enjoy as you wish. Rise early for a yoga session by the beach, kayak across calm mangrove waters, or simply laze beneath swaying palms with a book. Those wanting a little indulgence may choose a Thai massage at a beachfront sala while waves lap nearby.

In the evening, gather for a final sunset stroll on the beach, letting the fiery sky reflect on the sea—a fitting close to your island retreat before the next leg of your adventure.

This morning, depart Koh Lanta by boat and head across the shimmering Andaman waters to the Koh Phi Phi archipelago. Famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs and turquoise lagoons, Koh Phi Phi offers a tropical island paradise. After checking in to your hotel on Koh Phi Phi Don, the only inhabited island, spend the rest of the day at leisure. Stroll along sandy bays, swim in crystalline waters, or simply relax with a cocktail while gazing out across the emerald horizon.

As evening falls, the island comes alive with beachside dining, fire shows and a lively but laid-back nightlife atmosphere.

Today is dedicated to exploring the natural wonders of Koh Phi Phi. Set out on a boat trip to the world-famous Maya Bay, its secluded cove of white sand framed by towering cliffs and turquoise waters, made famous by the film The Beach. Continue to hidden lagoons and snorkelling spots, where vibrant coral reefs teem with tropical fish and, with luck, sea turtles.

Return in the afternoon for free time on the island. Unwind on the beach, indulge in a Thai massage, or watch the sun melt into the horizon from a clifftop viewpoint. For those seeking energy after dark, Koh Phi Phi Don offers lively beach bars and unforgettable parties beneath the stars.

• Boat trip to Maya Bay and lagoons.
• Snorkel coral reefs and see tropical marine life.
• Relax on sandy coves or enjoy Thai spa rituals.
• Optional nightlife on Koh Phi Phi Don.

Depart Koh Phi Phi by boat and cruise across the aquamarine waters of Phang-nga Bay to the serene island of Koh Yao Yai. Check in at your resort, set along palm-fringed sands, where the pace of life is slow and soothing. Spend the afternoon at leisure—relax by the pool, take a dip in the Andaman Sea, or enjoy a sunset stroll along the beach as the sky glows with fiery hues.

A full day to unwind and savour the peace of Koh Yao Yai. Stroll along empty beaches, listening to the sound of waves meeting sand, or relax beneath the palms with a good book. Many resorts offer traditional Thai spa treatments—perfect for a restorative afternoon while gazing out at the glittering Andaman.

Evenings are calm and atmospheric; enjoy freshly caught seafood with a backdrop of lantern-lit gardens or dine right on the sand.

For those craving adventure, rent a scooter and set out to discover Koh Yao Yai’s hidden charms. Wind along quiet coastal roads past rubber plantations and mangrove forests, stopping at secluded coves where turquoise waters lap untouched sands. Visit small fishing villages where colourful boats bob on the tide and glimpse the island’s authentic rural rhythm.

Alternatively, join an optional boat excursion around Phang-nga Bay, exploring limestone karsts and secret lagoons accessible only by kayak.

Enjoy your last full day on Koh Yao Yai, soaking up the serene atmosphere of this tranquil island. Rise early for a quiet sunrise stroll along the beach, or take one more dip in the warm waters of the Andaman Sea. The day is yours to relax at the resort, indulge in a Thai massage, or revisit a favourite hidden cove discovered during your stay.

For the more adventurous, optional activities include kayaking through mangrove channels, snorkelling in nearby bays, or cycling through coconut groves and villages to meet the friendly locals. As the sun sets for the last time on your journey, gather for a beachside dinner under a canopy of stars—a fitting farewell to Thailand’s islands.

Depart Koh Yao Yai by boat and road transfer, arriving at Phuket, Thailand’s largest island. With its eclectic mix of sun, sea, culture and nightlife, Phuket offers something for everyone. Spend the day exploring at leisure or with a guided orientation tour. Visit the Big Buddha, marvel at Wat Chalong temple, or wander the colourful streets of Old Phuket Town, filled with Sino-Portuguese buildings, boutique cafés and vibrant street art.

Alternatively, relax on Phuket’s famous beaches. Choose the energy of Patong Beach with its watersports and nightlife, or seek tranquillity on the golden sands of Kata or Nai Harn. In the evening, indulge in Phuket’s renowned dining scene or experience its buzzing night markets.

After breakfast, transfer to Phuket International Airport for your return flight home. As you board your flight, carry with you a wealth of memories—from Bangkok’s vibrant streets and Ayutthaya’s temple ruins to Kanchanaburi’s poignant history and the tranquil beaches of Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Yao Yai.

This journey across Thailand’s cities, rivers, rainforests and islands leaves you with unforgettable impressions of a country where culture, history and natural beauty blend seamlessly into a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.