Bangkok & Philippines Discovery: Cities, Beaches & Islands

Your Thailand holiday begins today as you check in at NEW YORK for your overnight flight to Bangkok, gateway to Southeast Asia. With luggage checked and travel documents in hand, anticipation builds for a journey of gilded temples, floating markets, and tropical escapes.

On board, settle into your non-stop long-haul flight and make yourself comfortable. Enjoy the wide choice of in-flight entertainment, relax with a book, or simply rest as you cross continents. By tomorrow, the familiar rhythm of home will give way to the buzz of tuk-tuks, the scent of incense, and the sparkle of Bangkok’s skyline.

Travel with confidence knowing your journey is fully ATOL-protected. The days ahead promise cultural treasures, riverside life, and the warm hospitality of Thailand.

Touch down at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and be welcomed to the bustling Thai capital. After clearing immigration, you’ll transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city. Along the way, catch your first glimpse of soaring skyscrapers, ornate shrines, and the lively streets
that make Bangkok one of Asia’s most captivating cities.

The rest of the day is at leisure for you to relax and adjust to the tropical climate. Perhaps take a refreshing dip in the hotel pool, stroll through a nearby night market, or simply unwind after your long flight. Bangkok’s energy is always present — fragrant street food stalls, golden temples glittering in the distance, and the gentle flow of the Chao Phraya River setting the rhythm of life.

For those eager to venture out, consider an optional evening excursion such as a traditional Thai dinner cruise, or simply wander to soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere at your own pace.

Dive into the heart of Bangkok with a curated exploration of the city’s most iconic sights. Begin at the resplendent Grand Palace, former royal residence and the spiritual heart of Thailand. Marvel at intricate gilded chedis, mirror mosaics, and the revered Emerald Buddha, set amid dazzling courtyards and cloistered galleries.

Continue to Wat Pho, home of the immense Reclining Buddha and birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Cross the Chao Phraya River by local ferry to the porcelain-inlaid spires of Wat Arun, where riverside breezes and panoramic views frame Bangkok’s timeless skyline.

Later, slip into a classic long-tail boat for a klong (canal) cruise through the quieter waterways of Thonburi. Stilted wooden homes, orchid-draped verandas and neighbourhood shrines reveal the city’s traditional rhythm, far from the downtown bustle.

Welcome to Manila, the spirited capital of the Philippines. Step into the walled streets of Intramuros, where cobbled lanes, baroque churches and Spanish-era bastions reveal centuries of history at every turn. Pause at leafy plazas, horse-drawn kalesas clip-clopping past stone ramparts and antique wooden casas.

Stroll the Manila Bay waterfront for golden-hour views and famous sunsets. Dive into the city’s marketplaces — Quiapo and Divisoria — for souvenirs, fabrics and the hum of everyday life. For art and artefacts, linger at Rizal Park and the National Museum, where the nation’s story comes vividly to life.

As evening falls, taste modern Filipino cuisine in Makati or Bonifacio Global City (BGC). Night owls can find speakeasies and live bands in Malate and Poblacion — where Manila’s nightlife thrums till late.

• Walk Intramuros — Fort Santiago, San Agustin.
• Sunset on Manila Bay.
• Shop Quiapo & Divisoria markets.
• Dine in Makati or BGC; nightlife in Poblacion.

Fly into Puerto Princesa, capital of the idyllic island province of Palawan. Known for its turquoise bays, limestone cliffs and lush rainforest, this tropical haven is often called the last ecological frontier of the Philippines. The laid-back rhythm of the city makes it the perfect base to begin your Palawan adventure.

On arrival, stroll or cycle along the palm-lined promenade, taking in gentle sea breezes and views of fishing boats bobbing offshore. Pause at a local café or bar for a refreshing drink and enjoy the warm hospitality of the island’s residents. The evening is free to relax and prepare for tomorrow’s exploration of one of Palawan’s greatest natural wonders.

Tomorrow awaits a visit to the renowned Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, home to one of the world’s longest underground rivers, where cathedral-like chambers and unique ecosystems promise a truly unforgettable experience.

• Arrive in Puerto Princesa, Palawan’s capital.
• Stroll or cycle along the palm-lined seafront.
• Relax with a drink in a local bar or café.
• Prepare for tomorrow’s Underground River adventure.

Rise early for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. At 6:30am you’ll be picked up from your hotel (please be ready 15 minutes early) for the drive to the park. Board a small paddle boat and glide into the limestone cave system, where crystal-clear waters flow through vast underground chambers adorned with stalactites and stalagmites.

This surreal journey reveals a subterranean ecosystem like no other — cathedral-like caverns, hidden passages, and colonies of swallows and bats. After your exploration, enjoy a tasty local lunch before continuing to your next destination: the coastal village of Sabang. Expect to arrive at your hotel around 5:00pm, where the rest of the evening is at leisure.

• Explore the Puerto Princesa Underground River.
• Marvel at dramatic cave formations and underground chambers.
• Enjoy a tasty local lunch.
• Transfer to Sabang and evening at leisure.

Wake up in Sabang, a peaceful coastal village on Palawan Island that combines laid-back charm with natural wonders. The day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Bask on pristine beaches where soft white sands meet turquoise waters, or dive into the rich marine world with snorkelling and diving trips that reveal vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish.

For adventure seekers, hiking trails wind through lush rainforests leading to hidden caves, waterfalls, and lookout points with spectacular views of the coastline. Those preferring relaxation can enjoy the quiet rhythm of the village, savour fresh seafood, or simply stretch out beneath swaying palms. Whether active or restful, Sabang offers the perfect taste of paradise.

• Relax on Sabang’s beaches.
• Snorkel or dive among colourful reefs.
• Hike rainforest trails to caves and waterfalls.
• Unwind with fresh seafood and village hospitality.

Touch down in El Nido, Palawan’s crown jewel, where sheer limestone cliffs rise from jade-green bays. After your transfer and check-in, the rest of the day is at leisure. Stroll along the beachfront promenade, dip your toes in warm shallows, or settle into a café and watch bancas (outrigger boats) bob on the water.

If energy allows, join a sunset walk to Corong-Corong Beach for glowing views across Bacuit Bay, or try a gentle kayak along the shoreline to get your first taste of El Nido’s glassy waters.

• Leisure check-in and beachfront strolls.
• First sunset over Bacuit Bay.

Set out on an unforgettable island-hopping excursion to some of El Nido’s most spectacular spots: the winding sandbar of Snake Island, the gleaming Sand Bar, cathedral-like chambers of Cathedral Cave, the archaeological site at Cudugnon, and powder-soft Entalula Beach. Expect crystalline lagoons, snorkelling above vibrant coral reefs, and time to laze on perfect crescents of white sand.

Your tour starts at 8:30am and finishes at around 4:00pm. Bring swimwear, a rash guard, and a dry bag for phones and cameras. A simple beach picnic or local lunch is typically included.

• Swim and snorkel over coral gardens.
• Walk the iconic Snake Island sandbar.
• Explore Cathedral Cave and Cudugnon.
• Unwind on Entalula Beach.

A free day to savour El Nido your way. Paddle a kayak into hidden coves, snorkel in calm bays, or hire a tricycle to Nacpan Beach for a long sweep of golden sand and rolling surf. Prefer altitude? Hike to the Taraw Cliff Viewpoint with a licensed guide for breathtaking panoramas over lagoon-studded Bacuit Bay (the route is steep and rocky—good fitness, sturdy footwear, and safety gear for the Canopy Walk are essential).

Arrive on the idyllic island of Panglao, part of the Province of Bohol and a true traveller’s paradise. Check in to your resort and spend the afternoon at leisure on Alona Beach, where powdery white sands meet crystal-clear turquoise waters. The beach buzzes with cafés, seafood grills and a laid-back island atmosphere perfect for your first taste of Panglao.

For those feeling adventurous, consider a short visit to Hinagdanan Cave, where shafts of sunlight illuminate a cavern of stalagmites and stalactites above an underground lagoon. As evening falls, dine on fresh seafood along the shore or simply watch the sun dip into the Bohol Sea.

• Relax at Alona Beach.
• Optional visit to Hinagdanan Cave.
• Seafood dinner on the beachfront.

Today you’ll uncover the rural treasures of Bohol on a full-day guided excursion. You will be picked up from your hotel at 9:00am for a scenic journey through the island’s countryside. Visit a centuries-old Spanish colonial church, then continue to the iconic Chocolate Hills, a surreal landscape of more than 1,200 grassy mounds that turn cocoa-brown in the dry season.

Stop at the Tarsier Sanctuary to observe the world’s second-smallest primate, with their wide eyes and gentle presence, in a protected environment. Later, board a boat for a leisurely Loboc River Cruise, drifting past jungle-fringed banks as you enjoy a tasty Filipino lunch and live music on board. Expect to arrive back at your resort around 4:00pm.

• See the iconic Chocolate Hills.
• Spot adorable tarsiers in their sanctuary.
• Enjoy a Loboc River Cruise with lunch.

A full day to enjoy Panglao at your own pace. Lounge on soft white sands or take a boat trip to Balicasag Island, famed for its world-class diving and snorkelling. Swim above vibrant coral gardens teeming with reef fish, turtles, and colourful marine life, or simply relax in a hammock with views of turquoise waters.

Back on Panglao, enjoy freshly caught seafood or tropical fruit shakes at a beachside restaurant. As evening falls, soak in the island’s laid-back nightlife, with open-air bars offering music and cocktails by the sea.

• Snorkel or dive at Balicasag Island.
• Relax on Panglao’s pristine beaches.
• Fresh seafood and tropical fruit by the sea.

This morning, bid farewell to Panglao as you transfer to the airport for your flight back to Manila. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for one final evening in the vibrant capital. The rest of the day is at leisure to shop for last-minute souvenirs, revisit a favourite spot, or simply relax and reflect on the extraordinary journey through the islands of the Philippines.

Perhaps take a sunset stroll along Roxas Boulevard overlooking Manila Bay or enjoy a celebratory dinner in Makati or BGC, sampling modern Filipino cuisine. Tonight is your chance to soak up the final flavours and rhythms of this captivating country before heading home.

• Fly Panglao → Manila.
• Evening at leisure in the capital.
• Final dinner and reflections on your journey.

After breakfast, transfer to Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport for your flight home to the NEW YORK. As you board your flight, carry with you unforgettable memories of limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons, vibrant reefs, and the warm Filipino hospitality that made this trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

• Transfer to Manila Airport.
• Fly home to the NEW YORK.
• End of your Philippines journey.