11 Day / 10 Nights Thailand by Train – Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Orient Express and Beach from £1160

Overview

Enjoy a stay in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, combined with travel on the Eastern & Orient Express followed by a relaxing beach break to round off a perfect Thailand package.

Day 1 and 2 Bangkok

On arrival in Bangkok you will be transferred by private car to the Banyan Tree, your home for the next 2 nights.

Teeming with temples (wats) as well as bargain shopping (silks, tailoring and fake watches), night markets, superb food and luxurious yet affordable hotels, South East Asia’s liveliest city will leave you breathless.

Your 2 days are free to explore the many sites or we can organize a half day tour to the Grand Palace or a temple tour that includes Wat Trimitr, home of the solid Gold Buddha, the reclining Buddha at Wat Po, and the magnificent marble temple of Wat Benchamabophit. One favourite trip is to zip along the Chao Phraya River and then weave through the labyrinth of canals by boat, with time to see fascinating life along the banks.

Our consultants can incorporate these and other tours into your itinerary.

Day 3 and 4 Chiang Mai

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai.

On arrival you’ll be met and transferred to the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, for a 2 night stay.

This 700-year-old-city, which still has its original moat and chunks of medieval walls, has some three dozen temples within the old city walls, including the oldest, Wat Chiang Man, built at the end of the 13th century, and Doi Suthep, perched on the top of a mountain, its golden chedi said to contain a relic from the Buddha himself. There is a dedicated half day temples’ tour. Our consultants can arrange any tours for you.

Day 5 Orient Express Train

Board The Eastern & Oriental Express for an afternoon departure.

Tea is served as you say goodbye to a country renowned for its rich and colourful history evident in its architecture. Relax in your private compartment before enjoying dinner in one of the restaurants. Overnight onboard the train.

Day 6 - Swankhaloke & Lampang

Breakfast in your compartment before the train arrives at Sawankhaloke. Waiting coaches take you to Si Satchanalai, part of the northernmost citadel of the ancient Khmer empire. Explore the impressive 13th century Bhuddhist temples.

Return to the train at Sila At for lunch while you continue your journey through Thailand.

Mid afternoon disembark at Lampang for a horse-drawn carriage ride to Baan Sao Nok “the house of many pillars”. Enjoy tea as you tour the house which is built in traditional Lanna Thai style and supported on 116 teak pillars.

Return to the E&O to prepare for dinner on board and overnight.

Day 7 - 10 – Bangkok – Hua Hin (or other beach destination)

Arrive in Bangkok after breakfast where you disembark.

Our local guides will meet you and transfer you to Hua Hin by private car. Spend the next 4 nights at the Evason Resort and Six Senses Spa, located in the quiet area of Pranburi to the south of Hua Hin.

The Evason stands amid 20 acres of landscaped and lush tropical gardens dotted with lotus ponds, activities range from tai chi to treatments in the holistic Six Senses spa. A relaxing end to an action package journey.

Day 11 – Fly home

Transfer back to Bangkok for your homebound flight.

This itinerary is purely a suggestion of what you can do, so if you would prefer to change the hotel or the duration, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our consultants who can tailor make a quote for you.