Destinations / Asia / Thailand / Tailor-Made Thailand: Bangkok to the Beach
BESPOKE LUXURY JOURNEY

Thailand: Silk & Sand

Where ancient spirituality meets modern sophistication

Discover a realm where golden spires pierce tropical skies, where ancient wisdom whispers through temple bells, and where crystalline waters lap against shores of pristine white sand. Thailand captivates with its masterful fusion of tradition and contemporary flair—a land where centuries-old temples stand proudly alongside sleek rooftop bars, and where progressive values flourish in bustling creative districts. From Bangkok’s glittering skyline, where design-forward hotels rise above atmospheric night markets, to Chiang Rai’s misty mountains and Koh Samui’s sophisticated shores, this is a journey through a kingdom where acceptance flows as naturally as the mighty Chao Phraya River.

Thailand at a Glance

Step into a nation where hospitality isn’t just a service but an art form passed down through generations. Here, the celebrated Thai smile extends beyond mere greeting into a profound philosophy of acceptance and welcome. Bangkok’s vibrant Silom district pulses with LGBTQ+ life, where rainbow flags flutter above sophisticated cocktail bars and contemporary art galleries showcase diverse voices alongside traditional masters. The city’s queer scene flourishes in design-forward spaces where creative communities gather to reimagine Thailand’s cultural heritage through a modern lens.

The rhythm of Thai life moves with the grace of a traditional khon dance, each season bringing its own celebration of diversity and community. In Bangkok, the cooler months welcome alfresco dining on riverside terraces, while spring sees the city erupt in water-soaked revelry during Songkran. The monsoon paints the northern mountains in impossibly lush shades of green, before giving way to perfect beach weather on Koh Samui’s sophisticated shores. Through it all, sacred spaces welcome all seekers of peace and enlightenment, while luxury retreats redefine Thai hospitality for a new generation of discerning travellers.

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Currency

Baht (THB)

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Language

Thai

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Visas

Not needed for travellers from the US, Canada and Europe

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Best Time To Visit

November – April

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Timezone

Indochina Time (GMT+7)

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Homosexual Activity

Legal

11-day Travel Itinerary

This carefully curated journey weaves through Thailand's most compelling landscapes, from Bangkok's sophisticated urban tapestry to the serene shores of Koh Samui. Begin in the capital, where ancient temples shimmer alongside contemporary art spaces, before venturing north to the misty mountains of Chiang Rai and the cultural treasure house of Chiang Mai. Finally, descend to the Gulf of Thailand, where luxury finds expression in private pool villas and sophisticated beach clubs. Throughout your journey, experience how Thai culture elegantly balances tradition with modernity—from innovative gastronomy to timeless craft traditions.

DAY 1

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Bangkok | First Whispers of Urban Sophistication

Arrive in Thailand's captivating capital, where ancient spirituality meets contemporary design. After your private transfer—perhaps to the riverside Capella Bangkok, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame the eternal dance of river life—settle into the rhythm of this intoxicating city. As evening approaches, venture to a rooftop bar where Bangkok's glittering skyline provides a dramatic backdrop for your first Thai sunset.

DAY 2

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Bangkok | Sacred Heritage Meets Urban Soul

Begin your exploration of Thailand's spiritual heart as morning light gilds the spires of the Grand Palace. Your private guide leads you through this architectural masterpiece before the crowds descend, allowing intimate moments with the Emerald Buddha in the hushed pre-dawn air. At the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles, discover how traditional craft evolves into contemporary fashion statements. Later, a vintage tuk-tuk whisks you to Wat Pho, where the 46-metre reclining Buddha has witnessed centuries of devotion. As afternoon mellows, surrender to the practiced hands of master therapists for a traditional Thai massage, before savouring the complex dance of flavours at a restaurant where ancient recipes meet contemporary presentation.

DAY 3

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Bangkok | Waterways of Time

Venture into Bangkok's spiritual arteries—its ancient canals—where each ripple tells tales of the city's evolution. Your private long-tail boat glides through quiet waterways where modern life still moves to centuries-old rhythms. Step ashore at a local temple where morning chants echo across tranquil courtyards, before wandering through the atmospheric streets of a Thai-Portuguese community where colonial architecture speaks of early cultural fusion. Your journey culminates at a wooden stilt house transformed into a gallery space, where vintage artifacts narrate Bangkok's journey from royal capital to modern metropolis.

DAY 4

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Chiang Rai | Mountain Mists and Border Tales

Wing northward to Chiang Rai, where the morning air carries hints of wild mountain herbs and coffee blossoms. Perhaps check in to the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, where luxury tented accommodations celebrate the romance of expedition-style travel while offering views across three countries. As afternoon light softens, settle into the rhythm of northern life, perhaps with a craft cocktail on your private terrace as the sun sets behind Myanmar's hills.

DAY 5

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Chiang Rai | Where Three Worlds Meet

Today offers a choice of enchanting experiences in the legendary Golden Triangle. Perhaps cruise the mighty Mekong River where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos converge, each shoreline offering glimpses into different worlds. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the sophisticated spice palettes of Lanna cuisine through a private cooking class, where ancient recipes reveal the soul of northern Thai gastronomy. Crown your day with a 90-minute spa journey incorporating traditional Lanna healing wisdom with contemporary wellness techniques.

DAY 6

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Chiang Mai | Temples in the Valley

The journey to Chiang Mai unfolds like a meditation on Thai artistry, punctuated by visits to the ethereal White Temple and the haunting Blue Temple. These contemporary sacred spaces reimagine Buddhist architecture for the modern age, their mirrored surfaces and unconventional imagery challenging traditional perspectives. Arrive in Chiang Mai's enchanting Mae Rim Valley, perhaps settling into the Four Seasons Resort, where your suite opens onto views of mist-shrouded mountains and terraced rice fields.

DAY 7

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Chiang Mai | Ancient Walls, Modern Dreams

Explore the soul of Thailand's cultural capital, where every brick in the old city walls holds centuries of stories. Your guide weaves together tales of Lanna kingdoms as you discover the Three Kings Monument and wander through living museums of northern culture. At Warorot Market, savour the complex spice profiles of northern Thai cuisine, culminating in a bowl of khao soi—the region's signature curry noodles—at a local favourite spot where the recipe has remained unchanged for generations.

DAY 8

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Koh Samui | Tropical Sophistication

Descend from the mountains to the embrace of tropical warmth as you fly to Koh Samui. Your new home might be the Four Seasons Resort, where private pool villas blend seamlessly with the lush landscape. Spend the afternoon discovering your paradise, perhaps with a cocktail by your infinity pool as you watch fishing boats drift across the horizon.

Luxury Holiday Koh Samui Thailand

DAY 9

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Koh Samui | Refined Island Rhythms

Let the gentle pulse of island life guide your day. Perhaps begin with a sunrise yoga session on a private deck overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, followed by a breakfast of tropical fruits and freshly baked pastries. Later, surrender to the skilled hands of spa therapists in a treatment pavilion where sea breezes carry the scent of frangipani, or simply bask in the serenity of your private beach, where white sand meets crystal-clear waters.

Luxury Holiday Koh Samui Thailand Lamai Beach

DAY 10

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Koh Samui | Final Notes of Paradise

Your penultimate day unfolds at your desired pace. Perhaps explore the island's sophisticated side with a visit to creative beach clubs where international DJs spin sunset sessions, or arrange a private longtail boat to discover secret coves and hidden beaches. As evening approaches, celebrate your journey with a romantic dinner on the beach, where the catch of the day is prepared according to your preferences as the stars emerge above the Gulf of Thailand.

Luxury Holiday Koh Samui Thailand Lamai Beach South

DAY 11

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Departure | Farewell to the Kingdom

Savour a final morning in paradise, perhaps with one last swim in your private pool or a walk along the beach at sunrise. As you prepare for your departure, carry with you memories of a Thailand both ancient and contemporary, where traditional grace meets modern sophistication.

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Additional Recommended Experiences

Extend your journey into Thailand's most enchanting corners, whether aboard the sophisticated Aqua Mekong—where floor-to-ceiling windows frame life along Southeast Asia's mightiest river—or on the pristine shores of Koh Kood, where Soneva Kiri's treehouse villas and zip-line-accessible dining pods redefine barefoot luxury amid Thailand's last untamed island paradise. In Bangkok, deepen your connection with the kingdom's creative pulse through private audiences with contemporary artists, or master the ancient art of Thai perfumery in a restored shophouse. Time your visit to coincide with June's Bangkok Pride celebrations, when the capital's creative districts burst into vibrant life, or the ethereal Yi Peng festival, where thousands of lanterns illuminate northern skies in a spectacular display of light and hope.

Aqua Mekong

Transform Your Thailand Dreams into Reality

Allow us to craft your bespoke Thailand journey. Whether inspired by our curated itinerary or envisioning something entirely your own, we'll shape every moment to reflect your distinctive style and preferences.

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Personally crafted journey design

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Distinguished accommodations, thoughtfully selected

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Exclusive experiences and privileged access

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Expert local guides and cultural interpreters

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Private transfers with dedicated arrival service

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