Thailand: Bangkok, Elephant Hills and Beaches

Witness two of Thailand's iconic heritage buildings in Bangkok. Head to the royal temple complex of Wat Pho where soothing chants and incense fill the air. Apart from the huge reclining Buddha statue surrounded by gilded motifs, marvel at the 95 carved pagodas that adorn the temple compound, religious treasures and symbolism pertaining to Thai culture. While you explore the halls, courtyards, and pavilions of this royal monastery, learn about the temple's role in education and as a center of Thai massage rituals. Next up, visit the magnificent Grand Palace, Bangkok's 18th century riverside showstopper surrounded by acres of greenery that stands in contrast to the skyscrapers a few blocks away. Hear your guide share fascinating details about traditional Thai architecture, decor, the history of Siam, and royal lifestyle. Soak up the sites as you navigate between the halls, temples, museums, royal guesthouses, and the sacred Emerald Buddha! (Half Day; Time: 1400 hrs; Duration: 4 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy; Notes: Please wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees to respect local traditions.)

Explore the beaches and underwater wonders of Koh Phi Phi on this relaxing trip aboard a speed boat from Krabi. As you sail through the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, see towering limestone rock formations. Bamboo Island is your first stop. Explore the pristine beaches and shallow coral reefs of this tropical paradise. Stop at Phi Phi Don, the largest of the Phi Phi islands. Then, visit Monkey Beach for a swim and a chance to photograph resident monkeys. Next, visit the picturesque Phi Phi Ley Lagoon, which is surrounded by limestone mountains. It is an inlet with crystal clear waters filled with brilliantly colored corals and tropical fish. Later, slowly glide past Viking Cave or the Swallow Bird Nest Cave to glimpse swallow nests. While cruising, observe a variety of marine life, corals and the gorgeous sandy beaches of Loh Samah Bay and Maya Bay, shoot locations for the Hollywood film The Beach. (Duration: full day; Time: 0900 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Meal included: no; Fitness level: easy; Best time to travel: Nov-Mar.)

Experience the lush beauty of rainforests and lakes and enjoy amazing elephant encounters spread over a night each at the Elephant Camp and the floating Rainforest Camp. Day 1: Soon after your arrival at the Elephant Hills Camp, fuel up with a Thai buffet lunch before you set off on a picturesque canoe ride down the Sok River. Take in views of magnificent tropical forests as well as wildlife like hornbills on trees and reptiles on river banks. Upon reaching the elephant park, get up close and personal to the largest land animal in Asia. Learn from your naturalist guide about the majestic Asian elephant including the training secrets of their mahouts as well as ongoing conservation projects. Roll up your sleeves to help feed the elephants. Return to your luxury tents at Elephant Hills Camp to unwind with pre-dinner cocktails or opt for a cultural evening of traditional Thai dance performance and a cooking class. Savor the exotic flavors of an authentic Thai dinner, complemented by the night-time sounds of the forest. Day 2: After a hearty breakfast, check out and set off in a traditional longtail boat for the Cheow Larn Lake. Along the way, take in ancient rainforests that are home to wild elephants, the rare Asian ox, various species of monkeys and tropical birds. Arrive at the floating Rainforest Camp to a freshly prepared Thai buffet lunch that fuels you for a guided jungle walk. Accompany your guide through dense rainforest trails that wind along exotic orchids, hardwood trees and ferns and offer opportunities to catch glimpses of hornbills, gibbons and macaques up in the trees. Back at the Rainforest Camp, cool off with a swim in the lake or explore the waters with canoes till it is time for supper. Day 3: Fuel up with a freshly cooked breakfast before you head off on a guided canoe safari into the little channels off Cheow-Larn-Lake. Marvel at the natural treasure trove of primary rainforests and pristine wildlife habitat. Finally return to the Rainforest Camp for another delicious Thai lunch before you leave for your onward adventures. (Shared Transfer; Duration: 2 nights & 3 days; Tour includes accommodation, all meals, activities as well as TAT licensed English-speaking guide; Please note that all mentioned activities depend on local conditions; Please note that any additional charges incurred are payable only in local Thai Baht currency at the accommodation and no card payments are accepted; Recommended age of guests: 7 yrs and above)