Explore Thailand & Cambodia: Phuket, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Siem Reap & Phnom Penh - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Phuket (Thailand), Optional Activities

Welcome to Thailand! Rather than starting in the country's capital (Bangkok), you'll arrive in Phuket, in the nation's tropical south. Located on the Andaman Sea, Phuket is the country's largest island, famous for its postcard beaches, coastal mountains, and party-til-dawn nightlife (if that's your thing). Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel.

 

If you like, you can spend the remainder of the day relaxing by the pool or on the beach. Or, see a different side of Phuket and visit its historic Old Town area. Lining historic Thalang Road are colorful 19th-century shophouses and Sino-Portuguese buildings. There are also plenty of charming cafés and restaurants in the area where you can sit and relax with a good book.

Day 2: Speedboat Tour of Phuket's Famous Islands

It's time to head out and explore some of Phuket's most famous and beautiful locales. In the morning, you'll make your way to the harbor and hop on a speedboat for a full-day tour around the karst isles dotting the Andaman Sea. First, you'll head north to stunning Phang Nga Bay. Stop at Panak Island and enjoy a canoe trip through sea caves and mangroves, then head to a nearby town for a delicious Thai seafood lunch.

 

After eating, you'll zip over to Khao Phing Kan. Nicknamed "James Bond Island," This unique rock formation earned its name because it was featured in the 1974 film, "The Man with the Golden Gun." Here, you'll leave the boat and hop in a kayak for a leisurely ride around the coast, then stop at a secluded beach for a swim and to explore tidal lagoons. At the end of the day, you'll speedboat back to Phuket. 

Day 3: Catamaran Yacht Tour to Coral Island

A mere 6 miles (10 km) south of the bustle and parties of Phuket is Coral Island, a secluded and romantic isle fringed by coral reefs. After lunch, you'll leave on a full-day trip to visit this hidden paradise, and you'll travel in style—on a luxury catamaran. When you arrive, you'll be met by long white-sand beaches and quiet bays. From its coast, you'll enjoy incredible views of the Andaman Sea's crystalline waters, so keep your camera handy.

Of course, the most popular activities here are swimming and snorkeling. When you arrive, you'll strap on your mask and dive into the ocean for an underwater safari around the reefs. During the excursion, you'll spot exotic marine life that includes tropical fish, rays, turtles, and perhaps even dolphins and whale sharks. At the end of the day, return to Phuket by catamaran just in time for an incredible sunset over the Andaman, followed by dinner on board. 

Day 4: Fly to Chiang Mai, Optional Activities

It's time to trade the beaches for the mountains! After breakfast, you'll transfer to the airport in Phuket and catch a two-hour flight to the far north of the country and Chiang Mai. This city is unique in Thailand because from 1296 to 1558, it was the capital of the independent Lanna Kingdom. Much of this history is well-preserved in the form of ancient walls, moats, and the Buddhist temples dotting the Old City (historic center). 
 
Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel in the city. Then take the rest of the day to explore at your own pace. You can start at Wat Phra Singh, a 14th-century Buddhist temple. Lying in the heart of the Old City is another 14th-century highlight: Wat Chedi Luang, the largest chedi (Buddhist stupa) in Chiang Mai. Last but not least is Wat Chiang Man, a temple that dates to the late 13th century, making it the oldest in the city.  
 
Afterward, you can head to Worarot, Chiang Mai's largest municipal market. It's a popular stop for locals who shop for fresh produce, preserved foods, local delicacies, clothes, flowers, and other knick-knacks—all at reasonable prices. For dinner, head to one of the city's night markets, like Anusarn Night Market, and try some authentic street food. 

Day 5: Sunrise Balloon Flight & Bicycle Tour

Wake up at dawn and head just outside the city, where a hot-air balloon awaits. Hop in the basket and then ascend over the valleys and mountains of northern Thailand as you watch the sun light up the landscapes. This unforgettable experience lasts about 45 minutes, and during the ride, you'll reach heights of 2,000 feet (609 m).

After the balloon ride, you'll get in a vehicle and drive deep into the countryside. Here, away from the tourist crowds, you'll hop on a bicycle and spend the rest of the day riding around the serene landscapes. With your guide leading the way, cycle along the countryside and visit authentic local villages stopping to chat with locals and sample regional cuisine. You'll even visit a Thai farmhouse and learn some age-old farming techniques.

 

Continue to a community project that supports local ethnic minorities, and enjoy lunch in the garden. After eating, you'll ride into the forest and visit a sanctuary for rescued elephants. Spend some time with these impressive animals before cycling to a hilltop temple with an impressive Buddha statue. After snapping photos and enjoying the panoramic mountain views, transfer back to Chiang Mai.

Day 6: Golden Triangle Exploration

Today your driver will pick you up for a full-day tour around Thailand's northern Golden Triangle region. Divided by the Mekong River, this is where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet. To arrive there, you'll follow a wild route along the hills, valleys, and villages of Doi Saket province. Take a short break to stretch your legs and take a dip at the Mae Kachan Hot Spring.

 

After a refreshing soak, continue on to Chiang Rai province and Wat Rong Khun, better known as the White Temple. One of the most famous landmarks in northern Thailand, this structure is actually an art installation created in the style of a Buddhist temple. The exterior's gleaming white facade and reflecting pool are impressive, while inside are images of samsara—the Buddhist cycle of death and rebirth. 

 

Leaving the White Temple, you'll visit the village of one of northern Thailand's ethnic hill tribes. These groups emigrated to the country from southern China centuries ago. Most still live simply and traditionally, growing their own food, making their own clothes, and adhering to traditional customs. You'll learn all about their lifestyle when you meet and chat with a few villages. After a lunch of northern Thai cuisine at a local restaurant, you'll take a scenic boat trip along the famous Mekong River. At the end of the day, you'll transfer back to your hotel in Chiang Mai.

Day 7: Fly to Bangkok, Chinatown Food Tour

In the morning, you'll transfer to the airport in Chiang Mai and catch a one-hour flight south to the capital of Bangkok. This sprawling metropolis of over 14 million people started in the 10th century as a tiny village settled by the Tai people of southern China. For centuries, it was ruled by different empires until 1782, when King Rama officially declared Bangkok the nation's capital. Needless to say, there's a lot of culture and many historical landmarks here, and you'll get to see the highlights.

 

Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel in the city. Then you can head out on a self-guided tour. For the best views, head to the city's only hill and hike 320 steps to reach the Golden Mount Temple. Afterward, hop on a water taxi for a ride down the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok's main waterway, to Wat Arun. Located on the west bank of the river, this iconic temple dates to the 17th century and is known for its towering 259-foot (79 m) central spire.

 

After the temple, continue along the river to Bangkok's massive Chinatown district. Here, you'll meet a guide for a two-hour foodie tour to discover Bangkok's world-renowned cuisine. He or she will lead the way to street vendors selling exotic snacks like fried scorpions and bamboo worms. If that doesn't sound appetizing, you can instead focus on staples like pad thai, papaya salad, moo ping (grilled pork skewers), and jok (rice porridge). Wash it all down with Thai tea, Thai beer, coffee, or fresh-squeezed juice. Also, don't miss famous desserts like sticky rice balls in coconut milk.  

Day 8: Bangkok Full-Day Tour

Meet your guide this morning for a full-day city tour. If you didn't see it yesterday, you'll start with a tour of Wat Arun. Then, you'll hop on a ferry and travel across the river to Wat Pho. This is one of the oldest temples in Thailand (it dates to the 13th century), and inside is the famous 150-foot (46 m) Reclining Buddha. 

From there, it's just a 10-minute walk over to the Grand Palace. This royal complex was constructed in 1782 and has been the home of Thai royalty ever since. After admiring the architecture, you'll visit Chatuchak Market, the largest and most famous weekend market in Bangkok. There are around 15,000 vendor stalls, including food kiosks, which makes this a great place to stop for lunch. If you want to do some shopping, you can browse souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, handicrafts, artisanal items, and more. 

Day 9: Bangkok Canal Tour

It's time to head back out on the water for a two-hour boat tour of Bangkok's famous klongs (canals). Historically, these ancient waterways of the Chao Phraya River have been the expressways of choice for locals. Because of this, Bangkok has earned the nickname "Venice of the East."

 

On this trip, you'll witness these canals' unique culture and beauty as you ride a traditional long-tail boat amid wooden stilt homes and waterfront temples. It's a great way to witness "canal life" and see a more relaxed side of Bangkok away from the bustling center.

Day 10: Fly to Siem Reap (Cambodia), Guided Tour

After breakfast, you'll transfer to the airport in Bangkok and catch a one-hour flight to Siem Reap. This resort town in northwestern Cambodia is the gateway to the 12th-century ruins of Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. Upon arrival at the airport, your driver and private guide will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel.

After checking in, head out with your guide for a tour of Siem Reap. First, stop at the Royal Residence, a royal villa that is the official residence of the King of Cambodia when he is in town. Also in the royal compound is the town's main shrine, Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm. Dedicated to two Angkorian princesses, locals come here to pray for good luck. Later, you'll visit Artisans D'Angkor, where rural Cambodians train in the art of traditional Khmer craftsmanship. Finish the day at one of the city's lively open markets, where you can mingle with locals.

Day 11: Day Trip to Angkor Wat

Leave early today on a full-day tour to the ruins of Angkor, a kingdom in the Khmer Empire that flourished from the ninth to the 15th centuries. Today's excursion focuses on Angkor Wat, the largest and most famous temple in this ancient archaeological site. This 12th-century complex covers 200 acres (81 ha) and its five towers are so iconic they're emblazoned on the Cambodian flag. On this walking tour, you'll immerse yourself in the ruins as you stroll through its galleries, libraries, pavilions, and courtyards.

Continue to the South Gate and Angkor Thom (literally "Great City"), which comprises the ruins of the most impressive royal city of Cambodia's Angkor period. During its heyday in the 12th-13th centuries, it was also a formidable defensive area, protected by 26-foot (8 m) walls and a wide moat. It boasts 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara, the Buddhist deity of compassion.
 
The tour ends at Ta Prohm, a 12th-century Buddhist temple whose crumbling towers have been all but absorbed by the surrounding jungle. Afterward, you'll return to Siem Reap for a tuk-tuk ride around town. Capping your day will be a blessing ceremony performed by a Buddhist monk to wish you prosperity, happiness, and a safe trip.

Day 12: Visit Floating Villages, Transfer to Phnom Penh

Angkor isn't the only fascinating landmark in Siem Reap. You'll discover another such gem after breakfast when, along with your guide, you'll head just outside of town to Tonlé Sap, one of the largest lakes in Asia. Here, you'll tour one of its famous floating villages—communities made up of wooden stilt houses over the water. Meet locals, see their way of life, and visit Les Chantiers Écoles. Since 1992, this group of artisans has been providing training to young Cambodians in an effort to revive the ancient Khmer traditions of stone carving and wood sculpting. 

 

After spending time at the floating village, you'll transfer by vehicle south to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. During the drive, pass historic landmarks like the 12th-century Naga Bridge and the Santud district to tour a stone-carving workshop. When you arrive in Phnom Penh, check into your hotel and enjoy some free time.

Day 13: Phnom Penh City Tour & Cyclo Ride

For your penultimate day in Southeast Asia, enjoy a guided tour of Phnom Penh. Your first stop is in the city center at Independence Monument, built in 1958 to memorialize Cambodia's independence from France. Here, you'll hop on a traditional cyclo (three-wheeled bicycle taxi) and zip along the streets to get to the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866. Explore the grounds and the Silver Pagoda, named so because of its floor, which is comprised of 5,000 silver tiles. Inside are Buddha statues encrusted with gold and emeralds.

After lunch, you'll visit the National Museum, also called Musee des Beaux-Arts. Designed in the Khmer style and opened in 1917, the museum contains a collection of Khmer art and sculptures spanning different eras. Continue on to Psar Toul Tom Pong, known as the Russian Market. This large municipal market is a great place to hunt for souvenirs, curios, and silks. End the day with a one-hour sunset cruise on the Mekong River.

Day 14: Depart Phnom Penh

It's time to say goodbye to Southeast Asia. Take the morning to enjoy one last leisurely breakfast at your hotel. At the appropriate time, your driver will pick you up and take you to the airport in Phnom Penh, where you'll catch your flight home. Safe travels!

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