Neon Heavens and Ethical Elephant Encounters

Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a driver and transferred to Banyan Tree Bangkok for check-in. After the journey, take time to get settled and unwind—whether that means dining at one of the hotel’s excellent restaurants or keeping things simple nearby. Tomorrow is a full day, so rest up and recharge.

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before setting off to explore the majestic Grand Palace, a landmark steeped in history since the 18th century. Next, visit the nearby Wat Pho, a revered Buddhist temple home to the awe-inspiring Reclining Buddha, an iconic symbol of serenity and spiritual grace.

Next, indulge in a leisurely lunch at a charming riverside restaurant of your choice, and enjoy tranquil views of the Chao Phraya River. Afterward, make your way to the enchanting Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn). Admire its stunning 79-metre spire, often likened to Thailand's Eiffel Tower, and take in the intricate details that adorn this architectural marvel.

As evening rolls in, you'll retreat to an alfresco rooftop dinner in the evening, at Vertigo and Moon Bar, one of the city's most exclusive dining spots. Dine under the stars while gazing at the panoramic views of the city skyline.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then start the day's activities with a journey to the vibrant Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Ratchaburi. Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere as you glide through the canals, alongside colorful boats brimming with fresh produce, exotic fruits, and handmade goods.

For lunch, sample an array of local delicacies straight from the boats at the floating market. Then, return to the serene haven of Banyan Tree Bangkok for a rejuvenating spa experience, and indulge in soothing treatments that blend ancient Thai techniques with modern luxury.

As evening sets in, you’ll be met at the hotel by your private guide and whisked away by tuk-tuk toward the neon-lit frenzy of Yaowarat Road, Bangkok’s legendary Chinatown. The ride itself is part of the experience—buzzing through traffic, warm air rushing past, the city coming alive around you. Once there, your guide leads you through a maze of glowing signs and curbside kitchens, helping you navigate the chaos and zero in on the must-try bites: sizzling pork belly, oyster omelets, noodles tossed over roaring flames, and squid pulled straight from live tanks. For the bold, fried insects—including scorpions—make an appearance, delivering equal parts shock value and bragging rights. After soaking up the sights, sounds, and flavors, your guide escorts you back by tuk-tuk to Banyan Tree, ending the night exactly how it began—fast, fun, and unmistakably Bangkok.

Kickstart your day with a buffet breakfast before exploring the trendy boutiques and bustling shops of Siam Paragon, Siam Square, and Central World. Each center offers its own unique shopping experience, from luxury fashion to eclectic streetwear.

After a quick pause for lunch, continue your retail therapy at Asiatique The Riverfront. This charming open-air mall, set along the Chao Phraya River, combines the best of shopping and dining in a picturesque setting.

As night falls, treat yourself to an unforgettable dining experience with the Saffron Cruise by Banyan Tree Bangkok. Drift along the enchanting Chao Phraya River, savoring exquisite Thai cuisine and views of illuminated temples and the city skyline.

Following one last Bangkok breakfast, you'll transfer to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) for a short flight to Phuket.

Transfer to The Slate, a design-forward resort tucked along Nai Yang Beach, just minutes from the airport yet worlds away from the bustle (it's where our fam stayed for our own epic adventure). After check-in, take time to decompress after the journey—wander the grounds, dip your toes in the Andaman Sea, or enjoy a leisurely lunch by the pool as palm trees sway overhead.

This afternoon is intentionally unstructured. Whether you choose a beach walk, a casual swim, or simply a nap in the shade, the goal is simple: shift gears from city energy to island rhythm. As evening approaches, enjoy a relaxed welcome dinner at the resort, easing into Phuket with fresh seafood, Thai flavors, and the sound of waves nearby.

After breakfast, set out with a private guide to explore the cultural heart of the island: Phuket Old Town. Colorful Sino-Portuguese shophouses, hidden courtyards, and historic streets tell the story of Phuket’s tin-mining past and multicultural heritage. Visit local cafés, artisan shops, and temples, and soak up a side of Phuket many travelers never see.

As the day transitions into evening, the experience turns deliciously chaotic—in the best way. With your guide leading the way, dive into Phuket’s street-food scene, sampling local specialties from sizzling woks, roadside grills, and buzzing night stalls. This is the night for bold flavors, unexpected bites, and culinary bragging rights.

Return to the resort later in the evening, full, happy, and very aware that Phuket is far more than just beaches.

Today offers a choice between adventure and indulgence—because Phuket does both exceptionally well.

For those craving exploration, set out on a half-day island-hopping excursion into the emerald waters of Phang Nga Bay or the nearby Phi Phi islands. Limestone karsts rise dramatically from the sea, hidden coves invite swimming, and snorkeling reveals vibrant marine life beneath the surface.

Alternatively, opt for a slower pace back at the resort. Enjoy a signature spa treatment, unwind by the pool, or stroll Nai Yang Beach with a cold drink in hand. This is a day to listen to your mood and lean into it—whether that means saltwater and speedboats or silence and steam rooms.

As the sun sets, reconvene for a refined farewell dinner, celebrating the perfect balance of activity and ease before the journey north.

Enjoy a final breakfast in paradise before check-out. With the airport just moments away, the morning remains calm and unrushed—one last beach walk, one final coffee, one more deep breath of sea air.

Transfer to Phuket Airport for your flight onward to Chiang Rai, where the journey shifts from coastal beauty to jungle mystery and unforgettable wildlife encounters in Thailand’s Golden Triangle.

Upon arrival at Chiang Rai International Airport, you’ll be met by a private Anantara representative for a scenic transfer into the lush hills of Thailand’s Golden Triangle. This is a VIP-style arrival—unhurried, seamless, and very much part of the experience—setting the tone for the extraordinary stay ahead.

After check-in, settle into your Mekong Explorer Tent, a beautifully appointed safari-style tent perched above the Ruak River, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge. Thoughtfully designed with handcrafted furnishings, outdoor soaking tubs, and expansive views, the tent offers the perfect balance of adventure and indulgence.

This afternoon introduces you to Anantara’s renowned ethical elephant program. Don traditional caretaker attire and spend meaningful time alongside rescued elephants—feeding them, walking with them through the jungle, and guiding them gently to the river for a refreshing bath. It’s immersive, humbling, and deeply memorable, offering rare insight into elephant behavior and conservation efforts.

As evening falls, enjoy a private, all-inclusive gourmet dinner, paired with fine wines and spirits, in a dramatic open-air setting overlooking the jungle. With no decisions left to make and no schedules to chase, the night unfolds slowly—ending with the sounds of the forest and the quiet satisfaction of a day well lived.

Wake to the misty calm of the Golden Triangle and enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking the surrounding jungle and river valleys. The morning is intentionally unhurried, allowing time to reflect, soak, and simply be present in one of Southeast Asia’s most extraordinary landscapes.

Later, continue your journey with immersive elephant encounters led by Anantara’s expert caretakers and naturalists. These deeply personal experiences may include feeding, walking alongside the elephants, and observing their natural behaviors up close—always guided by the rhythms of the herd and the resort’s ethical conservation practices. The focus is on meaningful connection, not performance.

In the afternoon, you’ll transition to one of Anantara’s most exclusive accommodations: the Jungle Bubble. Set deep within the forest, this transparent, climate-controlled bubble offers an entirely private overnight experience where elephants may wander just steps from your bed. Champagne chills, a curated dinner is delivered discreetly, and the outside world all but disappears.

Dinner is a bespoke, all-inclusive experience, enjoyed within the bubble or under the stars nearby—an unforgettable combination of fine dining and raw nature. As night settles in, fall asleep beneath the canopy of trees, watching elephants move quietly through the jungle, a moment so surreal it feels almost unreal.

After breakfast, bid farewell to the elephants and the jungle that has hosted you so generously. A private transfer will return you to Chiang Rai International Airport, timed seamlessly with your onward flight—whether continuing your ABC Trips travels or heading home with stories few travelers ever get to tell.

This short but powerful stay isn’t just a highlight of the trip—it’s the emotional core.