6-Day Luxury Journey on the Oriental Express

  1. Day 1: Bangkok's Grand Palace
    30 minutes (7.6 km) from Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

    Begin your journey with a visit to the Grand Palace, the most famous landmark in Bangkok. The dazzling complex houses the revered Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and impressive structures that showcase Thailand's rich culture and history.

  2. Day 2: Ayutthaya Historical Park
    1 hour 30 minutes (76.5 km) from Bangkok's Grand Palace

    Experience the grandeur of ancient Siam's capital city at the Ayutthaya Historical Park. The vast park features restored temples and palaces that offer a glimpse of the country's rich past. Don't miss the iconic image of the head of Buddha in a tree!

  3. Day 3: Temples of Chiang Mai
    1 hour 30 minutes (8.2 km) flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, then 20 minutes (6.1 km) to Wat Chedi Luang

    Explore Chiang Mai's rich cultural heritage through its UNESCO-listed temples. Begin at Wat Chedi Luang to see the grand Lanna-style chedi, then head to Wat Phra Singh, one of the city's most revered temples, with stunning Lanna-style architecture and ornate interiors.

  4. Day 4: Elephant Nature Park
    1 hour 10 minutes (40 km) from Chiang Mai International Airport

    Get up close and personal with Thailand's gentle giants at the Elephant Nature Park. You'll learn about the park's conservation efforts and have the opportunity to feed, bathe, and interact with the rescued elephants in their natural habitat.

  5. Day 5: Phang Nga Bay
    40 minutes (34 km) from Anantara Resort & Spa, Phuket

    Exhilarating speedboat ride through the stunning Phang Nga Bay to explore the famous James Bond Island, Panyee Island and Sea Caves.

  6. Day 6: Phi Phi Islands
    1 hour 30 minutes (46.8 km) from Phang Nga Bay

    End your trip on a high note by visiting the paradise islands of Phi Phi, where you can relax on pristine white-sand beaches, go snorkeling to discover hidden coral reefs and marine life, and soak up the stunning vistas that have made this destination world-famous.

Time and Costs Estimates:

  • Grand Palace (2-3 hours, ฿500)
  • Ayutthaya Historical Park (1 day, ฿50)
  • Flight Bangkok to Chiang Mai (1 hour 30 minutes, ฿2000)
  • Elephant Nature Park (1 day, ฿2500)
  • Phang Nga Bay speedboat tour (1 day, ฿3500)
  • Phi Phi Islands tour (1 day, ฿3000)

  • Total Estimated Costs: ฿12,050 (excluding flights)

Useful Tips:

This itinerary balances luxury and culturally immersive experiences but can be customized according to budget and personal interests. For those who have more time, consider visiting the golden temples in Bagan, Myanmar or the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Luang Prabang in Laos. For those with less time, consider skipping one or two stops and taking direct flights to your destinations. Don't forget to pack light and comfortable clothing and footwear, and stay hydrated when exploring under the sun.

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