Thailand: Bangkok to the Golden Triangle

Fly overnight to Bangkok, Thailand's capital city, where you are met by your Abercrombie & Kent representative and provided with VIP assistance through customs and immigration procedures. Afterward, you are escorted to your hotel, set on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. At the legendary Mandarin Oriental, you can cool off in one of the lovely pools surrounded by tropical gardens, enjoy a game of squash, work out in the gym or visit the renowned spa. After having high tea in the hotel lobby lounge, the rest of the day is at your leisure.

As the sun rises across the river, you have the opportunity to privately make a food offering to the monks and receive a blessing of good karma in return. Afterward, travel along the river by private long-tailed boat through the busy klongs (canals) for a glimpse of the waterborne life in “the Venice of the East.” Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready as you pass by the Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). Made of many pieces of cracked porcelain ornately carved out of sandstone, the temple seems to sparkle in the sunlight, while its rich images of demons, monkeys and guardians cast an eerie picture across the city. Disembark and go on a short ride by tuk-tuk (motorized tricycle) to the Grand Palace, one of the most beautiful examples of an ancient Siamese court. So small and distant that it can hardly be seen, little is known about the famous Emerald Buddha in sacred Wat Phra Kaew Temple, except that it is made of green jade or jasper and symbolizes the independence, strength and good fortune of the country. Visit the temple, whose interior walls are painted with superb frescoes. After an afternoon at leisure, you may want to take an optional sunset cocktail cruise on a local rice barge.

Fly to remote Chiang Rai, where you are escorted to your luxurious tented camp set deep in the heart of the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet. Reached only by riverboat, the camp (your home for the next three nights) features just 15 freestanding, tented rooms set comfortably apart for privacy along a hillside trail in the Thai bamboo jungle. Your relaxed days here might include learning the basic skills of a mahout (trainer) at the on-site elephant camp. You may want to take a nature walk in the jungle and then pause for a picnic lunch in your lush surroundings, or glimpse the remote villages and life along the banks of the Mekong on a river safari. Perhaps take advantage of a rejuvenating treatment for two in one of the spa’s open-air salas (treatment rooms) before settling down with a cocktail as you watch the sun dip over the horizon. Dinners are always an event at your camp, and during one of the evenings of your stay, enjoy a private, romantic meal in the wine cellar.

Depart by private helicopter for Chiang Mai, where you check in to your resort hotel. Set in the breathtakingly beautiful Mae Rim Valley against the backdrop of the mountains, your resort is surrounded by 20 acres of landscaped tropical gardens and rice paddies. Your luxurious room has its own private outdoor sala that is ideal for absorbing the ambience and beauty of the area. This afternoon, learn how rice is grown when you join farmers in transplanting rice sprouts from the seedbed to the rice fields. Later this evening, head to Chiang Mai’s famous Night Market, the largest and most colorful in Southeast Asia, to see a swirling kaleidoscope of merchants, entertainment and food carts.

Your day begins with a city tour of Chiang Mai, including a visit to the Waroros Market, a massive complex of stalls where you can find almost anything. Take a thrilling rickshaw ride through Chiang Mai’s bustling streets to see the monastery of Wat Phra Singh, passing the old city wall on the way. It is home to one of Thailand’s most famous images: the mysterious and powerful Pra Buddha Sing (Lion Buddha). After an uphill ride along a hairpin switchback, you arrive at Wat Prathat (Doi Suthep), tucked away in the mountains. Legend has it that a holy relic was placed on the back of an elephant, and where it stopped to rest, a temple would be erected. Sit down to a lunch of northern Thai specialties before returning to your resort.

Board a flight to Trat Airport via Bangkok; then transfer to the pier for a short ferry ride to Koh Chang, Thailand’s second-largest island. In addition to inviting, sandy beaches, Koh Chang’s diverse landscapes include dense forests, waterfalls, mangroves and spectacular sites for diving that offer a myriad of activity options. Your resort is located on a secluded beach — ideal for romantic seaside walks. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to acquaint yourself with the island and your resort.

Your days are at leisure to relax and participate in a host of activities. Snorkel to a hidden cove or dive to nearby coral reefs; set out on a jungle trek or take an elephant ride; or just enjoy spending time together by the pool or beach.

After breakfast, return by ferry and road to Trat Airport for a flight to Bangkok and your connect flight home.