Day 1: Bangkok, Thailand
Welcome To Thailand, Land of Smiles. You are met at the jet way by a hostess and porter who escort you to the Fast Track Immigration counter, where your entry into Thailand will be expedited. The hostess will handle all airport formalities with immigration and customs officials. In the event that you need to obtain a “Visa on Arrival,” the hostess will assist you in this process. They also assist you in gathering your baggage, and take you through customs to your awaiting transportation. Your private is waiting to drive you to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure. The Siam

Day 2: Bangkok
This morning is at leisure. This afternoon, venture into 19th-century Bangkok, once laced with canals, giving the capital its nickname as the ‘Venice of the East.’  Surviving canals as well as the Chao Phraya River itself reveal memorable vignettes of a traditional waterborne way of life that has remained essentially unchanged over the centuries. The river and canals can conveniently be explored by public transport or via a traditional long-tailed boat with your private guide. The tour will finally take you to Wat Arun, Temple of Dawn, a famous Chao Phraya riverbank landmark best known for its porcelain encrusted, 79-meter/259-foot central pagoda. This evening, you are transferred to the Jok Kitchen Restaurant in Yaowarat area. This famous restaurant serves fantastic fusion cuisine featuring Thai and Chinese flavors.  Jok Kitchen has no set menu and only a few tables as chef Jok serves a maximum four tables at a time. Note: this hidden gem requires reservations 50 days in advance. The Siam (B,D)

Day 3: Bangkok / Khao Yai / Bangkok
Enjoy an unexpected excursion today – wine tasting in the GranMonte vineyard, among the newest and most cutting-edge wine experiences that have emerged in Thailand in the last 12 – 18 months. Early this morning, depart on a private transfer to GranMonte in the Khao Yai region, where you join one of the signature tasting tours.  GranMonte Vineyard was a vision that came out of Visooth Lohitnavy’s passion for wine. In 1999, Visooth saw a 12-hectare plot of land in the Northeast Thailand, once a cornfield and cashew plantation, as the ideal locale for his new enterprise.  Visooth, his wife, Sakuna, and two young daughters, Nikki and Mimi settled in the foothills of KhaoYai National Park. Little by little, Visooth studied vines and soil types, choosing the right varieties of vitis vinifera to discover those which would grow and yield fruit for coming generations. During this full day tour, you explore the vineyard and learn all about GranMonte’s innovative techniques to capture the best aromas from the growing grapes. After this instructive guided tour, you taste a wide range of award-winning wines before enjoying a fine international menu at VinCotto Restaurant located on the vineyard grounds. Here, well known dishes are given the special family touch. Return to your hotel later this evening. The Siam (B,L)

Day 4: Bangkok / Kanchanaburi / River Kwai
This morning, you will see one of the most famous bridges in Southeast Asia – the River Kwai, built during World War II by the prisoners of war. The bridge is located near the town of Kanchanaburi, you will have a short stop on the bridge before transferring for lunch at a local restaurant. Head down to a local conservation camp for an excursion by elephant back. Current estimates of wild elephants in Thailand place the number at between 3,000-4,000 animals. Although logging is being banned in this Kingdom, elephants remain a very important mode of jungle transport for their ability to move through a forest with minimum damage while ensuring constant protection from possible poachers. Following this brief interaction, enjoy a gentle sail over the Kwai Noi River on a bamboo raft.  This evening, check into the Floating House on River Kwai, a teakwood resort made with bamboo accents following traditional Thai design. Elegant boutique floating villas are tastefully decorated in Thai folk-style design with teakwood furniture enhancing the comfort and ambience. Each villa features private balcony and pier where you can relax. All rooms are connected with spacious common space. Please note this is an amazing cultural experience but be aware that facilities are basic as this is a jungle lodge. Meals are set menu as well due to restricted access. The Floating House River Kwai (B,L,D)

Day 5: River Kwai
Today you travel to Erawan Waterfalls National Park, 65 kilometers/40 miles from Kanchanaburi. The major feature of the park are this seven-tiered falls, said to resemble the Erawan, three-headed white elephant of Hindu mythology. The second tier has a lovely pool that is ideal for swimming. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.  In the afternoon, return transfer to your floating hotel where the balance of the day is at leisure. The Floating House River Kwai (B,L,D)

Day 6: River Kwai / Bangkok / Chiang Mai
Transfer to Bangkok and the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai. On arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure. This evening, should you wish, you can visit the Night Bazaar along the Ping River, Thailand’s most famous night market. 137 Pillar House – Rajah Brooke Suite (B)

Day 7: Chiang Mai

This morning, depart on a half-day bicycling tour through the southern part of Chiang Mai. The guided tour starts from Ban Nai Fun and takes you through quiet green land roads, passing by the former capital of Lana, and temples and ruins dating back hundreds of years. Riding along the Ping River, take in the local atmosphere that makes Chiang Mai so special. Stop at a candy factory to sample Chiang Mai’s famous treats; visit a local bakery and a local market where you’ll have the opportunity to sample some of the most delicious and exotic fruits and other snacks. Water is provided during the regular rest stops. Halfway through the trip, enjoy a small Thai meal (Kao Soy Kai) in a local restaurant. Special note: Guests should be in reasonable physical condition and should know how to safely ride a bicycle. The program is subject to change due to local conditions. After the tour you return to the hotel. 137 Pillar House – Rajah Brooke Suite (B)

Day 8: Chiang Mai
Today you learn about Asian elephants and life in the mahout training school. The schedule is very rigid in order to ensure the safety of guests and elephants. Interact with these gentle creatures while learning more about the conservation center. 137 Pillar House – Rajah Brooke Suite (B,L)

Day 9: Chiang Mai
Today your private transfer takes you to the Thai Cookery School (shared class) for a full day cooking tutorial. The school offers a choice of five different one-day courses. Each course has been designed as a so that the students will learn all the main techniques for cooking Thai food for whichever course they opt for. 137 Pillar House – Rajah Brooke Suite (B,L)

Day 10: Chiang Mai / Bangkok / Siem Reap, Cambodia
Fly to Siem Reap via Bangkok. On arrival in Siem Reap, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Shintmani Club (B)

Day 11: Siem Reap
Begin your exploration with your private guide of one of the most famous temple complexes in the world – Angkor Wat. The fortified city of Angkor Thom is enclosed by a wall and wide moats, and includes many of Angkor’s most popular sights. Enter by the monumental South Gate over a causeway lined on either side by statues of demons and gods, each carrying a giant naga. Continue to the Terrace Of The Elephants and the Terrace Of The Leper Kings, former spaces for public ceremonies, both adorned with dramatic bas reliefs. Visit the ruined Baphuon, Royal Enclosure and Phimeanakas before continuing to the mysterious Bayon Temple. In this temple, one of the most popular and compelling in Angkor, explore the galleries of beautifully preserved bas reliefs and ascend narrow stairs to reach the central sanctuary, where you will find giant stone faces smiling enigmatically down at you from every angle.  Visit Ta Prohm, one of the most popular attractions of Angkor because much of the jungle has not been cleared and it looks very much as most of the Angkor monuments would have appeared when European explorers first stumbled across them.  Watch the sunset over the Cambodian countryside from the upper terraces of an ancient Angkorian temple. Following your tour, enjoy a 15-minute scenic helicopter flight over Angkor Wat and the floating villages. Shinta Mani Club (B)

Day 12: Siem Reap
On a full-day excursion, you travel to Koh Ker* and Beng Mealea.  Koh Ker was once capital of Jayavarman IV, and features the pyramidal Prasat Thom. Beng Mealea is a 12th-century temple the size of Angkor about 40 kilometers/25 miles from the Bayon.  Beng Mealea is enclosed by a moat.  The temple is currently being reclaimed from the jungle as years of conflict in the region left it neglected and almost forgotten.  It is now one of the most popular remote temples owing to its wealth of classical bas reliefs. This evening, enjoy dinner at Cuisine Wat Damnak. The restaurant, built from a traditional Khmer house, is anything but traditional. The menu is not typical Khmer, rather a fusion that boasts fresh local ingredients, some so rare you may have never even heard of them! Shinta Mani Club (B,D)

*The Spirit of Big Five Foundation supports the nonprofit Heritage Watch organization in preserving and protecting these important ruins from looting and vandalism while helping the local community realize benefits through sustainable tourism.

Day 13: Siem Reap
This morning, begin your adventure activities. Not far from the majestic of Angkor, there is a new way for you to experience this tropical rainforest using zip lines, and you traverse suspended sky bridges, abseil from towering trees, and fly like never before. This afternoon, you enjoy a different experience with your local guide as you travel by quad bike through landscapes and villages that offers you glimpses of rural life today. Head into the forest to reach another temple Banteay Ampeul temple, well off the beaten track because the road conditions don’t allow for any vehicles. The jungle has reclaimed part of the site. Shinta Mani Club(B,L)

Day 14: Siem Reap / Sihanoukville / Song Saa Private Island
Today you fly to Sihanoukville, where you are welcomed by the resort driver who transfers you to the port for your short speed boat ride to the private island of Song Saa. While “paradise” has become hackneyed, some places truly merit that handle and Song Saa is one of them. In the warm sapphire waters of the Gulf of Thailand, Cambodia’s islands nestle like dazzling natural jewels. Song Saa Private Island lies secluded in this magnificent seascape, just 35 minutes by boat from the port of Sihanoukville. Most of the islands remain undeveloped – deserted oases of virgin rainforests, tropical reefs and glistening white beaches. You are among a mere handful of lucky adventurers to experience this beautiful, largely untouched island. Song Saa is dedicated to conservation and “luxury that treads lightly.” The entire island is a sanctuary centered on wellbeing and regeneration. Song Saa Private Island – Over Water Villa (B,L,D)

Days 15-17: Song Saa Private Island
During you time here, you are free to enjoy any of the experiences that suite your interests. They can be tailored for families and children. Explore the reefs around the Song Saa Islands and see vibrant corals and the fascinating creatures within them – and if you’re lucky, you may even come across a seahorse! Explore the beautiful unspoiled coves and bays of the surrounding archipelago by kayak in your own time. Stop and have a picnic or explore some deserted islands. In Villa Movie Experience, you have your own private cinema in your villa with a movie of your choice. Relax in the privacy of your villa with a chilled glass of your favorite beverage and plenty of popcorn. (Book in advance as this is a popular activity).  Go for yoga at sunrise at the complimentary daily morning yoga class (reservation required). For interested guests, you can explore the conservation and community work through a range of unique activities that allow you to experience the beautiful environment and people of the Koh Rong Archipelago. Take a journey around the twin islands of Song Saa – Koh Ouen and Koh Bong with a member of their conservation team to see the indigenous flora and fauna, habitats and ecosystems that exist on the islands and learn about the work they are doing to conserve them. For children there is a Nature Treasure Hunt. This is a chance for kids to learn about the local environment while having a ball. Kids follow a trail of treasures that leads them back to the Discovery Centre where a ‘natural’ treasure awaits.  Local Buddhist monks can perform a traditional blessings ceremony at a nearby pagoda on Koh Rong. These complimentary ceremonies add a sacred touch to that special event, and are popular for birthdays, weddings and honeymoons.  Sala Song Saa offers the chance to learn about Cambodian life today. Take a trip by traditional buffalo cart to a local farm and see how villagers are pursuing sustainable livelihoods on the land. At Sala Song Saa you can explore the world of Khmer agriculture and herbal remedies, with support from our Khmer speaking community expert. Sessions can be tailored for adults and families. Song Saa Private Island – Over Water Villa (B,L,D)

Day 18: Song Saa / Siem Reap / Depart
Renewed and re-energized, you return by speedboat to the port and are transferred to Siem Reap for your onward flight home. (B)

Land price, per person, double occupancy: From US$700 per person per day