The Thailand Triple with Overnight Train Experience

Days 1-3  Bangkok  
Thailand’s captivating capital city is truly a feast for the senses. Its intoxicating blend of market mayhem, sizzling street food, glittering temples and vibrant nightlife will delight and surprise, regardless of whether it’s your first or fifth visit. Base yourself in a resort on the banks of the Chao Phraya River for a relaxing haven with easy access to the city’s myriad attractions. Get your Bangkok bearings with an introductory tour, where a local guide will help you navigate the array of available public transport, from skytrains and tuk tuks to river boats, plus take in one of Bangkok’s most unmissable sights: the astonishingly opulent Grand Palace. After your tour, Bangkok is yours to uncover. Try your hand at haggling for crafts in one of the maze-like markets, spot traditional teak houses along winding khlongs (canals) of Thonburi, and decide how many fearsome birds eye chillies you can handle in a freshly prepared som tam (green papaya salad).          

Day 4  Bangkok to Chiang Mai by overnight train        
Say farewell to the bright city lights as you transfer to Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Terminal, otherwise known as Bang Sue Central Station, where an English-speaking guide will assist you with boarding your overnight train bound for Chiang Mai. Train travel in Thailand is far from a luxurious affair but offers a fascinating insight into local life, and the opportunity to see more of this stunning country as your train slowly makes its way north. As evening falls, train staff move along the carriages transforming commuter seats into fully flat sleeping berths with clean sheets and pillows. Let the rhythm of the railway rock you to sleep, ready to wake up to a fresh adventure.
       
Days 5-7  Chiang Mai  
While Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second largest city, it welcomes you with an entirely different atmosphere. History is apparent in every nook and cranny of its charming old town, which can be easily explored on foot. Enjoy the slower pace and ever-friendly Thai culture as you stroll the ancient streets, hearing Buddhist chants drift from temples and catching the unmistakeable aroma of fragrant khao soi noodle soup wafting from neighbourhood restaurants. Be sure to visit sacred Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, ‘The Temple on the Hill’, which will amaze you with both its intricately decorated stupas and incredible panoramic views over Chiang Mai and the surrounding lush, emerald countryside. Outside of the city walls, national parks rise up around you waiting to be discovered, promising cascading waterfalls hidden amongst jungle clad hills.          

Days 8-14  Koh Samui        
Thailand’s effervescent cities are perfectly paired with its unrivalled beaches, so with train travel not an option for this route, hop on a short flight to the stunning island of Koh Samui. Samui is a compact slice of paradise with no journey longer than 45 minutes – meaning wherever you choose to stay, it’s easy to access the tranquil bay of Coral Cove for snorkelling, the famous night market at Fisherman’s Village for your fix of authentic pad thai, or the parties and pina coladas of Chaweng’s lively bars. After your action-packed escapades in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, you’d be forgiven for simply indulging in rest and recouperation on a sugar soft white sand beach, appreciating the exceptionally warm service offered by Koh Samui’s world-class resorts. Whether lounging by the pool, soaking in the azure waters of the Gulf of Thailand or seeking out the next local delicacy to sample, the island is your home for a perfect week.