Duration
11 days / 10 nights
Price Per Person
Destinations
Thailand, Myanmar

Embark on a thrilling, scenic journey that will take you from Thailand's vibrant cities, majestic mountains, ancient temples and scenic waterways, across the border to Myanmar's Kengtung, a colorful, age-old culture with a fascinating assortment of hilltribes. You'll fly, drive, hike, and boat through Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and finally Kentung. Expect this exciting 11-day journey through the past and present of these two similar, yet different cultures to leave you with incredible insight into Southeast Asia and its friendly people.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

• Muay Thai: Learn the ancient art of Thai kickboxing and see if you've got what it takes in the ring.

• Hiking: Thailand's lush and mountainous north makes for exciting hiking terrain and a trek through the jungle is the perfect way to explore the northern countryside.

• Hill Tribes: The unique ethnic groups of northern Thailand still live a largely traditional way of life and travelers will learn their customs with visits to Akha, Lahu, Loi, Ann, Tai, and Silver Palaung communities.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Bangkok

Arrive in Thailand's throbbing capital, Bangkok, and transfer to one of Bangkok's many luxury hotels. Once settled in, head out on a half-day tour of the city, checking out some of its top sits, from the shining Grand Palace, to the much-adored Wat Arun, to Wat Po, resting place of the Reclining Buddha. In the evening, take a stroll through the colorful and fragrant flower market and a street food tour around Chinatown for a real taste of the city.  

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Chao Phraya Views: Every guest room, suite, and villa at Capella Bangkok - as well as the dining venues and many of the facilities - boast river views. What's more, the sun sets just across the river from the property, casting gorgeous orange hues over the hotel and providing superlative evening sundowner locations from anywhere on the grounds.

A New Riviera: The Riviera theme continues in Capella Bangkok's fine dining restaurant, Côte by Mauro Colagreco, where the three-Michelin-star chef has reinterpreted French-Italian Riviera flavors, inspired by traditional recipes and culinary heritage.

Sophistication & Luxury: From contemporary design featuring custom artwork by local Thai artists, to the expansive wellness center with water therapy and locally-inspired treatments, to a desserts-and-cocktails salon bedecked in black and gold, the Capella Bangkok exudes finesse.

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Capella Bangkok Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: While Bangkok is home to several world-class hotels, only a handful are situated right on the Chao Phraya River. We love the Four Seasons Hotel for its amazing riverside location with easy access to the city center. This property is ideal for seclusion and relaxation and yet is still close to the action.

Design: The architects have carefully considered the blending of indoor and outdoor space to create a light and complementary blend of modern design and serene green spaces.

Spaciousness: The property stretches over 1,100 feet along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, also known as, "The Grand Duke,” leaving plenty of room for spacious suites, lush outdoor grounds and two infinity pools.

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Four Seasons Bangkok Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Because of the Peninsula Bangkok's prime location on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, diners may enjoy stunning, alfresco cuisine as they watch the boat traffic cruise up and down the river - a particularly picturesque experience at night.

Views: One of the most iconic hotels in Bangkok, the Peninsula is cleverly designed so that each room has river views.

Outdoors: Its expansive grounds are home to a large riverside swimming pool and grass lawn.

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The Peninsula Bangkok Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Positioned on the Chao Phraya River, The Siam can be reached by boat or car. Guests can travel to major sightseeing locations, such as the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, by ferry.

History: The Siam was faithfully created in vintage style, incorporating Chinese and Thai motifs in a chic Art Deco design style.

Service: This boutique property offers personalized attentive service from one of the most respected hoteliers in Thailand, the Sukosol Group.

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The Siam Hotel Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Bangkok

Learn the revered and culturally-important art of Thai kickboxing this morning. Many say it's the toughest workout they've ever done, so be prepared to sweat. The afternoon is spent leisurely meandering Bangkok's romantic canal system on a private boat, followed by a visit to the well-known Jim Thompson house. Head back to your hotel for the evening, or stay out to experience some of Bangkok's world-famous nightlife. 

Bangkok
Bangkok

Day 3

Bangkok

Hit the road today, driving from capital to ancient capital, Ayutthaya. Take a stroll through the city's ancient ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and imagine what life must have been like during the heyday. You can't leave without trying some of the city's famous giant river prawns – enjoy them at a local restaurant before returning to Bangkok and your luxury hotel for the night. 

Day 4

Chiang Mai

Board a plane for Chiang Mai today, known as the capital of the North. You'll be transferred to your luxury hotel. You'll get right into Chiang Mai's local culture with a trip to Doi Suthep village, nestled into the bottom of the majestic mountain. Move on to the powerful Huay Kaew Waterfall, before heading back to your hotel to freshen up for the night ahead. You'll be sitting down to a Khantoke dinner, an entertaining feast that is characteristic of northern Thailand. 

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Individuality: The 137 Pillars House is a recently opened, renovated, historically colonial boutique property of select suites.

Added Extras: Guests receive complimentary breakfasts, soft drinks and beer from the mini bar.

Location: Situated in one of Chiang Mai’s most stylish areas, by the Ping River and near unique art galleries, antique shops, coffee houses and just a stone’s throw from some of the cities most up-market nightlife venues.

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137 Pillars House Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: The vast resort grounds comprise verdant rice terraces and lush landscaped rainforest gardens over looking a stunning Thai mountain range in the distance.

Dining: Four superb restaurants and a handful of bars in beautiful locations serving Thai, Italian and international cuisine, as well as afternoon tea, signature cocktails and fine wines.

Facilities: Guests may enjoy plenty of world-class facilities including an award winning spa, fitness center, infinity pool, tennis courts, cooking school, library and children’s clubs.

Privacy: The hideaway resort is situated away from the hustle of Chiang Mai city, yet within easy reach of the areas attractions. There are five daily shuttle services to the city center.

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Four Seasons Chiang Mai Preferred Hotel
About

Chiang Mai's Villa Mahabhirom is located west of the old city, a short walk from the 700-year-old Wat Umong Buddhist temple and only a 15-minute drive from the international airport. The name translates as "Villa of Great Pleasure," and the property is designed around the concept of groups of friends and families spending time together.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai

Day 5

Chiang Mai

Wat Umong is your first stop, an ancient Buddhist temple at the feet of Doi Suthep. Learn about local industry and even do some shopping, moving from a local textile workshop to Chiang Mai's many fresh markets and night bazaar. Return to your hotel for a restful sleep. 

Day 6

Chiang Rai

Take a roadtrip to Chiang Rai today, enjoying the rugged and stunning landscape you pass along the way. You're now in what's known as the Golden Triangle, connecting Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. Begin your Chiang Rai experience by checking in to one of two luxury hotels that have gone the extra mile to blend in with their natural surroundings, either Anantara Golden Triangle, or Four Seasons Tented Camp. Once settled in, head to the Hall of Opium, for insight into the local opium trade. Next, you'll learn to ride and care for an elephant in a mahout training class, followed by a trek through the mystical jungle of the north. 

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Views: Overlooking the misty mountains of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos and Mekong River in the enigmatic Golden Triangle region.

Activities: Yoga, Thai cooking lessons, coffee planting and tasting, tree planting and elephant experiences.

Cuisine: Thai and Mediterranean food with beautiful views from the large alfresco terrace.

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Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

All-inclusive: guests needn’t worry about cash as drinks, food and trips are already paid for

Elephants: the most intimate elephant experience in Thailand - have breakfast with baby elephants, and learn how to command, ride, feed and bathe elephants

Luxury: 15 luxurious tents with bedroom, bathroom & living room - 3 come with outdoor hot tub

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Four Seasons Tented Camp Preferred Hotel
Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai

Day 7

Chiang Rai

Start your day in fresh, mountain air at Doi Mae Salong, and take in the incredible panorama offered by this viewpoint. Lunch with a local hilltribe family, and learn about their traditions and day-to-day life. Later in the afternoon, explore a tea plantation, breathing in the fresh, fragrant air. Return to your hotel to relax for a final night in Chiang Rai. 

Day 8

Kengtung

Check out of your Chiang Rai hotel today. You'll drive to Mae Sai, where you'll cross the border to Tachilek in Myanmar. Enjoy a three-hour scenic drive from here to Kengtung, winding your way through Myanmar's epic countryside. Kengtung possesses a unique culture, populated by Tai people, and the influence of both Burmese and Thai cultures is apparent. Check in to your room at the New Kyaing Tong Hotel, and get acquainted with your new surroundings, exploring the town at your leisure. 

Hotel Options
About

Once the site of a palace occupied by the concubines of ethnic Shan chieftans, the Amazing Kengtong Resort offers a modicum of luxury in the remote reaches of Myanmar’s Shan state. The hotel is comprised of 12 Junior Suites, 24 Superior rooms and 72 Standard rooms, many of which include spacious terraces that overlook the adjacent Noung Ton Lake and the mountainous landscape beyond.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Kengtung
Kengtung

Day 9

Kengtung

Enjoy personal encounters with tribe members in Akhu, Lahu, and other nearby areas this morning. Next, trek through the countryside to meet the Loi tribe, noting their longhouses made of wood, often housing more than one family. Continue your journey, this time up Hokyin Mountain, to Wanpauk, home of the Silver Palaung hilltribe, and learn about their daily life and customs. Drive back to Kengtung at sundown and relax at your hotel this evening. 

Day 10

Kengtung

Start your day off with a trip to the Akhu village of Wan Sai, where centuries-old traditions are still practised today. Your journey to the next hilltribe will take you through some picturesque nature, including lush rice and vegetable fields. Your next destination is the home of the animistic Ann tribe. Spend some time with them to gain insight into their unique culture. Return to Kengtung once again for a final night. 

Kengtung
Kengtung

Day 11

Departure

After breakfast, head to the local market, where you'll walk past stalls upon stalls of fresh produce and other nutritional staples used in local cuisine. You may even choose to pick up some souvenirs like silver coins or a traditional headdress. Finally, it's time to say goodbye to Kengtung, as you drive back to Chiang Rai, and fly to your next onward destination. 

Suggested Hotels For Days 1–3

Capella Bangkok
Preferred Hotel

Capella Bangkok

Drawing on its reputation for elegance and personalization, the Capella Bangkok is nestled along the east bank of the Chao Phraya River, providing panoramic views from all 101 rooms, suites, and villas. The hotel has also thrown a couple of hats into the capital city’s ring of culinary offerings with two gourmet restaurants and a waterfront patio area that’s perfect for al-fresco dining. Three-Michelin-starred Argentinian chef Mauro Colagreco is the mastermind behind much of Capella’s cuisine, and there is a specialty bar offering desserts and artisan cocktails. Among other amenities, there is an oriental tea lounge, open-air spa, outdoor pool, and even an in-house Capella Library. Finally, in trademark Capella fashion, personal assistants are made available to guests to ensure a luxury stay in Bangkok.

Four Seasons Bangkok
Preferred Hotel

Four Seasons Bangkok

Nestled on the banks of Bangkok’s bustling Chao Phraya River, the Four Seasons Bangkok is designed around water-centric serenity and fluidity, inspired by the riverfront location. Situated in a vibrant part of the city, guests can view the abundance of activity on the river and enjoy nearby restaurants and cafes, art galleries and temples, with easy access to the various shopping and cultural activities for which “The City of Angels” is renowned. Guests seeking a holistic experience can avail themselves of the hotel's two infinity pools, spa and wellness center, a well-equipped fitness center and a 98-foot lap pool.

The Peninsula Bangkok
Preferred Hotel

The Peninsula Bangkok

Overlooking the Chao Phraya river, the iconic Peninsula’s commanding views of the city’s skyline make it one of the most elegant choices in Bangkok. Designed with a blend of modern and traditional Thai decor, the hotel provides all of the comforts of home with an exotic flair, all with the level of quality service and amenities that define the Peninsula. The hotel boasts three restaurants: Mei Jiang for Cantonese cuisine; Thiptara for Thai home-style cooking on an open-air pavilion; and the River Cafe and Bar, located on the banks of the river. The excellent spa, ESPA, offers state-of-the-art treatments, and an extensive fitness center includes a pool set in a garden complex. The Peninsula is located approximately 45 minutes by car from Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK).

The Siam Hotel
Preferred Hotel

The Siam Hotel

The Siam Hotel is set on 3 acres of verdant lawn along the city side of Bangkok’s main river, the Chao Praya. The Siam is a private 39-room luxury retreat with its own unique historical background located in Bangkok’s royal Dusit district. Designed by internationally acclaimed architect Bill Bensley, the property is Art Deco inspired with infusions of Thai antiques and traditional architecture. Guests have an array of amenities at their fingertips: restaurants, a cooking school, bar, café, spa, gym, yoga terrace, Muay Thai boxing ring, beauty salon, library/cinema, infinity pool, gift/antiques gallery, conservatory and traditional Thai houses. The Siam’s 39 suites and pool villas are noticeably spacious and well equipped with modern conveniences. All rooms are outfitted with plush furnishings, super-sized king beds and lofty ceilings. Each suite is individually designed with original turn-of-the-century Oriental artwork and antiquities and is catered for by a personal butler. Complimentary WiFi is available property-wide. Onsite dining options include a Thai restaurant, international cuisine bistro, bar and coffee and cakes shop. The Siam Hotel is approximately 50 minutes from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).

Suggested Hotels For Days 4–5

137 Pillars House
Preferred Hotel

137 Pillars House

Located in the heart of Wat Gate, an area in Chiang Mai that was formerly designated to foreigners by the government, 137 Pillars House sits idyllically along the Ping River, adjacent to Wat Gate Khar Rham Temple. Combining the regality of traditional Thai elegance with modern luxury, this boutique hotel offers amenities including high-speed wireless internet access, laundry service, a 24-hour on-call medical professional, babysitting services, a spa, outdoor swimming pool and a fitness facility. The Dining Room offers classic Thai cuisine, one of the many dining options offered at the hotel. 137 Pillars House is approximately 25 minutes by car from Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX).

Four Seasons Chiang Mai
Preferred Hotel

Four Seasons Chiang Mai

The Four Seasons Chiang Mai blends with its natural surroundings seamlessly, with trees growing between and around the resort, overlooking terraced rice fields and the mountains of the Mae Rim Valley. The resort has 64 boutique pavilions, each with a private veranda, as well as 16 private luxury residences. The Sala Mae Rim serves Thai cuisine and offers sweeping views of the valley below, and the Terraces have international dishes with a view of the Doi Suthep mountain range. The hotel has a health club with state of the art equipment, including a sauna, herbal steam room, whirlpool, cold plunge pool, 20-meter infinity edge swimming pool, a business center and wi-fi access. There are also mountain bikes available for use, along with maps of trails through the surrounding forest. The Spa at the Four Seasons Chiang Mai has seven treatment suites with rain shower massage tables and private herbal steam rooms. Professional spa therapists can help you choose the best treatment package for your needs. The hotel is 25 minutes from Chiang Mai International Airport.

Villa Mahabhirom

Villa Mahabhirom

Chiang Mai's Villa Mahabhirom is located west of the old city, a short walk from the 700-year-old Wat Umong Buddhist temple and only a 15-minute drive from the international airport. The name translates as "Villa of Great Pleasure," and the property is designed around the concept of groups of friends and families spending time together. The antique Thai villas (ruean thai) date back over a century, featuring traditional elements such as stilts, handmade clay roof tiles and dark teakwood. Reimagined for the modern traveler, the 14 villas range from one- to three-bedroom units, with some offering private saltwater plunge pools. Decor is simple and elegant, with details including vintage furniture and luxurious Italian marble in the bathroom. Custom toiletries are by Pañpuri. Hotel facilities include a large saltwater swimming pool, a spa, as well as yoga and Tai Chi classes (requested in advance). For dining, guests can enjoy home-cooked Thai and international dishes in the property's signature Restaurant or opt for the private Mahabhirom Dining Room. The Noppadol Verandah is perfect for evening sundowners and afternoon tea can be enjoyed in the Mahabhirom Tea Room - the sweet treats follow the recipes of Bangkok's Baan Mo Palace while the aromatic teas are sourced from Thailand's only organic tea plantation.

Suggested Hotels For Days 6–7

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
Preferred Hotel

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort

The Anantara is a chic luxury retreat perched atop a high mountain ridge overlooking the confluence of the Mekong and Ruak rivers, and close to Thailand's borders with Laos and Myanmar. It has 58 guest rooms and 19 suites decorated in a style that blends the best of the area's rich fabric and woodcarving traditions with contemporary design. The resort includes a sybaritic spa, an infinity pool that looks over the tree canopy to the Mekong River and up towards the hills of Myanmar and Laos, a fitness center with steam rooms, saunas, squash and tennis courts, a Thai cooking school, and an elephant camp, where you can learn about the importance of the elephant in Thai culture and arrange a ride through the surrounding jungle. The Anantara is also home to three food and beverage establishments: Sala Mae Nam (international buffet breakfast and Northern Thai specialties for dinner), Baan Dahlia (authentic Italian cuisine with a wine selection from vineyards around the globe), and The Elephant Bar and Opium Terrace, the perfect setting for a night cap.

Four Seasons Tented Camp
Preferred Hotel

Four Seasons Tented Camp

An exotic getaway reached by riverboat, the Four Seasons Tented Camp is set in a bamboo jungle at the meeting point of three countries: Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. Fifteen freestanding, luxurious tents are spaced along a half-mile-long hillside trail over the Muak River, each with a large outdoor deck to take in the lush surroundings and the sounds of the forest. The rooms are outfitted with hand-hammered copper bathtubs, and custom-made furnishings that hearken back to the style of 19th-century explorers. The spa offers simple luxury with traditional Thai massages in open-air salas that seem to float in the air amid the trees. The treatments include mountain botanicals and warming spices for a unique and restorative experience. Private yoga classes are also available. A variety of dining experiences are offered and are shared by the small group of guests: breakfast is served at Nong Yao, the camp's restaurant; lunch might be a picnic in the jungle with folding tables, stools and linen napkins; dinner could be a barbecue, a five-course formal meal or a dinner by the campfire. There is a pool and attached whirlpool at the camp that has been integrated into the landscape, surrounded by granite boulders and lush plants. The camp is 90 minutes from Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI).

Suggested Hotel For Days 8–10

Amazing Kengtong Resort

Amazing Kengtong Resort

Once the site of a palace occupied by the concubines of ethnic Shan chieftans, the Amazing Kengtong Resort offers a modicum of luxury in the remote reaches of Myanmar’s Shan state. The hotel is comprised of 12 Junior Suites, 24 Superior rooms and 72 Standard rooms, many of which include spacious terraces that overlook the adjacent Noung Ton Lake and the mountainous landscape beyond. In-room amenities include satellite television, mini-bar and air conditioning. The hotel also has a charming pagoda and outdoor swimming pool on its grounds. Dining options are limited: there is a dining hall that serves Chinese and Western cuisine in addition to local specialties. The Amazing Kengtong Resort is approximately 30 minutes by car from the Kengtung airport.

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