Less-Traveled Luxury Thailand

Hidden Culture, Wildlife Encounters, and a Remote Island

Venture beyond Thailand’s tourist trail and experience unique facets of Thai culture, remote nature retreats, and less-trodden neighborhoods. Our 10-day Less-Traveled Luxury Thailand itinerary beckons to intrepid spirits who revel in taking the road less traveled while still enjoying striking modern hotel design and refined local cuisine and hospitality. 

While you’ll still hit iconic places such as Bangkok, expect to see the city in surprising ways, whether that’s from a ringside seat at a Muay Thai match or on a walking tour of a historic neighborhood where you’ll rub elbows with local foodies and chefs. Head deep into nature in Khao Yai National Park on a thrilling night safari and a waterfall trek, and snorkel through bioluminescence in the waters surrounding a secluded island.  

This trip harkens back to the sense of curiosity and adventure that inspired burgeoning international tourism here in the 20th century but in an elevated way. The 10-day itinerary is also a perfect length if you’d like to extend your travels to Luang Prabang in Laos or Siem Reap in Cambodia.  

Less-Traveled Luxury Thailand: 10 days / 9 nights

Less-Traveled Luxury Thailand Trip Highlights

Begin your journey through Thailand in Bangkok, where your VIP escort will whisk you through priority customs and immigration. Your personal guide and driver will welcome you to the city and bring you to The Siam, a stunning art-filled boutique property on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Decompress and then get your first taste of Thailand’s famous food at Samrub Samrub Thai, a favorite haunt of local chefs and foodies.   
What better way to get to know Bangkok than by exploring like the locals do? Hop on and off the city’s public transit to discover iconic landmarks and lesser-known gems. Visit Wat Pho and the Grand Palace and then cross the Chao Phraya River by ferry to visit Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, one of the most captivating sights in the city. Continue on to the Kudi Jeen neighborhood to uncover unique traditions and history—don’t miss the area’s famous baked treat—then end your adventure in Bangkok’s heady, kaleidoscopic flower market.  
Muay Thai is so much more than a sporting event, it’s a part of Thai cultural heritage. Grab a ringside seat to this pulse-quickening, ancient martial art, originally created for the Thai military. Before the fight, observe the traditional wai kru ram muay, where fighters pay respects to their trainers and don ceremonial headbands and armbands. Then, witness an electrifying match where the lightning-quick fighters seem to engage every limb and body part to challenge their opponent.  
Set out on a private walking tour for a taste of Bangrak, a neighborhood where many of Bangkok’s culinary traditions began centuries ago. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the area’s rich culinary heritage by meeting local restaurant owners and street vendors, sampling their specialities and delicacies. You’ll also visit hidden temples frequented by locals to get a deeper feel for the spirituality and culture of this neighborhood.  
A private road transfer will bring you to Khao Yai National Park, Thailand’s first national park, where you’ll check in to MUTHI MAYA, a tranquil nature retreat surrounded by forest and mountains. As dusk descends, head out on a special excursion to the bat cave, where you’ll witness countless wrinkle-lipped bats emerging in a spectacular display.  
Venture into the heart of Khao Yai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Trek along the Gibbon Route, a trail that winds through dense green jungle with a watchtower ideal for spotting wildlife, including gibbons, pig-tailed macaques, and hornbills. In the afternoon, take in the thundering Haew Narok Waterfall, one of the park’s most impressive sights, and as night falls, clamor into an off-road vehicle for a thrilling night safari. Keep your eyes peeled for creatures such as civets, deer, porcupines, wild dogs, and possibly elephants. 
Hop on a charter flight to the remote island of Koh Kood and check in to Soneva Kiri, which feels like your own private Eden. Settle into your first evening of island life by indulging in the property’s Treepod Dining Experience, where dinner and drinks arrive via zipline to your private dining pod in the jungle treetops. Savor chilled delicacies and small plates while you catch glimpses of the ocean waves through swaying palms.   
Discover the essence of Koh Kood on the wide range of magical island experiences at your fingertips. Take a boat out to Koh Raet, one of Koh Kood’s most unique diving and snorkeling sites, where a dense reef teems with colorful fish and crustacea and you can swim through a sunken sculpture garden. Wade into dark waters on a night snorkeling adventures for the chance to see rare bioluminescence or set sail on a wooden boat at sunset with a glass of Champagne in hand to arrive at a traditional fishing village where you’ll indulge in a seafood feast with a local family.  

Price

Starting at $9,600 per person sharing in 2025

Less-Traveled Luxury Thailand On a Map

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