Diethelm Preferred with Starwood Brochure

Introduction 4 Bangkok 7

Suggested Itineraries

25

Bangkok by Night

26

Bangkok Heritage Samui Cruising

28

Royal Orchid Sheraton

8

The St. Regis Bangkok

11

Bangkok Nightlife Phuket Bliss

31

Phuket 13

Historic Bangkok Samui Speedboat

34

Old Bangkok Samui Island Cruising

38

Be In Touch

44

The Naka Island Phuket

14

Koh Samui

17

Sheraton Samui Resort

19

Vana Belle Resort

20

W Retreat Koh Samui

23

04 | INTRODUCTION

DIETHELM PREFERRED WITH STARWOOD

THAILAND THE WAY YOU DREAMED IT WOULD BE

Diethelm Preferred is proud to be working in collaboration with Starwood, the most global high-end hotel company in the world, with nine distinct lifestyle brands that include names such as Sheraton, St. Regis, W, Le Meridien, Westin, and The Luxury Collection.

Here we have selected six preferred hotels in Thailand for you to choose your own way of enjoying in luxury this most exotic of Eastern destinations.

In Bangkok we offer a choice of the Royal Orchid Sheraton, which is located beside the Chao Phraya River, or St. Regis, within walking distance of the city’s best shopping outlets and with a view over the green sward of the Royal Bangkok Sports Club.

At Phuket we provide an island-off-theisland experience: The Naka Island is a Luxury Collection Resort on tiny Naka Island, located just off the Phuket coast and accessible only by speedboat.

Samui is another famed island destination, and here we have three sumptuous resorts.

Sheraton Samui Resort and the Luxury Collection Resort of Vana Belle are both set on the ivory sands of Chaweng Noi Beach, in glorious natural surroundings yet only a few minutes away from the lively town of Chaweng with its shops, entertainment, and restaurants.

W Retreat is located on its own tiny peninsula on the northern side of the island, with a finger of golden sand pointing out into the blue ocean towards the nearby island of Koh Pha Ngan.

We have also crafted itineraries for you to enjoy Bangkok as a sole destination, or combined with either of the island destinations.

Diethelm Preferred with Starwood is a collection designed for you to live life the way you prefer. We wish you a joyful holiday, and the Journey of a Lifetime.

BA NG KOK

8 | BANGKOK

ROYAL ORCHID SHERATON A REFINED RIVERSIDE HOTEL FROM USD 96

The Royal Orchid Sheraton is set directly on the Chao Phraya River and is designed so that every guestroom has a magnificent through the floor-to-ceiling windows of this historic waterway.

There are four restaurants, with Feast serving international cuisine both indoors and outdoors on the deck, Giorgio’s offering an Italian menu in the most romantic of settings, Thara Thong serving authentic spicy Thai dishes, and Sambal Bar & Grill providing a chic al fresco setting for drinks and Asian specialities.

For leisure there is an outdoor tennis court, the Garden Pool tucked amongst the greenery and the Terrace Pool with views of the city, and Mandara Spa, where age-old heritage treatments meet the most modern therapies in a choice of double treatment rooms or suites.

Immediately beside the hotel, River City is a four-storey shopping complex renowned for its Asian antiques, curios and artworks, and here too is the river pier for catching a river bus up to the Grand Palace and beyond, or embarking on a sedate river cruise.

Rooms and Suites: 659 rooms and 67 suites • Deluxe River View • Deluxe Premium River View • Junior River View Suite • Executive River View Suite • Club River View Executive • Club River View Junior Suite • Club River View Executive Suite • Royal Orchid Presidential Suite Facilities: Feast, Giorgio’s, Thara Thong and Sambal Bar & Grill, Royal Orchid Mandara Spa, 24-hour fitness centre, two swimming pools, outdoor tennis court Location: The hotel is located directly beside the Chao Phraya River, and there are two river piers adjacent.

• 10 minutes by hotel shuttle boat to BTS Skytrain station

BANGKOK | 11

THE ST. REGIS BANGKOK BESPOKE ELEGANCE FROM USD 155

The St. Regis Bangkok has all the grace of its parent hotel in New York, which was built by John Jacob Astor at the beginning of the 20th century, and like the original has become a venue for high society, captains of industry, and glamorous celebrities.

With a premier location on Ratchadamri Road, The St. Regis is near the city’s elite business institutions and within easy walking distance of the paradise shopping districts of Ratchadamri Square and Siam Square.

The guestrooms, which enjoy a butler service, feature views across the huge green area of the Royal Bangkok Sports Club, an oasis in the heart of the city.

The hotel is home to Jojo, one of Bangkok’s most lauded Italian restaurants, serving Modern Italian cuisine in a rustic setting.

Also for outstanding dining is Zuma, a sophisticated interpretation of izakaya, the traditional Japanese style of informal eating and drinking with attention to detail and quality ingredients. Inspired by the traditional New York bistros, VIU features exceptional grills, complemented by a stunning view of the Royal Bangkok Sports Club and Bangkok skyline.

Rooms and Suites: 176 rooms and 51 suites • Deluxe • Grand Deluxe • Metropolitan Suite • Caroline Astor Suite • The Royal Suite • Residential Suites • The Residences • The Penthouse Facilities: VIU, Jojo, Decanter, The Lounge, The Drawing Room and The St. Regis Bar, Elemis Spa, Exercise Room, swimming pool Location: The hotel enjoys a premier address on Ratchadamri Road, one of Bangkok’s best addresses.

• 1 minute walk to BTS Skytrain Ratchadamri • 5 minutes’ walk to Lumpini Park • 10 minutes’ walk to shops of Siam Square

PHUK E T

14 | PHUKET

THE NAKA ISLAND PHUKET AN ISLAND OF YOUR OWN FROM USD 228

Naka Island is a tiny island just off the coast of Phuket, which is itself of course an island, and is accessible only by speedboat.

The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort, is an exclusive boutique resort nestling in perfect peace and quiet amongst a coconut grove and with the almost empty beach only moments from the door of your pool villa.

Each of the villas is designed in an organic shape in recognition of the island’s unspoiled beauty, and each has a generously sized swimming pool where you can relax in total privacy.

Z Bar is everyone’s idea of an idyllic tropical island bar, while My Grill offers the ultimate in al fresco dining against an unforgettably romantic background. Dinner can also be enjoyed at a beach sala, or in the luxurious setting of your villa.

For the enrichment of mind and body, Spa Naka offers its signature Watsu treatment, a 60-minute aquatic therapy that eases away aches and pains and draws the stress out of your system.

Rooms and Suites: 67 villas • Tropical Pool Villa • Seaview Pool Villa • Beachfront Pool Villa • Royal Horizon Pool Villa Facilities: Tonsai, My Grill and Z Bar, Spa Naka, 24-hour fitness centre, resort swimming pool, library, kids’ games room Location: The resort is located on Naka Yai Island, just off the Phuket coast, and is accessible only by speedcboat • 25 minutes from Phuket International Airport

KOH

S A MUI

KOH SAMUI | 19

SHERATON SAMUI RESORT

SECLUSION NEAR THE CENTRE OF ACTION FROM USD 118

Sheraton Samui Resort is set on a hillside amongst coconut palms overlooking quiet Chaweng Noi Beach. The secluded beachfront surroundings are however only five minutes away from the colourful action of Chaweng, the island’s premier town for dining, shopping, and leisure attractions.

The guestrooms are decorated in cool shades of white, cream and blue, each with a private balcony providing views of the garden, courtyard or ocean.

If you enjoy fresh seafood, you won’t be able to resist dining at Long Talay, set on the beachside and serving up barbecued fish and shellfish with tangy dips and crisp salads.

Glow Spa is so named because of the glow of radiant good health you will enjoy after one of the Balinese-inspired signature treatments, while there are the Beachfront Pool and the Garden Pool to offer you a choice of where to spend a lazy day.

Rooms and Suites: 141 • Deluxe Garden • Deluxe Ocean View • Premium Ocean • Garden Retreat • Beachside Studio • Oceanview Junior Suite • Oceanview One Bedroom Suite • Oceanview Two Bedroom Suite Facilities: Long Talay, Coco Spice and Blue Monkey Bar, Glow Spa, 24-hour fitness centre, two swimming pools, tennis court, StarKid adventure playground Location: The resort is located directly on Chaweng Noi Beach • 5 minutes by shuttle to Chaweng • 20 minutes by car to Santiburi Samui Country Club with its 18-hole golf course

20 | KOH SAMUI

VANA BELLE RESORT

SUMPTUOUS SERVICE IN A BEACHSIDE SETTING FROM USD 343

The resort’s Vana Spa is in an independent building set in the gardens, and amongst its special treatments provides hot-stone massage, in which hot basalt stones are pressed against fatigued muscles to relieve tension and soothe away aches and pains.

With its setting on the ivory sands of Chaweng Noi Beach, and designed around a beachfront infinity pool, Vana Belle a Luxury Collection Resort offers authentic personalised service. From the moment a guest arrives until the final fond farewell, the attention received is tireless and unrivalled, and the experience unforgettable.

The accommodation is entirely suite, or villa, and each has its own private plunge pool on the terrace.

In this most romantic of settings is a restaurant serving the cuisine of romance, with Panali offering traditional Italian dishes and premium wines against a breathtaking ocean view.

Southern Thai food is on offer at Kiree, cooked up in the black marble show kitchen as a piece of enjoyable culinary theatre by Chef and his friendly team.

As part of its sumptuous service, Vana Belle has its own Luxury Collection Concierge, an expert in local knowledge who can provide privileged access to the charms and treasures on the beautiful island of Samui, and beyond.

Rooms and Suites: 80 • Classic Pool Suite • Deluxe Pool Suite • Grand Pool Suite • Tropical Pool Villa • Ocean View Pool Suite Facilities: Kiree, Panali and Lobby Lounge, Vana Spa, 24-hour fitness centre, beachfront infinity pool, library Location: Directly on Chaweng Noi Beach • 5 minutes by car to Chaweng • 20 minutes by car to Santiburi Samui Country Club with its 18-hole golf course

KOH SAMUI | 23

W RETREAT KOH SAMUI

DARING DESIGNS ON A PENINSULA FROM USD 442

At the northern end of Samui Island, set on a tiny peninsula with the blue ocean on either side, and a stretch of sand pointing into the sea in the direction of neighbouring Pha Ngan Island, sits W Retreat.

A celebration of daring creative design, W Retreat is located on Maenam Beach and offers quiet luxury with 74 villas, each with its own private pool and top technology.

Namu is one of the best Japanese restaurants on the island, with modern Japanese cuisine showcased in a dramatic restaurant concept that explores to the full the splendour of its surroundings.

You will love The Kitchen Table, which is open all day and serves local Thai favourites along with gourmet pizzas and stylish Western dishes, the innovative design creating an impression that the restaurant is floating above the glistening sea.

Relaxation? Away is the name of the spa, and here can be enjoyed an extraordinary herbal bath experience, inspired by the Mexican Temazcal herbal steam ritual.

Rooms and Suites: 74 • Jungle Oasis • Tropical Oasis • Ocean View Escape • Ocean Front Haven • Wow Jungle Oasis • Wow Ocean Haven • Extreme Wow Ocean Haven • Seascape Escape Facilities: The Kitchen Table, Namu, W Lounge, Beach Grill, Sip and Woobar, Away Spa, 24-hour fitness centre, swimming pool, tennis court, library Location: Directly on Maenam Beach at the north of the island • 5 minutes by car to Fishermen’s Village • 15 minutes by car to Chaweng Beach • 15 minutes from Koh Samui International Airport

S UGG E S TE D ITI N E R A R I E S

26 | SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

BANGKOK BY NIGHT

DINNER CRUISE AND NIGHT MARKET FROM USD 629

These three days and two nights in Bangkok allow plenty of daytime leisure for arranging personal itineraries, with the evenings devoted to organised activities that will reveal exciting aspects of the city.

Guided excursions to the Grand Palace and to the ruins of the historic capital of Ayutthaya are available as extra attractions.

BANGKOK Day 1 Arrive at Bangkok. Our guide will escort you to a limousine for transfer to St. Regis. The afternoon is for relaxing.

Dinner has been arranged on a beautifully converted rice barge that cruises up the river and back again, with the Grand Palace, the Temple of Dawn, and other famous sights sliding past as you enjoy cocktails and a convivial meal.

Meals included: Dinner on cruise

Day 2 Day free for relaxing or shopping, with amazing shopping malls and complexes within walking distance of the hotel. In the evening transfer to Asiatique on the Riverfront, a night market where you can enjoy a spectacular show of traditional Thai martial arts along with the local restaurants, shops and market stalls.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel Day 3 Day free for relaxing or shopping until transfer to airport.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES | 27

ENHANCEMENTS Fast track service at Suvarnabhumi International Airport FROM USD 31 Our Fast Track Representative greets you before the immigration counters and will assist you to pass through immigration, baggage claim and customs before leading you to the awaiting vehicle. This is available for arrival and departure services.

Half-day visit by road to Ayutthaya FROM USD 91 Ayutthaya is the former capital, situated approximately two hours by road north of Bangkok. Founded in 1350 by King U-Thong, the city was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767.

This visit takes in the principal sights including Wat Sri Sanphet, Wat Mahathad and Wat Yai Chaimongkhol, and includes a boat trip to Bang Pa-In, the former royal summer residence, which represents a fine example of classic Thai architecture.

Half-day visit to the Grand Palace and temples FROM USD 60 The Grand Palace was the seat not only of the king and his court, but contained within its crenellated walls the entire government administration. Within the grounds are several palaces, including the Funeral Palace, Reception Palace, Throne Hall, Coronation Hall, and the Royal Guest House. Also here is Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. This tour includes two of the most remarkable temples in Bangkok: Wat Trimitr, with its solid gold Buddha image, and Wat Pho, with its colossal Reclining Buddha.

28 | SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

BANGKOK HERITAGE SAMUI CRUISING

HISTORIC SITES AND SAILING ON A TEAK JUNK FROM USD 1,757 Day 1 Arrive at Bangkok. Our guide will escort you to a limousine for transfer to St. Regis. The afternoon is for relaxing.

Dinner has been arranged on a beautifully converted rice barge that cruises up the river and back again, with the Grand Palace, the Temple of Dawn, and other famous sights sliding past as you enjoy cocktails and a convivial meal.

Meals included: Dinner on cruise In Bangkok you will visit the Grand Palace and three of the city’s most important temples, along with a half-day visit to the ruins of Ayutthaya, the ancient capital that was destroyed by the Burmese. Your stay in Bangkok will include an evening dinner cruise aboard a converted rice barge, and an evening travelling the city by tuk-tuk, sampling the authentic tastes of Thai street food. At Samui, there is a full day spent sailing on a traditional teak junk, with island visits to enjoy snorkelling and sunbathing.

Day 2 Today is for visiting the Grand Palace and three of the most important temples in Bangkok. The Grand Palace was the seat not only of the king and his court, but contained within its crenellated walls the entire government administration.

Within the grounds are several palaces, including the Funeral Palace, Reception Palace, Throne Hall, Coronation Hall, and the Royal Guest House. Also here is Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. Following on from Wat Phra Kaew, this tour then moves on to two of the most remarkable temples in Bangkok: Wat Trimitr, with its solid gold Buddha image, and Wat Pho, with its colossal Reclining Buddha.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES | 29

Day 3 A half-day visit to Ayutthaya, the former capital situated approximately two hours by road north of Bangkok.

Founded in 1350 by King U-Thong, the city was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767.

This tour takes in the principal sights including Wat Sri Sanphet, Wat Mahathad and Wat Yai Chaimongkhol, and includes a boat trip to Bang Pa-In, the former royal summer residence, which represents a fine example of classic Thai architecture.

Return to Bangkok and free time to relax.

In the evening take a ride on a tuk-tuk to enjoy a food experience, visiting the best local eateries to sample authentic street food, and seeing old-town landmarks and temples in a different perspective compared to the busy daytime scene.

BANGKOK-SAMUI Day 4 Transfer to the airport to catch the flight to Koh Samui, and then transfer to Vana Belle. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the beach and facilities of the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel

SAMUI Day 5 Sail away on Chantara, Samui‘s traditional teak junk, for a full day of adventure. The first stop is at the tiny island of Koh Ma, where you can go snorkelling and see the most beautiful coral and colourful marine life. Setting sail once again, Chantara will head to Thong Nai Pan Beach, on the island of Pha Ngan, where you can enjoy water sports, a relaxing Thai massage, or just soak up the sun on the golden sands. The final part of the tour is a gentle cruise along the rugged coastline of Pha Ngan, with its coves, beaches and dense tropical jungle, before returning to Koh Samui.

30 | SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

Lunch is served as Chantara sails away from Koh Samui, and the hospitality continues with soft drinks served throughout the afternoon. There will also be alcoholic drinks available for purchase during the cruise.

Meals included: Lunch on boat Day 6 Day free at leisure to enjoy the beach and facilities of the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel Day 7 Day free at leisure until checkout and transfer to airport to catch the flight to your next destination.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel ENHANCEMENTS BANGKOK Fast track service at Suvarnabhumi International Airport FROM USD 31 Our Fast Track Representative greets you before the immigration counters and will assist you to pass through immigration, baggage claim and customs before leading you to the awaiting vehicle. This is available for arrival and departure services.

ENHANCEMENTS SAMUI Excursion by speedboat to Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan FROM USD 674 Depart from your hotel by air-conditioned minivan to the pier and have a light breakfast there. Depart pier by speedboat for Koh Tao, Turtle Island, a journey time of around 90 minutes. The sea around the island is perfect for snorkelling, and you can enjoy the beautiful underwater world of rainbow coloured coral, shellfish, and starfish. Lunch is at a local restaurant on the shore. After lunch continue to Koh Nang Yuan, three small islands connected by white sandbars, where you can either climb up to the top of the hill to enjoy the panoramic view, or snorkel in the warm shallow water. Return to Samui and transfer back to your hotel.

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES | 31

BANGKOK NIGHTLIFE PHUKET BLISS

DINNER CRUISE AND LIFE ON A TINY ISLAND FROM USD 1,800

Your stay in Bangkok will allow you time to enjoy two exciting evenings with organised activities and leisure time during the day to relax, arrange your own itinerary, or take part in an excursion to see famous historic sights. In Phuket you can relax and enjoy the wonderful facilities of your resort, arrange your own shopping and sightseeing expeditions, or take part in an arranged excursion to some of the most fascinating places on the island.

BANGKOK Day 1 Arrive at Bangkok. Our guide will escort you to a limousine for transfer to St. Regis. The afternoon is for relaxing.

Dinner has been arranged on a beautifully converted rice barge that cruises up the river and back again, with the Grand Palace, the Temple of Dawn, and other famous sights sliding past as you enjoy cocktails and a convivial meal.

Meals included: Dinner on cruise Day 2 Day free for relaxing or shopping, with amazing shopping malls and complexes within walking distance of the hotel. In the evening transfer to Asiatique on the Riverfront, a night market where you can enjoy a spectacular show of traditional Thai martial arts along with the local restaurants, shops and market stalls.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel

32 | SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

BANGKOK-PHUKET Day 3 Day free for relaxing or shopping until transfer to airport. Arrive in Phuket and transfer to The Naka Island. Time free at leisure, with overnight at resort.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel PHUKET Day 4 Day free at leisure to enjoy the beach and facilities of the hotel, and with the possibility to book a daily excursion.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel.

Day 5 Day free at leisure to enjoy the beach and facilities of the hotel, and with the possibility to book a daily excursion.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel Day 6 Day free at leisure to enjoy the beach and facilities of the hotel, and with the possibility to book a daily excursion.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel Day 7 Day free at leisure until checkout and transfer to airport to catch the flight to your next destination.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES | 33

ENHANCEMENTS BANGKOK Fast track service at Suvarnabhumi International Airport FROM USD 31 Our Fast Track Representative greets you before the immigration counters and will assist you to pass through immigration, baggage claim and customs before leading you to the awaiting vehicle. This is available for arrival and departure services.

Half-day visit by road to Ayutthaya FROM USD 91 Ayutthaya is the former capital, situated approximately two hours by road north of Bangkok. Founded in 1350 by King U-Thong, the city was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. This visit takes in the principal sights including Wat Sri Sanphet, Wat Mahathad and Wat Yai Chaimongkhol, and includes a boat trip to Bang Pa-In, the former royal summer residence, which represents a fine example of classic Thai architecture.

Half-day visit to the Grand Palace and temples FROM USD 60 The Grand Palace was the seat not only of the king and his court, but contained within its crenellated walls the entire government administration.

Within the grounds are several palaces, including the Funeral Palace, Reception Palace, Throne Hall, Coronation Hall, and the Royal Guest House. Also here is Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. This tour includes two of the most remarkable temples in Bangkok: Wat Trimitr, with its solid gold Buddha image, and Wat Pho, with its colossal Reclining Buddha.

ENHANCEMENTS PHUKET Deluxe speedboat trip to Phi Phi Island FROM USD 674 Enjoy a private trip to Phi Phi Island which is great for snorkel enthusiasts. The boat collects you in the morning from the pier in front of your hotel, and proceeds to Bamboo Island. After an hour of lazing on the beach the boat then travels along the east coast of Phi Phi Don Island with a stop at Maya Bay, where scenes of the movie “The Beach� were filmed. Spend around two hours here snorkelling and relaxing before departing for Koh Yao Island for a seafood BBQ lunch on the beach. In the afternoon the boat sets off for Nui Island for some more snorkelling and swimming, then travels back to Phuket.

34 | SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

HISTORIC BANGKOK SAMUI SPEEDBOAT

CHINATOWN BY NIGHT AND ISLAND HOPPING FROM USD 977

This visit to Bangkok includes an excursion to the Grand Palace and three of the city’s most famous temples, along with a fascinating evening journey through Chinatown, sampling the local food, and another evening cycling through the historic Thonburi district, on the other side of the river. At Samui there is a speedboat ride to two tiny islands, for snorkelling and exploring, with of course plenty of leisure time to spend at your resort.

BANGKOK Day 1 Arrive at Bangkok. Our guide will escort you to a limousine for transfer to Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel. The afternoon is for relaxing. Chinatown is the destination for this evening, a district that dates back to the founding of Bangkok, where you can explore on foot the fascinating heritage of the ThaiChinese and taste the local foods from seven different eateries. Between each tasting location you will meet some of the food bazaar’s lively characters and visit religious and cultural landmarks.

The 3.5-hour journey through Chinatown by night provides an exciting perspective on this historic district.

Meals included: Dinner during excursion

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES | 35

Day 2 Today is for visiting the Grand Palace and three of the most important temples in Bangkok. The Grand Palace was the seat not only of the king and his court, but contained within its crenellated walls the entire government administration. Within the grounds are several palaces, including the Funeral Palace, Reception Palace, Throne Hall, Coronation Hall, and the Royal Guest House. Also here is Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. Following on from Wat Phra Kaew, this tour then moves on to two of the most remarkable temples in Bangkok: Wat Trimitr, with its solid gold Buddha image, and Wat Pho, with its colossal Reclining Buddha.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel Day 3 This morning is free at leisure. In the late afternoon depart for an easy cycling tour on the other side of the river, Thonburi. Your guide meets you at the hotel for a quick bike fitting, then you cross the river, pass through Klong San Market, and then on to a Chinese pagoda located on the riverbank. The ride continues for a stop at another market to sample some local food.

Back on the bike, our next stop is the Temple of Dawn, followed by dinner at a typical local Thai restaurant.

After our meal we continue to Wat Rakhang Khositaram where we will cross back to the Bangkok side of the river. We ride along Sanam Luang and past the Grand Palace until we reach Wat Pho for a visit and a stroll in the temple compound, and then the ride continues to Pak Klong Talad, Bangkok’s largest flower market, where you will see a kaleidoscope of bright colours as vendors are just receiving fresh floral goods from every corner of Thailand.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel, dinner during excursion

36 | SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

BANGKOK-KOH SAMUI Day 4 Transfer to the airport to catch the flight to Koh Samui. Transfer from airport to Sheraton Samui, with the rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the beach and facilities of the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel SAMUI Day 5 Today you will explore two of the most interesting islands in the Gulf of Siam.

Depart from your hotel by air-conditioned minivan to the pier and have a light breakfast there. Depart pier by speedboat for Koh Tao, Turtle Island, a journey time of around 90 minutes. The sea around the island is perfect for snorkelling, and you can enjoy the beautiful underwater world of rainbow coloured coral, shellfish, and starfish. Lunch is at a local restaurant on the shore. After lunch continue to Koh Nang Yuan, three small islands connected by white sandbars, where you can either climb up to the top of the hill to enjoy the panoramic view, or snorkel in the warm shallow water. Return to Samui and transfer back to your hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch during excursion

Day 6 Day free at leisure to enjoy the beach and facilities of the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel Day 7 Day free at leisure until checkout and transfer to airport to catch the flight to your next destination.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES | 37

ENHANCEMENTS BANGKOK Fast track service at Suvarnabhumi International Airport FROM USD 31 Our Fast Track Representative greets you before the immigration counters and will assist you to pass through immigration, baggage claim and customs before leading you to the awaiting vehicle. This is available for arrival and departure services.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market FROM USD 91 This traditional floating market is about 100 km southwest of Bangkok. The vendors paddle along congested canals in sturdy canoes laden with fresh fruit and vegetables to sell to shoppers on the banks. There is lots of chatter and activity, and bargaining is the norm. This buzzing market is at its best in the early morning before the crowds arrive and the heat of the day builds up. Our tour includes a visit to Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakorn Pathom, one of the largest pagodas in Southeast Asia.

38 | SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

OLD BANGKOK SAMUI ISLAND CRUISING

HERITAGE TOURS AND A LIFE UNDER SAIL FROM USD 1,757 Your visit to Bangkok includes an excursion to the Grand Palace and three of the city’s most famous temples, along with a halfday visit to the ruins of Ayutthaya, the ancient capital that was destroyed by the Burmese. Also included in Bangkok is an evening dinner cruise aboard a converted rice barge, and an evening travelling the city by tuk-tuk, sampling the authentic tastes of Thai street food. At Samui, there is a full day spent sailing on a traditional teak junk, with island visits to enjoy snorkelling and sunbathing.

BANGKOK Day 1 Arrive at Bangkok. Our guide will escort you to a limousine for transfer to St. Regis. The afternoon is for relaxing.

Dinner has been arranged on a beautifully converted rice barge that cruises up the river and back again, with the Grand Palace, the Temple of Dawn, and other famous sights sliding past as you enjoy cocktails and a convivial meal.

Meals included: Dinner on cruise Day 2 This morning is for visiting the Grand Palace and three of the most important temples in Bangkok. The Grand Palace was the seat not only of the king and his court, but contained within its crenellated walls the entire government administration.

Within the grounds are several palaces, including the Funeral Palace, Reception Palace, Throne Hall, Coronation Hall, and the Royal Guest House. Also here is Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. Following on from Wat Phra Kaew, this tour then moves on to two of the most remarkable temples in Bangkok: Wat Trimitr, with its solid gold Buddha image, and Wat Pho, with its colossal Reclining Buddha. The afternoon is free for relaxing or shopping.

In the evening transfer to Asiatique on the Riverfront, a night market where you can enjoy a spectacular show of traditional Thai martial arts along with the local restaurants, shops and market stalls.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES | 39

Day 3 A half-day visit to Ayutthaya, the former capital situated approximately two hours by road north of Bangkok.

Founded in 1350 by King U-Thong, the city was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767.

This tour takes in the principal sights including Wat Sri Sanphet, Wat Mahathad and Wat Yai Chaimongkhol, and includes a boat trip to Bang Pa-In, the former royal summer residence, which represents a fine example of classic Thai architecture.

Return to Bangkok and free time to relax.

In the evening take a ride on a tuk-tuk to enjoy a food experience, visiting the best local eateries to sample authentic street food, and seeing old-town landmarks and temples in a different perspective compared to the busy daytime scene.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel, dinner during excursion

BANGKOK-SAMUI Day 4 Transfer to the airport to catch the flight to Koh Samui, and then transfer to Vana Belle or W Retreat, depending on your earlier stated preference. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the beach and facilities of the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel

40 | SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

SAMUI Day 5 Sail away on Chantara, Samui‘s traditional teak junk, for a full day of adventure. The first stop is at the tiny island of Koh Ma, where you can go snorkelling and see the most beautiful coral and colourful marine life. Setting sail once again, Chantara will head to Thong Nai Pan Beach, on the island of Pha Ngan, where you can enjoy water sports, a relaxing Thai massage, or just soak up the sun on the golden sands. The final part of the tour is a gentle cruise along the rugged coastline of Pha Ngan, with its coves, beaches and dense tropical jungle, before returning to Koh Samui.

Lunch is served as Chantara sails away from Koh Samui, and the hospitality continues with soft drinks served throughout the afternoon. There will also be alcoholic drinks available for purchase during the cruise.

Meals included: Lunch on boat Day 6 Day free at leisure to enjoy the beach and facilities of the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel Day 7 Day free at leisure until checkout and transfer to airport to catch the flight to your next destination.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel

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ENHANCEMENTS BANGKOK Fast track service at Suvarnabhumi International Airport FROM USD 31 Our Fast Track Representative greets you before the immigration counters and will assist you to pass through immigration, baggage claim and customs before leading you to the awaiting vehicle. This is available for arrival and departure services.

ENHANCEMENTS SAMUI Excursion by speedboat to Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan FROM USD 674 Depart from your hotel by air-conditioned minivan to the pier and have a light breakfast there.

Depart pier by speedboat for Koh Tao, Turtle Island, a journey time of around 90 minutes. The sea around the island is perfect for snorkelling, and you can enjoy the beautiful underwater world of rainbow coloured coral, shellfish, and starfish. Lunch is at a local restaurant on the shore. After lunch continue to Koh Nang Yuan, three small islands connected by white sandbars, where you can either climb up to the top of the hill to enjoy the panoramic view, or snorkel in the warm shallow water. Return to Samui and transfer back to your hotel.

THAILAND Bangkok: Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers· Le Meridien Bangkok · The St. Regis Bangkok · W Bangkok · Aloft Bangkok - Sukhumvit 11 Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok · The Westin Grand Sukhumvit · Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit · Plaza Athenee, a Royal Meridien Hotel Le Meridien Suvarnabhumi Bangkok · Golf Resort & Spa Pattaya: Sheraton Pattaya Resort | Hua Hin: Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa · Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas Chiang Mai: Le Meridien Chiang Mai | Chiang R ai: Le Meridien Chiang R ai Phuket: Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort · The Westin Siray Bay · The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort

THAILAND SAMUI: Vana Belle, a Luxury Collection Resort 路 W Retreat Koh Samui 路 Le Meridien Koh Samui路 Sheraton Samui Resort Cambodia Siem Reap: Le Meridien Angkor Vietnam Ho Chi Minh Cit y: Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers 路 Le Meridien Saigon | Hanoi: Sheraton Hanoi | Nha Tr ang: Sheraton Nha Trang

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