Known as the gateway to Asia, Bangkok is a bustling city full of cutting-edgedesign and rich Buddhist culture.
Ahair-raising tuk tuk ride through the city's wide arteries is a greatintroduction to the metropolis. Starting at your base, the stylish MetropolitanHotel, you'll zip past lush walled gardens housing magnificent gold temples, mountainousskyscrapers, concrete pavements hosting saffron-robedmonks beside modern-day businessmen, and huge banners displaying the face ofthe royal family. Overhead you'll hear rumble of the sky train asit carries commuters over the city, passing high above the boats and raftsbobbing down the Chao Praya river which dissects the city. Forget touristy markets: theretail in Bangkok is fantastic, if you know where to look. Whether you're interested in furnitureor gems carved by Thai artisans, clothes from one of the world's top tentailors or some of the finest fabrics on the planet, we will take you there onour private shopping experience, and can even make sure all your treats arepackaged and sent home to be there on your return.
Next, see the sights - ourexpert english-speaking guides will show you the cream of the crop. The GoldenBuddha, made from five and a half tons of solid gold, and the White Marble Temple – one of thefinest examples of Thai architecture - are both on our list. See the incredibleSummer Palace of King Raman V with its fascinating mixture of Thai, Chinese andGothic architecture, and return by boat, watching the river life go by.
At night thecity wakes up as the humidity cools off, so now's the time hit the heights of Zense:a brand new lounge bar and restaurant on a huge deck overlooking Bangkok's iconic skyline.Perfect for a cocktail with panoramic views, the four kitchens also offer achoice of Japanese, Italian, Indian and (of course) Thai dishes. Our nightlifeguides will recommend the most cutting edge restaurants, bars and clubs.
After timein the concrete jungle, it's time to escape to a real one, on the lush,jungle-covered south-east of tropical Phuket island. In your own, spaciousprivate pool villa at Sri Panwa your bed will be surrounded on three sides byglass walls which open up onto your wrap-around eternity pool which seems to spillinto the Andaman sea below. A short, fast trip on a motorboat will take you tothe curious, deserted island of Maiton, where we cangain you exclusive access. Here empty, pristine white sand beaches await you.Explore the cliff-fringed sands, where you are guaranteed to see no otherpeople apart from your guide, who will supply you with refreshingly cold lychee-tinison request. Flop on the beach or take a walk through the fascinating, derelicthotel which is still the island's only man-made structure.
And if you're up for a spot of adrenalin, see the nearby untouched island of Koh Yao Noi by mountain bike. Cycle through small market towns, rice paddies, past mosques and fishingvillages and through areas of natural jungle rich in plant life. If you like,you can stop to visit artistic locals who create Batik Paintings. And after althis, a short boat journey back to Phuket will leave you sipping cocktails onyour private terrace by sunset.