Untamed Thailand with Bangkok and Phuket

U Sathorn Bangkok is located in a peaceful part of the capital where natural beauty sits alongside the hustle and bustle of this busy Bangkok district. Luxuriously appointed U Sathorn consists of 86 rooms featuring Superior, Superior Garden, Deluxe Garden and Suite accommodation in three low rise wings set in a courtyard style surrounded by restful green areas with a swimming pool as the centrepiece. The overall design of this urban resort was conceived in a French Colonial style with a contemporary twist inspired by Sri Lankan Geoffrey Bawa who was regarded as one of the most influential Asian architects of the twentieth century. The design breaks down the barriers between the inside and outside and between interior design and landscaped architecture which reduces the buildings to a series of delightfully conceived spaces separated by natural features.

Today, look beyond the crowded streets of the capital and discover a more local side of Bangkok. Take advantage of the city's network of public transportation, seeing the main sites but also getting a closer look at the traditions and lifestyles of the Thai people.

The first leg of today's adventure is on the Skytrain (BTS) and/or Underground (MRT) system, depending on your hotel location. The Skytrain is an elevated train line, which is busy in the morning with business people and school kids who avoid the traffic of the streets for a faster, air-conditioned commute. On arrival at BTS National Stadium Station, take a short walk to Jim Thompson House. Enjoy an insightful tour of the compound's tranquil gardens and traditional buildings, which showcases the history of the famous and mysterious American silk merchant.

Then board a 'bus boat' through the city's canals. Rarely used by tourists, this ride provides an up-close look at the ways of life of the local people who live alongside the canals. Sailing to the terminal station, you can basically see the transformation from rich to poor as you cruise along to another neighborhood. On arrival at the terminal station, hop aboard a tuk-tuk (Thailand's famous three-wheeled vehicles) used by locals throughout the country. Zip through quieter city streets to Soi Ban Batra. Visit a family-run workshop that produces monks' alms bowls. Witness the artisans at work and learn about the daily lives of the Buddhist monks who wake early to collect alms offerings from the city's residents.

Next board your second tuk-tuk of the day to visit Wat Pho and the Grand Palace. Spend some time exploring these two remarkable sites at a time of day which should be less crowded than the morning. Learn about the country's regal history and the deep-rooted spiritual traditions of its people. After this use Bangkok's extensive public transport network to work your way back to the hotel with the help of our local friendly guide.

This evening, you will be met at your hotel by your guide who will travel with you on public transport to the meeting point near Hua Lumphong Station for 5:30pm. Here, you'll bet met and greeted by your local food guide who will offer a short briefing before this fun evening excursion commences.

From here, hop on Bangkok's iconic 3-wheel tuk tuk to begin your night adventure to visit the best local eateries in town. Bangkok is claimed to be the city that never stops eating and locals usually find themselves eating out at night, especially street food, which the city is so well-known for.

Enjoy the ride and make various stops at local places in which the smells will ignite ones taste buds. From the local favourite Northern Thai-Isan Food, the best kept-secret Guay Tiew Gai guaranteed with a Michelin star for 2 consecutive years, and one of the best Pad Thais in town; popular with both locals and foreigners alike.

In between your tasty samplings, visit Wat Pho, an iconic sight of Bangkok for a night time perspective and be wowed by its illuminated chedis while learning all about the history of the temple. Walk through the city's largest flower market, Pak Klong Talad, which is busy 24-hours a day with wholesale vendors and local shoppers. Explore the stalls where orchids, other flowers, vegetables and other items spill over the crowded stalls. Here, there is a chance to taste some local snacks or fruits.

The night ends with a final stop outside a secret, hidden bar located by the river. Sip on a chilled Thai beer or a non-alcoholic drink while enjoying amazing night views of the Chao Phraya River along with the glittering Temple of Dawn.

After the tour finishes, you'll be transferred back to your hotel by tuk tuk.

Transfer from Bangkok Hotel to Hua Hin, one of the famous summer beach towns in Thailand.
Bangkok - Huan Hin (201 km), approx. 3 Hours

Breakfast at the hotel. Today's tour will begin at 08:30am. Spend a day exploring the south's wild landscapes on this Sam Roi Yot National Park tour. Meaning 'Mountain of Three Hundred Peaks', Sam Roi Yot was Thailand's first coastal national park and covers an expansive stretch of wetlands, limestone mountains and beaches. Today's visit covers a mix of sites, giving a taste of the wonderful diversity of this part of the country.

Set off from Hua Hin on a scenic drive to the south. After passing through the park's entrance visit a pineapple plantation, learning how these tasty fruits are grown and harvested. Continue onwards to Bang-Pu, a thriving fishing village for a glimpse into the lives of the fishermen. Then board a motorboat and cast out to sea. Cruise away from the shoreline and enjoy fabulous views of the ocean and coast. (Note: the boat trip may be cancelled if sea conditions are unfavourable)

After twenty minutes, the boat will dock at a beautiful stretch of beach. Walk to the nearby entrance of Phraya Nakhon Cave where a longer, 430-metre walk awaits. Although called a 'cave' Phraya Nakhon is actually a sunlit cavern formed by two sinkholes. Travel deeper into the earth, enjoying the surreal landscapes before reaching the centre of the cavern. Be amazed at the site of a royal pavilion, surrounded by dripping stalactites and illuminated by the sun filtering through.

Return to the beach where a delicious lunch awaits. The afternoon is free to relax on the pristine sands and swim in the warm sea before returning to Hua Hin.

Hua Hin - Sam Roi Yot (43.2 km), approx. 1 Hour

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive about 1.30 hours down to Kui Buri district. Head towards the Kui Buri community village where you will experience some local sustainable activities and produces such as making paper from elephants' poo and pineapple, rubber tapping demonstration, and silk-making process from silkworms.

Lunch at the village.

Following lunch, set off to the Kui Buri National Park to observe the wildlife, no setup... all real experience. You will see how they live together in nature.

Dinner at a local restaurant.

Hua Hin - Kui Buri (80 km), approx. 1.5 Hours

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive down south to Chumphon, approximately 3 hours drive. Upon arrival in Chumphon, the first visit is Chumphon Islands National Park where you can enjoy strolling along an amazing 1km long wooden walkway winding through the mangrove forest. Following this, drive up the hill of Khao Matsri Viewpoint to enjoy the stunning 360-degree view of the city spread out below.

The day continues to Hat Sai Ri beach and the shrine of Prince Chumphon, the founder of the modern Royal Thai navy.

Kui Buri - Chumphon (223 km), approx. 3 Hours

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and continue down to Ranong province. Drive to Gong Valley, a community enterprise of Kraburi District in Ranong, which focuses on chemical-free coffee growing and hand-roasting techniques to give their coffee its distinctive, unique aroma. This is where the sweet aroma and bitter taste of Robusta coffee from. Observe the process of good Robusta coffee making here.

Chumphon - Ranong (126 km), approx. 2.5 Hours

Breakfast at the hotel. The morning tour begins with the city tour in Ranong guided by two local experts. As the owner of Baan Taen Sue, a Chinese-style house and museum, formerly financial division in King Rama 5's period, Mr. Sup will show you around the house and explain the history of the Chinese settlement in Southern Thailand. Following this, continue to visit Ranong Governor's House, meet with Mr. Kosol, one of the house residents who is an expert about the history of the house and explain the collection and artifacts. Also, visit the King's Palace.

Lunch at a local restaurant for Ranong food specialties.

In the afternoon, visit the lighthouse at the Andaman Pier, go up to the 9th floor to get a good view of Ranong Bay.

Dinner at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive out from your hotel to the Klong Lad Nod Pier where you will enjoy a day exploring the local community and embark on a local boat to survey the mangrove forest, and a nice view of Ka Per bay can be seen along the way. Enjoy the mangrove planting activity. Lunch served with fresh seafood. After lunch, prepare your cloth and get ready to be wet, and then hop on a bamboo rafting floating along the Klong. Have a chance to take a dip in the water. Visit the local fisherman village, see aquatic animals at the coastal aquaculture center and visit a floating community. Back to the land, change your cloth and say goodbye to local people.

If time permits in the late afternoon, enjoy the natural hot spring and mineral water spa in town.

In the evening, stroll along the walking street browsing through various cool products.

After an early breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Khao Sok with an en-route stop at Sri Phang Nga National Park, located in the district of Kuraburi and Takua Pa. Enjoy the natural scene of evergreen forest, hills, streams, waterfalls, and limestone cliffs. This national park is also famous for bird watching.

Proceed to Khao Sok and head toward Ratchaprapa Dam, as part of Khao Sok National Park. Embark on a scenic boat ride along Chiew-Larn Lake to the Greenery Panvaree.

Arrive at the Greenery Panvaree Floating Resort just in time for delicious lunch. Then spend the afternoon enjoying the heart of nature, swim, explore the surroundings by kayaking, or simply relax and bask in the atmosphere.

Enjoy the boat trip along the Little Halong Bay.

Dinner at the resort.

Ranong - Khao Sok (205km), approx. 3 Hours

Morning safari in the early morning with the most beautiful view of the lake along with the sunrise over the mountains as the mist floats across the water.

Breakfast and free morning at leisure.

Lunch at the resort.

The afternoon begins with an adventure trip to Prakarang coral cave, jungle trek to the emerald lagoon, then ride the bamboo boat to the cave, the stalagmites have a similar shape to coral. See the wildlife and rare plants in the rainforest.

Dinner at the resort.

Wake up in the morning under the beautiful mist across the sky, enjoy breakfast.

Check out, and board a long-tail boat back to the pier with a panoramic view of Guilin Thailand.

Arrive at the pier and transfer towards your next beach destinations - Khao Lak, Phuket, Krabi or Don Sak Pier (Ferry ticket not included)

Phuket's most exciting and stylish contemporary resort, located in a tranquil and exclusive environment, 175 meters from Surin Beach, 25 minutes away from Phuket International Airport, in an area with one of the most beautiful stretches of golden tropical sand in Phuket, often referred to as "millionaires' row".

Twinpalms offers the comfort of luxury resort, combined with the relaxing tranquility of a secluded getaway. There are only 97 luxurious and spacious Residences, Suites and Rooms, each surrounded by palms, and featuring a private terrace facing the pool with garden view. Among which, 21 unique apartments are designed to lift to your spirits with a generous space and private pool. With a brief to produce a property that has an integrated landscape, the "Contemporary Tropical" design and landscaping incorporate a stunning, world class water garden.

Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.