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Bangkok, Thailand
Start your trip in the buzzing Thai capital. Explore the Grand Palace, wander Khao San Road and eat your way through Chinatown's Yaowarat street food stalls. The BTS Skytrain makes getting around easy.
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Ayutthaya, Thailand
The ancient capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with crumbling temples and headless Buddha statues. Rent a bicycle to explore Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Si Sanphet at a leisurely pace. Catch the evening night train north to Chiang Mai from here.
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Chiang Mai, Thailand
Thailand's cultural capital is full of ancient wats, a vibrant Night Bazaar and excellent northern Thai cuisine like khao soi. Use these days to hire a scooter, visit Doi Suthep temple and prepare for the Mae Hong Son loop. The Nimman area has great cafés and co-working spots.
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Mae Hong Son, Thailand
The famous Mae Hong Son loop is one of Southeast Asia's great scooter routes, winding through misty mountains and hill-tribe villages. Stop at Pai, Soppong and the cave networks along the way before reaching the sleepy border town of Mae Hong Son itself. The loop ends back in Chiang Mai.
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Chiang Rai, Thailand
Take the Green Bus from Chiang Mai to reach this laid-back northern city, home to the surreal White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and the Blue Temple. Day-trip to Mae Salong, a mountain village settled by former Chinese Nationalist troops, famous for its oolong tea plantations and unique culture.
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Mae Salong, Thailand
This hilltop village near the Myanmar border feels more like Yunnan than Thailand, with Chinese temples, tea houses and morning mist rolling over the mountains. Sample local oolong tea and try the Yunnanese-style noodle soup. A peaceful overnight before flying south toward Cambodia.
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Siem Reap, Cambodia
Fly from Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai via Bangkok into Siem Reap, gateway to the magnificent Angkor Archaeological Park. Rise before dawn for sunrise over Angkor Wat, then explore Bayon and Ta Prohm. Pub Street and the Old Market offer lively nightlife and Khmer cuisine like fish amok.
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Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Cambodia's capital sits at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers and carries a heavy but important history. Visit the Royal Palace and the sobering Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum to understand the country's past. The riverside promenade is perfect for an evening stroll and fresh seafood.
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Koh Phangan, Thailand
Fly from Phnom Penh via Bangkok to Surat Thani, then take the Donsak ferry to this island famous for its jungle raves and beach parties. Beyond the Full Moon Party scene, the north and east coasts hide quiet beaches and yoga retreats. This is also where you collect your fresh Thai entry stamp.
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Khao Sok, Thailand
Take the minivan from Surat Thani into one of Thailand's most pristine rainforests, older than the Amazon. Stay on Cheow Lan Lake in a floating bungalow and kayak past limestone karsts draped in jungle. Night safaris and jungle treks offer chances to spot macaques, hornbills and gibbons.
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Koh Lanta, Thailand
Catch a minivan and ferry from Khao Sok to this relaxed island with long sandy beaches and a charming Old Town on stilts over the water. It's a perfect spot to celebrate New Year's Eve with beach bonfires and a more low-key crowd than Koh Samui. Snorkelling around the Marine National Park is excellent.
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Krabi, Thailand
Ferry from Koh Lanta to Krabi and base yourself in Ao Nang or the legendary Railay Beach, accessible only by longtail boat due to the towering karst cliffs. Rock climbing, kayaking through sea caves and island-hopping to the Four Islands are unmissable. The Krabi Town night market serves great southern Thai food.
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Phuket, Thailand
End the trip in Phuket's atmospheric Old Town, a UNESCO-listed area of Sino-Portuguese shophouses, indie cafés and colourful street art — far removed from the Patong tourist strip. Stroll Thalang Road, eat dim sum at a traditional coffee shop and pick up last souvenirs before your HKT–AMS flight home.