Bangkok and Pattaya Holiday

Land at Suvarnabhumi International Airport and transfer to your hotel in central Bangkok -- typically in the Sukhumvit, Silom, or Riverside district. Bangkok is a city that announces itself immediately: the heat, the colour, the noise, the extraordinary density of temples, markets, and modern towers. Check in and spend your first evening walking Sukhumvit Road, discovering the night market stalls piled high with street food -- pad thai, mango sticky rice, grilled satay, and fresh coconut ice cream. Your introduction to one of Asia's most thrilling cities.

Accommodation: Bangkok City Hotel (4-star, Sukhumvit)

Meals: Dinner

Today explores Bangkok's royal and spiritual heart. The Grand Palace complex is Thailand's most awe-inspiring historical site, home to the revered Emerald Buddha. Adjacent Wat Pho houses the magnificent 46-metre Reclining Buddha and is the birthplace of Thai massage. Cross the Chao Phraya River by ferry to explore Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), whose porcelain-decorated tower is beautiful against the afternoon sky. Evening cruise on the Chao Phraya River aboard a traditional teak rice barge, dining on Thai cuisine as illuminated temples slide past on both banks.

Accommodation: Bangkok City Hotel (4-star, Sukhumvit)

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Bangkok's market culture is legendary and today is devoted to it. Start at the floating markets of Damnoen Saduak (1.5 hours from Bangkok), where vendors in straw hats sell tropical fruits, vegetables, and cooked food from narrow wooden boats on a network of canals. Return to Bangkok for Chatuchak Weekend Market -- covering 35 acres with over 15,000 stalls -- one of the world's largest weekend markets selling everything from handcrafted ceramics to vintage clothing to street food. Afternoon optional: Jim Thompson House or Wat Saket (the Golden Mount) for panoramic city views.

Accommodation: Bangkok City Hotel (4-star, Sukhumvit)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Check out from Bangkok after breakfast and transfer south by coach (2 hours) to Pattaya on the Gulf of Thailand coast. Pattaya is Thailand's most popular beach resort -- a city of extraordinary energy with a famous beach, countless water sports, and a vibrant night scene. Check in to your Pattaya hotel and spend the afternoon at the beach or the pool. Evening at leisure to explore Walking Street -- Pattaya's neon-lit entertainment hub along the waterfront.

Accommodation: Pattaya Beach Hotel (4-star)

Meals: Breakfast

A boat trip to Koh Larn (Coral Island), 45 minutes offshore, reveals why Pattaya's waters attract millions of visitors annually. Crystal-clear blue-green water, coral snorkelling, banana boat rides, parasailing, and fresh seafood grilled on the beach. Return to Pattaya in the afternoon for an optional Elephant Sanctuary visit -- interacting ethically with rescued elephants. Nong Nooch Tropical Garden (15 km south) offers a spectacular Thai cultural show and extraordinarily beautiful botanical gardens. Final evening dinner at a seafood restaurant on the Pattaya bay waterfront.

Accommodation: Pattaya Beach Hotel (4-star)

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Transfer from Pattaya to Suvarnabhumi Airport (2 hours) for your return flight to Nairobi. Bangkok and Pattaya have delivered six days of temples, tropical beaches, markets, river life, and extraordinary food. The duty-free shops at Suvarnabhumi offer excellent last-minute gift options -- Thai silk, jasmine rice, and snakefruit chips among the most popular. Travel safely, and may Thailand's spirit of sanuk (fun) stay with you.

Accommodation: N/A (departure day)

Meals: Breakfast