Depart your home country for your flight to Bhutan.
Most suited for
Couples, Solos
Ideal time to visit
March - November
This two-country adventure combines Bhutan’s mountain magic with Thailand’s warmth and colour.
Begin among Bhutan’s monasteries and misty valleys, where ancient traditions and dramatic Himalayan landscapes await. Then journey south to Thailand for vibrant city life, rich culture and time to relax on golden beaches. It’s a perfectly balanced trip of discovery, contrast and comfort.
Comfort & Adventure in Bhutan & Thailand
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
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Day 1
Your adventure begins
Days 2 - 3
Thimpu
After touching down in Paro Airport, your guide and local driver will take you to Bhutan’s sleepy capital city, Thimphu. Take the rest of the day to unwind and settle in at your hotel.
Your time in Thimphu will be spent soaking up the city’s distinctive atmosphere. You’ll visit its most iconic monument, the National Memorial Chorten, which has gorgeous views of the valley below. If it’s a market day (weekends), you can experience the dynamic famers’ market and will be likely to stumble across a local archery tournament too!
You’ll also experience an interesting blend of tradition and modernity by visiting two organisations that seek to preserve traditional arts and crafts while promoting contemporary talent. See local artists at work and even try your hand at creating your own Thanka (a traditional Buddhist fabric painting).
Day 4
Thimphu to Punakha via the Dochula Pass
Set off on the scenic drive to Punakha with your guide and driver, winding through the pine and cedar forests via the Dochula Pass. Here, you will stop to explore the 108 stupas built in honour of fallen Bhutanese soldiers before trying warm Yak milk tea at a cafe. On a clear day, this is also an incredible viewpoint with panoramic Himalayan vistas. You will then descend to your destination, the fertile Punakha valley, with a quick detour into the paddy fields to visit the memorable Chimi Lhakhang, otherwise known as the Temple of Fertility.
Day 5
Punakha - Rafting
Get an adrenaline rush as you paddle your way down the Po Chu river (‘Father River’) in the upper Punakha Valley. You will zip over 15 class 2-4 rapids surrounded by outstanding scenery, ending at the confluence by Punakha Dzong.
Day 6
Phobjikha - The Giligang Trail
Today you will take the best day trek in Punakha: the Giligang Trail. Altogether, it takes around 4-5 hours and includes a picnic breakfast in the peaceful gardens of the Khamsum Chorten, which means you can see it before the temple’s visitors arrive for the day. Your guide will lead you along the trail which traverses rice paddies and pine forests and offers spectacular mountain views.
Day 7
Paro
This morning you will take the 4-hour drive back to Paro, where you will spend one night. In the afternoon, enjoy an orientation tour of this historic town with your local guide and scope out its main attractions. Round off your day with tea and local wine over archery at a traditional farmhouse.
Days 8 - 9
Bumdra Trek & The Tiger’s Nest
Here, you have the option to stay in Paro and do a day trek to Tiger’s Nest Monastery. However, if you have a reasonable level of fitness and like a bit of an adventure, we’d suggest the 2-day hike via Bumdra, the evocative Cave of a Thousand Prayers. Whichever option you chose, your guide will accompany you. If you decide on the overnight experience, an expert trekking guide will join you too.
The overnight experience includes a day hiking through forest and along ridges to 4000m altitude and your camping spot. Don’t forget to hang your own prayer flags while you’re here! The next day, you will start descending to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (whilst everyone else is ascending!). Hiking down from above is quite a special way to catch your first glimpse of Bhutan’s most iconic sight.
You will spend a good amount of time exploring the interior of Tiger’s Nest, where no cameras are allowed. Once you’ve satisfied your curiosity, climb down into the Paro valley where your driver will take you to your hotel. Time to toast and reflect on your adventure with a drink and a delicious final meal in Bhutan!
Days 10 - 12
Thailand - The Golden Triangle
Today you’ll board a flight from Paro to Bangkok. In this example itinerary, we have suggested connecting straight on to Chiang Rai in Northern Thailand as it offers a gentle transition from Bhutan to Thailand. For a real feast for the senses and a complete contrast to Paro, you could stop in vibrant Bangkok for a few nights if you prefer.
Chiang Rai is an evocative riverside city, home to an ambient night market and one of the most extraordinary temples in Thailand. Just outside the city, you’ll find unusual cave temples, dramatic hills, and fields of pineapple. We suggest exploring this rural area by bicycle, stopping for snacks and freshly picked fruit along the way. You will stay in a stunning boutique hotel nestled in the mountains, with unique bamboo rooms and unbelievable views.
Days 13 - 14
Chiang Mai
Your guide and driver will next take you south to the so-called ‘2nd city’, Chiang Mai. You’ll stay in a beautiful, peaceful retreat outside the city on the banks of the Ping River.
During your stay, you’ll have a chance to explore the city sights with our Chiang Mai signature tour. Tasting the local street food and observing Buddhist monks collecting their alms at dawn will give you a strong sense of Thai culture and tradition (and how it compares to Bhutanese). You’ll also visit an ethical sanctuary for rescued elephants.
Days 15 - 18
Hidden Beach Resort in Southern Thailand
Take a direct flight from Chiang Mai to either Phuket or Krabi before a boat transfer to a peaceful hidden island: we recommend Koyao Island Resort or Koh Jum Beach Villas. Both are little-known retreats in beautiful surroundings which allow you to experience Thailand’s famous beaches and idyllic views of limestone cliffs rising from the sea. Your time here is simply for relaxing and enjoying beach life; why not enjoy a traditional Thai massage in the outdoor Sala, take a canoe to hidden coves or swim and snorkel in the Andaman Sea?
Day 19
Fly home
Depart Phuket or Krabi for your flight back home.
Amazing cultural and relaxing experience in Thailand
ETG picked such a good range of places allowing us to sample the big cities, the very rural villages and the people who lived there, the jungle and national parks and the beaches. The booking and arrangement was made very simple... The company included surprise activities (a paid-for fancy dinner and massages). Would highly recommend!
Lil
11 June 2025Excellent
850 Reviews
850 Reviews
What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transfers
Tips
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Bespoke Holidays £4,500 - £8,500pp
Bespoke Luxury Holidays £8,500 - £14,500pp
Bespoke Family Holidays from £4,000 - £7,500pp
Meet Our Bhutan Experts
Sara was bowled over by Bhutan’s beauty and deep-rooted traditions. She knows exactly how to shape trips that capture the country’s spirit, from peaceful valleys to the flurry of its festivals.
“From the Himalayas to tropical shores, experience Bhutan and Thailand in perfect harmony: culture, adventure and comfort combined.”
Sara
Bhutan Specialist
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of Bhutan. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you.. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
Experiences of Bhutan
Crafting bespoke packages is the heart of what we do. Each holiday is specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, and truly exceptional experiences.
Important FAQs about Bhutan
Bhutan offers a rare glimpse into a deeply spiritual way of life, with dramatic Himalayan landscapes, dzongs, and monasteries seemingly untouched by time. Travelling with ETG means experiencing Bhutan through the eyes of our expert guides, who not only know the history and legends of this remarkable kingdom but also share insights into daily life and traditions. From the hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery to exploring rural valleys and vibrant markets, we ensure your visit is meaningful, immersive, and carefully planned to uncover the country’s unique charm.
The best times to visit Bhutan are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the skies are clear, the Himalayan peaks are at their most striking, and festivals such as Paro Tsechu and Thimphu Tsechu take place, offering a vibrant window into Bhutanese culture. Winter (December to February) brings crisp weather, fewer visitors, and snow-capped views, while summer (June to August) sees lush green landscapes but also heavier monsoon rains.
Every ETG holiday to Bhutan is carefully designed to be seamless, immersive, and stress-free. Your journey typically includes international flights (if requested), guide throughout and accommodation in hand-picked, characterful hotels or homestays.
You’ll enjoy incredible, immersive experiences unique to you, all planned by dedicated Bhutan specialists, with the added reassurance of 24/7 in-country support from our local team.