Ancient & Modern: Bangkok And Bhutan

Start the day by breaking a sweat during your own private lesson in the country-s famous sport of Muay Thai. After getting cleaned up, see the inner workings of the city with a canal tour. A ride on a longtail boat is essential for an authentic Thai experience. Finish the day with a visit to the Jim Thompson House to see a building, where the city-s silk trade began.

Leave the city for the day to visit the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya. Once the country-s capital, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is quite well-preserved.

Depart beautiful Thailand for the more remote location of Bhutan. Fly into Paro very early on your fourth morning. This gives you plenty of time to explore the city. Visit the ancient fortresses of Rinpung Dzong and Drukgyel Dzong. Next, continue on to visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, an incredible ancient Buddhist Temple.

Make the most of your time in Paro with an early start. The Kila Nunnery is a special spot, located on the side of a cliff. Next, learn about the area-s culture and history at the National Museum. Enjoy a stop at a local farmhouse before returning to your hotel to relax for the evening.

Fly from Paro to the sacred city of Bumthang. You will find a high concentration of revered spots here. Visit the Yathra Center in Chume, the Kyichu Lhakhang Temple – home to the oldest monastery in Bhutan, and the Swiss Farm.

Rise early to make the short trip to the famous Tang Valley. Farmhouses, fields and dense forests paint the countryside, creating a breathtaking sight. Visit Mebartso, the -Burning Lake.- You have the rare opportunity to see a monastic school housing nuns from ages 12 to 70 at the Pemacholing Nunnery. Stroll through Ura Village and spot sheep and yak being herded along the countryside. Return to your hotel in the evening.

Spend a third day in Bumthang to ensure you don-t miss any of the amazing sites. Start the day off with a trip to the 16th-century palace converted into a museum – Ugyencholing. Enjoy a fresh-air lunch with a stunning view of the valley outside the palace. See historic artifacts in the galleries and learn about Bhutan-s unique monarchy.

Travel to the postcard-perfect town of Gangtey, set in the middle of the Phobjikha Valley. The wetlands are home to the rare black-necked cranes. Explore the ancient Gangtey Monastery with an intricately-carved gate and unrivaled valley views. We suggest staying at the Amankora or the Gangtey Goenpa Lodge. The two hotels are both of the highest quality, offering unforgettable views of the mountain vistas.

Enjoy the peace and quiet of a town not frequented by tourists. The area is ideal for hiking. The marshlands and flat, open terrain create a serene natural environment. Relax at your hotel this evening.

Travel to the ancient capital of Bhutan – Punakha. The area is full of fascinating historic sites. The island fortress of Punakha Dzong is a must-see. The Chimi Lhakhank is an exotic 15th-century temple said to bless visitors with fertility.

Breathe in the fresh mountain air as you hike to the stunning Khamsum Yuley Monastery and elegant temple chorten. The chorten alone took 10 years to complete. Raft along the Mo Chu River for an exhilarating rush. In the evening you have the option to visit a local farmhouse.

Travel to Thimphu via flight through Paro. Drive to Thimphu and enjoy a scenic ride along the way. Visit the Royal Textile Academy to learn about traditional Bhutanese handiwork. Next, visit the National Library which houses many rare manuscripts.

Considered Bhutan-s cultural heart, strike out into Thimphu to see what the country has to offer. Begin with a visit to the Folk Heritage Museum. Here you can enjoy a delicious and filling authentic lunch. Pay the paper mill a visit, where you can see the creative ways the resource is recycled. In the evening, visit the Buddha Dordenma, where you will find a 149-foot bronze Buddha.

Return to Paro to visit more of the city-s sites. Take a hike up to the beautiful Taktsang Palphug Monastery, more commonly known as the Tiger-s Nest Monastery. The monastery is home to several sacred paintings and religious relics. Explore the area-s temples and return to the main town to check in to your lodge.

You adventure has come to a close. You can choose to extend your stay in Bhutan or begin your journey homewards. It-s been a rare, unique cultural experience exploring two of Asia-s jewels.