Krabi, Phuket & Bangkok, 6 Nights

Most flights from India land at Phuket, which has the better connections, and Krabi is reached by road: across the Sarasin bridge and around the head of Phang Nga Bay, roughly two and a half to three hours. It is a pretty drive past rubber plantations and the first limestone outcrops. Check in at Ao Nang, Krabi's main beach town, and walk down to the seafront for sunset; the promenade has Indian restaurants and plenty of vegetarian choice.

The classic Krabi outing, and short hops rather than long crossings. Phra Nang Cave beach on the Railay peninsula comes first, with its cliffs and shrine cave. Koh Poda has a wide white beach for swimming. At Koh Tup the sea drops at low tide to reveal a sandbar you can walk across to the next island, and Chicken Island is named for its rock profile. Lunch is served on one of the islands. Back at Ao Nang mid-afternoon with time for a massage.

The transfer day is also the Phuket sightseeing day. After about two and a half hours on the road, the route takes in the island's south: Wat Chalong, Phuket's most revered temple; Karon viewpoint, above the three bays of Kata Noi, Kata and Karon; and the stretch of coast past Rawai and Patong. Check-in follows in the afternoon. The evening is free, and Patong's Bangla Road is there for those who want the noise.

A larger, steadier boat than a speedboat, which makes the open-water crossing to Phi Phi more comfortable. The route usually includes Pileh lagoon, Viking Cave seen from the water, Monkey Beach and a swim stop at Khai or Bamboo Island, with Maya Bay visited on foot when it is open. Meals are served on board and the national park fees are covered. Expect to be back after dark in some seasons, so no plans for the evening.

A relaxed morning, then the transfer to Phuket airport for the short flight north. On landing in Bangkok you are met and taken to the hotel, allowing for the city's traffic. The evening is the reason to arrive on this day: a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya with an Indian menu, sailing past the illuminated Wat Arun, the Grand Palace walls and the riverside hotels while the city lights up on both banks.

The essential Bangkok morning, started early to beat both heat and crowds. The Grand Palace complex holds the Emerald Buddha in its own chapel, a small jade figure dressed by the King for each season. Next door, Wat Pho houses the vast gilded reclining Buddha and is also the home of traditional Thai massage. A ferry across the river brings you to Wat Arun and its porcelain-studded spire. Shoulders and knees must be covered throughout. The afternoon is free for shopping.

Breakfast and checkout, then the transfer to Suvarnabhumi. We plan the pick-up around three and a half to four hours before an international departure because of the city traffic. With an evening flight, the hotel can usually hold your bags while you have a last lunch nearby or a massage at one of the Wat Pho-trained spas. Suvarnabhumi has a VAT refund counter for tourists, so keep shopping receipts handy.