- Days 1–3Thimphu
- Days 3–6Punakha
- Days 6–9Paro
- Days 9–13Phuket
- Days 1–3Thimphu
- Days 3–6Punakha
- Days 6–9Paro
- Days 9–13Phuket
A Deluxe Bhutan Adventure and Thai Beach Relaxation
Discover Bhutan with an action packed adventure through Thimphu, Punakha and Paro before some well-deserved beach relaxation in Thailand’s beautiful Phuket. You’ll stay at luxury accommodation at every step of the way and you’ll have expert guides on hand as well as our insider recommendations to ensure that you get the most out of each destination.
Trip highlights
- Discover Bhutan’s relaxed capital and its traditional architecture
- Visit Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and the statue of the Buddha Dordenma
- Tackle the stunning, uphill hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest monastery
- Visit the National Museum in Paro and discover over 3000 pieces of exquisite Bhutanese art
- Lounge in your luxurious resort or on a beautiful beach in Phuket
- Take a private tour by speedboat to the Phi Phi Islands
Our bespoke trips include
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Days 1–3
A traditional Bhutanese welcome in Thimphu
Your trip begins with two nights in Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, where you’ll explore the market, Taschichho Dzong and small, chock-a-block shops. A wander around this relaxed and friendly city gives a look at a more urban side of Bhutan which accompanies a wide display of traditional art, architecture and Buddhist sights.
A visit to the Arts and Crafts School, the Textile Museum and the Traditional Medicine Hospital are recommended – your travel designer can help you to plan your stay here according to your interests.
Where you could stay
A full-day excursion to Buddha Hill, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum and Cheri Temple
Your driver will collect you from your hotel and drive you to the Kuenselphodrang Nature Park where you’ll be greeted by the massive statue of the Buddha Dordenma, one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. Next, it’s on to the Textile and Folk Heritage Museum for a glimpse into traditional Bhutanese life. After lunch, you’ll enjoy a guided hike to the Chagri Dorjeden Monastery, also known as the Cheri Temple.
Days 3–6
The little town of Punakha
Capital of Bhutan and seat of the government until 1955, the little town of Punakha still enjoys a serene and regal ambience left over from its stately days. Found in a fertile valley at a relatively low 12,000 metres above sea level, visitors come here for warm, sultry days filled with hiking, mountain biking and river rafting – and the grand temple, Punakha Dzong, considered one of the country’s most striking ancient fortresses.
Where you could stay
Punakha highlights
sightseeing
hiking
Visit Khamsum Yulley, Nalanda monastery and Wolokha nunnery
Your day begins with a hike up through fields along the banks of the Mo Chhu River to Khamsum Yulley temple, a stunning monument with spectacular views down the valley. Following the hike you will have lunch by the river.
After lunch, you’ll be driven for an hour to reach the Nalanda monastery to have a chat with monks there who are eager to learn English, followed by a visit to the Wolokha Nunnery.
A full day trekking in the pristine landscapes around Punakha
Starting at Phuntsopelri Palace, hike alongside beautiful rice fields and stop at 14th century Do-Jagalam and Ritsa village. Enjoy magnificent views from Tse-lhakhang and follow the ridge all the way to Temakha village through to your lunch destination at Jawona village. After lunch, hike to the villages of Jangu, Yuengu and Gumgang following trails through forests of oak and pine, before reaching a breathtaking viewpoint over Punakha Dzong.
Days 6–9
Culture and heritage in Paro
Settle in at the pretty town of Paro and discover its architectural charms, sacred sites and National Museum. The main street of the town was only built in 1985 but it’s lined with cheerfully painted wooden shop fronts and restaurants in a classic Bhutanese style.
The valley of Paro is one of the kingdom’s widest and is covered in fertile rice fields crisscrossed by a beautiful meandering river. While Bhutan is famous for its splendid monuments and monasteries, perhaps the most impressive can be found here.
Where you could stay
Paro highlights
History
Hiking
Tiger's Nest
Rinpung Dzong fortress and National Museum
Visit Rinpung Dzong overlooking the beautiful Paro river. This large Buddhist monastery and fortress is regarded as one of Bhutan’s most impressive and well-known dzongs – and perhaps the finest example of Bhutanese architecture. Once you’ve seen inside the Rinpung Dzong, enjoy the short walk across a wooden cantilever bridge on the dzong grounds.
Next, we’ll hike up to the the National Museum to discover the rich history and heritage of Bhutan. The museum houses over 3000 pieces of Bhutanese art, covering more than 1,500 years of Bhutan’s cultural heritage.
Upper Tsento Hike with Kyichu Temples Visit
Today’s hike is 2–3 hours in the Upper Tsento region, before being driven back to your hotel in a private vehicle via the ruins of the Drugyal Dzong fortress and monastery.
After lunch, you’ll be brought to visit the Kyichu Temples. This two-temple complex consists of the Jowo Temple and the Guru Temple. The Jowo Temple is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, originally built in the 7th century by the Tibetan Emperor Songtsan Gampo. The Guru Temple was built in 1971 by Kesang Choden Wangchuck, the queen of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
After your visit to the Kyichu temples, you’ll have the opportunity to meet a Bhutanese author before returning to your hotel for dinner.
Hike to Tiger’s Nest and a hot stone bath
The spectacular Taktshang monastery or ‘Tiger’s Nest’ temple clings to a 1,000 foot high cliff and was built in 1692 by a prominent historical figure named Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgye. It’s about a three-hour hike to reach the Tiger’s Nest, climbing steeply uphill from the valley floor with a break at a tea house along the way. This is one of the most sacred sites for Buddhists.
After your hike downhill, treat your weary limbs to an indulgent soak in a hot stone bath.
Days 9–13
Powder soft sand and turquoise waters in Phuket
It’s then on to Phuket in Thailand for some hard-earned relaxation enjoying the amenities on offer at your luxurious resort or on one of the secluded beaches in northern Phuket. Alternatively, explore the island with our recommendations for the best things to do in Phuket – we can arrange privately guided itineraries as busy or as tranqil as you wish.
Where you could stay
Phi Phi Islands speedboat tour
Take a private speed boat out to visit two of Asia’s most beautiful islands, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Ley. Discover the incredibly scenic limestone karsts, long beaches and the dazzling emerald water. There is also time for snorkelling during this tour.
You’ll then enjoy the sunset with a bottle of champagne before returning to your hotel.
Throughout the whole process our experience with Jacada has been excellent. Ellie worked closely with us to develop an itinerary which when set was administrated efficiently by Jessica. All the arrangements were flawless once in Bhutan. The accommodations were incredible - all among the best we have ever stayed in. Also, very importantly the Guide (Dawa Zam Wangyel) and Driver…
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
