Classic Thailand w/Phuket from $1,149

PACKAGE INCLUSIONS

  • 9 nights’ accommodation as indicated or similar
  • Airport transfers
  • Touring as per itinerary
  • Meals as specified
classic Thailand w/Phuket

This 10-day trip serves as a great introduction to Thailand, taking you to bustling Bangkok, relaxed and culture-rich Chiang Mai, and the sprawling beaches of Phuket.

Bangkok, the Thai capital since 1782, is a national treasure with its Buddhist temples, palaces, floating markets on small canals, legendary nightlife, and abundant shopping opportunities. It offers visitors the opportunity to experience fascinating glimpses of Thailand’s rich traditions and gentle culture amid the bustle of a diverse metropolis.

This dynamic city has successfully combined the ancient and modern worlds. Bangkok, the Thai capital since 1782, is a national treasure with its Buddhist temples, palaces, floating markets on small canals, legendary nightlife and abundant shopping opportunities. It offers visitors the opportunity to experience fascinating glimpses of Thailand’s gentle culture amid the bustle of a great and diverse metropolis.

Your stay begins with a visit to the renowned Grand Palace, the former residence of Thai kings. In this complex, you will be able to relive the splendour and pageantry of the past. A highlight will be the impressive Emerald Buddha. Continue to Wat Po, one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok where the large Reclining Buddha is housed. In the evening, you will take a cruise on the Chao Phraya River which cuts through the city, taking in spectacular sights on both banks including the Temple of Dawn, and the Grand Palace. Thai delicacies will be served during the cruise.The following morning, head outside the city to Damnoen Saduak to see the colourful floating market where the customers travel in their boats to the merchants who are lined up on the sides of the canals selling their wares. Also visit the tallest Buddha pagoda in the world, the Phra Pathom Chedi. After lunch at the nearby Rose Garden, you will be entertained by a Thai cultural show including music, singing and the martial arts. Return later back to Bangkok.

Chiang Mai is the principal city in the north surrounded by the highest mountains in the country. The atmosphere here is much more serene than Bangkok. With a wall surrounding the old part of the city and over 300 ancient temples, “The Rose of the North” is famous for its history, culture, spirituality, lush hills, shopping, and fascinating tribal people.

During your stay, visit the Wat Chiang Man Temple, the oldest in the city built in the 13th Century with its two statues of Buddha, one of which is made of crystal. You’ll also visit the Wat Phra Singh, built in Northern Thai classical style with its exquisite wood carvings and the Wat Chedi Luang with its Lama style chedi (a conical shaped stupa). The last temple to be visited is the Wat Suan Dok built in the 14th Century and one of the most famous for Monk studies. After this, head to the expansive Varoros Market, where you can buy almost anything. The afternoon is free to explore further, shop etc.

The next morning, travel outside the city to Doi Suthep, a temple built on top of a mountain with amazing views of the surrounding countryside and even Chiang Mai in the distance. After this, visit a hill tribe village and meet the Hmong tribe close up with their colourful outfits and a special way of life.

Fly the next day to the south of Thailand to the beach resort of Phuket, your home for the next three nights. Phuket is blessed with magnificent coves and bays, powdery white beaches, hospitable people and lushly forested mountains – everything necessary for a memorable, relaxing stay. The next morning, you will enjoy a boat ride to PhiPhi Island where the movie “The Beach” was filmed. You are free to explore the charms and serene beauty of the island. Later, you will have the opportunity to travel on a small boat to a secluded beach to swim, snorkel or just relax. After lunch here, enjoy free time before it’s time to travel back to Phuket.

The following day is totally at leisure to explore, swim, relax or go shopping as you wish.

 


VIEW ITINERARY

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Day 1   Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok Hotel With Guide

Duration              90 Minutes

Nouvo City Hotel

Nouvo City Hotel is a modern boutique hotel located near Khao San Road, within walking distance of many of Bangkok’s attractions. Facilities include a fitness centre, swimming pool, steam room, spa, pool bar and the Sara Restaurant.

 

Meal Plan            American Breakfast

Duration              3 Nights

Accommodation

Nouvo City Hotel

 

 

Day 2   Half Day Grand Palace and Temple Tour

Today you will visit the famous Grand Palace, Chakri Maha Prasad, one of the most beautiful examples of an ancient Thai court. The palace was the former residence of the Thai kings. There are several things here to admire, including the Reception Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Funeral Hall, and the beautiful Temple of the Emerald Buddha, also known as “Wat Phra Kaew”. You can easily visualize the splendour and pageantry of the past.

 

Later, you will proceed to Wat Po, home of the enormous Reclining Buddha and one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok.

 

Please note that modest dress is expected on this tour.

 

Duration              4 Hours

Manohra Dinner Cruise

You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the Pier to join the Manohra Rice Barge Dinner Cruise, a romantic and unique culture experience. The cruise sets sail at 7:30PM. Cruising along the Chao Phraya River on this elegant, restored wooden rice barge, you will be introduced to Bangkok by night. It’s a spectacular and memorable experience as Thai culinary delicacies are served as you glide down The River of Kings. Manohra can accommodate a maximum of 70 guest diners and en route you will pass the famous Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn), the magnificent Grand Palace, The Royal Barge Boathouse, and numerous other temples and fascinating landmarks. A delicious Thai set Dinner (Gold Menu) is included and features delicacies such as Thai dumplings, prawn skewers, spicy soups, regional curries, stir fries, fresh seafood, and a traditional Thai dessert. The cruise concludes at 10:00PM and you will be transferred back to your hotel.

 

Duration              3 Hours

 

Day 3  Full Day Floating Market and Sampran Riverside with lunch

Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, starting with a visit to the famous floating market in Ratchaburi Province. The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market dates back to 1866 when King Rama IV ordered that a canal be dug here to connect the Mekong and Tachin rivers. The Floating Market is an ideal place to witness the traditional ways fruits and vegetables were sold and to see the way locals continue to use boats in their everyday lives. Continue to Phra Pathom Chedi, the world’s highest stupa, then visit Sampran riverside village. Here you will have the chance to engage in a variety of Thai arts and crafts workshops, including pottery, martial arts, music and dance, food and herbs, weaving and silk processing. Later in the afternoon, return to your Bangkok hotel.

 

Duration              10 Hours

 

Day 4  Bangkok Hotel to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport With Guide

Duration              90 Minutes

Chiang Mai Airport to Chiang Mai Hotel

Duration              10 Minutes

X2 Vibe Chiang Mai Decem Hotel

The X2 Vibe Chiang Mai Decem Hotel emphasizes style and simplicity, located in the hip and happening neighbourhood of Nimman. With exceptional cafes and great shopping, this is an ideal base from which to explore Chiang Mai, and the hotel is within an easy walk of the old city. Special features include an exterior vertical garden and saltwater pool.

 

Meal Plan            American Breakfast

Duration              3 Nights

Accommodation

X2 Vibe Chiang Mai Decem Hotel

 

 

Day 5  Half Day Chiang Mai City Temples Tour

Today you will explore some of Chiang Mai’s most notable temples including Wat Chiang Man, the city’s oldest temple and famed for a Chedi supported by rows of elephantine buttresses; Wat Phra Sing home to the beautiful Lai Kham chapel with its exquisite woodcarving and northern style murals; Wat Chedi Luang and its enormous Pagoda (which was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1545); and last, Wat Suan Dok, which dates back to the 14th century when it served as gardens to the Thai Monarchy. Nowadays Wat Suan Dok contains the ashes of the Chiang Mai Royal family and also houses one of the most famous Monk Schools in Chiang Mai. Continue onto to see Chiang Mai’s old city walls, moat and gate, and local market.

 

Duration              3 Hours

 

Day 6  Half Day Doi Suthep and Meo Tour

This tour features a scenic drive through the most historic areas of Chiang Mai, including a pass through the old city walls, city gates and moat. The drive continues into Chiang Mai’s tourist attraction area, past the local market, foreign consulates, government buildings and ‘Tapae Gate’ before continuing to the acclaimed temple Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, home to a holy relic of the Lord Buddha and considered by many to be the most sacred Wat in northern Thailand. Tucked away in the mountains at an elevation of 1,056 meters (3520 feet), the temple is reached using a Naga (a 7- headed dragon head serpent) railing rising along both sides. The temple compound, accessed via 300 stairs, offers a beautiful view of Chiang Mai city and the surrounding countryside. Continue on to visit the primitive Meo Pui village, a local community known for its unique culture and colourful costumes.

 

Note: Please dress respectfully. No sleeveless shirts, shorts or strapless sandals are allowed when visiting the Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep.

 

Duration              4 Hours

 

Day 7   Chiang Mai Hotel to Chiang Mai Airport

Duration              10 Minutes

Phuket Airport to Phuket Hotel

Duration              45 Minutes

Aspira Prime Patong Phuket (Formerly Eastin Easy Patong)

Aspira Prime Patong Phuket is located within the vibrant neighbourhood of Patong, just a 5-minute walk from Patong Beach and a 10-minute walk to Jungceylon Shopping Mall. The hotel offers 55 rooms designed in a contemporary style. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, fully-equipped gym and the Ceno restaurant. Complimentary WIFI is provided.

 

Meal Plan            American Breakfast

Duration              3 Nights

Accommodation

Aspira Prime Patong Phuket (Formerly Eastin Easy Patong)

 

 

Day 8  Full Day Phi Phi Island Tour by Shared Speedboat Phuket Central Hotels

Phi Phi island located just 48 km East of Phuket is renowned worldwide for its natural scenic beauty with silversand beaches fringed with palm trees, towering limestone cliffs and marine life. This morning you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the pier for the Phi Phi Islands. Arrive at Phi Phi Lay where you can explore the fantastic landscape of Maya Bay – the location where the movie “The Beach” was partially filmed. Enjoy swimming or snorkeling with the colourful fish and exploring Loh Samah Bay and Pileh Cove. Phi Phi Ley is also home to the Viking Cave, a large limestone cavern where ancient rock paintings can be found. These paintings are believed to resemble Viking ships and are predicted to be over 3000 years old. Due to the sea conditions we are not able to go ashore in the cave but admire it from our boat. Arrive at Phi Phi Don to enjoy more snorkeling or simply relaxing on the white sandy beach at Yong Kasem (Monkey Beach). Have lunch at a beachside restaurant (included). Later arrive at Bamboo Island for more free time on the beach, to feed the fish, swim or snorkel. Depart back to the pier, later this afternoon and onto your hotel.

 

Duration              10 Hours

 

Day 9  Day at Leisure

Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.

 

Day 10  Phuket Hotel to Phuket Airport

Duration              45 Minutes

Other Information

 

Pricing & Departures

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Daily from $1,149

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Notes:
  • Land only package; easily add airfare by asking a Travel Team Agent
  • Prices are per person based on double occupancy
  • Prices include all taxes
  • Limited space is subject to availability and prior sale
  • Prices in US dollars unless otherwise noted
  • Some taxes are not included
  • Prices reflect cash discount
  • Due to constantly changing policies to baggage restrictions, please check with your airline directly for latest updates and restrictions
  • Information, including prices are subject to change without notice
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