Thailand Land of Smiles

Highlights of Thailand Land of Smiles

• Discover the dramatic Golden Mount at Wat Saket, Wat Pho, the astonishing and iconic reclining Buddha,  and the Canals of Thonburi.
• Innovative approach to urban travel, avoiding traffic and providing a liberating way to explore the city while supporting local businesses.
• Experience first hand the waterways of Bangkok with original architecture, commerce and merchant life.
• Taste local Thai cuisine.
• Take an in-depth journey to discover Te Papa’s taonga (Maori cultural treasures).
• Savor the flavor of New Zealand’s wines on a vineyard tour.
• Partake in a scenic sightseeing tour that includes recognizable filming locations and stunning natural scenery for the Lord of the Rings.
• Taste local foods in a country that is rapidly becoming known as a foodie world destination.

Day 1 Bangkok

On arrival in Bangkok, an airport representative will meet you at the aircraft bridge with a signboard of your name or our company logo on it, and then escort you to the VIP Immigration lane. The representative will help check your immigration forms before you get your passport stamped to enter the ‘Land of Smiles”. After that you will be escorted to the baggage claim and accompanied through to the arrivals hall to meet your host who will privately transfer you to your hotel. Please note that the airport representative is not allowed to be with passengers at immigration counters in regards to airport security control.

Transfer to your hotel for check in and luggage drop off.

Choose from one of two suggested activities.

Afternoon activity option. Visit to Chinatown (Yaowarat). While it might sound like an odd choice to begin here, the Chinese legacy of Bangkok’s origins cannot be understated. One of the original cornerstones of the city, early Chinese merchants enabled Bangkok commerce to thrive and turned the city into one of the great trading centers of Asia. Bangkok now boasts a population of more than one million Chinese and has one of the most colourful Chinatowns on the planet. Fast, frantic and eclectic, a ramble through Yaowarat is cacophony for the senses.  A 4-hour tour of walking, three-wheeled tuk-tuk and SkyTrain. Evening to relax and catch your breath after your long trip.

Evening activity option. Experience ‘One Night in Bangkok’. Begin at 18:00 and your guide will walk you through various neighbourhoods, followed by some great local food, a cocktail in a unique place, and a visit through market areas and historic districts. The best way to do this is by using a variety of local transportation in order to be spontaneous and efficient. The evening ends as you desire – a riverside rooftop bar with a fabulous view of illuminated Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn) or a more intimate experience in the narrow alleys of the Na Na neighbourhood near Chinatown. If visiting one of the famous rooftop bars such as Skybar and Vertigo 
appeals, drinks are on your account.  This is a half-day (evening), approximately 18:00 – 23:00 Exploration by: walking, three-wheeled tuk-tuk and SkyTrain. Inclusion: a fun English speaking guide, local dinner, transportation and logistics, plenty of snacks and soft drinks, and exclusive care

Meals: Dinner

Day 2 Bangkok

Today’s adventure is an outstanding introduction to frantic Bangkok. Using a variety of local transport such as skytrains, tuk-tuks, canal boats, and walking you’ll enjoy an innovative approach to urban travel, avoiding traffic and providing a liberating way to explore the city while supporting local businesses. Visits and tours included Golden Mount at Wat Saket, Wat Pho and the Reclining Buddha,  and the Canals of Thonburi. Please note that the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha are magnificent and some of Bangkok’s iconic sites. However, due to the growing potential for large crowds and long lines we generally recommend visiting alternative historic sites of significance which have fewer crowds. We are happy to include the Grand Palace if it is a must see for you. This is a full day (approximately 09:00- 16:00) and you will have a fun English speaking guide, local lunch, transportation and logistics, plenty of snacks and soft drinks, and exclusive care.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3 Bangkok

Liquid Bangkok is a tour along the rivers for a view of the original Bangkok riverside neighbourhoods which are the foundation of the city’s early development. Chinese, Portuguese, Muslim and European influences blend with Thai communities along Bangkok’s famous Chao Phraya River. Using the waterway as our launch point, discover the architecture and commercial identities of Bangkok, as well as significant temples well off the usual beaten track. Choose between longtail boats or the more comfortable Supatra traditional wooden handcrafted boat and travel through Thonburi, visiting old artisan villages, markets and art communities. This is a half day tour and includes a local English speaking Thai guide, local Thai lunch, and a mix of private and public boat where applicable, drinking water, and snacks in abundance.

Meals: Breakfast

Days 4, 5 Ch1ang Rai

Fly from Bangkok to Chiang Rai and be awed as you participate in the Golden Triangle Discovery Package. These packages have a choice of  the Elephant Camp Experience.  Golden Triangle Discovery Excursion, cooking classes, or spa experiences, or a combination. Contact us for details.

Days 6, 7 Ch1ang Mai

Drive from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai. Begin your tour with a climb at Doi Suthep, a  1,676 metre (5,499 ft) mountain overlooking the city of Chiang Mai. It is an important and revered site with an intriguing legend. On the way back to town, stop at Wat Umong, a 700 year-old temple set in tranquil shaded woods, famous for the tunnels below it’s large chedi, which display original wall paintings from the 13th century. Next stop at one of our favourite local restaurants to indulge in some northern culinary specialties before visiting Wiang Kum Kam, a historic settlement along the Ping River which pre-dates the city of Chiang Mai.  Stoll through some of the charming streets of the Old City before returning to your hotel. Flexible touring means you  can explore as much or as little as you like – your wish is our command. Exploration by: walking, and private vehicle.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Days 8, 9, 10 Phuket

Arrival with Resort Transfer

On arrival in Phuket, collect your luggage and head to the Arrivals Hall. A representative of your resort will be waiting to greet you holding a signboard. They will transfer you to the resort. During your stay we recommend an excursion to the Phi Phi Islands are a must see when on a visit to Thailand! Six sensational islands make up this beautiful and world famous location, situated in the southeast Andaman Sea. The islands of Phi Phi have some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet.

We also like the Phang Nga Bay Sunset Cruise covering all the key sites, including the beautiful rock formation of the famous James Bond Island. Enjoy this stunning location at a magical time of day, cruising the emerald green waters of Phang Nga Bay. Take in the vivid colours of Koh Panyee floating village as you cruise past marveling at the sites as the locals go about their afternoon routines. Explore the endless maze of the mangrove ecosystem and discover some ancient cave paintings along the way. Finish off your amazing experience taking in the gorgeous sunset in Phang Nga Bay whilst you slowly cruise back to Phuket. This cruise is very different to our other tours. It takes time to soak in the beauty of Phang Nga Bay in a more relaxed and luxurious way all whilst still keeping our promise of avoiding the crowds and keeping the small group size.

Day 11 Outbound flight to your next destination.

Phuket Departure with Resort Transfer

B= breakfast included, L=lunch included, PicL=picnic lunch included, D=Dinner included
All bookings through GAMSPS  Travel, Quebec Licensee.

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 We acknowledge the photographic work of Akapan-Kammanern