Full Itinerary

Day 1: UK Airport / Bangkok

Day 2: Bangkok

On arrival you will be met and transferred to your choice of hotel for 3 nights in Bangkok. Depending on your arrival time we can arrange a choice of tours to introduce you to this exciting city.

Day 3: Bangkok - City Tour (B / L)

Start off at Bangkok’s most-visited attraction, the Grand Palace. The vast temple complex is a city icon and home to a stunning array of Thai-Buddhist architecture. Pass by intricately-carved sculptures, glowing-gold temple roofs and a myriad of artwork adorning the walls and ceilings of many buildings. Follow your guide to ‘Wat Phra Kaew’, a separate temple that’s home to the highly-revered Emerald Buddha. This priceless statue holds great significance for Thai Buddhists and dates back to the 14th Century.

Then head down to the river and board an iconic ‘long tail boat’ that will whisk you around the quaint klongs (canals) that once earned the Thai capital the name ‘Venice of the East’. Along the way look out for Wat Arun, another magnificent temple that towers over the river, with its central spire reaching 79 metres in height. Back at the hotel late afternoon. Evening free to explore the city. If you have been to Bangkok before we can adapt today to visit somewhere new.

Day 4: Bangkok - Walk / Cycle around Ayutthaya / Train to Ubon (B / L / D)

This morning your guide will transfer you out of Bangkok to the ancient capital of Ayutthaya. Once there you can enjoy a walking or biking tour through the countryside and ruined city. The ride can be adapted to your fitness levels, but is generally flat. Ayutthaya was the 2nd Capital from the 14th to 18th Century and the crowning glory of Siam, when what we recognise as "Thai Style” was developed. Today because of its size and flatness it is ideally explored by bike or on foot. Lunch will be in a local restaurant.

Freshen up at a local hotel and enjoy an early dinner before your guide takes you to the station and settles you in on the overnight sleeper (private 1st class with large window and lockable door) train to Ubon Ratchathani.

Day 5: Ubon Ratchathani / Mekong River (B / L)

You’ll have time to explore historic Ubon before travelling to the tiny town of Khong Jiam that sits on a picturesque peninsula at the confluence of the Mekong and Mun Rivers. Stop en route in a village that specialises in handcrafting gongs and large bells for temples as well as other local crafts. Check into the beautiful Tohsang Khong Jiam Resort with its stunning views over the Mekong River and your base for the next few days. Go kayaking or cycling to explore the nearby area or relax by the pool.

Day 6: Pha Taem / Mekong Cruise (B / L)

This morning hike in Pha Taem National Park up through a landscape of wild flowers, bamboo forests and eventually great views of the lush Thai countryside and over into Laos. As well as the natural beauty, the main attraction are Thailand’s most extensive prehistoric cave paintings that depict life over 3,000 years ago, with scenes that include fishing, rice farming and elephants. Enjoy a picnic lunch and then drive to the Mekong for a riverboat cruise. The river is narrow here, so you have good views of both banks. Return to the resort and enjoy late afternoon by the swimming pool.

Day 7: Alms Giving / Spirit Shrine (B / L)

This morning rise early to watch the Buddhist tradition of alms giving to local monks with your guide. After breakfast walk or cycle to a nearby tribal village to visit a local school (during their term time) and explore the tiny village, its market and the shrine to the local forest spirit. In the shrine is a stone with ancient inscriptions in early Khmer or Siamese glyphs and your guide will offer an introduction to Animism.

This afternoon, depending on the season, you may like to take an optional excursion down the nearby Python Rapids (Feb / May) or enjoy a massage back at the hotel.

Day 8: Laos Border Market (B) - Fly to Bangkok or Phuket

Enjoy a short drive to the Chong Mek Indochina Market at the border with Laos. This is one of the more interesting markets in Thailand. You can browse the stalls either side of the border to find handicrafts, antiques, herbal remedies and much more. Continue to Ubon Ratchathani airport for your flight to Phuket or Bangkok (for Hua Hin) and 5 nights (or more / less) days on the beach.

Extra…Alternatively extend your holiday into Laos and enjoy a tour of southern Laos. Please email or call for suggestions.

Days 9-12: Beach Time (B)

There are so many world class beach destinations in Thailand, each one offering something slightly different to the others. Stay in Phuket and enjoy this all round super star offering everything from the action packed to the more peaceful, exclusive resorts that are true island escapes. Head up the coast to Khao Lak, a beautifully relaxed low key beach destination backed by dramatic lush mountains. 2 hours south is Krabi, famed for its glorious beaches backed by dramatic limestone karsts. Alternatively head out to the islands of Koh Yao Noi, Koh Phi Phi or Koh Lanta for an idyllic end to your holiday. Alternatively if you'd prefer less flying time head to the long beaches of the royal resort of Hua Hin, 3 hours south of Bangkok.

Day 13: Fly Phuket (B) / UK Airport

Morning free then airport transfer and fly home. Arrive back in UK the following morning.

Inclusions

What's Included:

Each featured itinerary is really a starting point from which to create your ideal holiday.

We can include as much or as little as you like, mix and match hotels, excursions and experiences, add extra nights and change the destinations you'd like to visit.

The common thread is that each is a privately guided holiday, allowing you to travel where and when you want, with your own private transport and dedicated guide.

General Inclusions:

• Return scheduled international flights (optional if you would like to arrange your own)
• English speaking, local guide & driver
• Choice of hotel accommodation
• Transport in private air-conditioned vehicles
• Domestic flights detailed in itinerary
• Admission fees to all attractions, temples and activities as mentioned in the itinerary
• All meals as detailed (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)

General Exclusions:

• Entry visas International airport departure taxes if payable locally
• Optional Tours / Excursions
• Any meals not listed in the itinerary
• Drinks
• Personal expenses
• Tips for Guides / Drivers (discretionary)
• Travel insurance
• Any camera or video fees charged at sites

Where You'll Stay

 Hotels

The hotels below are there as examples, designed to act as a starting point from which to create your holiday. There are plenty of alternatives to choose from and when we quote we will include other suggestions so we get to understand your likes and dislikes. Quite often clients mix and match hotel categories throughout their holiday.

Thailand

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