THAILAND SPECIAL OFFER 9DAYS / 8NIGHTS

Transcription

1 Gems of Siam. THAILAND SPECIAL OFFER 9DAYS / 8NIGHTS Route: Round-trip from and to Bangkok Type of tour: Culture Departure days: Selected Tuesdays 1

2 TOUR OVERVIEW Modern Thailand merges into historic Siam over 9 unforgettable days with this round-trip starting and ending in Bangkok. Discover the ancient monuments, dazzling temples and bustling markets that help make Thailand the most captivating country in Southeast Asia. Visit ruins such as those of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, which offer an insight into the grandeur of past glories, and meet the inhabitants of remote rainforest villages, where the past is very much alive. Join us for a magical journey to uncover Siam s glittering gems. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Ayutthaya: Ancient capital of Siam and the location of a haunting UNESCO World Heritage Site Lampang: See three countries from one spot in Sop Ruak at the confluence of the Ruak and the Mekong rivers Chiang Mai: Enjoy an unforgettable encounter with Thai elephants, take in the views from the hilltop Wat Doi Suthep temple and explore the shopper s paradise of San Kamphaeng Road Lamphun: Visit the thousand-year-old Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, one of the holiest temples in the north Sukhothai: A historic former capital with well-preserved ruins of temples and palaces Lopburi: Explore two historic temples in this earthy city with troops of macaque monkeys roaming the streets DON'T MISS Kamphaeng Phet: Go bananas in the city s specialist banana market and try the local variety, which is small but fragrant Lamphun: Head to the stalls behind Wat Phra That Hariphunchai and treat yourself to some dried lam yai (longan fruit) Sukhothai: The glazed ceramics produced in the city and surrounding towns are renowned for their beauty and quality DAY BY DAY DAY 1 BANGKOK Meet and greet at the airport and transfer to your centrally located hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Bangkok, the City of Angels, is the most populous city in the country and is packed with cultural attractions, tantalizing food stalls and countless shopping temptations. Overnight in hotel in Bangkok. DAY 2 BANGKOK Full day at leisure to discover Bangkok on your own or to take one of the many optional excursions available on the spot. For those who have never been to Bangkok we suggest a half day tour of the most popular Buddhist temple and Landmark in the city of angels (optional, not included). The Royal Grand Palace, a great architectural masterpiece of several buildings from the outside and a magical inside was used as a royal residence from the 18th century to the mid- 20th century. It is without any doubt a national reference and possibly the most visited royal monument of Thailand, and it shouldn t be missed. The building houses the "Wat Phra Kaew", Bangkok's most sacred temple, in which is located the 2

3 famous Emerald Buddha. Afternoon and Evening free at leisure. We suggest you venture out on your own and explore one of Bangkok s main renowned night street markets and bazaars. Overnight in hotel in Bangkok. Breakfast included. DAY 3 BANGKOK AYUTTHAYA KAMPHAENG PHET (380km 5hrs) Pick-up from 07:00 at your hotel (collection from outer Bangkok hotels or the airport will be subject to supplement charges). Head to the former capital of Ayutthaya and contemplate ruins of this once-vast island city, which was mostly destroyed by an invading army 250 years ago. Today, the haunting ruins hint at its former glories as can be seen in temples such as Wat Yai Chaimongkhon, Wat Phanan Choeng and Wat Mahathat where the roots of trees have devoured the head of a Buddha. Hop aboard a traditional longtail boat and enjoy a scenic cruise around the island, observing the city s ruins from a different perspective. After lunch in a local restaurant, continue to Kamphaeng Phet for check-in at the hotel. Overnight in hotel in Kamphaeng Phet. Lunch included. DAY 4 KAMPHAENG PHET LAMPANG CHIANG MAI (350km 5hrs) Take to the road after breakfast at the hotel, heading towards Lampang. On arrival, visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang. This large Lanna-style temple is prominently located on a hill surrounded by walls. Climb the naga staircase and explore the complex, which boasts seven buildings and a sacred tree. Admire the bronze Buddha statue in the ordination hall and the relic of Buddha in the golden chedi. Continue to the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre, which offers shelter and care to more than 50 Asian elephants in a natural rainforest habitat. The centre s prize attraction, however, are the six elephants from the king of Thailand s Royal Stables. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before continuing to Chiang Mai, popularly known as the Rose of the North. Check-in on arrival with the rest of the day at leisure. Maybe explore the city at your own pace or enjoy a relaxing Thai massage (not included). In the evening, head to the bustling night bazaar for a stroll or enjoy an evening out by trying a khantoke dinner, a traditional northern Thai feast combined with a selection of traditional cultural performances (optional, not included). Overnight in hotel in Chiang Mai. Breakfast and lunch included. DAY 5 CHIANG MAI After breakfast in the hotel, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the most revered temples in the country. This sacred location is at the top of a mountain from where you can appreciate stunning panoramic views over the city. To reach the temple requires a climb up a 309-step naga staircase. Alternatively, you can use the cable car (included) to reach the temple. This spiritual sojourn is followed by a visit to the shopping heaven that is the famous San Kamphaeng Road, a 10km-long stretch of road flanked by shops selling locally produced goods such as pottery, silverware, lacquerware, handmade saa paper, sculptures, jewellery, wood carvings and silk products. In some shops, you can even watch the artisans at work. Keep an eye out for the celadon pottery and the silver goods, which are both usually of excellent quality. After local lunch in a local restaurant, return to the hotel with the afternoon free at leisure. Overnight in hotel in Chiang Mai. Breakfast and lunch included. DAY 6 CHIANG MAI LAMPHUN SUKHOTHAI (370km 5hrs) Bid farewell to Chiang Mai after breakfast at the hotel, heading to Lamphun, which is home to one of the north s most important temples, the one-thousand-year-old Wat Phra That Hariphunchai. Visit the temple and admire the Buddha statues and impressive stupas, which include a 46-metre-tall Lanna-style golden chedi and 21-metre-tall Haripunchai-style chedi. Take to the road again and head south to Sukhothai Historical Park, which covers the ruins of the first capital of Siam. Founded in the 13th century, Sukhothai means Dawn of Happiness and it proved to herald the beginning of a golden age for Thai culture under the rule of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great, who is credited with creating the Thai alphabet. The historical park has the ruins of almost 200 buildings, including dozens of temples. The complex, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is divided between the ruins within the walls and moat and those outside them. Overnight in hotel in Sukhothai. Breakfast and lunch included. 3

4 DAY 7 SUKHOTHAI LOPBURI BANGKOK (480km 7 hrs) Depart Sukhothai after breakfast at the hotel, heading for Lopburi. This historic city is famed for the troops of macaques that roam the streets as if it were the jungle. Visit the ruins of the ancient Khmer temple of Phra Prang Sam Yot and the adjacent Brahman shrine of San Phra Kan, which is known as the Monkey Temple. Lunch is in a local restaurant en route. Continue to Bangkok for drop off at a city-centre hotel. Transfers to Bangkok airports or outer city hotels are subject to a supplementary charge. Overnight in hotel in Bangkok. Breakfast and lunch included. DAY 8 BANGKOK Full day at leisure to discover Bangkok on your own or to take one of the many optional excursions available on the spot. For those who want to go shopping this day would naturally include Bangkok s main shopping districts of Siam Square and Pratunam where bargains are available everywhere. Alternatively you can join us for an optional full day tour to the beautiful province of Kanchanaburi where you will take a trip back in history at the River Kwai and its famous bridge. You will visit the war cemetery and a reconstructed POW camp that now houses a museum. After that, experience what will probably be the most spectacular part of the tour: the train ride across the bridge and along part of the original Death Railway. Here you will enjoy the views of the river and take in the spectacular scenery. The train slows down at the most impressive viewpoints en route to ensure you will be able to take some stunning photos. Depart from Bangkok at approximately 6am, duration of the tour approximately 9 hrs). Overnight in hotel in Bangkok. Breakfast included. DAY 9 DEPART BANGKOK Full day at leisure until departure. Seat in coach transfer to the airport for a flight to the beach destination of your choice where you will have the opportunity to swim and relax surrounded by coconut palms and white sandy beaches. Breakfast included. END OF SERVICES INCLUDED TOUR GUIDE: Operated with English/Italian/French/German or Spanish-speaking guide* ACCOMMODATION: Eight nights in air-conditioned room with bath/shower on a half-board basis MEALS: Eight breakfasts and five lunches TRANSPORT: Air-conditioned transportation, transfers as stated in the programme ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES: All entrance fees as indicated: Ayutthaya Historical Park; Wat Phra That Lampang Luang and Thai Elephant Conservation Centre in Lampang; Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and San Kamphaeng Road in Chiang Mai; Wat Phra That Hariphunchai in Lamphun; Sukhothai Historical Park; Phra Prang Sam Yot and San Phra Kan in Lopburi *Note Tours in different languages can be combined in our vehicles for seat-in-coach itineraries. There will be a guide for each language NOT INCLUDED Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme Gratuity for driver and guide Optional tours Compulsory festival/peak season surcharges if stated separately International or domestic flight tickets and airport taxes or visa fees 4

5 ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS Day Destination Hotel/resort Category Board Room type 1 Bangkok Hotel Royal - DLX 1 2 Bangkok Hotel Royal Breakfast DLX 2 3 Kamphaeng Phet Chakungrao Riverview or Breakfast, lunch SUP Chiang Mai Holiday Inn Chiang Mai or Breakfast, lunch SUP Sukhothai Sukhothai Treasure or Breakfast, lunch DLX 6 7 Bangkok Hotel Royal Breakfast, lunch SUP 7 8 Bangkok Hotel Royal Breakfast SUP 8 9 Bangkok Departure Breakfast - 9 All hotels have successfully passed Sure2Care, a self-assessment based on FTO and ABTA guidelines TERMS AND CONDITIONS Minimum 2 pax needed to guarantee departure Hotel early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms are subject to availability and are not guaranteed No refund for unused services. Splitting of package is not allowed Please note that local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to tour contents without prior notice CANCELLATION POLICY 100% NON REFUNDABLE RECOMMENDATIONS Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Thailand. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay. 5