Thailand for Christmas and New Year

Transcription

1 Thailand for Christmas and New Year Departures & Prices Airport Departing Time Returning Time Cost Availability Heathrow 19 Dec 18 11:50 03 Jan 19 06: spaces left What's Included YOU RE IN GOOD HANDS This holiday includes the exclusive and dedicated services of a carefully selected One Traveller Tour Manager and an expert local guide who are both there solely for you and your fellow One Traveller companions staying with you and escorting you throughout. YOUR JOURNEY Return scheduled flights Thai internal flight Executive coach YOUR ACCOMMODATION 13 nights accommodation in four and five-star hotels, as rated by the Thai Tourist Authority, in a double room for sole occupancy. Early check-in on arrival and late check-out on departure have been included. MEALS & DRINKS Meals: all meals are included. Breakfast is Western style and lunch and dinner are always taken as a group with an array of European and Asian dishes. You will have the opportunity to try different Thai food, often complemented with a selection of tropical fruits. Drinks: welcome and farewell drinks are included, as well as additional drinks on December 24th, 25th, 26th and New Year s Eve. In some hotels and restaurants, complimentary tea and coffee are served after dinner. This holiday participates in the Refill not Landfill scheme so you receive daily complimentary purified drinking water in your own refillable bottle. EXCURSIONS & MANY EXTRAS Porterage Personal audio guiding system Canal and river cruise on a rice barge with drinks Gala Christmas Eve and New Year s Eve celebrations with drinks included All excursions and entrance fees as detailed in the itinerary Morning rickshaw exploration of Chiang Mai River Kwai train ride Elephant ride

2 Bamboo raft ride Award-winning Siam Niramit cultural show Not Included Holiday Insurance You need to arrange your own but we can help. For more information, please see our suggested insurance services. Door to door pick-up service While One Traveller does not offer a door to door service to the airport, we do recommend the awardwinning Tristar Chauffeur Services. Offering a luxury door to door solution, Tristar is the UK s largest owned Chauffeur fleet supplying airport and port transfers for business and leisure passengers. Itinerary Key: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Drink Afternoon Tea Longer walks and steps may be involved on this day 1 Travel from the UK to Bangkok Meet your Tour Manager and travelling companions at Heathrow airport and fly to Bangkok. 2 Arrival in Bangkok, welcome drinks cruise On arrival you will transfer to the hotel, where an early check-in is guaranteed. There will then be time to relax and freshen up. Afternoon: after lunch in the city centre you will take a ride on the canals in longboats, catching the breeze and watching the everyday life of this bustling city glide by. Later, transfer on to a rice barge for a cruise on the Chao Phraya River for Thai style cocktails, fresh fruit juices and a lavish tropical fruit buffet, all this whilst getting to know your fellow travelling companions.

3 Evening: dinner in the hotel. 3 Temples and Palaces of Bangkok Morning: this excursion includes three of the most unusual Buddhist temples in Bangkok: Wat Traimit, Wat Pho and Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace, home of the Emerald Buddha. Afternoon: after lunch a chance to relax a little by the pool at the hotel or wander the bustling shopping streets close to the hotel. Evening: early dinner followed by the Siam Niramit show, a spectacular show performed on a gigantic stage with over 100 performers, lavish costumes and stunning set designs. 4 Jim Thompson s House & Flower Market Morning: visit the home of the man who took Thai Silk production in Thailand to a higher level. An architectural gem with a breath-taking collection of South East Asian art. Afternoon: after lunch a guided visit to the Pak Khlong flower and vegetable market. The main hall is 800 metres long and a truly colourful spectacle where exotic native orchids can be seen. Evening: dinner in the hotel. 5 Flight to Chiang Mai - Local handicrafts Morning: transfer for the short flight to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand s hills where you will check-in for a three-night stay and have lunch. Afternoon: see the famous regional handicrafts, including silk, paper umbrellas, silverware, lacquer ware, jewellery and gemstones. Evening: dinner in the hotel, after which you can explore the extensive night market that is almost on your doorstep. 6 Christmas Eve Chiang Mai Morning: relax as you are pedalled around Chiang Mai with its

4 historic gates and city moat, and simply witness the local markets and everyday Thai life. Afternoon: after lunch visit the palaces and temples of Doi Suthep on a hillside position with views across the mountains. Evening: gala dinner buffet with included drinks, accompanied by a variety of traditional festive European and local entertainment provided by the friendly locals. 7 Christmas Day - Elephant camp Morning: visit an elephant camp on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. See a demonstration of working elephants and the close relationship a Mahout shares with his elephant, followed by a ride through unspoilt scenery. We also include a gentle bamboo raft ride amidst this tropical scenic beauty. Afternoon: after lunch at an orchid farm, an afternoon to chill out by the pool or take a relaxing foot massage or spa treatment (at extra cost). Evening: a drink followed by dinner in the hotel. 8 Boxing Day - Flight to Bangkok - Kanchanaburi Morning: mid-morning short flight to Bangkok and then continue to Kanchanaburi with lunch en route. Afternoon: arrive at the infamous Bridge on the River Kwai. The original bridge was built during World War II (by Allied prisoners of war). Afterwards check-in to your hotel for a three-night stay. Evening: dinner will be taken on a floating barge as you drift under the bridge and enjoy the local scenery. 9 Bridge on the River Kwai Morning: take the train towards the Burmese border, passing tapioca fields, rice paddy fields and sugar cane plantations, following the river at times on trestles lodged next to cliffs and seeing at first-hand what engineering challenges and hardships confronted those who built it. Afternoon: after lunch visit the War Museum and the well-kept cemetery, which contains the graves of an estimated 9,000 Allied

5 soldiers. Evening: dinner in a local restaurant. 10 Hellfire Pass Museum Morning: visit to the most treacherous and spectacular stretch of the railway where the gorge narrows. Here the memorial is dedicated to all Allied soldiers who died whilst building the railway. Afternoon: after lunch relax in the hotel grounds, take a cooling swim or perhaps a long boat ride (at own cost) on the river and take in the local scenery. Evening: dinner in the hotel. 11 Kanchanaburi Cha-Am - Hua Hin Night Market Morning: depart Kanchanaburi and visit the floating market of Damnern Saduak (an unspoilt gem) and witness colours, sounds and smells of the Orient. Afternoon: enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Cha Am on the Gulf of Thailand for a mid-afternoon arrival to check-in for a four-night stay and relax before dinner. Evening: dinner in the hotel followed by an evening visit to the famous Hua Hin night market to shop for unique gifts and souvenirs. 12 Day at leisure Morning: a late breakfast and a day free to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and facilities of your hotel beside the Gulf of Thailand (lunch is included at the hotel). Evening: dinner in the hotel. 13 New Years Eve - Khao Luang Hill Gala Evening Morning: visit to Khao Luang Hill with its caverns adorned with illuminated golden Buddha images and huge stalactites.

6 Afternoon: free time for lunch and to prepare for this evening s festivities. Evening: gala New Year s Eve dinner with drinks in the hotel accompanied by live music to herald in New Year s Day Day at leisure Morning: a late breakfast and a day free to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and facilities of your hotel beside the Gulf of Thailand. Evening: farewell dinner followed by drinks and the opportunity to reminisce with the sound of the waves of the Gulf of Thailand in the background. 15 Royal Palace depart for Bangkok Morning: excursion to Maruekhathaiyawan teak wood palace, the palace of love and hope, owned by the Thai royal family. From here visit the small fishing village of Khao Takiab before returning to the hotel for lunch. Afternoon: a chance to relax and enjoy some final hours of warmth and Thai sunshine. Evening: you will have your room until you depart for dinner in a restaurant close to Bangkok Airport and then check-in for your homeward flight. 16 Early morning arrival into London Heathrow A farewell to your travelling companions at Heathrow after your overnight flight with meals and drinks on board. Included excursions Temples & Palaces of Bangkok Amidst the hustle and bustle of Bangkok daily life you will see, Lumpini Park, the flower markets of Chatuchak and the white marble and ornately decorated Wat Po and Wat Phra Kaew temples as well as

7 the Grand Palace. Here you will see some of the halls which were used for different occasions; the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House and the beautiful Emerald Buddha Temple. Bridge over the River Kwai & the Death Railway Ride the infamous death railway through tapioca and pineapple plantations towards the Burmese border and along the feat of engineering of hellfire pass that cost so many lives. Visits will be made to the beautifully kept allied cemetery and museum which is a fascinating and poignant reminder of the Japanese occupation. Chiang Mai's local handicraft Visit an orchid farm for lunch - Chiang Mai is famous for its beautiful flowers then an afternoon of interesting visits to look at the many handicrafts that are produced in the region around Chiang Mai. You will visit silk workshops and also workshops to see umbrella painting, lacquer ware or famed silver artistry and jewels and gemstones. Floating Market Colourful fresh local flowers orchids and produce line the waterways as well as ladies offering local cooked delicacies, cakes and sweets and cook them on their tiny boats. The market has craft stores, artists paint and baby elephants just gently stroll by! Relaxing hosted welcome drinks on a rice barge canal and river cruise A leisurely start and a relaxed way to be introduced to Bangkok with the cool breeze from the Chao Phraya river. Starting with a cruise up and down the cities canals known locally as Khlongs where you will experience the local life at close hand before transferring to a large rice barge on the main river and enjoying a tropical fruit buffet and fruit punch to ease you in to the holiday spirit and acquaint yourself with fellow travellers. Award winning Siam Niramit cultural show This spectacular must-see show is performed on the gigantic stage listed in the Guinness World Records! The show features over 100 performers, lavish costumes and stunning set designs. Enhanced special effects and the world's most advanced technology are used to produce a very realistic, stimulating and inspiring experience depicting legends and myths from Thai history. Chiang Mai Pedal Exploration A morning two seat trishaw ride pedalled by a strong driver around the old city area and moat visiting the monastery of the Lion Lord or Wat Pra Singh founded in the 14th century. With stops en-route, it s a great

8 chance to take a break from the coach and observe the local life. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Chiang Mai) Near the summit of a high hill overlooking the city lies the 600-year-old temple with incomparable views over the city. Reached by a winding road and then the final ascent via a magnificent Naga (dragon headed serpent) staircase of 306 steps (a funicular is also available at small extra cost). This is the most magnificent of all Thai temples. Optional excursions POSSIBLE SMALL EXTRA EXCURSIONS Whilst we include all excursions and entrances if time allows your Tour Manager may organise the chance to visit a fascinating Lady Boy show in Bangkok and take a long tail boat ride on the River Kwai. If possible this will be inexpensive and an enhancement to your holiday. Hotels Throughout your holiday you will be staying in superior rooms at the hotels listed below. You will have a spacious double room to yourself. Cha-Am, Grand Pacific Sovereign Resort (5 star) The Grand Pacific Sovereign Resort & Spa is approximately a twenty minute walk to Cha Am and overlooks the Gulf of Thailand with direct access to the beach. Three are three outdoor swimming pools all overlooking the sea. The hotel has a fully equipped gym, beauty and massage spa, an on-site tailors and internet café. There are three restaurants and the main buffet restaurant offers outside dining on the terrace overlooking the sea. A shuttle bus operates to both Hua Hin and Cha Am (extra cost). One Traveller guest rooms have views towards the mountains and are luxuriously decorated with a day bed, flat-screen television, balcony and dressing table. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, hairdryer, tea & coffee making facilities, fridge and bathrobes and slippers. Bathrooms offer both bath and shower and complimentary toiletries are provided. Kanchanaburi, Felix River Kwai Hotel (4 star) Situated in its own lush tropical gardens directly on the river with orchid gardens, a 1.2 mile walking/jogging track as well as a pool that

9 offers views of the scenery and river as the long tailed boats travel up and down. As well as an on-site spa and gym the hotels also has a snooker room and a relaxing lounge. Dining is in the Palm Garden Restaurant and the hotel has three bars with the main lounge bar offering live music each evening. Free WiFi is also available throughout and all rooms are equipped with air conditioning, tea & coffee making facilities, hairdryer, fridge, bathrobes and slippers and have private balconies with views over the river. Bathrooms offer both bath and shower and complimentary toiletries are provided. Bangkok, Ramada D'Ma Hotel (4 star) Situated in the business district, just over a mile from Lumpini Park the hotel provides easy access around Bangkok with easy access to the subway, skytrain and expressway. Also near to Bangkok s famous shopping centres and nightlife, the Ramada D'Ma has several local bars, cafes, tailors, beauty and massage spas and a convenience store all within 300 yards of the front door. The hotel is equipped with a gym and open air terrace pool with poolside bar. Free WiFi is also available throughout and all rooms are equipped with air conditioning, tea & coffee making facilities, hairdryer, fridge and bathrobes and slippers. Bathrooms offer both bath and shower and complimentary toiletries are provided. Chiang Mai, Empress Hotel (4 star) The Empress Hotel enjoys a quiet location in Chiang Mai, yet is a convenient ten minute walk from the extensive night bazaar and the city s main shopping street. The night bazaar is over a mile long but tuk tuks are readily available outside the front gate of the hotel. In our guests opinion the Empress Hotel has some of the friendliest hotel staff they have encountered. Guests can relax in the sauna, exercise in the fitness room, or enjoy a dip in the terrace pool and relax at the poolside bar or perhaps indulge in the in house massage parlour and spa. Free WiFi is also available throughout and all rooms are furnished in

10 Asian style with floor to ceiling windows and are equipped with air conditioning, tea & coffee making facilities, hairdryer, fridge and bathrobes and slippers. Bathrooms offer both bath and shower and complimentary toiletries are provided.