UNSEEN THAILAND The Anglo-Thai Society s expedition in 2014 13 Days/12 Nights Bangkok Ayutthaya Amphawa HuaHin Chiang Mai Golden Triangle Day 1: Monday 17 th February 2014 Departure Depart London Heathrow by TG917 at 21:30. Overnight on board. Day 2: Tuesday 18 th February 2014 Bangkok arrival Arrive Bangkok Airport approx. 15:05. Upon arrival your guide will greet you by airplane gate help you through immigration by fast track service and assist with your luggage. Then transfer by VIP coach through the city to your hotel for check-in. Welcome drink at the hotel. Itinerary briefing from Surreal Holidays. The remainder of afternoon free at your leisure. Overnight at the Chatrium Riverside Hotel Day 3: Wednesday 19 th February 2014 Bangkok (B/L/D) Breakfast at the hotel. Free at leisure for your own activities or relaxing at the hotel. Until the departure in the evening approx. 18.00 hr for a boat transfer from hotel to Chakrabongse Villa for dinner. Excursion in Bangkok: Exquisite Arts & Crafts of Bangkok with lunch Depart by coach approx. 09:30 to the Arts of the Kingdom VI is the latest exhibition opened recently in the Anantasamakhom Throne Hall in Dusit Palace compound. It showcases metal-based arts and crafts during the reign of King Rama IX. The pieces were produced by the Sirikit Institute, which enrolls children from poor families in arts and crafts training programme in order to promote skills and preserve ancient crafts techniques. 11.45 hr. Coach departs for Rattanakosin Gallery for hosted lunch by director of The Crown Property Bureau with Dr. Chirayu Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya 14.30 hr. After lunch, choice of your optional activities: Option 1: Visit to Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles and the Grand Palace then transfer to Chakabongse Villa for dinner
Option 2: transfer back to your hotel and leave from the hotel in the evening for Chakrabongse Villa for dinner Option 3: Walk to Chakrabongse Villas (you will be dropped off at the Grand Palace area and walk to Chakrabongse Villa for relax and chill out until dinner time. Note: Swimming pool & freshen up facilities available Dinner on the river terrace of Chakrabongse Villas. After dinner transfer back to your hotel by coach. Overnight at the Chatrium Riverside Hotel Day 4: Thursday 20 th February 2014 Bangkok Ayutthaya (B/L/D) Breakfast at the hotel, 09.30 hr. depart for Ayutthaya by coach. Visit to Ayutthaya Historical Park. This excursion takes us through beautiful scenery to the north of Bangkok, and onto the ancient city of Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam. Containing UNESCO-listed temples and stupas, Ayutthaya was the Thai capital for 417 years and is one of Thailand s major tourist attractions. Many ancient ruins can be seen in the city, which was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong. A total of 33 kings of five dynasties ruled the kingdom until it was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. The tour include visit to major ruined temples in the Historical Park, i.e. Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Ratchburana, Wat Mahathad, etc. Lunch at a restaurant in a riverside hotel. In the afternoon, free at own leisure or take an optional activity at your preference. (Advance booking of the optional activity is required) (i) Elephant ride through historical site (approx. 30-45 mins) (ii) Visit to Handicrafts Centre (iii) Sight-seeing by TukTuk Approx. 17:00 on board to Chartered boat cruise around Ayutthaya Historical Sites to see the sunset and dinner hosted by TAT. Disembark approx. 20:00 hr. and transfer by coach back to Bangkok. Drop off at your hotel in Bangkok.
Overnight at the Chatrium Riverside Hotel Day 5: Friday 21 st February 2014 Bangkok Free at leisure (B) This morning is free at your leisure. The activity in this afternoon is organized specially for the members of Anglo Thai Society for the lunch at Siam Society hosted by Siam Society Foundation. Afternoon, transfer for a shopping spree at Central Chidlom until late afternoon 16.00 hr. Afternoon Tea at British Ambassador s Residence Evening free at your leisure. We recommend a visit/dinner at Asiatique Riverside. You can easily take hotel shuttle boat to this place. Asiatique The Asiatique Riverfront is a Bangkok s first large-scale riverside community mall combining shopping, dining, sightseeing, activities and events under one roof. The strong cultural aspect is what sets it apart from other shopping malls. There are more than 1,500 boutiques selling ultimate souvenir, fashionable cloths, textiles, accessories and home decor items. With more than 40 restaurants, there are Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Italian and seafood dishes served all night. There are also the extravaganza of Cabaret girls from Calyso Bangkok and the life-like movements of Thai puppets featured by Joe Louis Puppet Theatre. Overnight at the Chatrium Riverside Hotel. Day 6: Saturday 22 nd February 2014 Bangkok Amphawa (B/D) After breakfast check out from the hotel. 08.00 hr. Transfer by coach to Samut Sakorn, drop off at Mahachai s Baan Laem Train Station to get on a train to Samut Songkram. 10.10 hr. Train leaves Baan Laem Station (train schedule is subject to change) 11.10 hr. Arrives at Mae Klong Train Station (Samut Songkram). You will see the unseen unique railway market Talad Rom Hoob. The vendors put their goods along the both side of the railway and when the train comes, the vendors moves their goods, stalls to give way to the train and as soon the train passes by, they put back them again. You will have a chance to walk through this market for the fun of market visit and talk to the friendly vendors in the market. Then we continue by road to Bang Noi Market. This local community is about 5 m. away from the famous and
popular Amphawa evening market. This small & cozy riverside market is one of the important commercial water districts in the region. Free time to stroll the market to get authentic touch of local life and find your own lunch. 15.30 hr. Continue to homestay and guests will be designated for the family to stay overnight with. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure until dinner time. After dinner, take a boat ride along Mae Klong River and its network canal to see Fire Flies then return to your host family for overnight. Overnight with the host family in Amphawa ** Homestay in Amphawa is a basic accommodation and guests will be designated to stay with the host families. You will get genuine experience of typical rural living lifestyle. Basic sleeping facilities are provided. Day 7: Sunday 23 rd February 2014 Amphawa HuaHin (B/L) Morning free at leisure. For early riser; optional offering Alms to the monks (a worthwhile experience). 10.00 hr. leave your host family and transfer by coach (approx. 1.5 2 hrs) to Hua Hin. Stop on route for lunch at Puong Petch restaurant in Khao Yoi district, Petchaburi. After lunch, proceeding to Hua Hin, en route visit to Lem Pac Bia Kings project" a natural waste water site consisting of huge open ponds and mangrove trees to treat the sewage. And, like all sewage ponds, it is a great place for birds! Continue to Hua Hin and if time permit, we will make another stop at Maruekhathaiyawan Palace The summer seaside palace, often referred to as "the palace of love and hope. It was built in 1923 under the royal command of King Rama VI using golden teakwood from the demolished Hat Chao Samran Palace. Afterward transfer to your hotel. Arrive & check in at the hotel. Rest of the day free at leisure. Overnight at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villa Hua Hin (former Railway Hotel) Hua Hin.
Day 8: Monday 24 th February 2014 Today is free at leisure until dinner time. HuaHin (B/D) Beach BBQ Dinner hosted by Surreal Holidays. * if visit to Maruekhathaiyawan Palace could not make on 23 Feb, we will visit the palace on this day in the afternoon before we go to the dinner venue. After dinner, return to hotel. Overnight at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villa Hua Hin (former Railway Hotel) Hua Hin. Day 9: Tuesday 25 th February 2014 HuaHin- Bangkok Chiang Mai (B/L) Free at leisure until check out time 09:30 hr. visit to Monsoon Valley Wine HuaHin Hills Vineyard. Lunch at the Hua Hin Hills vineyard Transfer back to Bangkok. For those who wish to go to Chiang Mai by overnight 1 st Class Train, you can stop & freshen up at the Chakrabongse Villas until transfer time to Hua Lum pong Railway Station. 16.00 hr. Transfer from Chakrabongse Villa for Hua Lum Pong Railway Station 18.10 hr. Train leaves for Chiang Mai. The evening on board the train at your own pleasure. Overnight on board. Option: Flying over to Chiang Mai For those who wish to travel to Chiang Mai by flight; 12.30 hr. Transfer from Hua Hin Hills Vinyard to Suvarnabhumi Airport 16.00 hr. Arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport, check in at Thai Airways counter for flight to Chiang Mai. 17.25 hr. Departs for Chiang Mai by Thai Airways, flight TG 116 18.35 hr. Arrives at Chiang Mai Airport, meet and transfer to your hotel for check in. Overnight in Chiang Mai at The Chedi (new name Anantara Chiang Mai Resort & Spa) Day 10: Wednesday 26 th February 2014 Chiang Mai (B/L) 08.15 hr. Arrives at Chiang Mai Railway Station. Transfer to hotel for check in having breakfast at the hotel. Rest of the morning is at your leisure to recover from the train journey.
11.30 hr. Depart from hotel by vans to Khun Ying Noy s Thai House for typical northern style noodle Khao Soi lunch. After lunch, an option to visit Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden before returning to Chiang Mai town. The remaining of the day is free at leisure. Overnight at the Chedi Chiang Mai (new name is Anantara Chiang Mai Resort & Spa) Day 11: Thursday 27 th February 2014 Chiang Mai Golden Triangle (B/L) 08.00 hr. After lunch at the hotel. Check out and ready for an overland journey to Chiang Rai. The transfer time is approximately 4 hours. A stop at Mae Fah Luang Project for lunch. After lunch, you can stroll along the beautiful flower garden or visit the residence of the late Queen Mother Princess Sri Nagarindhra. Continue to Golden Triangle where the borders of Thailand, Burma and Laos meet. An exciting long-tail boat ride along the Mekong River with spectacular views of the Laos countryside. After the boat ride, transfer to your hotel for check in and rest of the day is free at leisure. Overnight at Anantara Golden Triangle. Day 12: Friday 28 th February 2014 Golden Triangle Chiang Rai (B/D) Leisurely breakfast & check out from the hotel. Transfer from the Golden Triangle to Chiang Rai City. Arrive & check in at the hotel. Free at leisure until farewell group dinner. Overnight at the Mantrini Hotel Chiang Rai. Day 13: Saturday 1 st March 2014 Chiang Rai departure (B) Free at leisure until transfer time to Chiang Rai Airport for your return flight to London via Bangkok or Holiday. To be advised. ** End of Service *** Services included International flights and airport taxes Domestic flights and airport taxes/overnight train to Chiang Mai as specified in the itinerary Transportation by private vehicle with A/C Full-time services of an experienced local English speaking guide(s) Cold bottled mineral water and wet towels on car during the tour Breakfast, lunches and dinners mentioned in the program (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner)
Accommodation with daily breakfast All entrance fees where mentioned All boat journeys and excursions as specified Services excluded Drinks during the meals Meals not mentioned clearly in the program Personal insurance Tips and personal expenses Any service not mentioned in the program
THE CHATRIUM RIVERSIDE HOTEL BANGKOK Standing on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok features first-rate amenities including an outdoor pool, spa and fitness centre. Enjoy elegant suites with city views, free parking and 6 dining options. Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies, spacious suites are fitted modern dark wood furnishings and flat-screen TVs. Meals can be prepared with well-equipped kitchenettes and dining areas. Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok offers a free shuttle boat services to the BTS Skytrain Station. It is a 35-minute drive from Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Room Info : Grand Room Riverview With stunning views of the river or city (your choice!) and extraordinarily spacious at 60sq.m, it s no wonder the Grand Room is called the Grand Room. Perfect choice for the business or leisure traveler requiring extra space, we say! But is it Grand enough for a King? We ll let you be the judge of that. HOME STAY IN AMPHAWA SAMUTSONGKRAM Staying in a homestay in Amphawa is the best way to get the real and authentic experience of Thai living. Staying with local Thai families who turn their home into a simple accommodation to the visitors who want to experience the real Thai culture and understand the live of Thai. Room Info: Room in Amphawa is basic accommodation with standard facilities. Some family has separate bathroom you must share with other members in the family. Bedroom may equipped with mosquito net, electric fans or some with air-conditioning.
THE CENTARA GRAND BEACH RESORT & VILLAS HUA HIN Formerly the Hua Hin Railway Hotel, one of the classic hotels of the East, the Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin was constructed in 1923 and has fully retained its old-world charm. Centara Hotels & Resorts acquired the lovely old property in 1985, and with every sensitivity towards its original elegance has extended and upgraded the hotel, which stands on 16 hectares of beachfront land amongst topiary gardens that are one of the great local landmarks. Room Info : Superior Room With an area of 37 square metres and offering fully furnished balcony, each room can accommodate up to 2 adults and 1 child per room. There is the option of a king bed or twin beds. Other amenities include individually controlled air-conditioning, private bathroom with heavenly rain shower, LCD television with international satellite TV channels/programmes, in-house movies, in-room safe, minibar and refrigerator, bathrobes, slippers, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer, wireless broadband internet access, and IDD line telephone. THE CHEDI CHIANG MAI / ANANTARA CHIANG MAI RESORT & SPA CHIANG MAI The Chedi Chiang Mai or with the new name Anantara Chiang Mai Resort & Spa Hidden behind a bamboo wall and opening onto the picturesque Mae Ping River in Thailand s charming northern city, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort & Spa is a luxurious sanctuary of striking contemporary style, accented by traditional Thai and colonial elements. Room Info: Deluxe Generous in both size and luxury, Deluxe Rooms afford ample comforts. Wake up and draw back the curtains to gaze over a serene vista of river life unfolding. Snuggle up on the cushioned daybed of your private balcony, sipping a tea or coffee amidst the cool morning air.
ANANTARA GOLDEN TRIANGLE GOLDEN TRIANGLE CHIANG RAI Situated in northern Thailand s lush jungle and boasting breathtaking panoramas of Myanmar and Laos, Anantara s hilltop Chiang Rai resort offers unforgettable adventures with indulgent all-inclusive benefits, featuring gourmet dining and enriching daily activities. Room Info : Grand Room Riverview Wake up to crisp mornings and a view of the mist rising off the hills of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand from the balconies of the Deluxe Three Country View Rooms at Anantara Golden Triangle Chiang Rai. Lustrous teak floors and rich Thai silks make for spaces that exude quality, refinement and good taste. THE MANTRINI CHIANG RAI At The MANTRINI Chiang Rai, we are proud to provide our guest with quality accommodation in refreshingly relaxing ambience with luxurious comfort at an affordable price and with our heartwarming service. Embracing our family s differences in style, a harmonizing blend of modern design and contemporary décor with the essence of the local culture we create The MANTRINI Chiang Rai, "Chiang Rai Charm". Room Info: Superior Garden The elegant and modern rooms and suites have contemporary décor, supremely comfortable beds and luxury amenities to relax, unwind and feel at home. The bed is 100% Natural Latex Mattress for a good night sleep with hi comfort factor, hypo-allergenic and anti-dust mite protection. Room is air-conditioning with Satellite TV, minibar, coffe & tea maker, digital safe, hair dryer, premium bathroom amenities.