Get beneath the surface of the ‘Land of Smiles’ on one of our innovative Small Group Journeys. Join your expert local guide and Western tour leader on a journey down hidden sois to discover Old Siam right in the heart of the big cities. Learn about Thailand’s many hilltribes, enjoy resorts and atmospheric boat trips and dine on sumptuous cuisine.
Thailand – land of smiles and golden temples, of ancient capitals and flowing rivers, of colourful hilltribes and glorious food. There is so much to see and do in this captivating country, you could easily occupy yourself for months, but on the Thailand Experience we’ve brought together the country’s highlights with some unique luxury accommodation, including a converted rice barge and the award-winning Anantara Resort. From the bright lights and frenetic markets of Bangkok we retreat to the River Kwai area, where we spend time reflecting on the area’s history, as well as soaking up the relaxing river vibe. We marvel at Sukhothai’s 13th century ruins before travelling on to the mountainous north, home to colourful ethnic minorities, beautiful scenery and fascinating wildlife. Our journey ends in the beautiful walled city of Chiang Mai, where we enjoy the cultural delights on offer while staying at the peaceful Chedi Chiang Mai.
special touches
Flights between major centres – well paced – Mekhala river barge from Ayuthaya to Bangkok – bicycle ride through the ancient capital of Sukhothai – elephant trek – boutique Rachamanka hotel in Chiang Mai – Thai cooking class and cyclo tour in Chiang Mai – best available accommodation throughout including the world renowned Sukhothai Hotel in Bangkok.
Arrive in Bangkok and transfer to the Sukhothai Hotel, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city. This evening meet our fellow travellers and tour leader for a briefing over drinks, then enjoy dinner at one of Bangkok’s best restaurants. While in the capital we will visit the Grand Palace, cruise river canals, explore Chinatown and savour some of the world’s best Thai cuisine. We will, of course, have plenty of free time to enjoy some of Asia’s best shopping, spa treatments and nightlife.
Days 4 - 5 ~ River Kwai & Kanchanaburi
Bridge over the River Kwai
We depart Bangkok for the beautiful River Kwai region, stopping to visit some floating markets before boarding longtail boats, which will take us to our accommodation for the night – a serene riverside resort surrounded by towering mountains and verdant jungle. The following day, we will discover some of the rich and turbulent history of the area, including a visit to the Bridge Over the River Kwai, staying overnight at a chic riverside hotel.
Days 6 - 7 ~ Ayuthaya & Mekhala River Barge
Ayuthaya
This morning we drive to the ancient capital of Ayuthaya where we marvel at the impressive ruins and gain a deeper understanding of Thai history at some of the local museums. From here we board a converted rice barge for a cruise along the Chao Phraya River. Indulge in scrumptious Thai food under starlit skies and sleep in private air-conditioned cabins.
Days 8 - 10 ~ Bangkok, Sukhothai & The Golden Triangle
Sukhothai
This morning we will rise early to witness monks collecting alms at a nearby monastery before cruising back to Bangkok. Once there we can marvel at the exquisite antique collection in Jim Thompson’s house and uncover some of the city’s lesser-known attractions. Next we fly to Sukhothai, site of Thailand’s first great capital and cradle of ancient Thai culture. Explore elegant temple ruins, then fly to Chiang Mai, visiting the magical Chiang Dao Caves and elephant training camp en route to the Golden Triangle. We will discover this intriguing area from our base at the award-winning Anantara Resort, set high on a mountaintop overlooking Myanmar (Burma).
Days 11 - 14 ~ Chiang Mai
Thai cooking class
Returning to Chiang Mai, we check into the Chedi, Chiang Mai’s newest and most stylish hotel, set on the banks of the Mae Ping River. While in Chiang Mai we will visit the hilltop Doi Suthep temple and a local handicraft village and see the city’s sights on a fun cyclo tour. We’ll also take part in an entertaining Thai cooking class, enjoying a delicious meal afterwards. There will be plenty of time to visit Chiang Mai’s famous night markets, pamper ourselves with Thai massages and explore this charming city further. On our final night enjoy a farewell dinner of delicious Thai cuisine at one of the city’s best restaurants. Our trip concludes on day 14 with an airport transfer.
Checklist & How we Travel
Inclusions: • 12 nights deluxe hotel accommodation • 1 night in an air-conditioned boutique boat Cabin • Domestic flights as specified • All road transport in modern air-conditioned vehicles • All sightseeing as specified, including entrance fees • Arrival transfer on day of tour commencement and departure transfer on day of tour completion • Breakfast daily, one lunch and three dinners • Western tour leader based on a minimum of seven people • Local English-speaking guides throughout.
Notes: Arrival and departure transfers on the days of tour commencement and conclusion are included in tour price. If you require a transfer outside these days you will need to book and pay for additional transfers. GETTING AROUND: We try to ensure that all transport on all of our journeys is of a high standard, safe, and clean and comfortable. In order to make this journey as comfortable as possible we use two domestic flights (from Bangkok to Sukhothai and from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai). There are two longer road trips on this journey (from Chiang Mai to the Golden Triangle, and then back). Our vehicles are always comfortable and spacious mini-buses or coasters. For our boat trips in Bangkok, at the Damnoen Saduak floating market, and on the Mae Kok River, we use safe (life-jackets provided) vessels.
WHERE WE STAY: This journey uses the very best hotels available. In Bangkok we stay in the elegant Sukhothai Hotel, consistently rated one of the top hotels in Asia. In the rain-forest River Kwai and Kanchanaburi areas we use the best hotels in the area. We take the Mekhala River Barge from the ancient capital, Ayuthaya, to Bangkok - the private cabins on this atmospheric boat are air-conditioned and have their own showers/ toilets. In the north of Thailand we use the stunning Anantara Resort in the Golden Triangle area, known for its massage facilities and wonderful mountain setting. In Chiang Mai we use brand new Chedi hotel, a boutique low rise development with a wonderful style and great location near the nightmarket. All hotels have good pools, well-appointed rooms, and treat guests with a high standard of service.
WHAT WE EAT: At Travel Indochina we are keen to provide as wide an array of culinary opportunities as possible, in both local and some very special easting establishments. Tour leaders will always be on hand to provide you with a number of options, no matter what your inclination. Tour leaders also frequently join you for meals, revealing some of their favourite dishes. Don’t forget that we do not usually include meals (except breakfast) in the price of your tour. This is to allow you flexibility when choosing what you would like to eat. There is a wide range of delicious food in Thailand, a country which is famous for many culinary delights. Main courses at good restaurants are generally 4USD to 7USD. Well-known dishes worth sampling include tom yum (spicy seafood) soup, and pad krapow (stir-fried meat with basil).
Tour Q&A
Q: I’ve never travelled on a group tour before. Is group travel for me? A: Our deluxe Small Group Journeys are not conventional group tours. You will be travelling with a maximum of 15 travellers, staying in some of Asia’s finest and most atmospheric hotels whilst immersing yourself in the culture and everyday lives of the people. They are designed to provide you with a good balance of personal discovery and group activity with like-minded travellers – and an enjoyable, memorable holiday. We shun mass tourism and all of its trappings – and we believe our signature style of travel will appeal to those who want a total experience of their chosen destination.
Q: Who will I be travelling with? A: Our travellers are of all ages and from all walks of life. What they share is a true passion for travel in Asia – a desire to savour the cuisine, meet the people and connect with the lives and cultures of these extraordinary places. Most travel to Asia from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Q: How fit do I have to be to join the tour? A: The Thailand Experience is graded Moderate and is suitable for anyone with an average level of fitness and mobility. The tour involves walking, boarding boats, and a short elephant trek. All travellers on our deluxe Small Group Journeys must complete a Fitness Form, which can be downloaded by clicking here. Be sure to pack a positive attitude and a desire to experience Asia and her people first hand. Download the tour dossier for comprehensive information on the Thailand Experience deluxe journey. Click here for full description of journey grading.
Q: What happens if I’m a single traveller? A: Our groups are a combination of single travellers, couples and friends. Single travellers must pay a supplement for a single room on our deluxe Small Group Journeys. Whether travelling alone or with a companion, you will go home with a true sense of the country you have visited and, quite possibly, a brand new set of friends.
Q: Can I bring the kids? A: The minimum age on all our deluxe Small Group Journeys is 12 years old. For families with younger children, we can create a tailormade and well-paced trip to suit your needs and requirements. The sites, sounds, smells and adventures that Asia has to offer make it an ideal destination for family travel. Click here to see some of our suggested tailormade family itineraries – designed to give your family a true experience of the essence of Asia.
Q: What are the visa requirements? A: Of all the countries in which we operate tours, Thailand is perhaps the most visitor-friendly in terms of arranging a visa. Visas can be obtained on arrival at international airports for stays of up to 30 days. There is no fee for the visa.
Q: What kinds of hotels will I be staying in? A: We stay in a selection of some of Thailand’s most elegant and stylish hotels, including the world renowned Sukhothai in Bangkok, the superb Anantara in the Golden Triangle and Chiang Mai’s brand new elegant Chedi hotel. We choose our accommodation on the basis that they too represent the essence of Asia. Our deluxe accommodation will become a real part of your experience, and you are sure to be impressed. Our combination of atmospheric accommodation with cultural engagement will give you a truly memorable holiday experience.
Q: Who will accompany our group? A: You will be escorted by one of our expert Western tour leaders (minimum seven travellers) as well as an English-speaking local guide – a combination which gives you the highest level of service possible. Our local guides are uniquely placed to share personal insights that simply can’t be provided by outsiders or guidebooks. Our Western leaders call Asia home and have a network of friends and experiences to share with you. They are also able to fully appreciate your interests and needs and ensure these are being met. You will be inspired by their enthusiasm and passion for the region. We believe our combination of local and Western tour leaders provides for the best travel experience. The feedback from our travellers over the years confirms the same.
Q: Are arrival and departure transfers included? A: Arrival and departure transfers on the days of tour commencement and conclusion are included in the price of the tour. Upon arrival at Bangkok airport you will be met by one of our Essence of Asia representatives and transferred to your hotel. If you require a transfer outside these days you will need to book and pay for additional transfers.
Q: What kinds of transport are used on the Thailand Experience? A: For road journeys and inner-city touring, air-conditioned cars, mini-buses, or coasters are used. These vehicles are modern, well-maintained, safe vehicles – ideal for small group travel. In the north of Thailand there are two days of four-hour road travel. We use two flights to make this journey as comfortable as possible. There is an overnight cruise on a purpose-built river barge and a long tail boat trip on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, the Thonburi canals, Damnoen Saduak floating markets, and the Mae Kok River. We include one elephant trek, and there is optional cycling.
Q: Are entrance fees included in the tour cost? A: Yes, entrance fees are included in the cost of all of our deluxe Small Group Journeys.
Q: What type of restaurants and food will be available on tour? A: Thai cuisine is an exotic mix of the best ingredients and flavours that Asia has to offer. It is considered among the world's most delicious, with a unique blend of particular tastes: hot, sour, sweet, and almost always highlighted with lemongrass and lime. We have included some memorable gastronomic experiences on our deluxe Thailand Small Group Journeys, such as dining under the stars on board the Mekhala, a luxuriously converted rice barge. Thai food can be quite spicy and we take this into consideration when choosing dishes. Vegetarians will find a good selection of fresh foods available. In remote areas, Western food is not available and only a limited Thai selection is on offer. Breakfast is included each day on our tours and is usually a mix of Western buffet and continental style. We do not include all meals in your tour cost, giving you the freedom to taste the diverse array of delicious cuisine on offer. Our group leaders have a wealth of knowledge of restaurants from the mainstream to the unusual. Some of the best culinary experiences are found in local eateries, old stalwarts and brand new innovative establishments not found in guidebooks. Let us share them with you.
Q: How much money will I spend per day touring? A: Approximately $12US per person for day-to-day living. Thailand is a country that offers great value for your money. For around $12US you will be able to buy lunch and dinner at good restaurants, as well as refreshments during the day.
Q: How is your company different to others offering small group travel? A: We don’t know of any company that offers the combination of well thought out itineraries, atmospheric accommodation, insightful Western and local leaders and value for money. We have had a base in the region for over 13 years ensuring that we keep abreast of the changes in the region and can offer 24-hour support to our travellers. If you’re shopping around, ask about your accommodation, transport and the tour leaders and guides who will take care of you during your journey. Check to see how many nights you will spend in each city. Rather than rushing through a destination, we believe that spending quality time in each place enhances your overall experience. We don’t cut any corners!
