Thailand Experience
Immerse yourself in exquisite, bustling Bangkok with its magnificent palaces and temples, wonder at the River Kwai, and enjoy the natural and ancient marvels of the Golden Triangle on this unforgettable holiday.
Your Itinerary
DAY 1: Depart UK.
DAY 2: Arrive Bangkok.
On arrival in Bangkok you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for four nights.
DAY 3: Bangkok.
The Thai capital is an exhilarating blend of exquisite historic and religious monuments, chic modernity, exciting shopping and friendly culture. A thrilling day's sightseeing lies ahead taking in the city's principal landmarks such as the splendid Wat Trimitr temple with its precious gold Buddha, Wat Po, home of the stunning reclining Buddha, the gleaming Grand Palace - Thailand's most sacred monument, and the spectacular Temple of the Emerald Buddha. This afternoon, why not join the optional boat ride along the picturesque Thonburi canals and Chao Phraya River? This evening, enjoy a special Thai dinner accompanied by Thai classical music and dancers. (B, D)
DAY 4: Bangkok.
Visit the legendary floating market of Damnoen Saduak, where traders sell all manner of items from their boats including exotic fruit and vegetables, silks and toys. Later, visit the world's tallest Buddhist pagoda, Phra Pathom Chedi, before heading to the Rose Garden cultural centre for lunch and a dazzling Thai show that includes a famous fingernail dance, sword fighting and Thai boxing. (B, L)
DAY 5: Bangkok.
Explore Bangkok at leisure, perhaps enjoying the great value shopping, a lively market or some delicious Thai cuisine. (B)
DAY 6: Bangkok - Kanchanaburi - River Kwai.
Travel to Kanchanaburi on the banks of the River Kwai - famed for the River Kwai Bridge built during World War II. Visit the Allied Forces cemetery and spend time in the fascinating Thailand-Burma Railway Centre Museum. Today's highlight is a train ride across the famous bridge to Tham Krasae Station. From here, visit Tham Krasae Cave, which offers great views of the river and 'Death Railway'. This afternoon visit Hellfire Pass Memorial, part of the Death Railway that cuts through the mountains and now houses a museum detailing life of the Allied prisoners and Asian labourers who helped build, and subsequently suffered or died at Hellfire Pass, before continuing to your hotel. (B, L)
DAY 7: River Kwai - Ayutthaya.
Head north to the ruins of Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Siam. Visit Wat Phra Sri San Phet and Wat Mongkol Bophit, as well as Bang Pa In, built in the 18th century as a summer residence for the Kings of Ayutthaya, before continuing to your hotel for one night. (B, L)
DAY 8: Ayutthaya - Lopburi - Phitsanuloke.
Journey amidst beautiful landscapes to Wat Phra Phutthabat to see its enormous snake-adorned staircase and footprint of Buddha before heading to Lopburi to visit the renowned Three Spires Pagoda and the Sarn Prakarn Temple - home to many monkeys. Later drive to Phitsanuloke, with its houseboat-laden river and this evening, take an optional rickshaw ride to the colourful night market. (B, L)
DAY 9: Phitsanuloke - Sukhothai - Lampang.
Drive to Sukhothai, Thailand's 13th century former capital, and admire the atmospheric, moated old town. Visit Sukhothai Historic Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore ruined temples and monasteries, including Wat Si Chum with its stunning seated Buddha. After lunch, drive through rural countryside to Lampang. On arrival, visit the temple of Lampang's exquisite Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra That Lampang Luang - the only one outside Bangkok. (B, L)
DAY 10: Lampang - Golden Triangle - Chiang Rai.
This morning visit Kwan Phayo, the largest freshwater lake in northern Thailand, before driving to Chiang Rai to pay a visit to Wat Rong Khun (White Temple). Later journey to Mae Sai, Thailand's northernmost town. After lunch, continue to the legendary 'Golden Triangle' where the borders of Thailand, Burma and Laos meet. After an enjoyable optional boat tour on the Mekong River, return to Chiang Rai. (B, L)
DAY 11: Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai.
Drive through panoramic uplands and breathtaking vistas to Doi Mae Salong, where traditional Chinese herbal medicines are made and sold, before visiting the hot springs at Mae Ka Chan, which locals believe relieve a host of ailments. After lunch, continue through lush jungle to Chiang Mai, a fragrant mountain retreat called the 'Rose of the North' for its refreshing climate. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kantoke Dinner and dance show. (B, L, D)
DAY 12: Chiang Mai.
Begin with a visit to an elephant camp to see these incredible creatures working in the jungle. After an optional elephant ride, visit an orchid farm where myriad orchid varieties are grown for export. This afternoon, visit San Kampaeng to see local craftsmen make traditional lacquerware and teakwood furniture, before heading to the Wat Phra Dhat Doi Suthep, a stepped hilltop temple with spectacular views over Chiang Mai. (B, L)
DAY 13: Chiang Mai.
Today is free for you to enjoy this dynamic city. Why not join an optional Thai cooking class, and learn the secrets of traditional dishes? This evening, explore the city's bustling night markets and bazaars, where you will find food stalls selling local specialities. (B)
DAY 14: Chiang Mai - UK.
Transfer to Chiang Mai Airport for your flight to the UK via Bangkok, or extend your stay on Phuket or Koh Samui. (B)
DAY 15: Home landing in the UK.
Accommodation on Tour
Bangkok: Royal Benja or Bangkok Palace; River Kwai: River Kwai Resotel; Ayutthaya: Krungsri River Hotel; Phitsanuloke: Topland; Lampang: Lampang River Lodge; Chiang Rai: Wiang Inn; Chiang Mai: Empress.
Your Holiday Map
Thailand Experience
Thailand Experience 13 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
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Thailand Experience 13 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the grid.

| Date | Depart From | Price from PP | |
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| 25 Jul 2012 | Birmingham |
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| 25 Jul 2012 | Glasgow |
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| 25 Jul 2012 | London Heathrow |
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| 25 Jul 2012 | Manchester |
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| 25 Jul 2012 | Newcastle |
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| 26 Jul 2012 |
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Thailand Experience
Price from £1375.00
What's Included
- Flights: UK - Bangkok; Chiang Mai - UK
- Accommodation on tour in twin room with private facilities
- Meals on tour 12 breakfasts (B), 8 lunches (L) and 2 dinners (D)
- Travel on tour by mini-van, minibus or coach with driver and guide
- English speaking guide on tour and local representative in Bangkok
- Transfers between overseas airports and hotels
- All local and airport taxes/service charges
Included Highlights
- Bangkok Sightseeing including Grand Palace and Floating Market
- River Kwai River Kwai Bridge
- Ayutthaya Bang Pa In - a summer residence for Kings of Ayutthaya
- Sukhothai Visit Heritage Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Lampang Emerald Buddha
- Chiang Mai Elephant Camp, Orchid Farm
Departures from
- Birmingham
- Glasgow
- London Heathrow
- Manchester
- Newcastle
Departures between
25 Jul 2012 to 22 Nov 2012
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
© Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. All holidays and offers are subject to availability.
