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Thailand Experience
15 DAYS FROM £1239

This holiday has departures available between: 28th Jul 2010 to 13th Apr 2011
498Mr S SinfieldWest Yorkshire My wife and I read that Thailand was the 'land of smiles' so we decided that the Archers Direct Thailand Experience holiday was ideal for us.

We left the UK on a cold January day and travelled to Bangkok where we had an excellent hotel and revelled in sunshine in the 80's as we marvelled at the palaces and temples of Bangkok with the solid gold Buddha and the wonderful reclining Buddha.

One of the highlights of the holiday was the visit to the floating marketing of Damnoen Saduak, an experience not to be missed. It's colourful, noisy and totally touristy but great fun.

We travelled across the bridge on the River Kwai on the death railway and visited Hellfire Pass and a cemetery where 6000 prisoners of war who lost their lives during the construction of the bridge are buried.

The villages in the Northern part of Thailand are a complete contrast to Bangkok and we found them well worth visiting. At the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Burma meet, we went for a boat ride on the Mekong River and visited part of Laos.

Another highlight was the thrilling elephant ride at Chiang Mai. We also saw the elephants at work, playing football, disco dancing and painting the most wonderful pictures.

As we are not adventurous with our choice of meals we were rather apprehensive about eating in Thailand but there was always a choice of menu with international cuisine.

The final week of our holiday was at Cape Panwa on the island of Phuket. Here we were able to relax, swim and have a Thai massage or two. The beach and the hotel were excellent. We went by local boat to Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island and enjoyed the beautiful scenery.

I can heartily recommend the holiday. A camera is a must. From the moment we arrived we were impressed by the courtesy of the Thai people who made us welcome. We are now planning on visiting Vietnam and Cambodia next year as we enjoyed this area so much.
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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.

Included Highlights

Bangkok Sightseeing including Grand Palace and Floating market
River Kwai River Kwai Bridge, Thailand-Burma Railway
Ayutthaya Bang Pa In
Lopburi Wat Phra Phuttabat
Phitsanuloke
Sukhothai Historical Park
Lampang Wat Pra That Lampang Luang and Emerald Buddha
The Golden Triangle
Chiang Rai
Chiang Mai Elephant Camp, Orchid Farm

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 representatives in Bangkok
Transfers between overseas airports and hotels
All local and airport taxes/service charges

Holiday 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 take a boat ride to Lava Cave, home to thousands of stalactites and stalagmites, before continuing to your hotel. (B, L)

DAY 7: River Kwai - Ayutthaya.
Visit Hellfire Pass Memorial, a part of the Death Railway that cuts through the mountains and now houses a museum dedicated to the Allied prisoners and Asian labourers who helped build, and subsequently suffered or died at Hellfire Pass. Later, head north to the ruins of Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Siam. Visit 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 Puttabat 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. (B, L)

DAY 10: Lampang - Golden Triangle - Chiang Rai.
This morning, visit the Temple of Lampang's Great Buddha to see the exquisite Emerald Buddha, the only one outside Bangkok before driving 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, continue 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. (B)

DAY 15: Home landing in the UK.

Check prices and availability for this holiday

Accommodation on Tour

Bangkok: Royal Benja; River Kwai: River Kwai Resotel; Ayutthaya: Krungsri River Hotel; Phitsanuloke: Topland; Lampang: Lampang River Lodge; Chiang Rai: Wiang Inn; Chiang Mai: Empress.
Note: Tour hotels will be as specified or alternatives of a similar standard.

Holiday Extensions

  • Thailand Experience + Koh Samui - 7 Extra nights from £330

    Relax on Koh Samui one of Asia's most idyllic islands, with its coconut groves, rolling hills and pristine beaches.

  • Thailand Experience + Phuket - 7 Extra nights from £314

    Why not extend your holiday with a weeks resort stay at one of Thailand's most popular beach resorts, the lush tropical island of Phuket, with its crystal clear waters and colourful reefs?

Accommodation on Extensions

Thailand Experience + Koh Samui - 7 Extra nights from £330

  • Q Signature Samui DiamondDiamondDiamondDiamondplus

    Set in a dramatic hillside location and built in traditional Thai style, the Q Signature Samui is a peaceful oasis offering scenic ocean views of the Gulf of Thailand. Its high standards of accommodation and attentive service are sure to please discerning guests.

    Location: Situated on the Choeng Mon Peninsula overlooking the scenic Choeng Mon beach with Chaweng beach a 5 minute drive away.
    Facilities: 2 swimming pools; private beach; Samudra Spa; restaurant; pool bar serving snacks; beach bar; shuttle bus to Chaweng Beach; watersports such as kayaking, snorkelling and fishing available from the beach; fitness centre; evening entertainment.
    Price includes: Bed and breakfast (in a Superior Pavilion between Jan-Apr 2010, in a Deluxe Pavilion between May 2010-Apr 2011) in a room with either king size or twin beds and private facilities; balcony or terrace; air-conditioning; satellite TV.
    Options: Deluxe Pavilion (available Jan-Apr 2010); half board.
    Official category: 4 star.
    Note: This property may not be suitable for the less mobile.

Thailand Experience + Phuket - 7 Extra nights from £314

  • Andaman Seaview DiamondDiamondDiamondDiamond

    Within easy walking distance of nearby bars and restaurants, this modern resort prides itself on its relaxed atmosphere.

    Location: Set across the road from the stunning Karon Beach and within 5 minutes of Kata Centre. Phuket Town is just a 30 minute drive away.
    Facilities: 2 swimming pools; restaurant; pool bar serving snacks; reading room; fitness centre; beauty salon; spa with sauna, steam bath and Jacuzzi; gift shop; minibar and safety deposit box available in bedrooms; watersports available from the beach (separate management).
    Price includes: Bed and breakfast in a twin room with private facilities; balcony or terrace; air-conditioning; satellite TV; telephone; fridge; hairdryer.
    Options: Deluxe room; half board.
    Official category: 4 star.

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Thailand Experience
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