THAILAND

Move down to view sample itineraries

The Kingdom of Thailand has something to interest every traveler. Whether you're looking to relax on a tropical island beach, take advantage of terrific shopping, visit the hilltribes of northern Thailand, venture to the River Kwai, explore fantastic Buddhist temples, dine on delicious delicacies, marvel at the rich scenery, ride an elephant or float down the klongs of Bangkok - Thailand will surely give you memories to cherish. Thailand has a well-established tourism industry, making it the most accessible destination for first-time visitors to Southeast Asia.

At Southeast Asia Tours, we design tours for any number of people and any length of stay. Do you prefer deluxe, first class or standard hotel accommodations? Do you want just a little sightseeing, a lot of sightseeing or a 50/50 mix of sightseeing and leisure time? The focus is always on your special interests and desires. Here are just a few samples of the kind of trip that we can design just for you.

SAMPLE ITINERARIES:

Move down to see all our expanded Sample Itineraries, Overnight Soft Adventures, Overland Packages, Cruises, On Your Own Options, Thai Cooking Classes and New! for 2010 day trips.

Mix-and-match as many of these options as you like. Other options are also available; just let us know what your heart desires.

Thailand packages include sightseeing and transfers per itinerary with
private guide and driver, unless otherwise indicated. Discounts are available if you have a group of people who want to travel together.

Also see our newly expanded SIC (non-private) tours and Cruises.

BANGKOK QUICK-TRIP

Day 1 - Upon arrival in Bangkok you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 - Today's full day Bangkok Highlights tour includes Wat Trimit, Wat Po and the Grand Palace. In addition, cruise the klongs (canals) of Bangkok on a longtail boat, before boarding a converted rice barge for a cruise on the larger canals. In the evening attend a Thai Classical Dance performance with included Thai dinner. (B, D)

Day 3 Today's full day excursion takes you 90 kilometers north of Bangkok to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand. At the city ruins, you'll see Wat Phra Sri Sanpetch and its pagodas, Wat Chaiya Mongkol and the large Buddha image of Phra Mongkol Bophit. You'll also take a boat trip to Bang Pa-In, the former Royal Summer residence of King Rama V, and will visit the Chinese Wehat Chamrun Palace. Travel by road in one direction and non-private boat in the other direction. (B, L)

Day 4 - Transfer to the airport.

2010 Prices:
From $455 budget accommodations
From $495 moderate accommodations
From $640 superior accommodations
From $840 deluxe accommodations

BANGKOK IN DEPTH

Day 1 - Upon arrival in Bangkok you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 - This morning's city and temple tour visits three of Bangkok's most fascinating temples. Your afternoon tour explores the Grand Palace, including the Funeral Palace, Reception Palace, Throne Hall, Coronation Hall, Royal Guest House and Emerald Buddha Temple. In the evening enjoy a "River of Kings" dinner cruise. (B, D)

Day 3 - In the early morning you'll participate in a special Thai custom. Before dawn monks don their saffron robes and walk barefoot through the streets, carrying their alms bowls. The local people give boiled rice and condiments in exchange for blessings. You'll have an opportunity to join this tradition by personally presenting alms. Then it's off to the Bangkok Floral Market with its stalls filled with exotic, colorful flora. The balance of the morning is at leisure. In the afternoon you'll travel by long-tailed speedboat or express boat through the klongs (canals) of Bangkok. Once outside the city, you'll board a converted rice barge for a cruise through the rural canals. (B)

Day 4 - This morning's excursion takes you to Jim Thompson's House a collection of wooden buildings that house a small, but fine, collection of Asian art. You'll also visit Vimanmek Palace - the world's largest golden teak mansion. Jim Thompson remains a mystery, having disappeared in the Malaysian jungle. In the afternoon you'll visit the Prasat Museum with its large collection of prehistoric artifacts (only open Friday through Sunday). In the evening attend a classical dance performance with Thai dinner. (B, D)

Day 5 - Today's full day excursion takes you 90 kilometers north of Bangkok to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand. At the city ruins, you'll see Wat Phra Sri Sanpetch and its pagodas, Wat Chaiya Mongkol and the large Buddha image of Phra Mongkol Bophit. You'll also take a boat trip to Bang Pa-In, the former Royal Summer residence of King Rama V, and will visit the Chinese Wehat Chamrun Palace. Travel by road in one direction and by non-private boat in the other direction. (B, L)

Day 6 - This morning you'll travel outside Bangkok to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Continue to the River Kwai to see the famous Bridge. You'll visit the Allied War Cemetery and ride on the notorious Death Railway. (B, L)

Day 7 - Transfer to the airport. (B)

2010 Prices:
From $810 - budget accommodations
From $885 - moderate accommodations
From $1160 - superior accommodations
From $1595 - deluxe accommodations

DAY-TOURING BEYOND BANGKOK

Day 1 - Upon arrival in Bangkok you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 - Today's full day excursion takes you to the rural Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Phra Pathom Chedi (Southeast Asia's largest pagoda), located 110 kilometers west of Bangkok. Continue to the River Kwai, where you will lunch at the site of the famous bridge, 130 kilometers west of Bangkok. You'll visit the cemetery, where 9,000 allied soldiers are buried. (B, L)

Day 3 - Today's restful excursion visits Pattaya, two hours southeast of Bangkok, on the Gulf of Thailand. Once a sleepy fishing village, Pattaya is now one of Thailand's most popular resorts. You'll visit the island of Koh Larn (via non-private boat). Swim, snorkel, take a glass-bottomed boat ride or just sunbathe on the sandy strand. Lunch at a beach café is included. (B, L)

Day 4 - Today's full day excursion takes you 90 kilometers north of Bangkok to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand. At the city ruins, you'll see Wat Phra Sri Sanpetch and its pagodas, Wat Chaiya Mongkol and the large Buddha image of Phra Mongkol Bophit. You'll also take a boat trip to Bang Pa-In, the former Royal Summer residence of King Rama V, as well as a visit to the Chinese Wehat Chamrun Palace. Travel one way by road and the other way by non-private boat. (B, L)

Day 5 - Morning at leisure. In the afternoon you'll travel 32 kilometers out of Bangkok to the Rose Garden with its over 50 acres of tropical gardens and orchards. At the Thai village you'll see a cultural show including the fingernail dance, Thai boxing, hilltribe dance, sword fighting, elephants at work and folk dancing. (B)

Day 6 - Transfer to the airport. (B)

2010 Prices:
From $525 - budget accommodations
From $595 - moderate accommodations
From $8250 - superior accommodations
From $1180 - deluxe accommodations

CHIANG MAI & BEYOND

Day 1 - Upon arrival in Chiang Mai you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 - Today's half-day city and temple tour includes visits to Chiang Mai's most important temples, including Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. (B)

Day 3 - Today's full day excursion takes you to Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle. Visit the Hot Springs at Mekajan and overlook the Mekong River to the infamous triangle where Thailand, Laos and Burma meet. You'll also visit Akha and Yao hill tribe villages, before returning to Chiang Mai. (B, L)

Day 4 - Transfer to the airport. (B)

2010 Prices:
From $275 - budget accommodations
From $310 - moderate accommodations
From $340 - superior accommodations
From $515 - deluxe accommodations
From $1105 - luxury accommodations

CHIANG MAI / CHIANG RAI ADVENTURER

Day 1 - Upon arrival in Chiang Mai you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 - Transfer to Lisu Lodge where you'll meet your guide who will take you on a 10-kilometer mountain bike ride to a small Thai village. From the village you'll ride an elephant upstream to the elephant camp. There you'll picnic alongside the river. Then switch to a rubber boat for your hour-and-a-half downstream adventure. Upon arrival at an Akha Hill tribe village you'll have tea, before mountain biking back to Lisu Lodge. Return to Chiang Mai. This is a non-private tour. (B, L)

Day 3 - Today you will transfer, by road, to Chiang Rai via Waing Pa Pao and the Hot Springs. Check in at your hotel. (B)

Day 4 - Today's adventure takes you to the Golden Triangle and the ruins of the ancient city of Chiang Saen. Visit the site where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. Then take a long-tailed boat ride on the Mekong River for spectacular views of the Laos countryside. Stop at Chiang Khong, a town that's famous for its giant Mekong catfish. Continue to Chiang Saen to tour the 13th century ruins. You'll also visit a Meo hill tribe village before returning to your hotel in Chiang Rai. (B, L)

Day 5 - Transfer to the airport. (B)

2010 Prices:
From $380 - budget accommodations
From $520- moderate accommodations
From $570 - superior accommodations
From $725 -deluxe accommodations
From $1130 - luxury accommodations

CHIANG RAI EXPERIENCE with THATON & HILL TRIBES

Day 1 - Early morning departure from Chiang Mai for your drive to Thaton, a small village on the Mae Kok River, near the Myanmar border. On the way you'll visit the Elephant Camp at Chiang Dao. Continue to a Meo hill tribe village. After lunch in Thaton you'll take a boat trip to a traditional Lahu hill tribe village. Arrive in Chiang Rai in the evening. One night accommodation at Wiang Inn. (L)

Day 2 - This morning you'll visit Akha and Yao hill tribe villages before continuing to Mae Sai, the northernmost town in Thailand. At the Myanmar border you can shop for Burmese goods and observe Thai and Burmese villagers walking across the bridge that separates the two countries. Continue to the Golden Triangle for a view over the Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. Return to Chiang Rai after a stop at the 13th century ruins at Chiang Saen. (B, L)

Day 3 - Transfer to the airport. (B)

2010 Prices:
$415 to $440 - depending upon season

THAILAND'S ISLANDS - PHUKET & SAMUI

Day 1 - Upon arrival in Phuket you will transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 - Morning at leisure. This afternoon learn about elephant life and the conservation project on your half-day "safari adventure." On arrival at the Siam Safari Camp in the Chalong Highlands, you'll take a short elephant ride. You'lll also learn how monkeys are trained to pick coconuts. In addition, you'll have a cooking demonstration and rubber tree tapping demonstration. Cruise on a traditional wooden junk to see the sunset over Chalong Bay. Light refreshments will be served. This is a non-private tour. (B)

Day 3 - Today you'll venture, by canoe, to Phang Nga Bay. You'll explore sea caves and hongs (open-air, cliff-lined cylindrical tidal lagoons connected to the outside world by stalactite tunnels that remained undiscovered until 1990). This is a non-private tour. (B, L)

Day 4 - Day at leisure to enjoy the beach on your own. (B)

Day 5 - Transfer to the Phuket airport for your flight to Koh Samui. (Flight is not included in the price.) Upon arrival you'll be transferred to your hotel. (B)

Day 6 - Today you'll explore Ang Thong Marine Park. By speedboat you'll visit a couple of the 40 islands that make up this park of blue lagoons, coral reefs, rock formations, caves and deserted beaches. Spend the day sunbathing, snorkeling
and swimming. This is a non-private tour. (B, L)

Day 7 - Transfer to the airport. (B)

2010 Prices:
From $420 - budget accommodations
From $520 - moderate accommodations
From $680 - superior accommodations
From $865 - deluxe accommodations
From $2430 - luxury accommodations

KRABI RETREAT

Day 1 - Upon arrival in Krabi you'll be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 - This morning's city tour includes the town, Tiger Cave Monastery, Gastropod Fossil remains and Nopparat Thara Beach. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 3 - Today's full day Hot Spring and Spa tour takes you to the hot springs at Trang. Bathe in the thermal pool, surrounded by rainforest. Visit the Tiger Cave Temple and continue to a Thai spa where you will select from a variety of one-hour massages. (B, L)

Day 4 - Transfer to the airport. (B)

2010 Prices:
From $380 - budget accommodations
From $415 - moderate accommodations
From $475 - superior accommodations
From $650 - deluxe accommodations
From $1300 - luxury accommodation

OVERNIGHT SOFT ADVENTURES

(These soft adventures include some meals, transfers,
sightseeing and activities)

3 days /2 nights Khao Sok Tree House Jungle Safari
With transfers from Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak or Surat Thani, accommodations at Khao Sok National Park in a private treehouse and a rafthouse at Raja Phraba Lake. Includes an elephant trek or canoe trip or jungle walk or inner tube floating on the Klong Sok River + a boat ride on Raja Phraba Lake followed by a jungle hike and bamboo rafting to a cave and seven meals.
2010 Price: $395

2 days/1 night Jungle Safari
With transfers from Phuket, Khao or Surat Thani, accommodations in luxury safari tents. Includes an elephant trek, jungle canoeing, walking in the rainforest and four meals.
2010 Prices: $275 - $395 depending upon season

3 days/2 nights Soft Adventure at Doi Angkhang
With transfers from Chiang Mai, accommodations at Angkhang Nature Resort. Includes an elephant trek, hilltribes, trekking and seven meals.
2010 Prices: $585 - $745 depending upon season

3 days/2 nights Khao Yai Trekking
Departs and ends Bangkok with accommodations in Khao Yai, trekking with a park ranger in Khao Yai National Park and seven meals.
2010 Prices: $575 - $830 depending upon season & accommodations used

2 days/1 night Khao Yai Wine Trails Bike Ride
Departs and ends Bangkok with accommodations in Khao Yai. With wine making, wine tasting, bike riding and four meals.
2010 Price: $380

2 days/1 night Mae Kampong Homestay
Includes roundtrip transfers from Chiang Mai, hot springs, local markets, learning handicrafts, and herbal sauna, visits with villagers, soft trekking in a mountain forest, caves and four meals.
2010 Price: $245

3 days/2 nights Nature, Culture & Wellness
Includes roundtrip transfers from Chiang Mai, handicrafts, a spa visit, touring in Chiang Mai, hill tribes, elephant camp, orchide farm and three meals.
2010 Prices: $425 - $445 depending upon season

3 days/2 nights Mountain Trek Adventure & Hilltribe Experience
Includes roundtrip transfers from Chiang Mai, trekking by foot, elephant trekking and local truck transport to visit mountain hill tribe villages and learn about tribal traditions. Also, river rafting, jungle trails, Huay Sadhan Waterfall, cycling and five meals.
2010 Prices: $315 - $370 depending upon season

3 days/2 nights Beach & Rainforest Nature Safari
Starting in Phuket, Khao Lok or Krabi and ending in Phuket with accommodations in luxury safari tents, canoeing, rural villages, plantations, boat ride on a Burmese junk, elephant camp, jungle walk and seven meals.
2010 Prices: $390 - $490 depending upon season

New! 2days/1night Amphawa Countryside
Includes roundtrip transfers from Bangkok, local market, Mae Klong waterway, Benjarong House and Museum with a stunning collection of ceramics, King Rama Memorial Park, Tha Kha Floating market and four meals.
2010 Prices: $260-$310 depending upon season

Also see our non-private SIC adventure tours:

OVERLAND PACKAGES

(These overland packages include some meals, transfers,
sightseeing and activities)

5 days/4 nights North Thailand
Departs from Bangkok and ends in Chiang Rai with accommodations in Phitsanuloke, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Touring Sukothai, Ayutthaya, elephant camp, hilltribes and Golden Triangle with 13 meals.
2010 Prices: $690 - $720 depending upon season

3 days/2 nights Through the Hills to Pai & Mae Hong Son
Departs and ends Chiang Mai with accommodations in Pai and Mae Hong Son. Includes a jungle elephant ride, longtailed boat ride, hilltribes, caves, Shan temples and and six meals.
2010 Prices: $495 - $515 depending upon season

2Days/1 night Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Departs from Bangkok and ends in Chiang Mai with an overnight stay in Phitsanuloke. Includes Ayutthaya, Uthai Thani temples, Sukhothai Historical Park and four meals.
2010 Price: $370

7 days/6 nights Explore the North
Departs from Chiang Mai and ends in Chiang Rai with accommodations in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Includes hilltribes, 13th century ruins, Shan and other temples, hot springs and 18 meals.
2010 Prices: $820 - $885 depending upon season

4 days/3 nights Central Thailand
Departs and ends Bangkok with accommodations in Uthai Thani, Nakorn Pathom and River Kwai. Includes Ayuttahaya, Tiger Temple, Rose Garden, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and 10 meals.
2010 Prices: $630 - $655 depending upon season

5 days/4 nights Treasures of Angkor & Mekong River
Departs and ends Bangkok with accommodations in Khao Yai, Surin and Ubon Ratchathani. Includes elephant and oxcart rides, offerings to monks, rickshaw ride, Khmer sanctuary, prehistoric paintings, 13 meals and a flight from Ubon Ratchathani to Bangkok.
2010 Prices: $795 - $825 depending upon season

5 days/4 nights South Thailand Overland Bangkok to Phuket
Departs from Bangkok and ends in Phuket with accommodations in Cha Am, Chumphon and Krabi. Includes Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Hua Hin fishing village, Sam Roi Yod National Park, monastery and temples, a Muslim village, Phang Nga National Park and 12 meals.
2010 Prices: $905 - $1025 depending upon season

NEW DAY TRIPS for 2010

• Flight of the Gibbon Treetop Adventure (from Bangkok, Pattaya or Chiang Mai)
• Hellfire Pass with Tiger Temple (from Bangkok)
• River Kwai with Elephant Riding & Bamboo Rafting (from Bangkok)
• River Kwai Bridge & Prasart Muang Singh (from Bangkok)
• Aksra Puppet Theater (evening excursion from Bangkok)
• Tiger Kingdom at Mae Rim (from Chiang Mai)
• Phang Nga Hong by Starlight (day/evening excursion from Phuket)
• Jabuticaba Champagne Cruise (from Phuket)
• Sundown Dinner Cruise by Burmese Junk (evening excursion from Phuket)
• Elephant Trekking (half day from Koh Samui)
• Thai Dinner & Puppet Show (evening exursion from Koh Samui)

ON YOUR OWN OPTIONS

Choose the number of nights you want in any one or more of these cities. Choose the accommodation category you want. Your basic package will include accommodations and airport transfers only. Sightseeing options are available in each of these cities, to help build your own tour. Select any of the following locations for On Your Own Packages:

• Bangkok
• Chiang Mai
• Chiang Rai
• Hua Hin / Cha-Am / Pranburi
• Pattaya
• Phuket
• Samui
• Krabi
• Phi Phi Island
• Koh Lanta
• Phang Nga
• Khao Lak
• Trat
• KohChang
• Koh Kood
• Rayong
• Koh Samet
• Chantaburi
• Small Southern Islands
• Central Region
• Isan (Northeast) Region
• Southern Region
• Northern Region

THAI COOKING CLASSES

We're pleased to offer the following cooking classes:

• The Thai House (near Bangkok) - one day cooking course & canal tour
• The Thai House - one day cooking course
• The Thai House - two days cooking course with overnight stay
• The Thai House - three days cooking course with overnight stay
• Blue Elephant Cooking School - one day course in Bangkok
• Baipai Thai Cooking School - half day course in Bangkok
• Air's Thai Culinary Kitchen - half day course in Chiang Mai
• Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School - half day course
• Pat's Home Thai Cooking Classes - half day course in Phuket
• Sitca Cooking School - two hour class in Koh Samui

OTHER OPTIONAL FEATURES

Here are just some of the optional activities that can be added to your tour
(not all activities are available in all cities):

• Variety of dinners with dance or other cultural performances
• Variety of one to three day cooking classes
• Cruises
• Boat trips between islands
• Elephant rides
• Rafting
• Wellness
• Handicraft centers
• Trekking
• Jungle bicycling near Bangkok

In addition to our custom-designed itineraries, we offer motorcoach sightseeing, on a seat-in-coach basis, for many of the day tours listed in the above itineraries.

For SIC (seat-in-coach) tours & cruises, click here

Create a multicountry custom-designed tour by adding one of more of these countries to your Thailand tour:
Cambodia
Vietnam
Laos
Myanmar

Prices include meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner). Prices quoted are per person, based on double occupancy. Prices are approximate and are subject to change/availability at the time of confirmation. Prices are subject to holiday/high season surcharges or blackout periods. Prices are subject to currency fluctuation. Packages that include flights are subject to airfare changes. Prices in particular accommodation categories may vary greatly, depending upon the dates of travel and choice of hotel. Prices are based upon a cash discount.