Elephants At WorkDestination Focus

 

 

THAILAND

ThailandThe 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, float through the klongs of Bangkok, take advantage of wellness packages and treatments, canoe through the jungle or sea caves, go river rafting, cycling or trekking, 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 types of trip that we can design just for you.

SAMPLE ITINERARIES:

Move down to see our expanded Sample Itineraries, Overnight Soft Adventures, Overland Packages, Cruises, On Your Own Options, Thai Cooking Classes, and New! 2012 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. Prices below are per person, based on double occupancy.

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

2012 SAMPLE ITINERARIES


BANGKOK HIGHLIGHTS 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 the Wat Trimit and Wat Po temples 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, including a Thai dinner, at Silom Village or Nopparat. (B, L, 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. This is where the wholesalers shop. Return to your hotel for breakfast and a short rest. This afternoon you'll visit the National Museum with its historical artifacts from Neolithic, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Bangkok periods. The old buildings present a beautiful example of Thai architecture. This evening you'll attend a performance at the Aksara Puppet Theater where the puppeteers where trained by one of Thailand's legendary puppet masters. Dinner is included. (B, D)

Day 4 - At leisure until time to transfer to the airport. (B)

2012 Prices:
From $500 (Ibis Bangkok Riverside Hotel)
From $540 (Narai Hotel)
From $620 (Siam@Siam Design Hotel & Spa)
From $650 (Sofitel Bangkok Silom Hotel)
From $710 (Royal Orchid Sheraton)
From $830 (The Peninsula Hotel)
Other hotel options are also available. Rates may vary depending upon season.


BANGKOK IN DEPTH

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

Day 2 - This morning you'll take a guided walking tour of Chinatown. You'll walk narrow lanes, covered alleyways and will browse the exotic shops. This afternoon's city and temples tour includes the three most important temples in Bangkok: Wat Trimitr with its Golden Buddha made of five and a half tons of solid gold; Wat Po, the most extensive temple with its giant Reclining Buddha; and Wat Benjamaborpit, also known as the White Marble Temple, one of the finest examples of Thai Architecture. In the evening enjoy a "River of King" 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. This is where the wholesalers shop. The balance of the morning is at leisure. This afternoon you'll visit the National Museum with its historical artifacts from Neolithic, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Bangkok periods. This evening you'll attend a performance at the Aksara Puppet Theater where the puppeteers where trained by one of Thailand's legendary puppet masters. Dinner is included at the theater .(B, D)

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. The old buildings present a beautiful example of Thai architecture. 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 attend a classical dance performance with Thai dinner at Silom Village or Nopparat. (B, D)

Day 5 - This morning you'll travel by longtailed speedboat on the picturesque Chao Phraya River and through the Thonburi klongs (canals). You'll make a stop at the Temple of Dawn. Afternoon transfer to the Bangkok airport. (B)

2012 Prices:
From $690 (Ibis Riverside Hotel)
From $740 (Narai Hotel)
From $855 (Siam@Siam Design Hotel & Spa)
From $890 (Sofitel Bangkok Silom Hotel)
From $1090 (Royal Orchid Sheraton)
From $1130 (The Peninsula Hotel)
Other hotel options are also available. Rates may vary depending upon season.

In lieu of the walking tour, substitute a bicycle tour of Chinatown for an additional $77, or consider adding one or more of the excursions listed in the following "Day-Touring Beyond Bangkok" itinerary.


DAY-TOURING BEYOND BANGKOK

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

Day 2 - Today 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 will take a ride on the notorious Death Railway.
(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 - Depart Bangkok early in the morning for your back-to-nature excursion to Khao Yai National Park. The Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers and wild elephants. You'll take an ox cart ride through rice fields, an elephant ride in the jungle and will walk along trails through the Park. This is a non-private tour and a long day (12 1/2 hours). (B, L)

Day 6 - 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 7 - Transfer to the airport. (B)

2012 Prices:
From $770 (Ibis Bangkok Riverside Hotel)
From $845 (Narai Hotel)
From $1015 (Siam@Siam Design Hotel & Spa)
From $1070 (Sofitel Bangkok Silom Hotel)
From $1375 (Royal Orchid Sheraton)
From $1435 (The Peninsula Hotel)
Other hotel options are also available. Rates may vary depending upon season.


BANGKOK OFF THE BEATEN PATH

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

Day 2 - This morning you'll explore Bangkok by local transportation. Your guide will help you navigate the city from the perspective of a local. Travel by tuk-tuk, boat, Skytrain and even the khlong ferry. This afternoon's non-private Bangkok Jungle Tour by Bicycle takes you across the Chao Phraya River to the relatively unknown area of Bang Ka Jao. You'll explore this green area of waterways, small temples, local houses and local markets by cycling along small roads, alleyways and raised footpaths. (B)

Day 3 - This morning you'll travel outside Bangkok to the Tha Kha Floating Market, which is only open on weekends and certain days that are in accordance with the Buddhist lunar calendar. This market is seldom visited by tourists and is very authentic. You'll also visit a local market positioned on a train track. When the train comes through, the vendors move their wares. When the train passes, they move back onto the track. On your way back to the city you'll stop at Phra Pathom Chedi, the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia. Afternoon transfer to the airport. (B)

2012 Prices:
From $305 (Ibis Bangkok Riverside Hotel)
From $330 (Narai Hotel)
From $385 (Siam@Siam Design Hotel & Spa)
From $405 (Sofitel Bangkok Silom Hotel)
From $505 (Royal Orchid Sheraton)
From $525 (The Peninsula Hotel)
Other hotel options are also available. Rates may vary depending upon season.


BANGKOK ADVENTURER

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

Day 2 - Today's (non-private) Flight of the Gibbon Treetop Adventure takes you an hour outside Bangkok to the treetops of a pristine national park at Khao Kheo, near Chonburi. You'll glide through the jungle canopy along zip-lines, sky bridges and abseils. At over three kilometers, with 24 platforms, this is the longest zip-line tour in the world. (B, L)

Day 3 - Today's full day excursion takes you to the site of the River Kwai Bridge. After visiting the Allied cemetery, you'll go elephant riding, bamboo rafting and will ride on the Death Railway train passing over a long wooden viaduct among sheer cliffs. (B, L)

Day 4 - This morning's bicycle tour takes you around an area of the city where you'll pass through coconut and banana plantations on routes with minimal traffic. Afternoon transfer to the airport. (B)

2012 Prices:
From $535 (Ibis Bangkok Riverside Hotel)
From $575 (Narai Hotel)
From $655 (Siam@Siam Design Hotel & Spa)
From $685 (Sofitel Bangkok Silom Hotel)
From $835 (Royal Orchid Sheraton)
From $865 (The Peninsula Hotel)
Other hotel options are also available. Rates may vary depending upon season.


CHIANG MAI QUICK TRIP

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

Day 2 - This morning you'll visit several hill tribes including Long Necked Karen, traditional Karen, Lahu and Patong villages. On the way back to Chiang Mai you'll stop at one of the region's orchid farms. In the afternoon you'll visit the Sankamphange District, home to the silk industry, umbrella painting, lacquerware, silverware and other handicrafts. This evening's cultural and folk performances will be accompanied by a Kantoke (northern Thai cuisine) dinner. (B, D)

Day 3 - Today's full day tour starts with a visit to the Elephant Conservation Centre at Lampang, home to the only Elephant Hospital in Thailand. You'll then take a short city tour in an old horse carriage and will visit the 700-year-old Wat Prathat Lampang Luang temple. On the way back to Chiang Mai, you'll stop at the small historical town of Lamphun, home to Wat Phra That Haripoonchai, which is the oldest temple in the region. (B, L)

Day 4 - This morning's city and temples tour includes Wat Phra Sing, Wat Suan Dok, Wat Chedi Luang and the hilltop temple Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. In the afternoon you'll travel by traditional long-tail boat through a rural area outside the city. Visit markets, small temples and local farms. You'll also take a trishaw ride. This evening's guided culinary tour gives you the opportunity to sample local snacks and kao soi-a, a coconut noodle dish that's unique to Chiang Mai.

Day 5 - Transfer to the airport. (B)

2012 Prices:
From $565 (Empress Chiang Mai Hotel)
From $615 (Holiday Inn Chiang Mai)
From $755 (Puripunn Baby Grand Boutique Hotel)
From $820 (Ping Nakara Boutique Hotel & Spa)
From $950 (The Chedi)
From $1690 (Four Seasons Resort)
Other hotel options are also available. Rates may vary depending upon season.


CHIANG MAI CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

Day 1 - Upon arrival in Chiang Mai you will be met and transferred to your hotel for a three night stay. In the evening you'll attend a Kantoke (northern Thai cuisine) dinner with cultural and folk performances. (D)

Day 2 - This morning you'll tour the city and temples of Chiang Mai, including Wat Phra Sing, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Suan Dok and the hilltop temple Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. This afternoon you'll travel south to the small historic town of Lamphun. After visiting Wat Phra That Haripoonchai, which is the oldest temple in the region, you'll tour the local market. Continue to Wiang Kum Kam, where you'll tour this 13th century town via horse drawn carriage. (B)

Day 3 - Today's full day excursion acquaints you with mountain village life. You'll drive to Mae Kampong, a rustic village alongside a stream in the mountains near Chiang Mai. After a stop at a local market, you'll walk through the forest with the locals, learning about their conservation of the forest. After lunch you'll have a massage. You'll then explore the village to see fermented tea being made, as well as local handicrafts in the village homes. You'll cook your own dinner in a village home and view the sunset from the top of the mountain, before returning to your hotel. This is a long day (12+ hours). (B, L, D)

Day 4 - This morning you'll visit several hill tribes including Long Necked Karen, traditional Karen, Lahu and Patong villages. On the way back to Chiang Mai you'll stop at one of the region's orchid farms. Afternoon transfer to the airport. (B)

2012 Prices:
From $490 (Empress Chiang Mai Hotel)
From $530 (Holiday Inn Chiang Mai)
From $635 (Puripunn Baby Grand Boutique Hotel)
From $670 (Ping Nakara Boutique Hotel & Spa)
From $785 (The Chedi)
From $1425 (Four Seasons Resort)
Other hotel options are also available. Rates may vary depending upon season.


CHIANG MAI OFF THE BEATEN PATH

Day 1 - Upon arrival in Chiang Mai you will be met and transferred to your hotel for a three night stay.

Day 2 - Early this morning you'll visit a local market where you'll offer alms to the Buddhist monks. You'll wander through the market and will visit Wat U-Mong (the Tunnel Temple) and Wat Suan Dok. This afternoon's bicycling excursion takes you through rural areas surrounding Chiang Mai. You'll visit a local school, temples and will observe the traditional Thai way of life.

Day 3 - Today's hands-on excursion takes you to a local rice farm where you'll change to traditional Thai farm clothes and will participate in planting and harvesting rice. You'll learn about the processes involved in reaching the final product. This is a long (12-hour) day. This tour operates between June and February only. (B, L)

Day 4 - Transfer to the airport. (B)

2012 Prices:
From $380 (Empress Chiang Mai Hotel)
From $420 (Holiday Inn Chiang Mai)
From $520 (Puripunn Baby Grand Boutique Hotel)
From $570 (Ping Nakara Boutique Hotel & Spa)
From $670 (The Chedi)
From $1350 (Four Seasons Resort)
Other hotel options are also available. Rates may vary depending upon season.


CHIANG MAI - CHIANG RAI ADVENTURER

Day 1 - Upon arrival in Chiang Mai you will be met and transferred to your hotel for a three night stay.

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's adventure is the Flight of the Gibbon Treetop Adventure. In a 1,500 year old rainforest near the village of Mae Kampong, you'll glide through the jungle canopy via two kilometers of ziplines, sky bridges and abseils. This is a non-private tour. (B, L)

Day 4 - Morning at leisure to explore Chiang Mai on your own. This afternoon you'll travel overland to Chiang Rai, via Waing Pa Pao. Check in at your hotel for a three night stay. (B)

Day 5 - Today's excursion begins with a drive to the Myanmar (Burma) border. You'll cross into Burma and will visit a nearby village. You'll travel through the lanes and side side streets of the the town via rickshaw. You'll also visit a local temple and will have time to shop at the local market. Continue to the famous Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. (B, L)

Day 6- Today you'll travel on the Mae Kok River, via longtail boat, to a Karen hilltribe village. You'll then take a two-hour elephant ride through the jungle, passing rice paddies and rivers. Stop for lunch at a Yao hilltribe village. You'll also stop at other villages, each with their own customs. You have the option of hiking to a waterfall. (B, L)

Day 7 - At leisure in Chiang Rai until time to transfer to the airport. (B)

2012 Prices:
From $915 (Empress / Wiang Inn)
From $1010 (Holiday Inn / Dusit Island Resort)
From $1125 (Puripunn Baby Grand Boutique Hotel / The Legend)
From $1325 (The Chedi / Le Meridien Chiang Rai)
Other hotel options are also available. Rates vary depending upon season.


CHIANG RAI EXPERIENCE

Day 1 - Upon arrival in Chiang Rai you'll be met and transferred to your hotel for a three night stay.

Day 2 - This morning's city and temples tour includes a trishaw ride through the city's residential area and marketplace and a visit to Wat Phra Keaw temple. In the afternoon you'll visit the contemporary White Temple. Designed by one of Thailand's most famous artists, this unusual all-white temple even has white glass. You'll also have a choice of visiting the Mae Fah Luang Art & Cultural Park with its collection of Lanna art and botanical gardens, OR Baan Dam (Black House or Black Temple) which was created by another Thai artist. (B)

Day 3 - Today you'll visit the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. Start with a visit to Akha and Yao hilltribe villages before continuing to the small town of Chiang Saen. Located on the Mekong River, Chiang Saen is known for its 13th century ruins. Continue to Mae Sai, the northernmost point of Thailand. You can explore the local market where Burmese lacquerware, jade and other goods are sold. (B, L)

Day 4 - Transfer to the airport. (B)

2012 Prices:
From $375 (Wiang Inn)
From $440 (The Legend)
From $430 (Dusit Island Resort)
From $495 (Le Meridien)
Other hotel options are also available. Rates vary depending upon season.


THAILAND ISLAND HOPPING

Island hopping packages include shuttle and ferry transfers, accommodations, hotel tax and daily breakfast. Activities may be added at an additional price.

Option #1 - Three nights each in Phuket, Phi Phi Island & Koh Lanta

2012 Prices:
From $750 (Seaview Patong / Phi Phi Natural Resort / Lanta Casuarina)
From $955 (Banthai Beach Resort / Phi Phi Island Village / Rawiwarin Resort)
Rates vary depending upon season.

Option #2 - Three nights each in Koh Lanta, Phi Phi Island & Phuket

2012 Prices:
From $680 (Lanta Casuarina / Phi Phi Island Cabana / Seaview Patong)
From $985 (Rawiwarin Resort / Phi Phi Island Village / Amari Coral Beach)
Rates vary depending upon season.

Option #3 - Three nights each in Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and Koh Samui

2012 Prices:
From $610 (Phangan Buri Resort / Charm Churee Villa / Samui Natien)
From $1010 (Panviman Resort / Koh Tao Montra / Nora Beach Resort)
Rates vary depending upon season.


KRABI ADVENTURE DISCOVERY

Day 1 - Upon arrival in Krabi you'll be met and transferred to your hotel for a five night stay.

Day 2 - This morning you'll take a boat ride to Railey Beach, famous for rock-climbing activities. Your age, level of fitness and coordination don't matter. The instructors will find something for you to climb, at your level of ability. This is a non-private tour. 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 - Today's Khao Sok Jungle Safari takes you to southern Thailand's largest rainforest. You'll travel by canoe along the Sok River. Your guide will help to spot wildlife along the way. Arrive at the Elephant Conservation Camp to learn about elephants and to take a ride through the jungle, before returning to your hotel in the early evening. (This is a non-private tour.) (B, L)

Day 5 - Today you'll travel by speedboat to the Phi Phi Islands for a day of swimming, snorkeling or just relaxing on the beach. You'll visit Phi Phi Lay, Loh Sama, Tonsai Bay, Phi Phi Don, Bamboo Island and Chicken Island. This is a non-private tour, but a private tour may be substituted for an additional charge. (B, L)

Day 6 - Transfer to the Krabi airport. (B)

2012 Prices:
From $705 (Peace Laguna)
From $925 (Amari Vogue)
From $1100 (Tubkaak Boutique Resort)
From $1120 (Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort
From $1660 (Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve)
Other hotel options are also available. Rates vary depending upon season.


OVERNIGHT SOFT ADVENTURES

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

2 days /1 night Lisu Lodge Experience
With transfers from Chiang Mai, accommodations at the traditional-style Lisu Lodge, trekking, bicycling, tea with the village shaman, ox-cart ride, local herb garden and cultural center and three meals. Transfers are private, but the other arrangements on this tour are non-private.
January 2011 - March 2012 Price:
From $150 - $175
Rates vary depending upon season.

2 days /1 night Tiger Temple with Monk's Breakfast
With transfers from Bangkok, a visit to the River Kwai Bridge, War Museum and Cemetery, accommodation at River Kwai Village Hotel, early morning alms (breakfast) offerings to the monks at the Tiger Temple, one-on-one interaction with the temple's tigers prior to other tourists arriving on regular tour programs and four meals.
April 2011 - March 2012 Prices:
From $560 - $590
Rates vary depending upon season. Contact us for rates prior to April.

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.
April 2011 - March 2012 Prices:
From $430
Contact us for rates prior to April.

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.
April 2011 - March 2012 Prices:
From $425 - $705
Rates vary depending upon season. Contact us for rates prior to April.

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.
April 2011 - March 2012 Prices:
From $670 - $705
Rates vary depending upon season. Contact us for rates prior to April.

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.
April 2011 - March 2012 Prices:
From $690 - $960 depending on hotel selected.
Rates vary depending upon season. Contact us for rates prior to April.

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.
April 2011 - March 2012 Prices:
From $425
Contact us for rates prior to April.

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.
April 2011 - March 2012 Prices:
From $275
Contact us for rates prior to April.

2 days/1 night Gingerbread Homestay
Includes roundtrip transfers from Chiang Mai to Sankampaeng, village exploration by bicycle, temple and organic vegetable farm visits, experiencing life in a typical Thai village home surrounded by rice paddies and two meals.
April 2012 - March 2013 Prices:
From $90

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.
April 2011 - March 2012 Prices:

From $480 - $505 depending on hotel selected.
Rates vary depending upon season. Contact us for rates prior to April.

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.
April 2011 - March 2012 Prices:

From $340 - $400 depending on hotel selected.
Rates vary depending upon season. Contact us for rates prior to April.

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.
April 2011 - March 2012 Prices:

From $425 - $530 depending on hotel selected.
Rates vary depending upon season. Contact us for rates prior to April.

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.
April 2011 - March 2012 Prices:
From $330 - $345 depending on hotel selected.
Rates vary depending upon season. Contact us for rates prior to April.

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.
April 2011 - March 2012 Prices:
From $760 - $810
Rates vary depending upon season. Contact us for rates prior to April.

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.
April 2011 - March 2012 Prices:
From $560 - $595
Rates vary depending upon season. Contact us for rates prior to April.

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.
January - October 2011 (2012 rates coming soon)
From $395
Rates vary depending upon season.

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.
April 2011 - March 2012 Prices:
From $970 - $1050
Rates vary depending upon season. Contact us for rates prior to April.

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.
April 2011 - March 2012 Prices:
From $705 - $730
Rates vary depending upon season. Contact us for rates prior to April.

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.
April 2011 - March 2012 Prices:
From $890 - $935
Rates vary depending upon season. Contact us for rates prior to April.

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.
April 2011 - March 2012 Prices:
From $1015 - $1150
Rates vary depending upon season. Contact us for rates prior to April.


NEW DAY TRIPS FOR 2012

  • Guided local sightseeing in Bangkok via public transportation.
  • Cycling tour of Bangkok via routes with minimal traffic.
  • Tha Kha Floating market (not visited by many western tourists) + railway market (market located on the train tracks). Outside Bangkok.
  • Traditional town of Amphawa, including local floating market and railway market, traveling via road. Outside Bangkok.
  • Railway market and Amphawa, including local floating market, traveling via local train and road. Outside Bangkok.
  • Dialogue with monks at Chiang Mai.
  • Guided sightseeing in Chiang Mai via local transportation.
  • Rice farmer for a day near Chiang Mai.
  • Tropical gardening in northern Thailand.
  • ATV quad riding in the countryside outside Chiang Mai.
  • White water rafting at Mae Taeng near Chiang Mai.
  • Evening culinary delights of Chiang Mai.

DAY TRIPS added last year

  • Elephant Life Experience at Mae Taman Valley (from Chiang Mai) with a unique opportunity to build closeness with an individual elephant including learning easy commands, learning to ride on the elephant's back, experiencing the elephant's painting skills and taking an elephant trek.
  • Elephant Owner for a Day at the Patara Elephant Farm (from Chiang Mai) including learning about daily health care, skin care and how to climb onto and sit on an elephant. Walk your elephant to the river, bathe your elephant and ride bare-back. (This is a non-private tour.)
  • Elephant Nature Park including an opportunity to go into the river with the elephants after learning how to bathe them andfeeding elephants from a viewing platform. (This is a non-private tour.)
  • Khao Sok Safari with elephant trekking and and river canoeing (from Khao Lak)
  • Khao Lak Safari with elephant trekking and bamboo rafting (from Khao Lak)
  • Elephant Trekking and Waterfall (from Khao Lak)
  • Chinatown by Bicycle (from Bangkok).
  • Chiang Mai by Bicycle (from Chiang Mai).
  • White Temple and Mae Fah Luang Art & Cultural Park (from Chiang Rai).
  • Jungle Eco Safari (from Koh Samui).
  • Similan Islands by Speedboat (from Phuket or Khao Lak)
  • Snorkeling at Pha Island (from Khao Lak)
  • Jungle Walking (from Khao Lak)
  • Burma (Myanmar) Border Crossing, Golden Triangle and Mae Khong River Trip (from Chiang Rai)
  • Laos Border Crossing, Golden Triangle and Mae Khong River Trip (from Chiang Rai)
  • Buddhist Alms and Early Morning Local Market (from Chiang Mai)
  • Local Lifestyle Along Maeping River by Boat visiting rural Thailand via a long-tailed boat (from Chiang Mai)
  • Damnoen Saduak Floating Market with King Rama II Memorial Park (from Bangkok)
  • James Bond Island and Sea Cave Canoe (from Khao Lak)
  • White Water Rafting and ATV (from Khao Lak)
  • Doi Mae Salong Tribal Villages and Mae Sai (from Chiang Rai)

ON YOUR OWN OPTIONS

Choose the number of nights you want in any one or more of these cities and islands. Choose the accommodation category you want. Your basic package will include accommodations and airport transfers only. Sightseeing options are available at each destination, 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:

  • Ruanthai Cookery House - five hours in Chiang Rai
  • Cooking@Home Thai Culinary - six hours in Chiang Mai
  • 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
  • Eastern & Orient Express luxury train journey.

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


Thailand Calendar of Events 2012

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 including possible compulsory Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve gala dinners. Prices are subject to possible black-out periods. Prices are subject to currency fluctuation. Prices for short duration overland or soft adventure packages are based upon the purchase of additional trip components and/or the combination of several tours. Prices in particular accommodation categories may vary greatly, depending upon the dates of travel and choice of hotel. Prices listed are valid from April through October, 2012. Prices through March 31, 2012 may be different. Hotel rates used for some sample itineraries expire October 31, 2012, and are subject to increase for November and beyond. Prices are based upon a cash discount.