Unveiling Thailand’s Cultural Heart – Bangkok & Chiang Mai
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Dive into the vibrant cities and sacred temples of Thailand on this unforgettable tour. Explore Bangkok’s iconic landmarks, including Wat Traimit, the world’s largest solid gold Buddha statue, and Wat Pho, featuring the awe-inspiring Reclining Buddha.
Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and delicious street food of Bangkok’s Chinatown. In Chiang Mai, ascend Wat Doi Suthep, a revered Buddhist temple perched atop a mountain, and be captivated by the panoramic views.
This carefully curated itinerary offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and historical exploration, allowing you to experience the captivating essence of Thailand’s bustling cities and ancient temples.
• Explore Bangkok’s iconic temples, including Wat Traimit, the world’s largest solid gold Buddha statue, and Wat Pho, featuring the awe-inspiring Reclining Buddha.
• Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Bangkok’s Chinatown, indulging in a delicious street food tour. (Optional)
• Take a thrilling adventure to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and witness the unique Mae Klong Railway Market, where vendors skillfully move their goods to make way for passing trains. (Optional)
• Travel back in time at the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, learning about the area’s WWII history. (Optional)
• Ascend Wat Doi Suthep, a revered Buddhist temple perched atop a mountain, and marvel at the panoramic views of Chiang Mai. (Optional)
• Explore Chiang Mai’s vibrant night scene on a thrilling Vespa tour, indulging in local delicacies and soaking up the city’s unique atmosphere. (Optional)
• Experience the electrifying energy of a Muay Thai boxing match at the Thapae Boxing Stadium. (Optional)
• Relax on pristine beaches in Phuket and Krabi.
This diverse itinerary offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and exciting adventures, creating unforgettable memories of Thailand’s multifaceted beauty.
• Accommodation is based on a shared Double room including breakfast unless otherwise mentioned
• Meals as mentioned (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
• Local English-speaking guide (supplements may apply for other languages and group national guides)
• Tours as mentioned
• Transfer as mentioned for the whole group travel together unless otherwise mentioned
• Entrance fees for mentioned visits
• Activities as outlined in the itinerary
• Service charge and current government VAT/GST tax
Check-in time is usually 2pm and check-out time is 12pm for Asia. This is subject to individual hotel regulations. Early or late service is subject to availability, often with a surcharge.
• Peak season surcharge (to be confirmed at time of booking)
• Visas
• Services and meals not mentioned in itinerary
• All drinks; including water, soft drinks and alcohol
• Early/late check in/out service at hotels (surcharge if requested)
• Optional excursion/tours
• International and Domestic Flights unless mentioned
• Laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal nature
• Tips and gratuities (please refer to below tipping guidelines)
• Travel insurance
• Camera/video entrance fees
LAND CANCELLATION POLICY We understand that sometimes plans change, and you may need to cancel your land arrangements. Cancellation fees: The amount of your refund will depend on the specific product associated with your booking. Certain bookings, such as those with non-refundable hotels and services, may not be eligible for any refund at all. In such cases, the full cost of your booking, will be non-refundable. For specific details about your cancellation policy and any applicable fees, please contact your Travel Advisor. They will be able to provide you with personalized information based on your individual booking. |
VISA A tourist visa might be required to enter the country you are travelling to on an Australian passport. |
TRAVEL INSURANCE Travel Insurance is highly recommended, please contact your Travel Advisor for insurance options if you have not already made your own arrangements. |
You will be welcomed by an airport representative at the meeting point. Then private transfer without guide to your hotel in Bangkok.
Meeting point at Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi Airport: – International arrival: gate number 06.
Arrive at your hotel, check-in and free time at leisure.
Accommodation: ibis Bangkok Riverside or similar
Meals Included: –
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, meet your guide at hotel lobby and private transfer to enjoy your half day city temples tour in Bangkok.
Your day begins at Wat Traimit, also known as the Temple of the Golden Buddha. Visit the world’s largest solid gold Buddha statue and be awe-inspired by its spirituality and artistry. Standing at an impressive 10 feet tall and weighing approximately 5.5 tons, this masterpiece reflects the pinnacle of Thai craftsmanship, enveloping you in the cultural and religious heritage of Thailand.
As your exploration continues, venture to Wat Pho, a timeless sanctuary that has stood since the late 17th century, predating Bangkok’s rise as Thailand’s capital. Delve into the captivating history of King Rama I, who revitalised the temple, leaving behind a legacy embodied by the illustrious Reclining Buddha. Stretching an impressive 46 meters in length, this reclining position symbolises Buddha’s entry into Nirvana. Beyond the iconic Reclining Buddha, discover a labyrinth of chedis, a scripture hall, and a library, guarded by the imposing Wat Pho Giants. For those seeking relaxation, Wat Pho offers an on-site massage centre (at an additional cost) that showcases the temple’s longstanding connection to traditional massage.
End of your trip, return to hotel and free time at leisure.
Note: this is private tour with a local English-speaking guide. Lunch is not included.
Accommodation: ibis Bangkok Riverside or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at your hotel.
Free day in Bangkok. You can also pre-book one of the following activities, listed below, please talk with your Travel Advisor.
Accommodation: ibis Bangkok Riverside or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at your hotel, Bangkok free day until your departure to Chiang Mai in the evening.
Hotel check-out time by approx. 12:00 pm.
By approx. 5pm, Hop on public transportation (self-arrange) to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal. The nearest connecting station is MRT Bang Sue.
Your train from Bangkok is: Train no.09, 2nd class – sleeping train, departure from Bangkok at approx. 6:40pm, arrive at Chiang Mai at 7:15 am (next day).
Accommodation: Overnight Train
Meals Included: Breakfast
Arrive at Chiang Mai train station.
You will be welcomed by a driver at the arrival hall holding a sign with your name. Private transfer (without a guide) to your hotel.
Check-in starts at 2pm. Early check-in is available for a fee, luggage can be stored at the hotel until check in time.
Chiang Mai is a charming and laid-back city, easily explored on foot when you’re in the Old City area.
You can also pre-book one of the following activities, listed below, please talk with your Travel Advisor.
Accommodation: The Empress Hotel or similar
Meals Included: –
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
Free day at your leisure. You can also pre-book one of the following activities, listed below, please talk with your Travel Advisor.
Accommodation: The Empress Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel.
Meet your driver at the hotel’s lobby and private transfer without guide to Chiang Mai Airport. Fly to your next destination.
Meals Included: Breakfast
At approx. 5:30pm, meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a journey to the heart of Bangkok’s Chinatown, renowned as one of the world’s premier food destinations.
Indulge your taste buds with a refreshing platter of tropical fruits, featuring mango, mangosteen, rambutan, and guava. Delight in satay pork, a Southeast Asian favourite originating from Indonesia, and savour a trio of fruit juice tasters, including sweet orange, persimmon, and pomegranate.
Pad See Ew noodle dish served with a chilled Chang beer is a must-try for those looking to experience Thai gastronomy. Conclude your Chinatown culinary exploration on a sweet note with the beloved Mango Sticky Rice.
Then, explore Bangkok’s primary flower market, Pak Klong Talat, where vibrant colours and bustling activity create a sensory feast. Open 24 hours a day, this market offers a kaleidoscope of blooms sold to wholesalers and the public alike. Dive into the local culture as you witness street hawkers crafting floral garlands, symbols of luck and devotion.
A rooftop bar nestled along Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River is the perfect way to end your evening. Unwind while sipping a cocktail at an iconic Buddhist temple, Wat Arun, and admire the panoramic views of the city.
Please Note:
– Chinatown operates at limited capacity on Mondays.
– Please note that access to the rooftop bar at Sala Rattanakosin involves several steps. If the group requires an alternative, we will seamlessly transition to another rooftop bar.
Start your day at 7 am for a morning tour by meeting your English-speaking guide at your hotel lobby. You will be driven to Ratchaburi Province which is approximately a 2-hour drive away.
The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is one of Thailand’s most famous and picturesque markets. This bustling market, a 24-hour spectacle, paints a vivid picture of Thailand’s cultural tapestry. As flowers change hands between wholesalers and locals, witness street hawkers transforming them into garlands, symbols of luck and offerings. You will have the opportunity to experience the long tail boat and cruise along the river while you try exciting new local dishes.
Next, you will be driven to The Mae Klong Railway Market. This unique market is set up right on the active railway tracks, this vibrant market is a thrilling spectacle as vendors deftly move their goods to make way for passing trains. Experience this captivating routine eight times a day, showcasing the resilience of the local community.
Return to your hotel with vivid memories, relishing the unique charm of Mae Klong. Enjoy leisure time, reflecting on the day’s extraordinary moments and the unexpected wonders that make this market a must-see destination.
At 7 am, meet your guide at the hotel lobby and embark on a 2-3 hour drive to Kanchanaburi (130km).
Discover the town’s rich history, initially a Thai army outpost against Burmese forces. During World War II, Kanchanaburi gained notoriety as the site of the Death Railway, a construction project connecting Thailand and Burma, where prisoners of war faced harsh conditions.
Visit the iconic Kwai Yai Bridge, known globally as the ‘Bridge over the River Kwai.’ Take a reflective walk across this historic bridge, soaked in the memory of the Death Railway.
Explore The Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, featuring the privately funded Death Railway Museum. With nine exhibitions, delve into the history, conditions, and life of prisoners during the construction. The museum, housed in the former Japanese Army headquarters, stands as a testament to this dark period.
Across the road, pay your respects at the Allied War Cemetery, the final resting place for 6,982 prisoners of war. A light walk here allows reflection on the historical insights gained.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
Embark on a train ride over the “Death Railway Trail,” symbolising the harrowing history of the Burma Railway during World War II.
After a day of historical exploration, drive back to Bangkok.
Please note: the Death Railway Museum may be emotionally intense for visitors.
Depart at approx. 6pm, meet your guide at hotel lobby.
Get into a tuk-tuk and explore Chiang Mai’s street food delights that evening with your guide at the hotel. Chiang Mai stands out for its lively street food scene, offering a rich variety of delectable dishes served from stalls and carts scattered throughout the city.
Popular street food choices in Chiang Mai encompass Khao Soi, Moo Ping, Som Tum, Roti, Khanom Krok, and Pad Thai.
Embrace the opportunity to venture into local flavours and fearlessly explore something new!
Departs at either 8:30am or 12:30pm: meet your guide at hotel lobby.
Begin your day by meeting your guide at the hotel and embarking on a journey to Wat Doi Suthep.
Nestled atop Doi Suthep, a mountain that overlooks Chiang Mai, Wat Doi Suthep stands as a revered Buddhist temple and one of the most significant and picturesque in northern Thailand. Renowned for its remarkable architecture, intricate details, and a golden chedi (stupa) that enshrines relics of the Buddha, the temple offers a captivating spiritual experience. To reach this sacred site, you can ascend a staircase adorned with beautiful naga (serpent) statues, totalling over 300 steps, or opt for the convenience of a tram. Once at the summit, the temple provides an awe-inspiring panoramic view of Chiang Mai and the surrounding countryside.
After your visit to Wat Doi Suthep, return to the hotel and enjoy free time at your leisure.
See how local Chiang Mai residences spend their evenings on this thrilling night-time vespa tour. This tour will take guests through the local markets and old lanes of Chiang Mai and will incorporate some much-loved food and drink experiences. Begin your tour with a visit to Kad Kom Market, a more local market not as well known to tourists, where we will first enjoy some local pork crackling and local beer whilst watching the locals buzzing between the stalls. Continue on the vespa through the small winding streets of the city, zipping between neighbourhoods to discover the diverse nightlife of Chiang Mai.
Try some local BBQ before heading to a small venue where you will learn to make som tam, a papaya salad well known in local northern Thai cuisine. Get back on the vespa and head over the iron bridge which sits over the Ping River, before enjoying a Thai dinner at a local restaurant.
We will end our tour with a visit to watch some live music, either at Boy Blues Bar or Jazz Café, where we will also enjoy a local beer or cocktail.
If you are happy to leave at 10pm, you will be transferred back to your hotel, or alternatively, continue to enjoy your evening in to the small hours (guests will however need to make their own way back home).
Notes:
• This tour runs from 6pm to 10pm.
• Tour is available for guests from 2 years old upwards, however we recommend doing the tour on a private basis if you have young children.
• Venues may vary depending on availability.
• This is private tour.
Tour includes:
• Vespas with experienced drivers.
• English speaking tour guides.
• Helmets and rain ponchos.
• Entrance fees.
• Cold water, drinks and snacks.
• Pick up and drop off from hotel in the Chiang Mai city region.
Join your guide for a Thai boxing class at the hotel in the evening. Thapae Boxing Stadium stands as a renowned venue in Chiang Mai, featuring exhilarating Muay Thai fights. Muay Thai, or Thai boxing, is a traditional martial art deeply ingrained in Thai culture.
The stadium regularly hosts Muay Thai events, drawing local and international fighters to showcase their skills in this dynamic and intense sport. Muay Thai matches offer spectators the opportunity to enjoy the electrifying atmosphere and watch the athleticism and artistry of the fighters as they battle it out.
It’s an excellent opportunity to fully immerse yourself in Thai sporting culture and witness the thrilling spectacle of this martial art up close.
Ticket: ringside seat ticket.
Travel 1 July 2024 – 31 May 2025
From A$515 pp based on twin share
Price subject to change due to dates booked, currency exchange and any changes made to the itinerary.