INTRODUCING THAILAND Journeys Through Thailand Are Made Magical by the Astounding Landscapes and Compelling History, but Mostly the Enchanting Locals
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PRIVATE TRAVEL 62 | THAILAND INTRODUCING THAILAND Journeys through Thailand are made magical by the astounding landscapes and compelling history, but mostly the enchanting locals. Thailand has something for everyone, from idyllic islands and beaches in the south, to bustling cities and mountainous landscapes in the north. TOP 5 THINGS TO DO & SEE 1 BANGKOK 2 RIVER KWAI & AYUTHAYA 3 NORTHERN THAILAND In Thailand’s vibrant capital, try world- By the River Kwai, take in jungle scenery In the forested north, experience hilltribe class cuisine, shop in glittering malls and and compelling war history. In Ayuthaya, culture, visit the Golden Triangle region, bustling markets, and visit fascinating wander the atmospheric remnants of and explore Chiang Mai’s impressive temples and monuments. the ancient capital. walled old city. Create The Moment Travel 1-800-371-4362 PRIVATE TRAVEL THAILAND | 63 MAP & GEOGRAPHY • Chiang Saen • Chiang Rai BURMA LAOS • Mae Hong Son • Chiang Mai ✈ Doi Inthanaon • • Lampang Mekong River • Sukhothai THAILAND Ubon Ratchathani • Buriram • Pilok Khorat • • ➢ • Surin Ayuthaya • Khao Yai National Park Kanchanaburi • • Bangkok ✈ (River Kwai) • Amphawa CAMBODIA • Hua Hin • Trat Koh Munnork • • Koh Chang VIETNAM Koh Tao • • Koh Phangan • Khanom • Koh Samui • Khao Sok National Park Khao Lak • • Krabi Phuket • Koh Klang Koh Yao• • •Koh Lanta ✈ International Gateways Koh Kradan • • Trang Our preferred airline when flying to Thailand is Thai Airways. Ask our Asia specialists for a quote on the best available airfares and flight schedules. Pick up our SMALL GROUP JOURNEYS brochure from your local travel agent or contact us for further information on tours, itineraries and departure dates. WEATHER MALAYSIA& CLIMATE Thailand can be visited all year, despite its distinct dry and monsoon seasons. May to October is usually warm and humid, with afternoon showers. On Southern Thailand’s east coast, rain is heaviest from October to December. Northern Thailand is relatively dry and cool from December to May, and wettest in July and August. AVERAGE MIN/MAX TEMPERATURE IN 4 KHAO YAI NATIONAL PARK 5 SOUTHERN THAILAND FAHRENHEIT (°F) Off the beaten track, experience the Thailand’s south offers blissful beach escapes, JAN APR JUL OCT remote region of Khao Yai national park with idyllic islands, diving adventures and BANGKOK 68°/86° 77°/95° 75°/90° 75°/88° CHIANG with its dramatic mountain peaks rich white sand beaches backed by jungle-covered MAI 55°/84° 72°/97° 73°/88° 70°/88° with lush foliage and wildlife. national park. PHUKET 73°/88° 77°/90° 77°/88° 75°/86° Create The Moment Travel 1-800-371-4362 PRIVATE TRAVEL 64 | THAILAND FROM $1,575* per person Deluxe accommodation available. Please contact us for details. THAILAND HIGHLIGHTS 8 DAY PRIVATE ITINERARY Experience some of Thailand’s urban, historical and scenic highlights on an eight day exploration. Explore Bangkok’s Grand Palace, visit historic Kanchanaburi, home to the River Kwai, and the ancient capital of Ayuthaya’s historic ruins. In Chiang Mai, explore impressive temples within the walled old city. INCLUSIONS DAY 1: ARRIVE BANGKOK history museums and the famous Bridge GLOW TRINITY SILOM over the River Kwai, and take in lush • 6 nights accommodation, 1 night Arrive in Bangkok, where you will be met scenery from your tented camp. luxury tent accommodation prior to reaching immigration, then transfer DAY 4: AYUTHAYA • Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, 2 dinners to your hotel. SALA AYUTHAYA • Concierge service (Day 2), VIP fast Travel east towards Ayuthaya. Spend track immigration service DAY 2: BANGKOK GLOW TRINITY SILOM time visiting some of the more intact and • English speaking guide Witness the monks’ early morning chanting famous of old Ayuthaya’s World Heritage- ritual as you visit Wat Pho, Bangkok’s listed temples before ending with late oldest temple, with an impressive 45 meter afternoon drinks and watch the sun set in reclining Buddha. Explore the stunning the grounds of a beautiful 500 year old Grand Palace and glide through local temple ruin on the banks of the river. This S Start neighborhoods on a boat ride through evening enjoy a special dining experience at F Finish Thonburi’s canals. Traverse the city in sala ayuthaya, overlooking the Chao Phraya Chiang Mai F LAOS (3 nights) Air routes River and Wat Phutthaisawan under lights. Road route transport modes from tuk-tuks and long tail boats to the modern skytrain, to ✈ experience Bangkok’s many sides. DAYS 5-8: CHIANG MAI THE RIM CHIANG MAI THAILAND DAY 3: KANCHANABURI Reach cultural Chiang Mai, with its focus HINTOK TENTED CAMP RIVER KWAI River Kwai & on the arts and preserving the region’s Kanchanaburi (1 night) • Ayuthaya (1 night) Depart the city and head west to the rich heritage. Explore the alleyways of an • S Bangkok old trading community, and reach ancient Pricing does not CAMBODIA forested landscapes around the historic include flights. (2 nights) Please contact us for River Kwai. Explore Kanchanaburi’s war temple ruins of Wiang Kum Kam by bicycle. air-inclusive quote *All prices are US$ and based on low season. Agents may charge service fees and/or fees for card payments which vary. Terms and conditions apply for all inclusions and are subject to availability. Pricing does not include flights. Please contact us for air-inclusive quote. Create The Moment Travel 1-800-371-4362 PRIVATE TRAVEL THAILAND | 65 AYUTHAYA TEMPLE DRINKS HIGHLIGHTS Soak up the ancient grandeur of Ayuthaya’s OF THIS TRIP extensive temple remains with sunset drinks, as rice barges pass by on the river. CHIANG MAI ELEPHANT ENCOUNTER WAT PHO EXPERIENCE Enjoy a memorable, interactive elephant Visit beautiful Wat Pho and its impressive experience as you wash, bathe and feed reclining Buddha. The monks’ early morning Asian elephants at the Patara Elephant Farm. chanting ritual enhances the atmosphere. TEMPLE OF THE EMERALD BUDDHA, BANGKOK Our Asia experts have suggested these itineraries to highlight the very best of each region. Each trip combines private touring, authentic experiences, free time and special bonus offers at the hotels. These trips can be booked as they are or tailored to your needs. Within the old walled city, visit ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY with our featured hotels on this trip atmospheric temples including the spectacular Wat Chedi Luang, which once housed the revered Emerald HINTOK TENTED CAMP SALA AYUTHAYA Buddha. Admire the intact walls Experience the history and natural beauty Stylish Sala Ayuthaya is located in the surrounding the quarter, and enjoy of Kanchanaburi with an unforgettable stay heart of historic Ayuthaya. Explore the its boutiques and eateries. in luxury tented camp accommodation. Set ancient capital’s fascinating temples dating At the glittering Wat Phra That Doi in a bamboo forest close to the River Kwai back to the 14th century, and look out Suthep, receive a blessing at a private and the Hellfire Pass, relax in fully-equipped over the scenic Chao Praya River from ceremony, for an inside experience of private tents complete with air-conditioning, the contemporary luxury of the rooms Thailand’s rich Buddhist culture. The hot water and mini-bar. and suites in this tranquil, boutique haven. evening chanting ritual of the monks adds to the sensory experience. Visit Patara Elephant Farm, set amongst beautiful forested scenery, for an intimate encounter with the elephants. Become a ‘caretaker’ for a day, and have the opportunity to feed, bathe and exercise these majestic creatures. Transfer to the airport for your onward journey. 1-800-371-4362 PRIVATE TRAVEL 66 | THAILAND FROM $2,698* per person Luxury accommodation available. Please contact us for details. THAILAND HISTORY & CULTURE staying in deluxe 11 DAY PRIVATE ITINERARY accommodation Uncover Thailand’s history, culture and natural beauty on this 11 day journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Explore Kanchanaburi’s war history and lush jungle scenery, and wander ancient temples and ruins in the former capital of Sukhothai. In Chiang Mai, partake in activities from cooking classes to interacting with elephants. INCLUSIONS DAY 1: ARRIVE BANGKOK DAYS 3-4: KANCHANABURI SALA RATTANAKOSIN FLOATHOUSE RIVER KWAI • 8 nights hotel accommodation Arrive in Bangkok where you will be met prior Travel through scenic forest to reach • 2 nights eco-lodge accommodation to immigration, then transfer to your hotel. Kanchanaburi and the historic River Kwai. • Breakfast daily, 3 lunches, 2 dinners From your memorable base in a floating DAY 2: BANGKOK eco-lodge, set out to explore the region’s war • Concierge service (Day 2) SALA RATTANAKOSIN history including a cemetery, museum and • VIP fast track immigration service Set out to discover the city, starting with the Hellfire Pass, and soak up its picturesque • Transport in air-conditioned vehicles an early morning to visit to Wat Pho, jungle and mountain surrounds. home to an impressive reclining Buddha. Explore Bangkok’s glittering Grand Palace DAYS 5-6: SUKHOTHAI SUKHOTHAI HERITAGE before winding through Thonburi’s canals via long tail boat, to discover local life away Return briefly to Bangkok for a flight* to Sukhothai, one of Thailand’s ancient S Start from the crowds. Next, take an evening F Chiang Mai LAOS F Finish capitals. Explore the city’s fascinating (4 nights) walking tour of Chinatown’s vibrant food Air routes temple ruins by bicycle or local transport. Road route scene and sample local snacks. Sukhothai Pass the opulent Grand Palace and its DAYS 7-9: CHIANG MAI • (2 nights) sprawling, manicured grounds, and witness THE TAMARIND CHIANG MAI THAILAND ✈ the magic of the complex lit up by night. Journey north to beautiful Chiang Mai, and River Kwai & Kanchanaburi You will have the opportunity to explore stop in a local home to meet a welcoming (2 nights) Bangkok’ fascinating neighborhoods via family. In their traditional house and • CAMBODIA S Bangkok a range of diverse transport modes, from rice barn, the family will demonstrate Pricing does not (2 nights) include flights.