THAILAND SPECIALIST COLLECTION SPECIALIST OVER 40 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE EXPLORE DISCOVER TRUSTED TRAVEL Fascinating Exotic Thai Hill tribe villages and EXPERIENCE temples and cuisine, cultural city living, a myriad gilded royal performances, white of entertainment palaces sand beaches options www.thompsons.co.za AN EXOTIC KALEIDOSCOPE WHY THAILAND WITH THOMPSONS? This multi-faceted destination boasts incredible cultural and topographical diversity and Eastern treasures. It’s full of fascinating attractions, from majestic ruins and ancient monasteries to gleaming temples, golden Buddhas and cultural festivals. Discover the different shades of Thailand… Learn to cook traditional Thai dishes at special • Shades of Thai Gastronomy cookery schools, go shopping in sophisticated city • Shades of Thai Art and Craft plazas or bustling bazaars and find treasures in • Shades of Thai Culture tiny street stalls. The country has so much to offer, • Shades of Thai Beach / Nature from world-famous spas to exotic jungles, exquisite • Shades of Thai Way of Life tropical islands offering white sand beaches and pristine coral reefs. Embark on a choice of fun water sports activities, savour stunning cuisine… there’s always something new and exciting to discover. The Thai concept of ‘sanuk’, which means ‘having fun’ is what Thailand is all about. And this exciting Eastern destination, also known as ‘The land of smiles’ is just waiting to be discovered. Khao Lak (Pg. 22) TRAVEL WITH CONFIDENCE WITH A GLOBAL COMPANY With 40 years of travel experience you know you’re in good hands. We offer expert advice for all your travel requirements. Thompsons Holidays is a division of Cullinan Holdings Group and a member of THE TRAVEL CORPORATION, a fourth-generation family-owned group. Our financial stability is the key to a hassle- free holiday. UNRIVALLED VALUE FOR MONEY TRIED AND TESTED HOLIDAYS As the largest South African tour operator, our unsurpassed buying power ensures you get the best deals. WE ARE WITH YOU 24/7 Thompsons is with you all the way – your friend in an emergency is our special care line. Star gradings (***) vary from country to country. This brochure features the star gradings of the host country and might not always reflect the same standards as in SA. Know BEFORE yoU GO L ANGUAGE: Thai is the official language. English is P LUG TYPE: American (Flat 2-pin plug) and European (Round widely spoken. 2-pin plug). An international adapter is recommended. Standard CURR ENCY: Thai Baht. Forex booths accept ALL voltage – 220V. MAJOR currencies. Major credit cards such as Visa, Healt H: Seek professional advice. Mastercard and American Express are accepted. TR avel INSURANCE: Contact Thompsons for more info. V isa: South African passport holders do not require a visa for a stay of up to 30 days. Passport must be COMMUNITY BASED TOURISM valid for 6 months beyond intended departure date. CBT Thompsons Holidays supports the Tourism T IME: 5 Hours ahead of South Africa. Authority of Thailand in their Community Based W eatHER: Year-round destination. Hotter season Tourism (CBT) initiative which revolves around respect for local (Mar. – May) / Monsoon season (Jun. – Oct.) / people, their customs, traditions, beliefs and uplifting them in Cooler season (Nov. – Feb.). a sustainable way to support themselves. This initiative also conserves the environment and protects local wildlife. “Travel like a local” exploring the real Thailand in a sustainable way. 2 Share your memories with us on @thompsonsholidays @ThompsonsH Chiang-Rai (Pg. 4) Chiang-Mai (Pg. 4) Thailand Bangkok (Pg. 10) Pattaya (Pg. 30) Hua Hin (Pg. 30) Koh Samui (Pg. 28) Khao Lak (Pg. 22) Phuket (Pg. 14) Krabi (Pg. 26) Koh Phi Phi (Pg. 24) DISTANCES (EstimatE TRavELLING TIME) BY AIR BY ROAD BY FERRY From BANGKOK to – From PHUKET to – From PHUKET to – • Phuket : 01H25 • Elephant Hills Camp : 03H30 • Phi Phi : 02H00 • Koh Samui : 01H10 • Khao Lak : 01H25 • Krabi : 01H20 • Krabi : 02H00 From KRABI to – • Chiang Mai : 01H15 • Phi Phi : 01H30 • Chiang Rai : 01H15 From KRABI to – • Khao Lak : Fly into Phuket / Krabi • Elephant Hills Camp : 03H00 From KOH SAMUI to – • Phi Phi : Fly into Phuket / Krabi • Koh Phangan : 30 Minutes From BANGKOK to – • Koh Tao : 02H30 From PHUKET to – • Pattaya : 02H20 • Koh Samui : 55 Minutes • Hua Hin : 02H40 • Chiang Mai : 01H55 • Chiang Rai : 02H05 From KRABI to – • Koh Samui : 50 Minutes • Chiang Mai : 01H40 Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Krabi and Koh Samui, all have their own airports. Share your memories with us on @thompsonsholidays @ThompsonsH 3 T orthern Thailand Northern hailand features flat rice- MOUNTAIN COUNTRY N growing plains surrounded by sharp-peaked, forested hills, mountains, hill tribe villages and the golden spires of thousands of temples. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, plenty of cultural activities, breathtaking scenery or an abundance of adventure, you will find it in this fascinating destination. CHIANG MAI CHIANG RAI Thailand’s second-largest city is set in lush mountains in the Despite offering numerous luxury hotels, excellent restaurants scenic Chiang Mai Province. It features glittering temples, lush and bars, Chiang Rai is quieter, greener and less flashy than jungles, Thai cooking schools, year-round cultural festivals Chiang Mai. It’s located in Thailand’s northernmost province, and lively markets, making it a great base for a variety of which offers a variety of experiences. The mountains in the area activities, from trekking and white water rafting to mountain are among the most dramatic in the country and in terms of biking and hill tribe visits. Here, life is at a slower pace. Enjoy people, it’s among Thailand’s most ethnically diverse provinces. a world-class massage, watch sunrise from a jungle hilltop or While visiting here you can learn about various hill tribe cultures spend the night dancing to live music by the riverside. by exploring the town museum. TOP SIGHTSEEING EXPERIENCES TONG-BAI ELEPHANT GOLDEN TRIANGLE CHIANG MAI NIGHT FOUNDATION TOUR 3-COUNTRY EXPERIENCE CYCLE RIDE Experience the friendliness of the Visit Thailand, Myanmar and Laos, all Discover the secrets of Chiang Mai Tong-Bai Foundation elephants and in one day. From Mae Sai (Thailand), after dark on this 20km bicycle tour. contribute towards the protection of you walk into Myanmar to visit a It’s an easy ride with plenty of snack these gentle giants. You can interact colourful market. Then explore breaks, exploring the city’s hidden with them and even bathe in the river Chiang Saen, which is famous for its corners, watching people practise Tai with them. No riding of the elephants ruins and enjoy a long-tail boat ride Chi, admiring golden chedis gleaming is permitted. to Don Sao in Laos where you can in the moonlight and shopping at a pick up local handicrafts. bustling night market. CBT THOMPSONS TIP: Pre-book memorable sightseeing experiences prior to departure. ENQUIRE FOR HOTEL STAY AND FOR MORE SIGHTSEEING EXPERIENCES OPTIONS. 4 Share your memories with us on @thompsonsholidays @ThompsonsH CULTURAL EXPERIENCES CBT 3 DAYS GOLDEN TRIANGLE AND HILL TRIBES TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Chiang Mai | Palong Village | Hill Tribes | Doi Mae Salong | Doi Tung | Mae Sai | Golden Triangle | Chiang Rai DAY 1 (L / D) DAY 3 (B / L / D) CHianG Mai – PalonG VillaGE Doi TUNg – Mae Sai – Golden Visit an Orchid Farm and an elephant TRianGle – CHianG Rai camp. Then embark on an exciting river Explore the beautiful King’s Mother adventure on a bamboo raft. Enjoy Garden and then head to Mae Sai. Visit lunch, then head for the Palong Hill the Golden Triangle where the borders Tribe Village for dinner and a traditional of Thailand, Laos and Burma meet. Take dance presentation. Overnight at a a boat ride along the Mekong River to hotel. ancient Chiang Saen where you enjoy lunch. Then transfer to Chiang Rai DAY 2 (B / L / D) Airport. PHITSANULOK – SUKHOTHAI – SRI SATCHANALAI – LAMPANG Travel to the 13th century town of Sukhothai to explore the temples of ExtRA InclUsions Wat Sra Sri and Wat Sri Chum. After • Bamboo rafting trip lunch, discover some of the city’s most • Boat trip interesting temples. Continue towards Lampang for dinner and overnight. 5 DAYS AROUND NORTHERN THAILAND TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Bangkok | Ayutthaya | Lopburi | Phitsanulok | Sukhothai | Sri Satchanalai | Lampang | Lamphun | Chiang Mai DAY 1 (L / D) DAY 3 (B / L) BanGkok – AYUttHAYA – LopbURI LAMpang – LAMPHUN – CHianG Mai ItineRARies inclUde – PHitsanUlok Visit the stunning Wat Phra Dhat • Transportation Depart Bangkok, stopping at Bang Lampang Luang and Wat Phra Keo Don Pa In, former summer residence Tao temples. On to Lamphun to see the • English speaking guide of the Kings of Ayutthaya. Visit beautiful Wat Haripoonchai Burmese • Accommodation & meals as the Royal Palace, the Thai pavilion Style temple. Enjoy lunch in Chiang specified in itinerary and the Chinese-style Palace Vihat Mai before visiting the holy mountain Chamrun. Continue to Ayutthaya temple,Wat Phra Dhat Doi Suthep. NOT INCLUDED with its interesting temples then head Dinner and overnight. to Lopburi. After lunch, continue to • International & domestic Phitsanuloke for dinner and overnight. DAY 4 (B / L / D) flights CHianG Mai • Expenses of a personal DAY 2 (B / L / D) Drive to Mae Sa Elephant Camp to nature PHitsanUlok – SUKHotHai – SRI watch Thailand’s gentle national SatcHanalai – LAMpanG animals. Then visit an orchid and • Travel insurance. Travel to the 13th century town of butterfly farm. Enjoy lunch, then, head • Gratuities Sukhothai to explore the temples of to Sankampaeng’s workshops to watch Wat Sra Sri and Wat Sri Chum. After traditional handicrafts being made – it’s lunch, discover some of the city’s also a great place for shopping. Dinner interesting temples. Continue towards and overnight. Ask Thompsons for packages Lampang. Dinner and overnight. including flights DAY 5 (B) CHianG Mai MEAL BASIS Transfer to Chiang Mai Airport for your departure flight.