A Taste of Thailand
The humming capital of Bangkok, historic Kanchanaburi & the River Kwai, plus ancient Ayutthaya; optional extensions to Angkor Wat & Phuket
Overview
Style | Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 16 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. (Some exceptions, including special promotional packaged, may accommodate up to 24.) More of these packages
Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout |
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Departures | March 2024 – April 2025 | Group Size | 16 travelers max |
Themes | History & Culture | ||
Activity Level | Moderate | ||
What to Expect | This moderately-paced, escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness. Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols. | ||
Already booked? | Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more. |
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Experience a taste of Thailand on this 10-day journey, with its beautiful beaches and islands, fascinating culture, exotic architecture, and ancient ruins. Discover some of the best highlights of this magnificent country, including the bustling capital city of Bangkok, the historic River Kwai, and the ancient city of Ayutthaya—all for an amazingly affordable price.
Package includes
- Flights
- Coach
- Transfers
- Hotel
- Meals
- Guides
- Round-trip airfare from Los Angeles including taxes & fees
- Intra-Thailand transportation and transfers
- 7 nights at Superior First Class hotels
- 8 Meals: 7 breakfasts & a welcome dinner
- Comprehensive touring program including entrance fees
- Professional, English-speaking tour guides
Optional add-ons
- Flights from other select cities are available. Request pricing when making your reservation.
- Optional Angkor Wat post-tour Extension
- Optional Phuket post-tour Extension
Why you'll love it
- For each traveler visiting, Friendly Planet contributes to a carbon-neutral program which supports reforestation, clean water, replenishing mangroves, and seeding coral reefs.
- Visit Bangkok's colorful Flower Market & Grand Palace.
- Cruise the Chao Phraya River by long-tail boat.
- Indulge your taste buds at a Thai Set dinner.
- Admire the 79-meter pagoda of Wat Arun, one of the most striking riverside landmarks of Thailand.
- Navigate the canals of the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market for fresh fruit and other treats.
- Stop along the historic Bridge over the River Kwai, a staple of the infamous Death Railway.
- Meet the descendants of a Thai war hero in Kanchanaburi
- Explore the magnificent ruins of Ayutthaya
- Visit artisans in a local shop in Ayutthaya and see how they weave palm leaves into fish-shaped ornaments.
Itinerary at a Glance

- 1 Depart USA
- 2 En Route
- 3 Bangkok, Thailand
- 4 Bangkok
- Optional Excursion: Chinatown Walk (purchased locally), $35
- Optional Excursion: Cabaret show with dinner (purchased locally), $84
- 5 Bangkok
- Optional Excursion: Bites & Sites in the "Village of Love" (purchased locally), $105
- 6 Bangkok, Kanchanaburi & the River Kwai
- 7 Kanchanaburi
- 8 Kanchanaburi & Ayutthaya
- 9 Ayutthaya & Bangkok
- 10 Depart Bangkok/Arrive USA
Angkor Wat Extension
- 10 Bangkok/Siem Reap, Cambodia
- 11 Angkor Explorations
- 12 Angkor Explorations
- Optional Excursion: Dining for a Cause (purchased locally)
- 13 Depart Siem Reap/Arrive USA
Phuket Extension
- 10 Bangkok & Phuket
- 11 Phuket
- Optional Excursion: Day Tour of Phi Phi Island by Speedboat with Lunch (purchased locally)
- 12 Phuket
- Optional Excursion: Half Day Southern Community and Cultural Experience (purchased locally)
- 13 Depart Phuket/Arrive USA
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Dates & Prices
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Depart USA
- Your exotic journey begins as you check in for your flight to Thailand via Taipei
Day 2 En Route
- Cross the International Dateline and lose a day (which you will recover on the return leg of your trip)
Day 3 Bangkok, Thailand
- Arrive in Bangkok, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel
- Enjoy a traditional Thai Set dinner at a local restaurant
Montien Hotel Surawong or similar Dinner
Full Day ItineraryWelcome to Bangkok, Thailand's vibrant capital. Upon landing, meet our representative, who will escort you to your hotel followed by a welcome briefing. Spend the balance of the day at leisure. This evening, get to know your fellow travelers for a traditional Thai Set dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4 Bangkok
- Visit the Flower Market and learn how to create your own Thai garland
- Tour The Royal Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha
- See the mysterious Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho
- Spend the balance of the day at leisure or enjoy one (or both!) of our optional excursions
Montien Hotel Surawong or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryWelcome to Bangkok! Start your day with a visit to Bangkok's vibrant and colorful Flower Market. Meet with a local vendor and create a traditional Thai flower garland that you can present as an offering at any of Bangkok's magnificent temples.
Next, depart for The Royal Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. For 150 years, the Grand Palace served as the home of the King and his court and the entire administrative seat of government. Within its grounds, you'll also visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), a structure built to house a large Buddha image carved from a solid piece of green jadeite (jasper). Continue to Wat Pho, founded in the 17th century and the oldest temple in Bangkok. This temple is also home to the remarkable Reclining Buddha, one of the largest in the world, whose face depicts the attainment of Nirvana and whose feet are inlaid with mother-of-pearl.The afternoon is leisurely to explore Bangkok on your own or join other locally available optional excursions.
Optional Excursion: Chinatown Walk (purchased locally), $35This afternoon, drive to Chinatown Square, where you will start an exciting walk through one of the oldest parts of Bangkok. Walk along Yaowarat Road, where you'll visit exciting shops selling unique objects. Continue to an old tea shop to enjoy Chinese tea with the locals before heading to Talad Kao for a busy local market with fresh food, fruits, and Chinese herbs. End the walk at Wat Leng Nei Yi to visit the Taoist temple, and continue to Wat Traimit on the edge of Chinatown, which houses the world's most giant solid gold Buddha.
Sold locally at approximately 1,150 THB
Optional Excursion: Cabaret show with dinner (purchased locally), $84Day 5 Bangkok
- Enjoy the morning at leisure or take part in an optional excursion
- Afternoon boat ride along the Chao Phraya River
- Visit to the Royal Barge Museum
- Stop by Wat Arun, the magnificent temple of Dawn
Montien Hotel Surawong Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryEnjoy the morning at leisure, or join an optional food and culture excursion.This afternoon, experience an exhilarating boat ride along the bustling Chao Phraya River and the quiet Klongs (canals) in a long-tail boat. Travel back to a more traditional way of life, far removed from Bangkok's modern skyscrapers. Visit the Royal Barge Museum to witness the beautiful barges used by the King on state occasions, then visit Wat Arun, the magnificent temple of Dawn with its 79-meter pagoda or 'prang,' built in the Khmer style.Optional Excursion: Bites & Sites in the "Village of Love" (purchased locally), $105Begin the day by joining a local guide on an insightful walking and food tour through the Bangrak neighborhood, known as the "Village of Love," an ideal place for food lovers and curious travelers to connect over authentic local culture and cuisine. Known for its food and family-run stalls, stop to taste the best local snacks, from the traditional to the exotic. Engage with the chefs and store owners and listen to their stories and the history of Bangrak. After glimpsing into the past and the "real" Bangrak culture, continue to the afternoon tour.
Sold locally at approximately 3,200 THB
Day 6 Bangkok, Kanchanaburi & the River Kwai
- Scenic morning drive through the Thai countryside to Samut Songkhram Province
- Visit the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market on a long-tail boat ride
- See the historic bridge over the River Kwai before touring the Death Railway museum
- Visits today also include the war cemetery
Royal Riverkwai Resort & Spa or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryAfter an early morning breakfast, drive to Samut Songkhram Province, enjoying the scenic Thai countryside. See a unique country market that has sprouted up along the tracks of the Maeklong Railway Market. The true marvel here is watching vendors skillfully move their stalls out of the way of trains passing through the market.Next, experience the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market via a long-tail boat ride through the canals to see how Thai people live alongside the labyrinth of canals in this area. Arrive at the famous market, where you can stroll around the colorful floating stalls bustling with boats and vendors selling tropical fruits and other delights.Continue to Kanchanaburi. Upon arrival, visit the historic Bridge over the River Kwai, part of the infamous Death Railway built by the Japanese using Allied prisoners of war during World War II. At the Death Railway museum, you'll learn more about life in the camps, the building of the bridge, and the more than 8,000 POWs who died during construction. Visits today also include the war cemetery. Later this afternoon check into your hotel.
Day 7 Kanchanaburi
- Panoramic train ride viewing the Kwai gorge
- Meet with the surviving family members of influential Thai war heroes
- Enjoy the evening at leisure
Royal Riverkwai Resort & Spa or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryThis morning, enjoy a scenic one-hour train ride on the famous Death Railway, admiring the breathtaking panoramic view of the Kwai gorge. Take in the significance of the railway as you pass through Thailand's rural and agricultural provinces.In the afternoon, transfer to the Pak Praek Community, Kanchanaburi's historic quarter, rich in culture and history. Pass along the wooden houses and shops and meet with a local history expert who will take you along this interesting route. Stop at the Chuan Panich Shop and the House Boonpong, a Thai merchant's former residence credited with saving many lives during World War II. With courageous intentions, Mr. Boonpong Sirivejaphan smuggled medicine, money, and food to POWs working on the railway. His valiant work received abundant praise from many, including Queen Elizabeth II. Meet and talk with this war hero's descendants and better understand the significance of these two houses. The rest of your evening is free at leisure.
Day 8 Kanchanaburi & Ayutthaya
- Drive to the ancient city of Ayutthaya and visit some of its historic sights
- Visit Wat Yai Chaimongkhol and see the statue of the Reclining Buddha
- Discover the sculpture of a Buddha head woven into tree roots
- Explore the Mongkol Bophit Temple Market and local shops
- Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore on your own
Kantary Hotel Ayutthaya or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryAfter breakfast, make your way to the ancient city of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. King U-Thong founded the city of Ayutthaya in 1350 as the capital of his Kingdom of Siam. By 1700, Ayutthaya had as many as a million inhabitants, making it one of the largest cities in the world at the time. But in 1767, the Burmese army invaded and destroyed the city. Nevertheless, magnificent ruins of the old city remain, with some restored. Exciting archaeological excavations are still proceeding at many sites in the area. Among the ruins, see Wat Yai Chaimongkhol and view the reclining Buddha statue, then visit Wat Mahathat to discover a Buddha head entwined in tree roots.
Next, continue to a vibrant market next to the Mongkhon Bophit Temple. Witness how they make Roti Sai Mai, a Thai dessert similar to cotton candy. Watch as a local vendor demonstrates how the sweet is made, and have an opportunity to create your own!
Afterward, enjoy the whimsical former capital of Thailand on your own. Later this afternoon check into your hotel.Day 9 Ayutthaya & Bangkok
- Learn more about an integral part of the Thai lifestyle, rice harvesting
- Visit the Bang Pa to view King Rama IV's summer palace
- View the Gothic-style architecture of Wat Niwet Thammaprawat
- Return to Bangkok in the afternoon and enjoy a final night on your own
Montien Hotel Surawong or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryThis morning, visit Klong Pho Community to learn about rice's integral part of the Thai lifestyle. Farmers across Thailand spend their days planting rice crops in the spring months in time for the summer rainy season. When the rainy season passes, the rice is harvested and becomes a staple in the Thai diet. Meet with a local family whose living mainly depends on rice harvesting and the tools used to harvest the rice. Engage with the family on the importance of this practice and discover the integral and fascinating tools they use.Afterward, the day's sightseeing takes you to Bang Pa to view King Rama IV's summer palace, once used by the king and queen to host receptions and banquets. The palace and surrounding temples represent an appealing fusion of Thai, Chinese, and European architectural styles.
Next, experience the stunning serenity of Bang Pa and King Rama IV’s summer palace, once used by the king and queen to host receptions and banquets. The palace and surrounding temples represent an appealing fusion of Thai, Chinese, and European architectural styles.Continue to Wat Niwet Thammaprawat, one of the most distinctive Buddhist temples with remarkable Gothic architecture and stained glass windows. Finally, return to Bangkok and enjoy your final night at leisure with the rest of our fellow travelers.Day 10 Depart Bangkok/Arrive USA
- Today, bid farewell to Thailand as you transfer to the airport to board your return flight to the USA via Taipei
- Or, take advantage of your already included international airfare and join our optional extensions to Angkor Wat or Phuket Island, or both!
Breakfast
*NOTE: Due to high water levels during and closely following monsoon season (summer into early winter), select sites among the canals may have restricted access. If any sites are temporarily restricted, equally enjoyable visits will be substituted.
Angkor Wat Extension
Take advantage of your already-included international airfare by joining our extension to Cambodia for a special opportunity to visit Angkor Wat, a massive complex of temples that ranks among the most fascinating religious sites in the world. For JFK passengers, the Angkor Wat Extension must be arranged on a custom basis to be coordinated with China Airlines' JFK schedule which may require flying from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh on Day 12 and overnighting in Phnom Penh; please contact us for details.
Day 10 Bangkok/Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap, gateway to the Angkor Archaeological Park. After customs formalities, transfer to your hotel for check-in.
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park contains the ruins of more than 1000 stone temples dating from the 9th to the 13th centuries
Borei Angkor Resort & Spa or similar Breakfast
Day 11 Angkor Explorations
- Tour the royal walled city of Angkor Thom
- Visit the Bayon Temple in the exact center of the city
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Explore the temples of the Small Circuit
- Discover the famous Angkor Wat archaeological site
- Dinner at a local restaurant
Borei Angkor Resort & Spa or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Full Day ItineraryBuilt by the Khmer civilization between 802 and 1220 AD, the temples at Angkor and the great city surrounding it represent one of mankind's most astonishing and enduring architectural achievements. Today's structures are the surviving remains of a grand religious, social, and administrative metropolis. Other buildings, such as palaces, public buildings, and houses were built of wood and have long since decayed and vanished.
Satellite photographs reveal Angkor to have been the largest preindustrial city in the world, with an urban sprawl of 3000 square kilometers (the closest rival is Tikal in Guatemala, at most 150 square kilometers) and supporting a population of up to one million people. Mysteriously abandoned in the 15th century, the Angkor site remained primarily cloaked by the forest until the late 19th century, when archaeologists began to clear away the forest and embark on a lengthy restoration process.
After breakfast, begin your explorations at the mysterious walled city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire. The city is surrounded by an 8-meter high wall, drawing a perfect square, 4km on each side. Enter the city through the South Gate, an impressive stone entryway flanked by larger-than-life carved elephants and capped with four giant smiling faces of the Buddha. On each side of the entrance path stands a row of 54 gods and demons, each holding a sacred Naga snake.
Continue to Bayon Temple, located in the exact center of the city of Angkor Thom. This monument includes dozens of towers featuring faces that some believe depict King Jayavarman VII as a Buddhist deity. While the scores of faces are nearly identical, the staggering height of the towers and the different viewpoints keep the design from appearing repetitious. Atop the temple, you are engulfed by the silent, enigmatic gaze of those faces, staring out from a remote time in history through half-closed eyes.
After lunch at a local restaurant, explore the temples of the Small Circuit. The most famous is Ta Prohm Temple, built in the mid-12th to early 13th centuries. Ta Prohm is still as large as it was when discovered: overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground, giving it the most mysterious atmosphere of the temples in the Angkor area.
Continue to the magnificent Angkor Wat archaeological site, built by Suryavarman II in the early 12th century. Inside the temple, carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the region's history cover the walls. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 12 Angkor Explorations
- Visit the "Citadel of Women"
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Create a memorable souvenir at a social enterprise that re-purposes recycled plastic
- Afternoon tour of the Roluos Group: Preah Ko, Bakong, and Lolei temples
- Spend the evening at leisure or join an optional excursion
- NOTE: JFK schedule may require flying from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh for overnight
Borei Angkor Resort & Spa or similar Breakfast & lunch
Full Day ItineraryThis morning's excursion takes you to the "gem" of the Angkor area, the beautiful pink-sandstone temple of Banteay Srey, best viewed in the warm morning light. The so-called "Citadel of the Women" was built between the 11th and 13th centuries and remains the best preserved temple in Cambodia. The temple displays some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art and is noted for its truly remarkable fine bas-reliefs depicting the Hindu god Shiva.
After lunch at a local restaurant, join a group of underprivileged mothers and learn how to make a personal upcycled souvenir. These wonderful women craft incredible and colorful products made from plastic trash! Take part in this meaningful social business fighting poverty and plastic waste.Later, visit three early-Angkor era temples of the Roluos Group: Preah Ko, Bakong, and Lolei, built by King Indravarman I and his successor in the 9th century. The surrounding countryside, with its paddy fields and sugar palm trees, is very typical for Cambodia – enjoy the natural beauty and get in touch with rural Cambodia and its friendly people. This evening is at your leisure, or join an optional dining tour that visits some of Siem Reap's tastiest restaurants.NOTE: JFK schedule may require flying from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh for overnight and continuing back to the USA from Phnom Penh on Day 13.
Optional Excursion: Dining for a Cause (purchased locally)One distinctive feature of the culinary scene in Siem Reap is a selection of restaurants providing culinary arts training to disadvantaged Cambodian youth. Visit a variety of such culinary social enterprises to enjoy some of the finest Khmer cuisines while supporting the education of at-risk youth.
Day 13 Depart Siem Reap/Arrive USA
- Transfer to the airport for the short flight to Bangkok, then continue to the USA via Taipei
Breakfast
Phuket Extension
Take advantage of your already-included international airfare and enjoy a luxurious and relaxing stay on Phuket Island, Thailand's most famous resort.
Day 10 Bangkok & Phuket
- Fly to Phuket and transfer to your hotel upon arrival
- Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure
Amari Phuket or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItinerarySpend two full days at leisure to relax, shop, or tour this scenic island, Thailand's largest. Phuket and the 39 smaller islands to the southeast are studded with tropical forests, mountains, gravity-defying limestone formations, and pristine beaches, surrounded by coral reefs and the aquamarine water of the balmy Andaman Sea. The west coast of Phuket was hit severely by the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004. Still, the resilient people have quickly rebuilt it, and almost no evidence of the damage now remains. Phuket is a melting pot of Buddhists, Thai-Chinese, Muslims, and even sea gypsies, whom you'll find warm and welcoming.
With warm, humid weather year-round, you'll enjoy plenty of sun-drenched days lounging on the beach and all types of water sports, including jet-skiing, parasailing, surfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. Most of the dive locations are suitable for all skill levels. The waters abound with colorful coral forests, tropical fish, and other marine life, including leopard sharks, moray eels, octopus, and turtles.
Phuket is also the sailing and yachting center of Thailand and adjacent countries, with several races and regattas happening throughout the year. And in the unlikely event that you can pull yourself away from the beach, you'll find opportunities to ride horses, hike, mountain bike, and even golf. Afterward, unwind at one of the many spas or one of the excellent acrobatic, theatrical, or cultural shows.Optional Excursion: Day Tour of Phi Phi Island by Speedboat with Lunch (purchased locally)Escape to a quieter and more natural side of southern Thailand on a day trip from Phuket. This morning, board a speedboat for a 45-minute trip to the six scenic Phi Phi Islands. As you cruise toward paradise, see spectacular limestone karsts that jut out from the blue seas. Pass by Maya Bay, arguably one of Thailand’s most beautiful places, as well as Phi Phi Lay Cove and Monkey Beach--featuring stunning white sands lined with swaying palm trees.Enjoy lunch at Tonsai Bay, the southern stretch of Phi Phi Ley Island, surrounded by sweeping sea views. In the afternoon, cruise to the Bamboo Islands for snorkeling and swimming in the Andaman Sea.After a spectacular day cruising the Phi Phi Islands, it is time to return to Phuket in the early evening.Note: This is a shared tour.Optional Excursion: Half Day Southern Community and Cultural Experience (purchased locally)Discover the enchanting cultural village of Baan Kamala in Phuket, where tradition meets tropical paradise. Immerse yourself in Thai heritage as you explore this vibrant Muslim community, known for its warm hospitality and captivating local customs. From traditional performances to authentic cuisine, Baan Kamala is a must-visit destination for a truly immersive and enriching experience in Southern Thailand.
Meet with locals when you arrive, and throughout the half-day tour, participate in hands-on activities, allowing you to be a part of the tapestry of local life. Learn how to make khanom duen, a local dessert, and kaeng som--a famous (and spicy!) Southern Thai dish made of buffalo oranges. Or, enjoy painting sarong or batik with a personal design.
Day 13 Depart Phuket/Arrive USA
- Transfer to the airport for the short flight to Bangkok, then continue to the USA via Taipei
- Passengers returning to JFK must leave Phuket early in the morning before breakfast is served at the hotel
Breakfast
Combining Extensions
Travelers may take both Angkor Wat and Phuket extensions, in that order. On Day 13 of the Angkor Wat extension, passengers will continue to Phuket Island for three nights returning to LAX on Day 16. JFK passengers will overnight in Taipei en route back to New York.
Hotels
In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.
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Trip Details
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What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
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Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Travel visas are required for this package. Please review the visa & entry requirements.
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Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
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Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
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Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
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What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
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What should I know about Cambodia? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
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What should I know about Thailand? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.