A Taste of Thailand

Overview

Itinerary at a Glance

• 1 Depart USA
• 2 En Route
• 3 Bangkok, Thailand
• 4 Bangkok
• Optional Excursion: Chinatown Walk (purchased locally), $35
• Optional Excursion: Calypso Cabaret Show (purchased locally), $48
• 5 Bangkok
• Optional Excursion: Old Bangkok Street Food Tour (purchased locally), $45
• 6 Bangkok, Kanchanaburi & the River Kwai
• 7 Kanchanaburi
• 8 Kanchanaburi & Ayutthaya
• 9 Ayutthaya & Bangkok
• Optional Excursion: Muay Thai Show (purchased locally), $76
• 10 Depart Bangkok/Arrive USA
• Optional Excursion: The Silk Route of Jim Thompson (purchased locally), $42

Angkor Wat Extension

• 10 Bangkok/Siem Reap, Cambodia
• 11 Angkor Explorations
• 12 Angkor Explorations
• 13 Depart Siem Reap/Arrive USA

Phuket Extension

• 10 Bangkok & Phuket
• 11 Phuket
• Optional Excursion: Day Cruise by June Bahtra (purchased locally)
• 12 Phuket
• Optional Excursion: Day Tour of Phi Phi Island by Speedboat (purchased locally)
• 13 Depart Phuket/Arrive USA

Videos

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, and after customs formalities, transfer to your centrally located hotel for check-in and a welcome briefing with fellow travelers
• Balance of the day at leisure
• Enjoy a traditional Thai Set dinner at a local restaurant

Rembrandt Hotel & Suites or similar Dinner

Day 4 Bangkok

• Tour The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha
• Balance of the day at leisure or enjoy one (or both!) of our optional excursions

Rembrandt Hotel & Suites or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Temples, along with the monarchy, are the fabric that binds together the national identity that is Thailand, and some of the most interesting of Thai temples are found in Bangkok. This morning, depart for The 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 as well as 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 amazing 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. Balance of the day is at leisure.

Optional Excursion: Chinatown Walk (purchased locally), $35

This 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 interesting shops selling unique objects. Continue to an old tea shop to enjoy a cup of Chinese tea with the locals before heading to Talad Kao for a busy local market with a variety of fresh food, fruits, and Chinese herbs. End the walk at Wat Leng Nei Yi to visit the Taoist temple, and continue to Wat Trimitr on the edge of Chinatown, which houses the world’s largest solid gold Buddha.

Optional Excursion: Calypso Cabaret Show (purchased locally), $48

This evening, transfer to the Thai dance show at Calypso Cabaret, one of Bangkok’s renowned shows. Calypso Cabaret is located at Asiatique the Riverfront, which is a famous night venue for dining, shopping and entertainment, and features its unique setting with a panoramic view of the Chao Phraya River. Afterwards, transfer back to your hotel.

Day 5 Bangkok

• Enjoy the morning at leisure or take part in an optional excursion
• Afternoon boat ride along Chao Phraya River
• Visit to the Royal Barge Museum
• Stop by Wat Arun, the magnificent temple of Dawn

Rembrandt Hotel & Suites Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Enjoy the morning at leisure. This afternoon, experience an exhilarating boat ride along the bustling Chao Phraya River and the quiet Klongs (canals) in a long tail boat. Be taken back in time 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: Old Bangkok Street Food Tour (purchased locally), $45

This morning, venture on a street food tour of Bangkok! Stop by Wat Suthat, one of the oldest and largest Buddhist temples in Bangkok. Wander down quiet streets to a small, historic coffee shop for old-style Thai coffee, then continue to a stall making ‘khanom thua paep,’ a unique rice crepe. A few steps away sample another local specialty, ‘qui chaii,’ a dumpling stuffed with delicious vegetables.

Along your walk you will come to the Chinese Chao Phor Suea Shrine to view its unique tiger god image. Then, enjoy a visit to a coconut ice cream shop. More food awaits as you discover a small market and browse the stalls selling fresh seafood, fruits, spices and more. Learn about the local market culture and uses for some of the more exotic ingredients on sale.

After this tasty experience, walk through the neighborhood to visit a Buddha statue manufacturer to witness the process of making the statues. Afterwards, transfer back to the hotel with a full belly and a greater understanding of Thailand’s food culture.

Day 6 Bangkok, Kanchanaburi & the River Kwai

• Scenic morning drive through Thai countryside to Samut Songkhram Province
• Visit 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 Itinerary

After breakfast this morning, drive about an hour south of Bangkok to Samut Songkhram Province, enjoying the beautiful Thai countryside along the way. See an amazing country market that has sprouted up along the tracks of the Maeklong Railway Market. The true marvel here is watching as vendors skillfully move their stalls out of the way of trains passing right through the market.

Next, visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and take a long-tail boat ride through the canals and 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.

Day 7 Kanchanaburi

• Panoramic train ride viewing the Kwai gorge
• Afternoon at leisure

Royal Riverkwai Resort & Spa or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

This morning, take a one hour train ride on the famous Death Railway passing the breathtaking panoramic view of the Kwai gorge. The rest of the afternoon is yours at leisure. We suggest a visit to the resort's spa for a Thai massage, steam bath, or a dip in the pool.

Day 8 Kanchanaburi & Ayutthaya

• This morning drive to the ancient city of Ayutthaya and visit some of its historic sights
• Visit the Wat Chaiwattanaram monastery
• Discover the sculpture of a Buddha head woven in tree roots
• Visit Wat Yai Chaimongkhol and see the statue of the Reclining Buddha
• 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 Itinerary

After breakfast this morning, board your motor coach and drive 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 city was invaded and destroyed by the Burmese army. Magnificent ruins of the old city still remain, some having been restored. Exciting archaeological excavations are still proceeding at many sites in the area.

Upon arrival, you’ll visit some of Ayutthaya's historical sites. Among the ruins, you will see the Wat Chaiwattanaram monastery, Wat Mahathat to discover a Buddha head entwined in tree roots, and Wat Yai Chaimongkhol to view the reclining Buddha statue. Continue to a vibrant market located next to the Mongkol Bophit Temple. Here, you’ll see how they make Roti Sai Mai, a Thai dessert similar to cotton candy and sometimes served in a sweet, colorful crepe. After you’ve explored the market, you’ll get a chance to see artisans in a local shop make fish-shaped ornaments from woven palm leaves. The balance of the day is at leisure to explore Ayutthaya independently.

Day 9 Ayutthaya & Bangkok

• Half day sightseeing tour of Ayutthaya
• 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
• Optional visit this evening

Rembrandt Hotel & Suites or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Today's sightseeing tour takes you first to Bang Pa to view King Rama IV's summer palace, used occasionally by the king and queen to host receptions and banquets. The palace and its 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 its remarkable Gothic style architecture and stained glass windows. Continue to Bangkok this afternoon.

Later, enjoy your last evening in Thailand at your leisure, or join an optional excursion to see the Muay Thai Live Show!

Optional Excursion: Muay Thai Show (purchased locally), $76

In the evening, transfer to your Muay Thai live Show. Created by acclaimed director Ekachai Uekrongtham, Muay Thai Live: The Legend Lives is a spectacular stage show about the history of Thai boxing, from its origins to present day. The show is presented in five thrilling chapters – The Tiger King, The Prisoner with Eight Limbs, The Warrior with Broken Swords, The Lethal Art of Muay Thai, and The Modern Action Hero. It also includes Muay Thai Live Boxing: Warrior Rising. A unique program that shows how the ancient and sacred art of Muay Thai has evolved into one of the most spectacular martial arts in the world.

Day 10 Depart Bangkok/Arrive USA

• Enjoy a morning at leisure or take part in an optional excursion
• 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

Optional Excursion: The Silk Route of Jim Thompson (purchased locally), $42

This morning, visit the Jim Thompson House. Located along a canal in the city center, this beautiful teak mansion was the former residence of Jim Thompson, the charismatic American silk merchant. Wander around the leafy compound, exploring the traditional teak buildings to learn more about his involvement in the silk trade and his mysterious disappearance. Admire the priceless antiques on display while gaining insight into Thai heritage and tradition.

After the tour of Thompson’s home, cross the canal to Baan Krua Thai Silk Weaving Community. This community is home to remarkable local artisans, many of whom used to weave for Jim Thompson. Today, two original weaving families still remain. Visit their local workshops, witness artisans producing high-quality Thai silk products and learn about their traditional methods of weaving.

Angkor Wat Extension

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

Sokha Angkor Resort 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

Sokha Angkor Resort or similar Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Built by the Khmer civilization between 802 and 1220 AD, the temples at Angkor and the great city that surrounded them represent one of mankind's most astonishing and enduring architectural achievements. The structures you see today are the surviving remains of a grand religious, social and administrative metropolis whose other buildings—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 largely cloaked by the forest until the late 19th century, when archaeologists began to clear away the forest and embark on a long restoration process that continues today.

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 represented as a Buddhist deity. While the scores of faces are nearly identical, the staggered height of the towers and the different viewpoint of each keep the design from appearing repetitious. Atop the temple, you are engulfed by the silent, enigmatic gaze of those faces, through half-closed eyes, staring out from a remote time in history.

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 unique in that it has been left largely as it was found: 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, the walls are covered with carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the history of the region. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 12 Angkor Explorations

• Visit the "Citadel of Women"
• Lunch at a local restaurant
• Afternoon tour of the Roluos Group: Preah Ko, Bakong, and Lolei temples
• NOTE: JFK schedule may require flying from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh for overnight

Sokha Angkor Resort or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

This morning's excursion takes you to the "Citadel of Women" of Banteay Srei and Banteay Samré, considered to be the birthplace of Khmer classical architecture. After lunch at a local restaurant, 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. 

NOTE: JFK schedule may require flying from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh for overnight continuing back to the USA from Phnom Penh on Day 13.

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

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

Day 11 Phuket

• Full day at leisure or enjoy an optional excursion

Amari Phuket or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

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, but the resilient people have quickly rebuilt, 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 manner of water sports, including jet-skiing, parasailing, surfing, scuba and snorkeling. Most of the dive locations are suitable for all skill levels, and 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. Afterwards, unwind at one of the many spas or one of the excellent acrobatic, theatrical or cultural shows.

Join an optional tour to the breathtaking Phi Phi islands. Take a trip by boat and bus to Phang Nha Bay and to the limestone spire known as "James Bond Island" for its role in The Man with the Golden Gun.

Optional Excursion: Day Cruise by June Bahtra (purchased locally)

Departing early this morning, experience the spectacular limestone scenery of Phang Nga Bay onboard the June Bahtra, a traditional Chinese junk bearing designs from Thai, Malay and Dutch influences. Recline on comfortable deck cushions below the schooner’s striking red sails as the scores of beautiful islands and towering limestone spectacles unfold before you. Stopping at a deserted white sandy beach, a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters beckons. Later, a ride on a long tail boat will take you to the caves and grottoes scattered throughout the mangrove delta, with birdsong and monkey chatter keeping you entertained along the way. At James Bond Island, revel in the views of the iconic rock formation jutting out of the azure bay. Back onboard, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch followed by a leisurely afternoon of swimming, sunbathing and relaxation. Sailing the open sea on this idyllic cruise will definitely make an unforgettable memory. (Lunch included)

Day 12 Phuket

• Full day at leisure or enjoy an optional excursion

Amari Phuket or similar Breakfast

Optional Excursion: Day Tour of Phi Phi Island by Speedboat (purchased locally)

Departing this morning, escape to a quieter and more natural side of southern Thailand with this day trip from Phuket. Travel by speedboat across the Andaman Sea to the six scenic Phi Phi Islands. The journey to Phi Phi takes around 45 minutes, passing by spectacular limestone karsts that jut out from the blue seas. Sit back and relax, enjoying the views as the boat cruises closer to paradise. 

See stretches of islands that boast swaying palm trees and white sands. There are also calm, clear waters brimming with fish for those who wish to discover Thailand’s underwater beauty. 

During the day, enjoy lunch while taking in sweeping views of the surrounding sea. The afternoon is spent cruising around the Islands, for more chances to snorkel and swim in the Andaman Sea. (Lunch included)

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

Hotels

Rembrandt Hotel & Suites

Superior First Class

Rembrandt Hotel is conveniently located in the new, trendy Sukhumvit area of Bangkok. The hotel is within walking distance of Asoke (BTS) as well as Sukhumvit (MRT) public transport stations offering guests access to all major shopping, entertainment and nightlife areas of Bangkok.

More information

Royal Riverkwai Resort & Spa

First Class

The Royal Riverkwai Resort offers a wonderful retreat to relax and unwind from your sightseeing.

More information

Kantary Hotel Ayutthaya

First Class

The Kantary Hotel Ayutthaya is conveniently located within easy walking distance of shopping and other amenities, and not far from the old city of Ayutthaya and the Chao Phaya River. The hotel provides some of the most luxurious and modern accommodations in Ayutthaya.

More information

Sokha Angkor Resort

Deluxe

Sokha Angkor Resort is conveniently located in the heart of Siem Reap within walking distance of the famous Pub Street and Old Market. It is also a 10 minute drive from the majestic Angkor Wat temples. At the Sokha Angkor Resort, you will experience Khmer hospitality with excellent service.

More information

Amari Phuket

Superior First Class

Hidden on a secluded beach, Amari Phuket offers a prime location in Patong’s southernmost corner surrounded by the Andaman Sea. Less than an hour’s drive from Phuket International Airport, Amari Phuket is conveniently set within a 5-minute walk to Patong Beach while Phuket Town and the island’s popular attractions are also easily accessible from the resort.

More information

In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

Reviews & Photos

Trip Details

• 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.
• 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.
• Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
• 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.
• 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.
• What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
• What should I know about Cambodia? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
• What should I know about Thailand? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.

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