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10 Day Thailand Signature
Highlights: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi
Trip start: Bangkok
Trip end: Krabi
Price Range From $3400 per person *
* USD per person based on 2-4 people, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

National Geographic Adventure Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth '98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'

Winner National Geographic 'Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth'
2008 & 2009

Trip Summary
Map of Itinerary
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Offer alms to saffron robed monks, wake before sunrise for prayers at a monastery, receive blessings from gentle priests & tend to your mind, body & soul with this exquisite new take on Thailand. Encounter its spiritual traditions & tropical treasures as you tour Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Krabi with private guide. Safari through teak forests where orchids grow wild, meet playful Asian elephants, visit temples of cheeky monkeys, watch thrilling sword dances, learn Rumwong drumming, canoe through the Andaman Sea, rest on heaven-sent beaches & more. Complete with luxury hotels, internal flights & everything you need, Thailand is a travelers’ paradise.

Day Activities Hotel
Day 1
Bangkok
  • Bangkok: Transfer - Private - Airport - Guide/Vehicle/Driver
Ariyasomvilla (B)
Day 2
Bangkok
  • Private - Full Day Highlights of Bangkok - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
  • Lunch (included)
Ariyasomvilla (B)
Day 3
Bangkok
  • Private - Full day Ayutthaya and Lopburi Tour - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
  • Lunch (included)
Ariyasomvilla (B)
Day 4
Chiang Mai
  • Transfer - Private - Airport - Guide/Vehicle/Driver
  • Air - Bangkok - Chiang Mai [Direct - (1.1 hr)] - Economy (PG)
  • Chiang Mai: Transfer - Airport - Guide/Vehicle/Driver
  • Private - Half Day Doi Suthep and Temples - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
U Chiang Mai (4*) (B)
Day 5
Chiang Mai
  • Private - Full Day Lampang Elephant School and Lampang - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
  • Lunch (included)
U Chiang Mai (4*) (B)
Day 6
Chiang Mai
  • Private - Morning Sunrise Tour - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
  • Evening Kantoke Dinner - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
U Chiang Mai (4*) (B)
Day 7
Krabi
  • Transfer - Airport - Guide/Vehicle/Driver
  • Air - Chiang Mai - Bangkok [Direct - (1.1 hr)] - Economy (PG)
  • Air - Bangkok - Krabi [Domestic] - Economy
  • Krabi: Transfer - Airport - Guide/Vehicle/Driver
Tubkaak Boutique Resort (B)
Day 8
Krabi
  • Private - Full Day Canoeing Koh Hong - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
  • Lunch (included)
Tubkaak Boutique Resort (B)
Day 9
Krabi
  • At Leisure
Tubkaak Boutique Resort (B)
Day 10
Krabi - Bangkok
  • Transfer - Airport - Guide/Vehicle/Driver
  • Air - Krabi - Bangkok [Direct (1,5 hrs)] - Economy (PG)
Depart (Int`l Airport) 
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive

Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan.

Itinerary

Day 1 Bangkok

Bangkok is a frequently chaotic jumble of traffic, temples, savory food and entertainment. Over the last few years, the opening of a slick new elevated tramway that enables visitors to glide over the chaotic scenes below, coupled with the cheap and frequent river boats and the reasonably priced air-conditioned taxis, have made tourism in the city newly appealing. Within the city limits is a wealth of over 300 Buddhist temple and shrines. Most famous are Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple), Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and Wat Trimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha). One of the largest temple complexes in the country is Wat Pho. Altogether, there are over 30 individual temples scattered here, of which the Temple of the Reclining Buddha is the largest. The Buddha's statue is enormous, an amazing 47.5m (156ft) long and 15m (49ft) high. Wat Phra Kaeo is a temple complex that houses the Emerald Buddha.

A private vehicle with English speaking guide & driver will transfer you between the airport and your hotel.

Welcome to Bangkok and AriyasomVilla - step back in time to a more leisurely life style. The Villa was built in 1942 and is still in the hands of the original family who built it. With 25 beautifully appointed Rooms and Suites, "Na Aroon" Restaurant, Room Service, Swimming Pool, Spa, Meeting Room, Library, Meditation Hall and under ground Car Parking we are well equipped to really look after you during your stay in the "City of Angels". Conveniently located in the "heart" of Central Bangkok.

Overnight at Ariyasomvilla.


Bangkok
Bangkok
Ariyasomvilla
Ariyasomvilla
Day 2 Bangkok

A visit to the Royal Grand Palace, the nation’s landmark and most praised royal monument in Thailand, with the enclosed and dazzling Wat Phra Keo with its revered Emerald Buddha, the Golden Chedi, the Pantheon of the Chakri Kings and the Eight Coloured Towers, is a must. In Thailand by many, it is considered to be a living example of classical Siamese Court, being the former residence of the kings of Thailand. Wat Pho is also regarded as the first centre of public education and is sometimes called ‘Thailand’s first university’. Mural paintings, inscriptions, and statues found in the temple-educated people on varied subjects such as literature, warfare, archaeology, astronomy, geology, meditation and to be considered, home of the Thai traditional massage. Here, you will enjoy a 30-minutes’ Thai massage as an excellent break after a morning sightseeing. Experience an afternoon trip along the bustling Chao Phya River and the quiet Klongs (canals) in a long tail boat enjoy scenes of life by water.   We bring you to a more traditional way of living, more serene and traditional, away from all the high-rise and modern buildings of Bangkok City Centre, as we gently pass Thonburi residential areas. A stop will be made at the “Temple of Dawn” (officially named Wat Arun). Finally, a visit to the Flower and vegetable market will round off this day. Located close to the Chao Phraya River, this part of Bangkok brings you to a rural piece of Bangkok where they have a vast selection of all kinds of flowers, especially orchids and tropical flowers and see how the merchants create very special flower garlands. The end of this Bangkok day ends at the Golden Mountain.  Photography is permitted in the Royal Palace Grounds and in the compounds of the Emerald Buddha Temple, but not inside the buildings.  Note: Please dress respectfully by not wearing sleeveless, shorts or sandals, when visiting the Grand Palace and temple complex.  The Palace may be closed without prior notice during Royal ceremonies and officials/head of state visits. The inner courts of Grand Palace are frequently closed on Sundays; we recommend not to book this excursion on Sundays to avoid disappointment.

Overnight at Ariyasomvilla.


Golden Mountain
Golden Mountain
Day 3 Bangkok

Pick up this morning from your hotel in Bangkok. Your first stop will be the former capital of Thailand, Ayutthaya, which is situated approximately 75 kilometres north of the city. The tour starts en route at the Summer Palace of the late King Rama V, commonly known as “Bang Pa-In”. Continue on to Lopburi where you will visit Sarn Prakarn, an ancient Khmer sanctuary. It has been told that in ancient times there were many gigantic fig or Krang trees, where monkeys had lived. Later, people brought food and fruits to make a votive offering to the shrine. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. Next, proceed to Phra Prang Sam Yod, another ancient Buddhist compound comprised of 3 prangs linked to one another by a corridor. Today, the sanctuary and surrounding city have been overtaken by monkeys coming in from the nearby jungle as local monks continue to feed them. As visitors you can wander the grounds watching the lively action on the temple, and explore the markets nearby where the monkeys continue to live. The next stop is  Phra Narai Ratchaniwet, a palace built in the 1600’s. Although the buildings were designed by with the contributions of French architects, the Khmer influence was still strong. The Palace was a perfect blend of both worlds, an awesome mixture of Khmer-European styles. After that transfer back to Bangkok, and arrive at your hotel in the late evening.

Overnight at Ariyasomvilla.


Photo alt Text
Photo alt Text
Day 4 Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai in the far north is Thailand's second-largest city and a center for excursions to the region's ancient and beautiful temples, the teak forests and their working elephants, caves and waterfalls, and journeys to visit the northern hill tribes. The main attractions are the Doi Suthep temple and elephant trekking. Doi Suthep is one of the most famous temples in northern Thailand. Perched high on a hilltop, it offers fine views over the city on clear days. The trip up can either be made via a funicular or a grand staircase with 400 steps. The banisters alone are worth a visit: a giant green-and-red glazed serpent winds its way down to end in a magnificent dragon's head.

A private vehicle with English speaking guide & driver will transfer you between the airport and your hotel.

Fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai today.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

Visit the most sacred temple in the north of Thailand; the Wat Prathat Doi Suthep is the most sacred temple in Chiangmai containing a holy relic of the Lord Buddha. Tucked away in the mountains at an elevation of 1,056 meters (3520 feet), the temple is reached using a Naga (7- headed dragon head serpent) railing rising along both sides. The temple compound – reachable via a 300 steps stairs offers an exhilarating view of Chiangmai city and surrounding countryside. Drive back down to the city centre to visit some of the other impressive temples of Chiangmai. Wat Suan Dok is one of them, which dates back to the 14th century when it served as the pleasure gardens to the Thai monarchy. Nowadays it houses several white Chedi’s, containing the ashes of Chiang Mai’s former Royal family. This temple also houses one of the most famous Monk Schools in the whole of Chiang Mai and the Wat Jedyod, also known as The Temple of Seven Spires. Please dress respectfully by not wearing sleeveless T – shirts, shorts or strapless sandals, when visiting the Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep

U Chiang Mai is a boutique 4 star hotel in Chiang Mai, the largest and most culturally important city in the north of Thailand. This 4 star Chiang Mai hotel offers 41 luxurious rooms, decorated to the highest standard providing all the necessities that the sophisticated traveler will require. Guests are welcomed in the Resident’s Lounge located in the restored former residence of Chiang Mai’s governor. The rich heritage of the Resident's Lounge is enhanced with modern Thai accented interior design. Our boutique hotel offers guests the use of a gym, spa and swimming pool.

Overnight at U Chiang Mai (4*).


Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai
Buddha Statue at Doi Suthep
Buddha Statue at Doi Suthep
U Chiang
U Chiang
Day 5 Chiang Mai

The two ancient cities of Lampang and Lampoon are located in the Chiang Mai region, south of Chiangmai. They offer a different experience for the visitor and are in total contrast to the beaches and sea resorts of the South. One of the interesting highlights of this tour is a visit to the Lampang Elephant Conservation Centre (TECC). TECC, founded in 1993 under Royal Patronage, cares for more than 50 Asian elephants in a beautiful forest with a relaxed non-commercial feel. Here you will learn how to care for an elephant and experience a one-hour jungle ride on top one of these majestic beasts. After a delicious local lunch, the tour heads back towards Chiang Mai, stopping at Lampoon. Steeped in a history that dates back to A.D. 700, Lampoon is famous for several ancient and revered temples. Among them is Wat Prathat Hariphunchai, built in A.D. 1044 at the site of the ruins of the Royal Palace, and Wat Jamathevi, named after a 7th century queen and founder of Lampoon. Her ashes are interred in the main stupa of the Wat. The trip concludes with a fascinating ride along the old Lampoon-Chiang Mai Road.

Overnight at U Chiang Mai (4*).


Elephant Conservation Centre
Elephant Conservation Centre
Day 6 Chiang Mai

One of the most unique experiences in Thailand is a visit to a Buddhist temple to offer alms to the Buddhist monks. Each morning before dawn (pick-up from your hotel is at 06:00 hrs), the monks put on their distinctive saffron robes and quietly pad in their bare feet along the streets, carrying alms bowls and receiving boiled rice and condiments from the citizens of Thailand In return people receive the monks’ blessings. You can participate in this very special Thai custom by personally presenting alms; a brief exploration at the Sri Soda temple may be made as well, religious festivals permitting, including see the monks pray in the early morning.

One of the most famous northern foods in Chiangmai is the Kanthoke dinner. Diners will sit on the floor and share a succession of tasty dishes, accompanied with sticky rice. All guests will enjoy a superb Northern Thai Dinner, consisting of small bowl dishes while local dancers, dressed in traditional clothing, entertain your with the Sword Dance, Candle dance, Fingernail dance and The Rumwong where guests are invited to participate.  After the dinner, there will be a special hill tribe show featuring the various hill tribes of Northern Thailand. This is an excellent opportunity to see a number of tribes in rotation and to note differences in appearance and costume.

Overnight at U Chiang Mai (4*).


Buddhist Monks
Buddhist Monks
Day 7 Krabi

Krabi is located on the west coast of southern Thailand at the mouth of the Krabi River into the Andaman Sea. The town is served by the Krabi Airport west of the town. Passing through the town is Phetkasem highway (Thai highway 4). Many tourists travel through Krabi town to go to the more popular locations nearby, like Ko Phi Phi, Railay Beach, Ao Nang, Had Yau, Ko Jum, Phuket and Ko Lanta.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

Fly from Chiang Mai to Bangkok.

Relax on this flight from Bangkok to Krabi.

Airport transfer by ferry and vehicle with English speaking guide.

The Tubkaak - Tubkaak Boutique Resort has been featured in "Unseen Thailand". The Tubkaak Krabi blends distinctive southern Thai architecture with the incredible natural beauty of Krabi's landscape. Villa style accommodation combines elements of east and west, with stylish interiors and oriental bathrooms open to the sky. In a superb location overlooking the sea with inspiring views of the magnificent Hong Islands, Tubkaak Beach literally translates as Visitors Cove, where local hospitality is legendary.

Overnight at Tubkaak Boutique Resort.


Krabi
Krabi
Tubkaak - Tubkaak Boutique Resort
Tubkaak - Tubkaak Boutique Resort
Day 8 Krabi

Explore the stunning natural beauty of southern Thailand's islands on this exclusive private canoeing tour. Marvel at the bright white beaches surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, the blue of the Andaman sea and the green of the islands' lush vegetation.  “Room Island,” or Koh Hong, is one of the most beautiful islands in the south. Protected by the Thai government for its wildlife, Koh Hong is full of monkeys, lizards and a variety of birds. Take a walk on one of the island's nature trails or simply relax in the sun. Koh Hong is also known for its lagoon, which can only be reached from the water.

Overnight at Tubkaak Boutique Resort.


Koh Hong
Koh Hong
Day 9 Krabi

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Overnight at Tubkaak Boutique Resort.


Day 10 Krabi - Bangkok

Airport transfer by ferry and vehicle with English speaking guide.

Fly from Krabi to Bangkok.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).



Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.