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7 Day Thailand Discovery
Highlights: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui
Trip start: Bangkok
Trip end: Koh Samui
Price Range From $1700 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
Expand [+]

Our best value tour of Thailand! Visit the temples and markets of Bangkok, fly North to experience the culture of Chiang Mai, and finish with a few days on the soft sand beaches of Koh Samui.

Day Activities Hotel
Day 1
Bangkok
  • Bangkok: Transfer - Private - Airport - Guide/Vehicle/Driver
Park Plaza Sukhumvit  (B)
Day 2
Bangkok
  • Private - 1/2 d Klong Tour with Grand Palace - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
Park Plaza Sukhumvit  (B)
Day 3
Chiang Mai
  • Transfer - Private - Airport - Guide/Vehicle/Driver
  • Air - Bangkok - Chiang Mai [Domestic] - Economy
  • Chiang Mai: Transfer - Airport - Guide/Vehicle/Driver
Rimping Village (B)
Day 4
Chiang Mai
  • Private - Full Day Elephant Safari & Rafting - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
  • Lunch (included)
Rimping Village (B)
Day 5
Koh Samui
  • Transfer - Airport - Guide/Vehicle/Driver
  • Air - Chiang Mai - Koh Samui [(via Bangkok)] - Economy (PG)
  • Koh Samui: Transfer - Airport - Guide/Vehicle/Driver
Banana Fan Sea Resort (3*) (B)
Day 6
Koh Samui
  • At Leisure
Banana Fan Sea Resort (3*) (B)
Day 7
Koh Samui - Bangkok
  • Transfer - Airport - Guide/Vehicle/Driver
  • Air - Koh Samui - Bangkok [Domestic] - Economy
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.

Park Plaza Sukhumvit Hotel is located in the centre of Bangkok`s thriving Asoke/Sukhumvit district - the city`s most sought after business, retail and entertainment area. Its prime position makes access to Bangkok`s historic buildings, shopping centres and riverside attractions easy. The Queen Sirikit Convention Center is within easy walking distance. The hotel overlooks the picturesque Benjakitti Park and lake.

Overnight at Park Plaza Sukhumvit .


Bangkok
Bangkok
Park Plaza Sukhumvit
Park Plaza Sukhumvit
Day 2 Bangkok

Experience a half day 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).  A visit to the Royal Grand Palace, the nation’s landmark and most praised royal monument in Thailand is a must. Situated close to the Chao Phraya, Bangkok’s River of Kings, the palace occupies nearly one square mile. The former royal residence of the Chakri Kings, the palace is the perfect example of an ancient Siamese court. Built in 1782 by King Rama I, it was the centre of power for more than 150 years.  Today, the palace is Bangkok's major landmark and most popular tourist attraction. 

Photography is permitted in the Royal Palace Grounds and in the compounds of the Emerald Buddha Temple, but not inside the buildings. 
Dress Code: Participants on this tour should note that the chapel is a national shrine and you will be required to wear proper attire (no bare shoulders, knees or strapless-heel shoes). Shoes must be removed before entering the temple buildings as a matter of respect. 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 Park Plaza Sukhumvit .


Grand Palace
Grand Palace
Day 3 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.

Relax on this flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

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

Rimping Village is located in the historical part of the city, specifically the Wat Kate community. This area of Chiang Mai was known by merchants as a trading zone, rich with diverse cultures, and lifestyles. Rimping Village was built specifically using the same style of architecture as the rest of the building in the area. This boutique hotel offers a comfortable, and community like atmosphere while giving its guest everything needed to create the perfect holiday experience.

Overnight at Rimping Village.


Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai
Rimping Village
Rimping Village
Day 4 Chiang Mai

The elephant is Thailand’s working pride and one of this country’s national symbols. Current estimates of wild elephants left in Thailand were between 3000-4000 animals. Although logging is being banned in this Kingdom, they remain a very important mode of jungle transport as it beats any other animal or machine for its ability to move through a forest with minimum damage. For centuries these animals were trained to use their skills by moving lumber and served as a mode of transport within the jungle area. Over the past decade, with the reduction in lumbering, these giants of the forest have been protected in various conservation camps. An interesting journey through the scenic countryside brings you to Chiang Dao Elephant Conservation Camp. Here you to see elephants at work during a half-hour presentation. There’s also an opportunity to watch the elephants as they take their morning bath. During your visit to the camp, you’ll have an opportunity to ride on elephant back during a one hour trek into the surrounding forest.  After a thai set lunch at the camp, the afternoon is reserved for a leisurely cruise on a bamboo rafting along Ping River to the raft station before heading back visit Orchid Farm.

Overnight at Rimping Village.


Elephant Ride
Elephant Ride
Day 5 Koh Samui

Over the last decade or so Ko Samui, once a backpacker's haven, has developed into a more sophisticated beach resort, complete with an airport that offers regular flights to and from Bangkok and Krabi. Ko Samui is Thailand's third-largest island, and although tourism is now the main industry, its lingering rustic charm is summed up by the fact that coconut farming is still a major industry.

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

Fly from Chiang Mai to Koh Samui, with a short stopover in Bangkok.

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

Banana Fan Sea Resort is a magical oasis in a tropical paradise. The resort lies on the most beautiful part of Samui's famous Chaweng Beach in the Gulf of Thailand, with powdery, fine white sand. Located at the south end of the beach, the resort is also close to the famous shopping, entertainment and nightlife areas of Koh Samui. The beach side restaurants offer beautiful scenery and delectable cuisine. Enjoy a relaxing Thai massage or take part in a variety of water sports available at this fantastic Thai beach resort.

Overnight at Banana Fan Sea Resort (3*).


Koh Samui
Koh Samui
Koh Samui
Koh Samui
Banana Fan Sea Resort
Banana Fan Sea Resort
Day 6 Koh Samui

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

Overnight at Banana Fan Sea Resort (3*).


Day 7 Koh Samui - Bangkok

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

Relax on this flight from Koh Samui 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.