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9 Day Thailand Discovery (AT)
Highlights: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui
Trip start: Bangkok
Trip end: Koh Samui
Price Range from $1,458 to $1,998 *
* 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 most economical 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
On8 Sukhumvit (B)
Day 2
Bangkok
  • Private - Temples and Canals (with Lunch) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Lunch (included)
On8 Sukhumvit (B)
Day 3
Chiang Mai
  • Transfer - Private - Airport - Guide/Vehicle/Driver
  • Air - Bangkok - Chiang Mai [Direct - (1.1 hr)] - Economy (PG)
  • Chiang Mai: Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
Rimping Village (B)
Day 4
Chiang Mai
  • Private - Bamboo Rafting & Elephant Camp (with Lunch) - Vehicle/Guide
  • Lunch (included)
Rimping Village (B)
Day 5
Chiang Mai
  • Shared - Baan Thai Cookery School (with Lunch) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Lunch (included)
Rimping Village (B)
Day 6
Koh Samui
  • Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Air - Chiang Mai - Koh Samui [(via Bangkok)] - Economy (PG)
  • Koh Samui: Transfer - Airport - vehicle/driver/guide
Fair House Beach Resort & Hotel (B)
Day 7
Koh Samui
  • Shared - Sea Kayaking - Kayak/Guide
  • Lunch (included)
Fair House Beach Resort & Hotel (B)
Day 8
Koh Samui
  • At Leisure
Fair House Beach Resort & Hotel (B)
Day 9
Koh Samui - Bangkok
  • Transfer - Airport - vehicle/driver/guide
  • Air - Koh Samui - Bangkok [Direct - PG/TG (1 hr)] - Economy (PG)
Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard) 
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.

On8 Sukhumvit is Bangkok’s latest chic hotel located right in the center of it all, and offers hip and yet avant-garde designs for modern day travelers. Conveniently located next to Nana BTS Skytrain Station along Sukhumvit Road in an area considered one of the most vibrant, colourful and touristy part of Bangkok’s famous Sukhumvit Road. Here, shopping, dining and entertainment options abound, offering exciting choices well-suited to a variety of lifestyles.

Overnight at On8 Sukhumvit.


Bangkok
Bangkok
On8 Sukhumvit
On8 Sukhumvit
Day 2 Bangkok

This tour includes three of the most spectacular Buddhist temples in Bangkok: Wat Trimitr with its invaluable Golden Buddha (5 ½ tons of solid gold) - Wat Po, the most extensive temple in Bangkok, with its colossal Reclining Buddha and the Chedis of the Kings. The Grand Palace is one of the most beautiful samples of an ancient Siamese court. It used to be the residence of the Kings of Thailand. Here you will see palaces which were used for different occasions: the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House, and the beautiful Emerald Buddha Temple. Lunch is included at local restaurant. In the afternoon, explore Thonburi, the western part of Bangkok, situated on the right side of the Chao Phya River. Its many canals had originally given Bangkok the name “Venice of the East.” Passing by boat along the canals gives you a first hand impression of the scenic life along Bangkok’s waterways.

Overnight at On8 Sukhumvit.


Canals
Canals
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.

Fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai today.

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

On this one day tour you will get a small taste of what the North of the country has to offer. We drive North of Chiang Mai to an Elephant Camp. Here you can enjoy an elephant show and afterwards spend an hour riding on elephant through the dense and exotic jungle. To really feel the country side and village life, we continue by oxcart for 20 minutes around the Village. After lunch (is included), continue the trip by Bamboo Rafting along Taeng River for 1 hour. On the way back to Chiang Mai we also stop by an orchid nursery.

Overnight at Rimping Village.


Elephant Camp
Elephant Camp
Day 5 Chiang Mai

Opportunity to learn how to cook real Thai food in a traditional Thai setting, with skilled and friendly teachers who can impart the secrets of Thai cooking to you in a fun atmosphere, actually doing rather than watching. By the time you complete your course, you will not only have learned about Thai cooking but will also have had a most memorable experience. Lunch is included.

 

Overnight at Rimping Village.


Baan Thai Cookery School
Baan Thai Cookery School
Day 6 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.

Chawang is Samui's most popular and lively beach where you can find some of the most interesting and attractive areas. Just one kilometre away from Chaweng's bustling evening commercial centre, the enchantment of Chaweng Noi Beach on the south of Chaweng Bay, will take your breath away. Here at The Fair House Beach Resort & Hotel that welcomes you to the heart of tranquility on this paradise.

Overnight at Fair House Beach Resort & Hotel.


Koh Samui
Koh Samui
Koh Samui
Koh Samui
Fair House Beach Resort & Hotel
Fair House Beach Resort & Hotel
Day 7 Koh Samui

By sit-on-top kayaing, you will discover magical caves and bizarre rock formations amongst dozens of deserted beaches. You may meet families of whales, dolphins and monkeys that make Angthong Marine Park their home. A lunch of Thai cuisine is included, and you will have ample time for exploring beneath the water or just relaxing and absorbing the unforgettable images of your tour.

Overnight at Fair House Beach Resort & Hotel.


Kayaking
Kayaking
Day 8 Koh Samui

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

Overnight at Fair House Beach Resort & Hotel.


Day 9 Koh Samui - Bangkok

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

Fly today between Koh Samui and Bangkok.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).



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.