Thailand Discovery
7 Days
from
$1795 per person*
Highlights:
Thailand
(Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui)
Trip Start/End:
Bangkok
/
Bangkok
The rhythmic rock of your elephant companion will put you at ease as you take in the sights and sounds of Chiang Mai’s pristine rainforest atop Thailand’s most famous native animal.
Here, you’ll also witness the playful elephants during their morning bath and learn about their history as a working animal at the Chiang Dao Elephant Conservation Camp. The bright lights of Bangkok are a strong contrast to the peaceful, rural life in Chiang Mai, but your private tour guide will take you beyond the hustle and bustle to reveal the city’s spiritual historic monuments such as the acclaimed Royal Grand Palace; the dazzling Wat Phra Keo and its Emerald Buddha; the stunning Eight Coloured Towers; the ancient murals and sculptures of Wat Pho; and the traditional fisherman at work on the Chao Phya River. Round off your experience with a relaxing jaunt to the white sand beaches and panoramic ocean views of Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand.
From a cosmopolitan city hotel in the center of the action to a boutique riverside property and a luxurious Koh Samui beach resort, this trip delivers the many pleasures of Thailand in one convenient package. Enjoy Thai massages, the flavorful local cuisine and the friendly hospitality of the Thai people as your experienced guides reveal the wonders of this incredible country.
Enjoy a personalized vacation that best suits your needs, developed by one of our experienced destination experts. Relax during your trip with our 24/7 support and expert local guidance.
Trip Itinerary
Bangkok
Park Plaza Sukhumvit Bangkok Hotel
Day 1: Bangkok
A private vehicle with English-speaking guide and driver will transfer you between the airport and your hotel. The driving time is roughly 45 minutes.
Accommodation: Park Plaza Sukhumvit (4*) 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.
The Golden Mountain
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. It is considered by many 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 served to educate people on varied subjects such as literature, warfare, archaeology, astronomy, geology, meditation and is considered to be the home of Thai traditional massage. Here, you will enjoy a 30-minute 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. You'll be introduced to a serene, more traditional way of living, away from the high-rise and modern buildings of Bangkok City Centre, as you 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 the day. Located close to the Chao Phraya River, this part of Bangkok brings you to a rural piece of Bangkok where you'll find 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.
Accommodation: Park Plaza Sukhumvit (4*) 
Chiang Mai
Aruntara Boutique Hotel
Day 3: Bangkok - Chiang Mai
A private vehicle with English-speaking guide and driver will transfer you between the airport and your hotel. The driving time is roughly 45 minutes.
Fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai on Bangkok Air.
You will be greeted at the airport by an English speaking guide and transferred by private car between the airport and your hotel.
Accommodation: Aruntara Boutique Hotel (4*) Aruntara Riverside Boutique Hotel Chiang Mai is a true treasure for hotel aficionados. Its British colonial design is complimented by Northern Thai influences that embrace the present while respecting the past. High ceilings sit above beautiful towering teak columns traditionally crafted by Thai tradesman. Each of the 28 luxurious guest rooms are designed to offer stylish accommodation with an expansive open-plan living area and an abundance of room to relax and unwind.
An Elephant Ride
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 is 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 board a bamboo raft.
Accommodation: Aruntara Boutique Hotel (4*) 
Koh Samui
Chaweng - Banana Fan Sea Resort
Day 5: Chiang Mai - Koh Samui
You will be greeted at the airport by an English speaking guide and transferred by private car between the airport and your hotel.
Fly from Chiang Mai to Koh Samui, with a short stopover in Bangkok.
You will be transferred by private vehicle with an English speaking guide between the airport and your hotel.
Accommodation: Banana Fan Sea Resort (3*) 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.
Day 6: Koh Samui
Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.
Accommodation: Banana Fan Sea Resort (3*) 
Koh Samui
Day 7: Koh Samui
You will be transferred by private vehicle with an English speaking guide between the airport and your hotel.
Fly between Koh Samui and Bangkok.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)
Accommodations
- Park Plaza Sukhumvit
Park Plaza Sukhumvit (4*) - Bangkok
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.
- Aruntara Boutique Hotel
Aruntara Boutique Hotel (4*) - Chiang Mai
Aruntara Riverside Boutique Hotel Chiang Mai is a true treasure for hotel aficionados. Its British colonial design is complimented by Northern Thai influences that embrace the present while respecting the past. High ceilings sit above beautiful towering teak columns traditionally crafted by Thai tradesman. Each of the 28 luxurious guest rooms are designed to offer stylish accommodation with an expansive open-plan living area and an abundance of room to relax and unwind.
- Banana Fan Sea Resort
Banana Fan Sea Resort (3*) - Koh Samui
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.
Travel Info
Travel tips of Thailand
VISA/PASSPORT
U.S. and Canadian citizens staying for fewer than 30 days do not require a visa, but must possess a valid passport and may be asked to show an onward/return ticket.
Please note obtaining a visa is your responsibility. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of Thailand for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH
Health insurance is required. Medical facilities are not widespread and poor quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/thailand.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Bangkok.
Government: Constitutional monarchy.
Language: Thai is the official language. English is widely spoken, especially in establishments catering for tourists.
Religion: The vast majority adhere to Buddhism (Theravada form), 5% are Muslim and there are Christian and Hindu minorities.
Time: GMT + 7.
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin plugs are standard.
Telephone: Country code +66.
Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with many international mobile phone companies. There is good coverage, especially around main towns.
Internet: There are plenty of Internet cafes, some even found in remote areas visited by tourists.
What's Included:
- 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
What's not Included:
- 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 $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
- 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 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- 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.
- 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.
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