Essential Thailand: Tradition & Relax - Superior

Essential Thailand: Tradition & Relax - Superior

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Essential Thailand: Tradition & Relax - Superior

10 Days Starting and ending in UK/Ireland

Visiting: Bangkok, Nakhon Sawan, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, United Kingdom

Tour operator:

Exoticca

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 9

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Luxury, Small Group

Activities:

Sightseeing

Tour Overview

Begin your adventure in Bangkok, discovering the Wat Traimit and Wat Pho temples. Head next to the temples and ancient fortifications in Ayutthaya, as well as Wat Muang in Ang Thong and Pan San in Nakhon Sawan. Continue to Sukhothai's Archaeological Park and the Golden Triangle of the Mekong River, visiting Wat Rong Khun and Wat Rong Suea Ten in Chiang Rai and Wat Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai.

Highlights

  • Ayutthaya

  • Bangkok

  • Chiang Mai

  • Chiang Rai

  • Nakhon Sawan

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Uk/Ireland - Night On Board

Location: Bangkok

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Silom Bangkok

Arrive at your UK/Ireland departure airport* ready to check-in for an overnight flight to Bangkok. Night on board.*If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2 : Bangkok

Location: Bangkok

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Silom Bangkok

Meals Included: Dinner

Touch down in the buzzing capital of Thailand and transfer to the hotel. Bangkok is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, located in the heart of the country. It offers a variety of unique experiences, from impressive temples and lively street life to exciting night markets and world-renowned cuisine. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to begin discovering this fascinating city. If your flight arrives before 2pm, you have the possibility to take the optional dinner and cruise excursion on the Chao Phraya River.* Overnight stay in Bangkok.*Optional evening dinner & cruise excursion along the Chao Phraya River: Transfer to the Chao Phraya River, known as the king of Thai rivers, to embark on a cruise with open-air terrace from which you will enjoy panoramic views of the illuminated city while enjoying an international buffet dinner (drinks not included). The temples on the river banks, the skyscrapers and the live music accompanying the dinner will make your night unforgettable. After dinner, return to the pier and transfer to the hotel or head to Patpong night market to enjoy the nightlife and hawker stalls.Please note: this activity is only available if your flight arrives in Bangkok before 2pm.

Day 3 : Bangkok

Location: Bangkok

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Silom Bangkok

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, get ready to discover the city and its temples on an exciting tour! Begin along the main avenues of Bangkok to reach the vibrant Chinatown neighborhood. Our first stop will be at Wat Traimit Temple, better known as the Temple of the Golden Buddha. It houses a 5-ton solid gold Buddha loaded with history as it remained hidden for centuries after being covered in plaster to prevent its destruction during war. Our next stop will be the Wat Pho Temple or Temple of the Reclining Buddha, one of the largest reclining Buddhas in the world at over 150 feet long, where you’ll find a spectacular engraving of 108 images representing positive actions of Buddhism. To finish the tour, head to a local precious stone factory where you will see a demonstration of how local craftspeople make their products. We then recommend an optional excursion to the Grand Palace* to learn more about Thai culture. Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Bangkok.*Optional excursion to the Grand Palace: Discover the impressive Grand Palace complex, symbol of the city and former official residence of the King of Thailand between the 18th and mid-20th centuries. Considered one of the most beautiful in the world for its exquisite decoration, it mixes traditional Thai style with Renaissance influences. During the visit to the Grand Palace we will also visit Wat Phra Kaew or Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the most important in Thailand.Note: For both the temples and the Grand Palace visit you should wear long pants that cover the ankles and a long-sleeved shirt.

Day 4 : Bangkok

Location: Bangkok

Accommodation Name: The Paradiso JK Design

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy a free day to continue exploring the capital. Why not discover some of its many markets, where you can sample famous street food dishes. We recommend an exciting optional excursion to visit the train market and floating market.* Overnight stay in Bangkok.*Optional Excursion to the Train Market and Floating Market: Travel by road to the town of Mae Klong where you’ll see a curious market installed on the train tracks. If time and luck permits, we will be able to see how the train crosses through the market and, in record time, the merchants collect all the products they have on display on the train tracks. From there, head to the Klong Damnersaduak floating market in Ratchaburi province, considered the most important in the country. Arrive at a pier in the vicinity of the floating market. Take a motor boat ride through the canal area to reach the market itself, disembark, and enjoy free time to walk around, explore their products and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Afterwards, return to Bangkok and transfer to the hotel.

Day 5 : Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Ang Thong - Nakhon Sawan

Location: Nakhon Sawan

Accommodation Name: The Heritage

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel. Our first visit of the day will be the city of Ayutthaya, ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam and archaeological centre of the country. Upon arrival, visit its temples and remains of the ancient fortifications. Next, head to the town of Ang Thong to visit the Wat Muang Temple, famous for housing the largest seated Buddha figure in Thailand and the ninth-largest in the world at nearly 330-ft high. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to the city of Nakhon Sawan to visit the Pa San bridge, constructed at the point where the Ping and Nan tributaries converge giving birth to the famous Chao Phraya River, which flows down into the Gulf of Thailand. To wrap up this exciting day, visit the exterior of Wat Kiriwong atop a hill and reach a beautiful pagoda, where you’ll enjoy privileged views of the entire region. Overnight stay in Nakhon Sawan.

Day 6 : Nakhon Sawan - Sukhotai - Chiang Rai

Location: Chiang Rai

Accommodation Name: Empress Premier Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel and departure to the city of Sukhothai. Today's highlight is the city's Archaeological Park, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its incredible beauty. A true example of prosperous Thai civilisation, raising monumental cities and sophisticated temples. After this visit, pass through Lampang, a small town surrounded by forests and abundant nature where you can enjoy the wonderful views along the way as well as the splendorous Phayao Lake. Enjoy lunch en route. Arrival in the mountainous province of Chiang Rai in the afternoon, transfer to the hotel and rest of the day at leisure to start exploring this incredible city. Overnight stay in Chiang Rai.

Day 7 : Chiang Rai - Golden Triangle - Chiang Mai

Location: Chiang Rai

Accommodation Name: Empress Premier Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, visit the "Golden Triangle" of the Mekong River, which includes areas of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar formerly dedicated to the opium trade. Upon arrival, take the opportunity to visit the Opium Museum located in the town of Chiang Rai. From there, and before stopping at the White Temple, one of the most renowned temples in Thailand, head to the new and striking Wat Rong Suea Ten or Blue Temple. Find paintings with a similar style to those at White Temple as it was there where the same architect trained for many years. Stop at the spectacular and contemporary Wat Rong Khun, where white signifies purity and glass signifies the wisdom of Buddha. Lunch en route. Finally, we make our way to the fascinating city of Chiang Mai. Upon your arrival, visit the beautiful mountainside temple of Doi Suthep, a sacred site to many Thai people, and contemplate its beauty and intricate architecture. Overnight stay in Chiang Mai.

Day 8 : Chiang Mai

Location: Chiang Mai

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure in charming Chiang Mai. Check out the city's vibrant cafe scene in the trendy Nimmana Haeminda neighborhood, explore the surrounding rainforest, or even take a Thai cooking class. We recommend an optional full-day excursion to the amazing Doi Inthanon National Park.* Overnight stay in Chiang Mai.*Full-day Doi Inthanon National Park excursion: Head to Doi Inthanon, the highest peak in Thailand. Explore this fertile natural treasure trove, popular among bird watchers for its diversity. Visit the Vachirathan waterfall, climb to the top of the mountain, and see the royal pagodas and gardens. Stop at the market of the Hmong tribe, one of the largest ethnic groups in the country. Lunch at a local restaurant. Next, trek for approximately 2 hours by the hand of a local guide through jungle, terraced rice fields, and waterfalls in an epic natural environment. Meet another ethnic group, the Karen, and finally stop in the Mae Klang area to visit our guide's village, learn about their way of life, and taste fresh local coffee.Important note: We recommend bringing a raincoat during the rainy season and appropriate walking shoes, mosquito repellent and sunscreen.

Day 9 : Chiang Mai - Night On Board

Location: Chiang Mai

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel*, say goodbye to beautiful Thailand as you transfer to the airport for a flight back to the UK/Ireland. Night on board.*If your return flight departs early in the morning, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast.

Day 10 : Uk/Ireland

Location: United Kingdom

Arrival in the UK/Ireland and end your trip.

What's Included

  • Departures from main UK/Ireland airports.

  • International flights: UK/Ireland - Bangkok, Chiang Mai - UK/Ireland.

  • 7 nights accommodation in Superior category hotels.

  • 7 breakfasts and 4 lunches.

  • Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles.

  • Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.

  • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.

  • ATOL Protection.

What's Not Included

  • Optional excursions

    Optional excursions such as the dinner and cruise excursion on the Chao Phraya River, the Grand Palace visit, and the Train Market and Floating Market visit are not included.

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.

  • Visa fees

    Visa fees for entry into Thailand are not included.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

Meals Included

7 breakfasts and 4 lunches.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 7 nights of superior accommodation in well-appointed hotels such as the Holiday Inn Silom Bangkok, The Paradiso JK Design, The Heritage, and Empress Premier Hotel, ensuring comfort and relaxation throughout your journey.

  • Are international flights included in the tour package?

    Yes, international flights from the UK/Ireland to Bangkok and from Chiang Mai to the UK/Ireland are included in the tour package.

  • What meals are included in the tour?

    The tour package includes 7 breakfasts and 4 lunches.

  • What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

    Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles are provided, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.

  • Are there any optional excursions available during the tour?

    Yes, there are optional excursions such as a dinner and cruise on the Chao Phraya River, a visit to the Grand Palace, and a trip to the Train Market and Floating Market.

  • What is the significance of the Golden Triangle visited during the tour?

    The Golden Triangle is an area of the Mekong River that includes parts of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar, historically known for its opium trade. The tour includes a visit to the Opium Museum in Chiang Rai.

  • What is unique about the Wat Traimit Temple visited on the tour?

    Wat Traimit Temple, also known as the Temple of the Golden Buddha, houses a 5-ton solid gold Buddha that was hidden for centuries under plaster to prevent its destruction during war.

  • What can I expect to see at the Sukhothai Archaeological Park?

    The Sukhothai Archaeological Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its incredible beauty, showcasing the prosperous Thai civilization with monumental cities and sophisticated temples.

  • Where can I check the latest Travel Restrictions?

    It is the traveler's responsibility to verify and comply with the passport, visa, and travel requirements applicable to your itinerary. It is also the responsibility of the traveler to verify and comply with the health requirements, proof of testing, and vaccination applicable to your itinerary both at the destinations and for, if applicable, countries where you have a connecting flight. Requirements change quickly and you should check the updated guidance well in advance of departure as well as shortly before departure. You should check the requirements for your own specific circumstances with the corresponding government embassies and/or consulates as appropriate.

  • What recommendations should I follow before traveling?

    Passport validity: It is the traveler's responsibility to verify and comply with the passport, visa, and travel requirements applicable to your itinerary. You should check the requirements for your own specific circumstances with the corresponding embassies and/or consulates as appropriate. Requirements change so please check the up-to-date requirements in advance of your departure date. In many cases, countries now require that passports are valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure from their borders.

  • How can I upgrade my flight?

    If you would like to make an upgrade to your flight or ask for a quotation, please contact us with all the information. Our customer success agents will answer your request as soon as possible.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    Changes of flights and related services are not permitted after the booking is confirmed. If you wish to make any significant amendment affecting the flights, you will need to cancel it as per the terms & conditions applicable to your booking and make a new booking. If you require more information about your cancellations policy please go to the relevant Terms and Conditions for your booking (See Cancellation Policy section). If you would like to proceed with the cancellation or require assistance please contact us.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    The COVID-19 pandemic not only created an unparalleled impact on health and economy globally, but it has also changed fundamental behaviors with regards to traveling. In response to such changes, Exoticca provides extra peace of mind for all reservations made from 18th January, 2022 onwards by including Covid 19 Protection. Testing positive for COVID-19: If you or anyone else traveling with you on your booking cannot travel due to testing positive for COVID-19 you will be given the option to reschedule your trip or receive 100% of the trip value in Exoticca travel credit. **Proof of infection must be provided in the form of an official COVID-19 positive test result. For more information on the details of the Covid 19 Protection Policy, please go to the relevant Terms and Conditions for your booking (See Cancellation Policy section).

  • Travelling to the USA or Canada?

    Traveling to the United States: Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization. ESTA is an online application system, developed by the United States government to pre-screen travelers before authorizing them to board a plane or ship bound for the United States. Starting on the 12th of January 2009, any person entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program must have an approved ESTA travel authorization. This includes travelers who travel to the United States to catch a connecting flight. An ESTA does not guarantee entry to the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials determine the admissibility of travelers upon arrival. For more information click here. If a traveler is found to have visited a country designated as a State Sponsor of Terrorism (09.11.2022, Countries: Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Syria), the traveler is no longer eligible to participate in the Visa Wavier Program and must apply for a visa to enter the United States. Traveling to Canada: Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for citizens of visa-exempt countries traveling to Canada by air. This includes travelers who travel to Canada to catch a connecting flight. An eTA is linked electronically to the traveler's passport and is valid for a maximum of five years or until the passport expires, depending on which of these two scenarios occurs first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new eTA. An eTA does not guarantee entry to Canada. When you arrive in Canada, a border services officer will ask to see your passport and other documents to determine whether you are admissible to enter Canada. For more information click here. Traveling to a Schengen member country (Europe): Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) The ETIAS travel authorization will be needed to enter a Schengen member country by air, land, or sea. From November 2023, visitors that do not need a visa to enter Europe will be able to register with ETIAS. ETIAS will become a mandatory entry requirement. The ETIAS for Europe will grant travelers authorization to visit the ETIAS countries that are all members that compose the Schengen zone. The ETIAS visa waiver has been designed for short-term stays of up to 90 days. For more information click here.

  • COVID-19 vaccination recommendations and other vaccines?

    It is the responsibility of the traveler to verify and comply with the health requirements, proof of testing, and vaccination applicable to your itinerary both at the destinations and for, if applicable, countries where you have a connecting flight. Requirements change quickly and you should check the updated guidance well in advance of departure as well as shortly before departure. Check with the migration and health authorities for the country of origin, destination, and stopover to learn more about vaccination requirements.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Once your purchase is complete, you will receive confirmation by email and all your travel documents will be uploaded on to your booking and the Exoticca customer account (which you'll be provided details of). These will include: transport details, hotels, itinerary, important notes, and insurance policy (if applicable).

Reviews of this operator

Nigel Curtis (Google Reviewer)  

This is the first time...

26-Mar-2023

This is the first time that we have used Exoticca and we were not disappointed. The holiday was well planned and we felt looked after at every stage of our South American adventure. The guides were knowledgeable, cheerful and friendly. They were able to answer all our questions with ease and good humour. The hotels were of a high standard and offered excellent food and comfort. Our travel group was well matched and we always had plenty of room in the vehicles selected for each stage of our journey. We will no hesitation in booking with Exoticca again in the future.

Jane S  

South America with Exoticca

04-Jun-2023

Most of the time we were travelling as a couple although we kept bumping into others in a simialr situation. Wherever we went there was someone there to welcome us and take us to our hotel, tell us about arrangements for the next few days and to generally look after us. Guides always turned up as expected and were all of a very high standard. We never felt concerned about what was due to happen the next day - it always did! Tours were always of interest. Accommodation which was charm class was perfectly acceptable and if not in the centre of town, taxis were always easy to use and safe whether a white pick up van in the Galapagos or a tuk tuk in Peru. I had a slight accident while there and I have to say that Exoticca guides etc could not have been more helpful. I would not hesitate to recommend Exoticca to anyone thinking of using them. We had an amazing experience in Peru, Ecuador and the Galapagos.

https://uk.trustpilot.com/reviews/647e07eb706f837cb1f86880
Diana Gwynn  

Imperial Cities and Desert

20-May-2023

Really excellent way to see Morocco. Our first experience of Exoticca and we were impressed with all the arrangements and attention to detail. The local guides were excellent and our driver Ayoub the absolute best - helpful, kind, knowledgeable and funny. What an outstanding young man! We are definitely recommending Exoticca to our friends and are interested in exploring other countries with you. Many thanks!

https://uk.trustpilot.com/reviews/647ccf3f81ea8608ae6d5e06
sky unidentifiedstorm (Google Reviewer)  

I booked a two week...

21-Mar-2023

I booked a two week trip with Exoticca in February 2023 to Morocco and Egypt. I went solo, had a great time traveling and site seeing to planned excursions and some extra excursions as well. Stayed at several hotels from 5star to 3star standards. All where safe and comfortable. Bus tours where comfortable and I always felt safe wherever we went. Tour guides, bus operators and guards where friendly and respectful. All the sites we visited had me in awe. At one point we got stuck in the mountains due to snow and rain. The roads where cut off. We where set up in hotels for the night and the following day we where back on the road in once a road was cleared. My tickets to Cairo where reschedule and so was my excursions do to the delay. All was taken care with Exoticca I didn't have to do anything, which I greatly appreciated. Exoticca does hire tour agencies in the country you visit. I really like the agencies that where hired. There are usually one or two stops a day to go to a specific craft seller for certain goods, like rugs, paintings, ceramics etc. throughout the tours.

S A (Google Reviewer)  

Exoticca was a great experience....

11-Apr-2024

Exoticca was a great experience. Very well planned itinerary and our tour driver Leo was excellent. We were lucky to get good weather for the most parts and were given good guidance about local attractions. The hotels were well located and of a good quality. Overall a very pleasant experience. We will travel with Exoticca again.

Kimberly Penna (Google Reviewer)  

I very much enjoyed my...

10-Apr-2024

I very much enjoyed my trip to Portugal with Exoticca. I love that you're able to book the flight at the same time as the vacation booking because you won't get stuck with a bunch of layovers like other tour companies spring on you at the last minute. I felt like the trip was very organized and well-planned. I also like that I was back in my hotel room everyday prior to 6:00 p.m. so I had the whole night to myself to do whatever I wanted rather than being stuck on a bus for hours. I will definitely be booking with Exoticca again.

Yevgeniy (Google Reviewer)  

If you are planning a...

04-Jan-2025

If you are planning a trip to Morocco Book a trip with Abdelali Filali He will take care of you from Start to Finish and will accommodate you in every possible way,so you don't have to do it yourself. Trust me 100% this is the ONLY Tour Guide for Morocco. Must Try!!!

JB  

Saw most of what was on the itinerary…

04-Jun-2023

Saw most of what was on the itinerary… Saw most of what was on the itinerary but not the best guide (our Exoticca guide in Ecuador was great but ones since then less so). More free time would have been good ( we didn't even get the free time listed on the itinerary) especially at lunchtimes. Beautiful scenery ranging from the sand dunes to the snow capped mountains. Date of experien

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Sue Linford (Google Reviewer)  

I travelled to Jordan in...

28-May-2023

I travelled to Jordan in May with a friend. Exoticca admin was very efficient and the Qatar airways flights were very good. A local representative was on hand to fast track us through the airport in Amman, arriving and departing. We booked 3* accommodation in Amman, Petra and Wadi Rum, which were all fine. The pre-arranged tours were run by a local company and the guides were extremely knowledgeable. Our only issue was with the coaches we had for our first four days which were not to the standard of others we had for the remaining time. Both Jordan and Beyond and Exoticca have acknowledged the points that we raised with them and have said this issue would be addressed so we hope that will be the case. That apart, we very much enjoyed the tour and the company of fellow travellers.

XQ Tong (Google Reviewer)  

The tour of 'Essence of...

12-Apr-2024

The tour of 'Essence of Patagonia & Cultural Capitals - Argentina & Chile' was a great experience and good value for the money. It gave us plenty of free time at most locations to explore on our own. The full day guided tours in Patagonia on both Argentina and Chile sides were great.

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exoticca allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exoticca, 0 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exoticca requires a minimum deposit of 60% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exoticca charges.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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