Best of Thailand (4 Star Hotels)
Best of Thailand (4 Star Hotels)
Best of Thailand (4 Star Hotels)
9 Days Starting and ending in Bangkok
Visiting: Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Phitsanulok, Chiang Rai, Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Elephant EcoValley
Tour operator:
Tour code:
THL9
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
25 - 30
Age range:
18-70
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Discover the best highlights of central and north Thailand from bustling Bangkok to scenic landscapes of Northern Thailand.
Explore Bangkok’s chaotic night markets, street food vendors, and rooftop bars.
Visit the infamous Death Railway and Bridge on the beautiful River Kwai.
Explore Thailand’s archaeological gems including the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai.
Embrace the natural beauty of Northern Thailand in Chiang Mai and Chaing Rai, and watch the local elephants in their habitat.
This 9-day adventure travels on and off the well-worn path to discover unique cultures, landscapes, and landmarks untouched by tourist crowds.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Bangkok
Location: Bangkok
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Furama Xclusive Sathorn – 4 Star
Welcome to Thailand! Freshen up and meet in the hotel lobby around 6:00pm for an informal meeting with your guide and other tour members.
Afterwards you have free time to start exploring vibrant Bangkok or go out for an optional group dinner.
Take a stroll down the iconic Khao San Road and explore the bustling night markets, live music bars and restaurants as you wish.
Accommodation
Grand Mercure Bangkok Atrium or Mandarin Hotel by Centre Point– 4 Star
Optional Activities
Group Dinner
Day 2: Bangkok City Tour
Location: Bangkok
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Furama Xclusive Sathorn – 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fill up on an included breakfast at the hotel before a full day exploring Bangkok on an included City Tour.
Follow your local guide through the chaotic streets and quaint back alleys of Bangkok and visit the city's two unmissable highlights.
Wander through China Town to the banks of the Chao Phraya River and visit Wat Pho to see the famous 46-metre-long Reclining Buddha covered in gold leaf! Continue to the Grand Palace just nearby, the perfect example of an ancient Siamese court, to witness the magical atmosphere.
You may get a chance to visit the Temple of Emerald Buddha, located within the palace compound.
There is a strict dress code at the Grand Palace so be sure to cover your shoulders and knees with loose-fitting such as long pants and shirts.
Travel on the Chao Phraya River (The River of Kings) and on through the Klongs (canals) of Thonburi.
You will have the chance to observe and photograph the serene family homes and temples along the waterways, which gave the city the name “Venice of the East”.
You will also pay a visit to one of the most photographed sights in Bangkok, the Wat Arun.
The majestic shrine has a pagoda as high as 76m and is decorated with glazed ceramic pieces that reflect the rising sun, giving the temple its name.
After a big day exploring Bangkok, head back to the hotel to enjoy the afternoon at your own leisure.
Accommodation
Grand Mercure Bangkok Atrium or Mandarin Hotel by Centre Point– 4 Star
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
Bangkok City Tour
Entrance Fees
Wat Pho - 9 USD
Wat Pra Kaew & Grand Palace - 14 USD
Wat Arun - 6 USD
Day 3: Bangkok, Kanchanaburi
Location: Bangkok, Kanchanaburi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Felix River Kwai Resort – 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart Bangkok on an air-conditioned coach by early in the morning as we make our way to Kanchanaburi.
Famously known for the bridge over the Kwai River, it is a significant scene of World War II and Thailand's somber war history.
Start discovring the area with a visit to the War Cemetery and the War Museum, dedicated to the prisoners who lost their lives during the construction of the bridge.
Hop on a boat trip on River Kwai towards the famous bridge, where you can cross it on foot and take walk around the site.
Our next stop will be the unusual railway section, "Hellfire Pass", a pass built in record time by allied prisoners of war between 1942 and 1943.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before transferring to the hotel and free time to continue your discovery on your own terms.
Accommodation
Felix River Kwai Resort – 4 Star
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
War Cemetery & Museum
Boat tour on River Kwai
River Kwai Bridge Visit
Hellfire Pass Visit
Entrance Fees
Thailand-Burma Railway Museum - 4 USD
Day 4: Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Phitsanulok
Location: Kanchanaburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Phitsanulok
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pattara Resort & Spa – 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
Farewell Kanchanaburi for the historic city of Ayutthaya! Known as Thailand's hidden archaeological gem, this city is teeming with Buddhist temples, monasteries and ancient statutes that cannot be missed.
Follow your guide on a walking tour through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site that dates back to 1350, which was once the capital of the ancient Siamese Kingdom and considered the biggest city in the world! Explore the magnificent royal monastery of Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, Wat Mahathat and three ancient pagodas, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet.
Next, we will ride to the city of Ang Thong to visit the incredible Wat Muang temple, famous for housing the largest seated Buddha figure in Thailand, and ninth largest in the world, at almost 100 meters high.
After enjoying a local lunch, we make our way to the city of Phitsanulok, located at the heart of Thailand and considered one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage centers in the country.
During the journey, witness the change in the landscape as it turns greener and lusher into a jungle-like flora.
Finishing the day with a full camera roll and plenty of knowledge from your local guide, arrive at your 4-star hotel for some leisure time.
Accommodation
Pattara Resort & Spa – 4 Star
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Ayutthaya Walking Tour
Entrance Fees
Wat Mahathat - 1,4 USD
Wat Phra Sri Sanphet - 1,4 USD
Wat Yai Chai Mongkol - 1 USD
Day 5: Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Chiang Rai
Location: Chiang Rai, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Laluna Hotel and Resort – 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
For the early risers, we wake up early today to visit the hotel's surroundings to make an offering to the monks, and experience one of the most emblematic aspects of Thai culture up close.
After breakfast, we ride to Sukhotai, the historical heartland of Thailand.
This impressive UNESCO World Heritage City was the cradle of Thai civilisation and home to the Sukhothai Kingdom from 1238 to 1438.
Follow your local guide on a walking tour through the Sukhothai Historical Park to explore the ancient temples, impressive ruins and the giant Wat Sri Chum Buddha statue in a scenic park setting.
Then, grab a window seat as we continue the journey towards Chiang Rai in the Lampang province.
En route, we will have lunch and rest along the shores of the spectacular Phayao Lake.
Arriving in Chiang Rai in the late afternoon, enjoy your free time to rest, swim in the hotel pool or visit the city's night market.
Accommodation
Laluna Hotel and Resort – 4 Star
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Sukhothai Archaelogical Park Visit
Phayao Lake Visit
Entrance Fees
Sukhothai Historical Park - 3 USD
Wat Sri Chum - 3 USD
Day 6: Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai
Location: Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mövenpick Suriwongse Hotel Chiang Mai – 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
Kick off the day with a hefty breakfast, as our first stop will be the new and striking Wat Rong Suea Ten, also known as Blue Temple.
Discover the marvellous paintings with a style similar to that of the famous White Temple, as the architect of which trained here for years.
To soak in the local culture, follow your guide to the village of Akha, an ethnic group known for its colorful costumes and the surrounding picturesque tea plantations.
Continuing to the spectacular and contemporary White Temple (Wat Rong Kun in Thai) on the outskirts of Chiang Rai, witness white represent the purity and wisdom of Buddhism in sublime beauty and serenity.
This bizarre-looking temple is the brainchild of Chiang Rai's famous artist and painter Chalermchai Kositpipat.
Unlike most Thai temples, the building is all white with glass and mirrors embedded into the outside to make it sparkle in the sunlight.
Keep your cameras at the ready because this temple is truly insta-worthy! This hilly, forested area also holds serene landscape views, winding rivers and is home to the best elephant sanctuaries in Thailand! Spend the evening in Chiang Rai, resting up at our luxurious 4-star hotel before a big day ahead.
Accommodation
Centara Riverside Hotel – 4 Star
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Visit Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple)
Visit Akha Village
Visit Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)
Entrance Fees
Akha Hilltribe Village - 9 USD
Wat Rong Kun (White Temple) - 3 USD
Day 7: Chiang Mai, Elephant Ecovalley, Chiang Mai
Location: Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, Elephant EcoValley
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mövenpick Suriwongse Hotel Chiang Mai – 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, we depart for a half-day excursion to the Elephant EcoValley for many exciting and animal friendly activities.
Besides getting the best insight about these fascinating creatures, you will get to: Harvest grass/vegetation for elephant snacks along the way; hike on foot to Upper EcoValley with the elephants; plant a banana tree or herbs; make herb ‘n' fruit nutritional vitamin balls; feed the vitamin balls to the elephants (They love them!); share a mud bath with your new buddies (Watch or wash 'em yourself!); shower outdoors overlooking a mountain stream!
After returning to Chiang Mai in the afternoon, go up to the well-known mountain temple of Wat Doi Suthep, the best spot to appreciate the city in all its splendor.
At night, enjoy your personal time or walk through the famous night market to soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Accommodation
Centara Riverside Hotel – 4 Star
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Half-day Excursion to Elephant EcoValley
Visit to Wat Doi Suthep
Entrance Fees
Elephant EcoValley - 62 USD
Wat Doi Suthep - 1,4 USD
Day 8: Chiang Mai, Bangkok (By Flight)
Location: Bangkok, Chiang Mai
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Furama Xclusive Sathorn – 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, discover Chiang Mai freely or rest by the pool side until your transfer to the airport for a short flight to Bangkok.
As we check in to the hotel and freshen up, make sure to tick off any attractions left on your list on your last night in Bangkok.
Accommodation
Grand Mercure Bangkok Atrium or Mandarin Hotel by Centre Point– 4 Star
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 9: Bangkok
Location: Bangkok
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, our trip will end in Bangkok as we bid farewell to strangers who quickly became friends and check-out of the hotel by 11am.
Luckily it's not a final goodbye, but only until next time!
Meals Included
Breakfast
What's Included
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Accommodation
4 Star Hotels and Resorts
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Meals
8 Breakfasts
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Transportation
Private Air-Conditioned Vehicle
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Orientation Walks
Organised orientation walks at the towns visited
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Tour Guiding
Services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licenced by the Ministry of Tourism
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Flight
Flight between Chiang Mai & Bangkok
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Optional activities
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Meals not stated above
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Other services not stated in the itinerary
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to the sights and museums
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Travel Insurance
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Items of a personal nature
Add Ons
Local Payment: £
Check out our Q&As
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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Company Instant Book
No
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes passenger under age 18
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Are flights included in this tour?
Yes, Flight between Chiang Mai & Bangkok
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
All travellers must be fully vaccinated.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
There are always single travellers on our tours. If you don't mind being roomed with another single traveller of the same gender, then you do not need to pay a single supplement, however, this excludes all of our North American tours where the sharing option for a solo traveller is not available, and the single supplement must be applied if you are travelling alone. The single supplement is for travellers who would like to stay in a private room for the duration of the tour. PLEASE NOTE: The single private option is not always available, especially for sailing tours and camping.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Our tours are suitable for any traveller above 18 years old. The majority of Travel Talkers are from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada or Europe, however we always have travellers from all over the world. What brings them together is a passion for travel, discovering authentic cultures and experiencing unique adventures with like-minded travellers.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Travel Talk, we believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with our guests, we strive to make a positive impact on local p
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Over 20 years
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Free Date Changes
Travel Talk Tours allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 61 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Travel Talk Tours requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel talk tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 85% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Enquire for huge savings
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