Tours to Thailand

Itinerary

Depart USA.
Your exotic Thailand vacation begins as you depart today aboard your wide-body jet.

Arrive Bangkok.
Welcome to Thailand, the “Land of Smiles”. Evening arrival in Bangkok, the breathtaking capital. You’ll be met by your Thailand tours Director and escorted to your upscale hotel located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Menam Riverside Hotel

Bangkok.
Special “orientation breakfast”, then embark on an included tour introducing you to some of the outstanding Buddhist temples in Bangkok. Visit Wat Trimitr with its invaluable 5-tons solid gold statue of Buddha and Wat Po, featuring the colossal 150 foot long “Reclining Buddha”. See the White Marble Temple representing the finest example of Thai architecture. Afternoon at leisure or join an optional canal boat ride across the river for a glimpse of local daily life ($30). This evening enjoy a welcome dinner. (B, D)

Bangkok.
Two days at leisure to discover Thailand’s vibrant and exotic capital at your own pace. Your Tour Director can make suggestions for independent exploration. Join an optional excursion to the colorful Damnoen Saduak floating market, reached by a rice barge followed by a visit to Phra Pathom Chedi, the tallest stupa in the world ($40). A tour of the spectacular Grand Palace, former residence of the Kings ($38) is also available. Both Thailand tours can be on either days 4 or 5 depending on the departure date. (B)

Bangkok Continued.
Continue to enjoy your independent exploration of one of the world’s greatest cities! (B)

Bangkok/Ayutthaya/Phitsanulok.
Over the next few days venture into some of Thailand’s most fascinating regions, rich with culture, history and stunning landscape. In Ayutthaya, the ancient capital, see the giant bronze statue of Wat Mongkol Borpith and the three ancient pagodas at Wat Phra Sri. Continue to Lopburi to view the magnificent stone carvings of Phra Prang Sam Yod as well as the Monkey Temple. Drive via beautiful scenery of rice paddies to Phitsanulok, the gateway to Northern Thailand, visit the Bronze Case Factory and view how Buddha Images are made in an authentic way. Topland Hotel (B)

Phitsanulok/Sukhothai/Lampang.
Today travel to Sukhothai to see the famous ruins of this 13th century first capital of Siam. Visit the Textile Museum, a unique private collection. Continue to Sri Satchanalai, the northern outpost town of the Kingdom of Sukhothai, built by King Ramkamhaeng where you’ll visit an ancient Ceramic Kiln before proceeding to Lampang for overnight. Wiang Lakorn Hotel (B)

Golden Triangle/Chiang Rai.
Lampang is famous for its narrow streets and traditional horse-drawn carriages. Visit a local paper and ceramic making village. Depart for Phayao, a rural lakeside town and once princely state. Proceed to Chiang Saen, situated on the border with Laos. Enjoy a short boat trip on the Mekong River towards the Golden Triangle – the meeting point of Thailand, Burma and Laos. Visit Mae Sai, the Northern-most point of Thailand, stroll through the colorful local market and shop for Burmese handicrafts before arriving in charming Chiang Rai. Phowadol Resort & Spa (B)

Chiang Rai.
Day at leisure. Your hotel is located within easy access to the Mae Kok River. Today join an optional boat trip down the river and visit the fascinating local hilltribe villages, learn about their culture and observe the colorful costumes ($32). (B)

Chiang Rai / Chiang Mai.
Morning drive to Chiang Mai, the “Rose of the North.” Your hotel is centrally located within a short walking distance to the renowned night market. Afternoon at leisure. Tonight we suggest an optional “Kantoke Dinner” featuring local specialties as well as breathtaking performance of songs and dances by a local hilltribe dressed in traditional costumes ($32, dinner included). Duangtawan Hotel (B)

Chiang Mai.
Today visit an elephant camp and see a demonstration of the role of the elephant in Thai agriculture, commerce and culture. Later visit an Orchid Farm. Afternoon at leisure to discover the charm and beauty of this ancient city. (B)

Chiang Mai.
Morning optional city tour visits Chiang Mai’s most interesting temples as well as fascinating Wat Doi Suthep located high in the mountains. Tonight, why not enjoy a classic Thai cooking class and delicious dinner experience with your fellow travelers. Whether you want to try cooking Thai food yourself or not, you’ll surely walk away having enjoyed a delicious meal!. (B)

Chiang Mai/Bangkok.
Final day at leisure for shopping or independent pursuits. Late today, fly back to Bangkok (B)

Bangkok/USA.
Connect in Bangkok for your flight home. Your magical Thailand vacation ends as you arrive the USA later today.

Featured Hotels

International Flight: Air China

Lampang: Lampang Wianglakorn Hotel
138/38 Paholyothin Road, Suandok
Lampang, 52000, Thailand

Optionals

To enhance and make your visit to Thailand more complete and memorable, you will be offered several optional tours and cultural/dining evening activities. All rates are approximates in US Dollars and are subject to change based on fluctuation of exchange rates and suppliers rates. Optional tours are subject to a minimum number of participants and may therefore not be offered if this minimum is not met. Some tours may not be available due to holiday schedules, and there may be additional optional tours added for your enjoyment.

Floating Market & Phra Pathom Chedi Tour ($40 per person)
This most interesting full day excursion takes you to the rural floating market of Damneon Saduak, located south of Bangkok. Spend some time in this exotic, colorful and bustling market where you can observe floating merchants hawk their fruits, corps, baskets and weavings. Proceed to Phra Pathom Chedi, the tallest stupa in the world.

Mae Kok River Boat Trip & Hilltribe Tour ($32 per person)
An unforgettable and exciting afternoon awaits as you board a longtail boat for a ride up the Mae Kok River. En route visit a temple located in a beautiful cave. Proceed to the Karen Hilltribe village at Baan Ruam Mid for an unforgettable visit. The hilltribe members maintain their own distinct culture, religion, language and colorful style of dress.

Chiang Mai Morning City/Temple Tour ($28 per person)
A morning city tour features visits to Chiang Mai’s most interesting temples. The highlight of your tour is a visit to the magnificent Doi Suthep Temple, tucked away in the mountains at 3, 500 feet above sea level.

Classic Thai Cooking Class & Dinner ($30 per person)
Enjoy a classic Thai cooking class and delicious dinner experience with your fellow travelers. Whether you want to try cooking Thai food yourself or not, you’ll surely walk away having enjoyed a delicious meal!

Traveler Videos

Check out videos from smarTours travelers on this trip of a lifetime!

Trip Prep

Trip Preparation

FLIGHT INFORMATION

Your flights from the USA to Thailand and back are on the following airlines with the corresponding schedules. You are expected to arrive at your departure airport at least 3 1/2 hours before your scheduled departure.

Date	Airline	LAX		JFK
		Depart	Return		Return
2016: Feb. 17	Air China	11:30am	10:30am	3:30pm	1:30pm
2016: Mar. 2					2:30pm
2016: Mar. 30, Apr. 6, Apr. 13	Air China	2:00pm	12:00pm	4:30pm
2016: Jul. 6
2016: Oct. 19
2016: Nov. 2	11:00am
2016: Nov. 16	1:00pm	3:30pm