Overview
- Classic Journeys
- Day 1: Bangkok Arrival
- Day 2: Bangkok – Full day city tour
- Day 3: Bangkok – DamnoenSaduak Floating Market & Ayutthaya Ancient City
- Day 4: Bangkok – Flight to Krabi
- Day 5: In Krabi
- Day 6: Krabi - Day tour to Phi Phi by Speedboat (group tour)
- Day 7: In Krabi
- Day 8: Krabi – Flight to Koh Samui
- Day 9: In Koh Samui
- Day 10: In Koh Samui
- Day 11: Koh Samui - Day Tour Angthong National Marine Park (group tour)
- Day 12: Koh Samui – Departure
Customizable itinerary
From Thailands’ temples to its beaches, this tour will make sure you cover every interesting destination in the country. Navigate Bangkok – the most charming city in Thailand and see the glorious Grand Palace, continue on marvellous Buddhist temples and enhance the day with tasty Thai food. Embark on a cruise to the DamnoenSaduak Floating Market and discover ancient temples in Ayutthaya. Relax on the breathtaking sandy beaches of Krabi and Koh Samui, and join in various activities, from swimming, snorkelling to day-tour to neighbouring islands in Ang Thong Marine Park.
Upon arrival in Bangkok, you will be met in the arrivals area by your local guide holding a name-board. After a warm welcome and brief introduction, take a private airport transfer to your hotel for assistance with check-in. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure.
Overnight in Bangkok
Morning
After breakfast, meet your tour guide at the hotel lobby and start the tour to the Grand Palace, one of the most magnificent palaces in the world and the Temple of Emerald Buddha, built in 1782 by King Rama I, as the royal residence and the seat of the government. The palace added on many royal buildings by later kings until the complex now has many architectural styles from Thai to European. But they are still very much the original Thai style buildings and traditional structures. The Royal Palace compound is divided into four sections.
Next, we’ll visit the Temple of Reclining Buddha or Wat Pho (Wat Phra Chetuphon) (5 meters long and 1.5 meters wide), the home of the most beautiful and famous Reclining Buddha. The temple housed the 46-meter long Reclining Buddha image which is the second largest reclining Buddha in the country, (the largest reclining Buddha is 50 meters long at Wat Khun in Pramun, Angthong province). Wat Pho is the centre for the teaching and preservation of traditional Thai medicine and Thai massage.
Afternoon
After lunch at a local restaurant, you will continue to visit the City Pillar Shrine consisting of a square building with openings on all four sides. Inside the shrine, there is a small Buddha image that can predict whether one’s wish.
Continue on to Wat Suthat, better known for the towering red Giant Swing that stands at its entrance, which is one of the oldest and most impressive temples in Bangkok. It features an elegant chapel with a sweeping roof, magnificent wall murals and exquisite hand-carved teakwood door panels.
Before getting back to the hotel, you will visit Wat Traimit, the temple of the golden Buddha, made of 5.5 tones of solid gold, sculptured in Sukhothai style.
Overnight in Bangkok.
Meals: (Breakfast/lunch/_)
You’ll leave the hotel at 06:30 am for the floating market, enjoy the scenic drive through towns, small villages and paddy fields, prawn & salt farms and observe Thai people going about their daily business.
Arrive at a nearby pier to embark on a cruise to the DamnoenSaduak Floating Market by long-tail boat, a journey that takes you down picturesque canals lined with the traditional Thai culture.
You will then continue to Ayutthaya and discover historical sites in this ancient land. You’ll visit the WatPhananchoeng – built in A.D. 1325, which is the most reserved monastery by the inhabitants of Ayutthaya. You will also visit WatYaiChaimongkhon to see the large pagodas, built to celebrate the victory of his single-handed combat on the elephant’s back during Ayutthaya capital.
After lunch in a Riverside Restaurant, visit Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit. Phra Mongkhon Bophit, a large bronze cast Buddha image was originally enshrined in the open area outside the Grand Palace and later covered by a building in the reign of king Songtham. During the fall of Ayutthaya, the building was badly destroyed by fire. The one currently seen was reconstructed but does not have as beautiful craftmanship as the previous one. The open area east of the sanctuary was where the royal cremation ceremonies took place.
Your next visit will be to WatPhra Si Sanphet. This is the most important temple within the Royal Palace compound and the original from which the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok was copied. Three outstanding Ceylonese style pagodas were built during the 15th century to enshrine the ashes of three Ayutthaya kings.
At around 03:00 pm, you will leave from Ayutthaya, pass green paddy fields, villages, and temples then return to Bangkok. You may stop en-route for refreshments and shopping before heading back to your hotel.
Overnight in Bangkok
Meals: (Breakfast/lunch/_)
Meet at the hotel after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight to Krabi, the capital of southern Thailand’s Krabi Province. It is a resort town lies in an area of limestone karsts and mangrove forest.
On arrival, meet and transfer to the resort for the day at your leisure.
Overnight in Krabi
Meals: (Breakfast/_/_)
Enjoy the full day at your leisure.
Overnight in Krabi
Meals: (Breakfast/_/_)
08.00am: Pick up from the HOTEL.
09.00am: Depart from Nopparattara Pier.
Places & activities:
- Bamboo Island swimming snorkeling and Relax on the beach.
- Phi Phi Lay Viking Cave where they can get Pi Leh Bay, a beautiful lagoon, and Crystal pool.
- Loh Sama Bay enjoy with colorful fish.
- Maya Beach the location of the famous movies “The Beach” Phi Phi Don
- Lunchtime at the restaurant, shopping and relax on the beach.
- Monkey beach for more fun snorkeling Colorful coral
16.30pm: Transfer back to your hotel
What to bring? Suns lotion/Sunglass/Hat and towel/Camera with a Plastic bag or waterproof case/swimming suite.
Overnight in Krabi
Meals: (Breakfast/lunch/_)
Another free day to relax in Krabi.
Overnight at Krabi
Meals: (Breakfast/_/_)
Free time at your leisure until transfer to Krabi Airport for a short flight to Koh Samui, Thailand’s second-largest island, lies in the Gulf of Thailand off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus. It’s known for its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves, and dense, mountainous rainforest, plus luxury resorts and posh spas.
Arrival in Samui Airport, meet your private driver and transfer to hotel/ resort.
Overnight in Koh Samui
Meals: (Breakfast/_/_)
Enjoy the full day at your leisure.
Overnight in Koh Samui
Meals: (Breakfast/_/_)
Another relaxing day in Koh Samui. No planned activities.
Overnight in Koh Samui
Meals: (Breakfast/_/_)
08.00am: Pick up time from your residence.
Tours & activities:
- Meeting point at our Koh Samui or Koh Phangan office.
- Enjoy your continental breakfast (coffee, tea, cookies, fresh fruit).
- Board the speed boat to Ang Thong Marine Park – about 45 minutes away, from Samui about 60 minutes away.
- Snorkeling at the best spot at Koh Wao or Koh Tay Plaow.
- Inner Emerald Lake – Talay Nai – short walk to the most incredible viewpoint to see all 42 Islands of Angthong National Marine Park – Thailand.
- Sightseeing around Angthong Marine Park – Explore Monkey Island, cruise around Angthong National Marine Park.
12.30pm: Beach Front Buffet Lunch at one of the best beach at Koh Sam Sao Island Kayaking, viewpoint climb, relaxing or snorkeling.
“Say Bye-Bye to Angthong Marine Park”.
16.30pm: Transfer back to your residence.
What to bring? Sunscreen/Sunglass/Hat/Beach Towel/Waterproof bag/swimming suite
Overnight in Koh Samui
Meals: (Breakfast/Lunch/_)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then meet at the appointed time for your departure transfer to Koh Samui Airport for your flight back to Bangkok and connecting flight home. Checkout is at 12 noon.
Meals: (Breakfast/_/_)
Inquire this trip
Useful Information
This tour is built upon our firsthand knowledge & experience, offering you the best choices available. The price of this trip varies depending on the number of people in your party, dates of departure, and availability of ground services. Please click on REQUEST A FREE QUOTE (above) and supply the required information, enabling us to send you your personalized quote within 24 hours!
Note: Amendments CAN be made to this tour to suite your requirements.
What’s Included?
- Accommodation with daily breakfast at selected hotels
- Private Vehicles and Drivers
- Private English Speaking Guides (Other languages if available, upon request)
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
- Entrance fees for all mentioned sights visited
- Service Charge & Government Taxes
What’s Not Included?
- Your International Flights to and from Thailand
- Thailand entry Visa Fees (contact us for further information)
- Personal Expenses (such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc.)
- Any bank fees or charges at your end
- Meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal Travel Insurance
- Tips for guides and drivers
How to Plan a successful Trip to Thailand, Step-by-Step
Why to Visit Thailand
Where to Go
When to Go
Obtain a Thailand Visa
How to book a tour
Packing and Luggage Allowance
Why to Visit Thailand
Thailand, the wondrous kingdom, the most popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia, and the only Southeast Asian nation that has never been colonized by a European power. With endless attractions for visitors of all budgets and interests, Thailand is the paramount beacon beckoning travelers from all over the world to Southeast Asia.
For those wanting to learn more about Thai culture, take a stroll through the impressive Buddhist temples, and join a cooking class to learn Thai culinary arts. More of a nature person? Explore the spectacular islands and bask on world-class beaches, see some exotic wildlife, and tour the country’s landscapes. Pattaya, Phuket and Koh Samui offer life in paradise with their miles of pristine sand and crystal water. Looking for a more modern experience? Shopaholics will find Bangkok a heaven with its millions of product types, brand names and prices at every corner, either at an affordable market or a luxury mall. The nightlife is also guaranteed to please the party crowd. Most importantly, everywhere you go, you will be warmly greeted by the Thai locals, whose dazzling smiles established Thailand as the ‘land of smiles’.
From five-star pampering, adrenaline-fueled activities, shopping in stylish boutiques, sun tanning on some of the best beaches in the world, to taste the fantastic cuisine, Thailand has something for everyone.
Where to Go
Most popular sites of Thailand
• Bangkok – visit temples by day and bar hop by night
• Phuket, Pattaya and Koh Samui – relax on beaches with white sands and crystal-clear waters
• Hill tribes in the north – trek with the locals
When to Go
The climate varies throughout this country, makes it possible to visit all year round. The best time to visit Thailand is between November and February when the weather is at its best. Much of the country experiences a typically tropical climate consisting of two seasons: dry and wet.
In northern Thailand, the dry season with cooler temperatures falls between November and May, with heavy rainfall between June and October.
In the south, the climate differs between the east and west coasts. The weather on the east coast is good for most of the year, with the lowest rainfall in January and February, and the highest in November. The west coast is more favorable during the winter months when diving and snorkeling will be at its best.
Obtain a Thailand Visa
Passengers arriving via an international airport will be given a 30-day visa exemption stamp, however, those with back-to-back visa exempt entries might be questioned. As of December 31st, 2016, the number of visa exemption entries at a land border has been limited to two per the calendar year, for a maximum of 30 days each time. For those who would prefer to get a visa, a valid tourist visa offers a maximum of a 60-day stay.
The Thai visa photo criteria are 6 cm high x 4 cm wide with a bright background color.
Visa exemptions
The citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Thailand for a certain amount of time:
- Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, South Korea (maximum stay of up to 90 days)
- Laos, Macau, Mongolia, Russia, Vietnam (maximum stay of up to 30 days)
- Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Brunei, Belgium, Canada, Czech, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia(unlimited), Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Oman, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Slovak, Slovenia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UAE, United Kingdom and USA
(maximum stay of up to 30 days when entering Thailand at an airport, plus 2 extra 30-day exemptions at a land border in a calendar year)
Visa on Arrival (VOA)
The citizens of countries that are eligible for a VOA to enter Thailand can NOT enter Thailand at any Thai / Cambodian border: Andorra, Bhutan, Bulgaria, China, Cyprus, Ethiopia, India, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan.
All other foreign citizens must obtain a Thai visa from their nearest Thai embassy/consulate.
Note: It is recommended to keep a copy or record with your camera, your passport, visa, most recent entry stamp, and your embarkation card.
How to book a tour
Booking your holiday with Indochina Pioneer cannot be easier! Follow our 3 simple steps:
Step 1: Browse our website www.indochinapioneer.com for tours, cruises and other destination information.
Should you find something that matches your interest, fill in the REQUEST A FREE QUOTE forms. Can’t find something that fits your needs? Then fill the BUILD YOUR OWN TRIP or CONTACT US form and click SUBMIT.
Then sit back! One of our travel experts will get back to you shortly with our customized package and most favorable offer!
In a hurry? Don’t like filling forms? Then call +84 982 116 630 (Mr. Lam) or +84 983 145 799 (Mr. Quyen). We’re available 24/7 and would be more than happy to talk! Certainly, your request will be carefully noted and a nicely crafted package with a pleasant price will follow!
Step 2: Reviewing/ Customizing our offer!
It’s your holiday so everything should be exactly what you want! We encourage your careful review of what we offer, letting us know what changes you would like to make. We’ll be more than happy to fine-tune the tour to fit best your interests, budget and time! This step may require several emails/call exchanges until perfect!
Step 3: Confirming/Paying/ Packing for the trip!
Once you’re satisfied with the customized tour, please let us know and Indochina Pioneer will need a few working hours to place reservations for all of the tour services. As soon as the availability and reservations of the services are confirmed, we will request a deposit. Please refer our Payment Guide for more details.
Once your deposit is received by Indochina Pioneer, we will send you the service voucher which confirms all the services of the tour and provides ground contact details and a guide for the final payment schedule.
And then you start counting down the day for your most fabulous trip!
Booking Amendment & Cancellations:
Booking Amendment: Flexibility is our strongest point. You can amend your booking even after it is made. Just contact your salesperson or contact us at [email protected] with your booking number. Our reservations team is glad to amend your booking with your preferable alternatives. Please kindly note that you will be responsible for any change of the final price caused by your amendment requests.
Travel smart with Indochina Pioneer!
Packing and Luggage Allowance
Packing Checklist – Be sure to check them all 😉
Essentials
- Travel documents (passport, visas, travel insurance certificate, air tickets, tour voucher)
- Money (cash, credit card, debit card, traveler’s cheques and money pouch)
- Day pack for your personal needs during the day
- Camera and extra memory cards and batteries
- Cell phone and cell phone charger
- Laptop charger (if you are bringing your laptop)
- Travel plug/international adapter
- Medication (including a doctor’s letter if you are carrying a large amount of medication)
- Prescription glasses / contacts and if necessary, contact lens solution
Best to bring along
- First aid kit
- Toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Refillable water bottle with filter
Wardrobe
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Comfortable clothing, either light or heavy options, depending on the season you are travelling
- Clothes suitable for visiting temples (long pants / skirts, long sleeved tops)
- Waterproof jacket / raincoat / umbrella
- Hat & sunglasses
- Bathing suit
Optional comforts
- Ear plugs & eye mask
- Sleep sheet for home stays / trains
- Lightweight travel towel
- Local language phrasebook
Reviews on Our Service
We are committed to giving our customers unforgettable experiences in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and beyond, not just something staged for tourists. Read reviews written by our customers about their experiences in Indochina after they have returned home. These include the ratings and comments on attractions, guides, activities, hotels and food.
Marion
Tokyo, Japan
Mary
Wisconsin, USALam did an amazing job putting together an itinerary based on phone/text conversations. We told him the where and what and he did the rest. The accommodations were beyond expectation, the guides were unbelievably friendly, and the places we were taken were spectacular. Having guides and drivers is worth every penny. So much time and money would have been wasted had we tried to accomplish this ourselves.
We got to experience so much more because of our guides local knowledge. Lastly, how great it was not to worry about how we were getting to the next adventure. Had we not used Indochina Pioneer I truly believe I wouldn’t have as many astonishing memories.
David G
USAIf you are looking for a private tour of SE Asia, look no further than Indochina Pioneer. I recently returned from a 30-day private tour of Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand all arranged by Indochina Pioneer and could not have been happier with everything they arranged for me. They are top-notch from working directly with you on planning your trip, arranging visas, having individuals at the airports to meet and walk you through everything when entering the countries, having amazing tour guides and drivers as well as organizing everything for you on the ground and being there to help you all along the way if you have any questions or problems. My tour was amazing with not only the normal tourist sights, but many off the beaten track sights and with your own guides, you learn so much more from these individuals who actually live in the places you will visit. I can’t recommend this tour agency enough. If you are looking to travel to any of the locations Indochina Pioneer has tours, you must book through them, you will not be disappointed.
Link: https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g293924-d2211874-r751470744-Indochina_Pioneer-Hanoi.html
Lidia
SpainWe had 21 days on a private tour and every detail was perfectly arranged. Perhaps, the Spanish speaking skills of guides can ve improved, but overall they were very helpful and committed with their job. I want to highlight the performance of Juan (Hanoi), Miguel (Hoi An), Chao (Ho Chi Minh City) and La (Luang Prabang, Laos).
Hotels were as we asked and the timing for the visits was very good.
I recommend this travel agency!
Link: https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g293924-d2211874-r751425461-Indochina_Pioneer-Hanoi.html
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