Thailand Adventure
This is a special, one time opportunity to visit Thailand, the “Land of Smiles” with other lifestyle couples and singles. Hosted by Bob & Tess, this adventure will take you from the big city of Bangkok through the historic middle part of the country up into the hills of the northern country with an optional trip to the beautiful tropical island of Phuket.
Bob & Tess have traveled extensively in Thailand and have insight to the culture and special highlights of this wonderful country. They will give you inside information on the nightlife, red light districts and take you to places that tours never go and show you things you’d never find on your own.
We will have a fantastic Thai Tour Guide that will teach you about the history, culture and etiquette of Thailand and will help translate along our journey.
Package Includes
- 11 nights First Class accommodations at the following hotels or similar(subject to availability at time of reservation)
- 4 nights President Palace, Bangkok
- 1 night Classic Kameo Ayutthaya or Kantary Hotel, Ayutthaya
- 1 night Sukhothai Heritage Resort or Legendha, Sukhothai
- 2 nights Le Meridien, Chiang Rai
- 3 nights Le Meridien, Chiang Mai
- All transfers
- 15 meals: 11 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking tour manager
- Entrance fees per itinerary
Special Features
- Wat Po Temple & Reclining Buddha, Bangkok
- Bang Pa In Royal Palace, Ayutthaya
- Chai Wattanaram Temple, Ayutthaya
- Historical Park, Sukhothai
- House of Opium & Golden Triangle, Chiang Rai
- Wat Phrathad Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai
- Authentic Thai Dinner at Chiang Mai Private Home
- crystal Temple
*Not Included:
porterage at airports, optional tours, and gratuities.
Itinerary For French Connection’s Thailand Tour
DAY 1, Depart the US
Thursday 13 Feb, 2014 -
Depart the USA for Thailand. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey. Air package is no longer available
We anticipate using China Air and they depart on 13 Feb 2014 from LAX and will arrive into Bangkok just after midnight on 15 February, but we will book the hotel from the night of 14 February as you are arriving after midnight on the 14th - very early morning on the 15th.
DAY 2, Arrive in Bangkok
You will very early Saturday morning- Arrive in Bangkok 14 Feb & 15 Feb
Arrive in Bangkok and transfer to your hotel. check in after midnight on 15 February.
Overnight: Bangkok
DAY 3, Saturday - Bangkok City Tour
This morning late start as we had a late arrival. Meet with your tour manager for an orientation. Then continue with an afternoon city and temple tour, introducing you to Bangkok, the “City of Angels”. Drive through Chinese Town, the Indian Market, and the Wholesale Flower Market. Visit Wat Po (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), the oldest and first school for people in the olden days. See the famous golden Reclining Buddha statue, 150 feet long and 40 feet high, before continuing to the Royal Avenue where most of the Government offices are located and the Palace of the Present King.
The tour will finish with a walking tour of Soi Cowboy and Nana Plaza, the two most famous nightlife districts in Bangkok. The rest of the night, on your own.
Optional: Siam Niramit Show & Dinner (PM)
Overnight: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Tour:
Siam Niramit Show & Dinner - Day #3 - 15 Feb 2014 - $72.00
Buffet dinner at the Siam Niramit Restaurant before this evening's stunning performance of the journey to the Enchanted Kingdom of Siam. Boasting over 150 performers, this $40 million production delves into Siam's history and culture, featuring scenes taken from the North's Ancient Kingdom of Lanna, the famed sea traders of the South, Khmer heritage, and the Central Plains traditions. Then in a journey reminiscent of Dante, venture into the heart of Thai mythology with scenes of Fiery Hell, Mystical Himapaan Forest, and Blissful Heaven. Lastly, enjoy a montage of joyous celebrations honoring the Buddhist tradition of merit-making festivals.
DAY 4, Sunday - Full Day in Bangkok
In the morning, we will take a long tail boat for a river tour that will take us into the canals of Bangkok with stops in The Royal Barges Museum (a dockyard for royal barges used in ceremonial processions) and Wat Uran (a temple soaring almost 300 ft on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River). The afternoon will be free to explore on your own, or go on one of the optional excursions.
Optional: Half Day Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha (AM)
Optional: Chao Phraya River Cruise with Dinner (PM)
Overnight: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Tours:
Chao Phraya River Cruise with dinner - Day #4 - 16 Feb 2014 - $87.00
A very relaxing cruise on the River of King, Chao Phraya. Enjoy the beautiful picturesque of Bangkok by night along the river. You will cruise slowly up the river, passing by the Royal Navy Fort, Grand Palace and many beautiful temples which are illuminated at night. An International Buffet Dinner on board with the entertainment of live band along the way.
Half Day Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha - Day #4 - 16 Feb 2014 - $45.00
Half day morning tour of Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the adjoining Grand Palace. Together they form what is perhaps the greatest spectacle for the visitor to Bangkok. Wat Phra Kaew consists of over 100 brightly colored building, golden spires and glittering mosaics, and dates back to 1782, when Bangkok was founded. From Wat Phra Kaew head to the Grand Palace. Despite the proximity of the two, there's a distinct contrast in style between the very Thai Wat Phra Kaew and the more European-inspired designs of the Grand Palace. The Grand Palace is used only for occasional ceremonial purposes and is no longer the royal residence.
DAY 5, Monday - Travel to Ayutthaya, Ayutthaya City Tour
Depart for Ayutthaya, the second and most prosperous capital of Thailand, from 1350-1767. On the way, stop at Bang Pa In Royal Palace. Bang Pa In was the royal summer palace for Thai kings. Originally constructed in 1632, the complex fell into disrepair. In the mid-1800's, King Mongkut restored the site to its former glory. Upon arrival in Ayutthaya, visit the Chai Wattanaram Temple. This temple was built by King Prasat Tong, who was actually a commoner who overthrew the previous king and took his throne. This is a lovely place to take in the nature and peace of Siam
Overnight: Ayutthaya
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6, Tuesday - Travel to Sukhothai
Depart Ayutthaya and travel north to Sukhothai. Sukhothai was founded in the 13th Century by King Ramkhamhaeng, as the capital of Siam. Along the way, we will visit the beautiful Wat ThaSung Temple (Crystal Palace) and a short stop at Cabbages and Condoms.
Overnight: Sukhothai
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7, Wednesday - Sukhothai Historical Park, Travel to Chiang Rai
Some of the most beautiful Thai art and architecture was produced during Sukhothai's golden era - between the 13th and 14th centuries. Modern Sukhothai is made up of the old town and new town. The old town of Sukhothai mainly consists of the large Historical Park, where most of the remains of the original city can be seen. Today you will have the opportunity to tour this historical site and marvel at the ancient Buddha figures, palace buildings and ruined temples. Later in the day, board your tour bus to venture north for Chiang Rai
Overnight: Chiang Rai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 8, Thursday - Mae Sai Border Town & Golden Triangle
This morning, travel to the market town of Mae Sai, the northern-most point of Thailand, where there is an opportunity to cross into Myanmar*. Next, head to the hilltop lookout of the Golden Triangle of Southeast Asia for views of the joining of the Mekong and Ruak Rivers. This is also the meeting point for the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. Following the sightseeing stop, embark on a short cruise along the banks of the Mekong to the small island of Don Sao in Laos. Enjoy leisure time in Laos before returning to the Thailand bank.
Continue to the House of Opium Museum to learn more about the plant that is mass produced in this area. Later, savor a locally prepared lunch in a nearby farming village before returning to the hotel in Chiang Rai. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
* Crossing into Myanmar (Burma) requires a visa which can be obtained locally at the boarder crossing at your own expense
Overnight: Chiang Rai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 9, Friday - Travel to Chiang Mai
After a morning at leisure, depart for Chiang Mai. En route, enjoy a stop to visit Wat Rong Khun, or "the White Temple." Wat Rong Khun is quite contemporary compared to other temples in the country - construction began in 1998. Decorated in a brilliant white, including beautiful small pieces of white glass, the temple fuses contemporary art with Buddhist symbolism. Later, arrive in Chiang Mai, the cultural heart of Northern Thailand. Located in the rolling foothills of the Himalayas, Chiang Mai's remained isolated from the world until the 1920's
Optional: Half Day Mae Salong Hill Tribe (AM)
Optional: Kantoke Dinner & Show
Overnight: Chiang Mai
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Tours:
Half Day Mae Salong Hill Tribe - Day #9 - 21 Feb 2014 - $23.00
Your tour begins with hour drive from Chiang Rai City. Upon arrival, change transportation to the local Thai Combi which will take you up to the Doi Mae Salong to visit the hill that is still inhabited with various hill tribes, namely the Akha, Long Neck and Salong . See the unique way of life & culture of the various tribes that is still maintained today.
Kantoke Dinner & Show - Day #9 - 21 Feb 2014 - $30.00
This evening, delight in a Kantoke dinner with traditional dances from Northern Thailand. As guests of this unique event, you will be seated on the floor, as is customary, and enjoy acted scenes depicting the local culture as you dine. After dinner, villagers from various hill tribes will perform an exciting array of cultural dances, including the Fon Lep (Fingers Dance), Sword Dance, Fon Thien (Candle Dance), and Ramwong, in which all guests are invited to participate.
DAY 10, Saturday - Full Day in Chiang Mai
Enjoy the morning at leisure to explore Chiang Mai independently. Chiang Mai is a city known for culture, nature and handicrafts. This afternoon, visit the handicraft street of Sankampang for on site demonstrations of how the silk, lacquer, silver, wood and bronze wares are made. Later today, visit the world's largest gem factory, where you will learn about gem stones, visit the mining area and watch while stones are cut and set.
Later, we will head to a local Thai Boxing exhibition in one of Chaing Mai’s nightlife district. We will also tour the famous Chaing Mai night market.
Optional: Half Day Mae Sa Elephant Camp with lunch (AM)
Optional: Traditional Thai Massage
Overnight: Chiang Mai
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Tour:
Half Day Mae Sa Elephant Camp with lunch - Day #10 - 22 Feb 2014 - $34.00
Travel northwest along the Mae Sa Valley, with its scenic botanical gardens and ten-tiered waterfalls, to visit the Mae Sa Elephant Training Camp. Here you will see elephants bathing in the running streams or demonstrating their daily feats of skill and strength in a show with music and dance, a soccer match, or an abstract painting demonstration. Even more impressive is the camp's goal to protect the endangered Thai Elephant by controlled breeding, a program which has flourished since it was established in 1995. At an additional charge, you may choose to ride on the back of a Thai Elephant, making for a truly memorable experience. Enjoy time at leisure to walk the exhibition greenhouses, gardens and nature trails.
DAY 11, Sunday - Chiang Mai City & Temples Tour, Dinner at Private Home
This morning, enjoy a half day city and temple tour, and visit the most interesting temples in Chiang Mai. Your tour takes you to Wat Suan Dok, where the remains of the Chiang Mai Royal family are enshrined. The tour continues to Wat Phrathad Doi Suthep, erected in 1384 A.D. Located 3500 feet above sea level, Wat Phrathad Doi Suthep is Northern Thailand's most sacred temple, containing a holy relic of Lord Buddha and a copper-plated chedi topped by a tiered gold parasol in its interior cloister. Equally impressive is the mythological Naga (Dragon-headed serpent) staircase, consisting of 290 steps leading up to the temple grounds. As you descend the stairs, there will be an opportunity to visit a local jade factory. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening, enjoy the authentic experience of dinner in a local Chiang Mai family home. Enjoy a tour of the home, and an open conversation of how a typical Thai family lives, all while enjoying the savors of home cooked Thai cuisine (this is one of our favorite parts of the Tour!).
Overnight: Chiang Mai
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 12, Monday - Flight to Bangkok
This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Enjoy balance of the day at leisure
Overnight: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 13, Tuesday - Depart for the USA
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast