*Thailand Off The Beaten Path
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Every Village Experience Responsible Tourism Program Includes the Following:
- One on one consultation with our travel experts
- Private registration and trip page
- Pretrip Packet
- Handpicked accommodations
- Experienced Private Guide
- Artisan shopping opportunities
- Our favorite tour activities
- Donation to one of TVE’s community partners
Situated in the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand has so much to offer the curious traveler. Located amongst Myannmar to the North, Laos and Cambodia to the East, and Malaysia to the South, Thailand sits amongst a rich melting pot of Asian culture, language, and religious customs. The land boasts beautiful sandy beaches overlooking the blue waters of The Gulf of Thailand, rolling green hills and mountains in the North, and the Chao Phraya River Basin running through the heart of the country…key to rice production.
Must see cultural sites in the city’s capital, Bangkok, include Wat Po, Wat Arun, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the Grand Palace. Venture out to the cities of Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai to explore historical UNESCO World Hertiage sites like Wat Phra Singh, Wat U-Mong, and Doi Suthep. Explore and support the Hill Tribe communities in Northern Thailand and learn about daily life, traditions, and cuisine. Be sure to shop for handicraft and handwoven textiles, a specialty of the local people.
Don’t forget to slow down and have a true holiday by heading to the beaches of Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi, Hua Hin, and more. Time at the night markets for bargain shopping, tasty street food, relaxing foot massages, and people watching completes the perfect stay in Thailand.
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrive to Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok. Meet your Village Experience representative and transfer to hotel for overnight.
Day 2 – Have a relaxing morning at the hotel. Your guide will pick you up for lunch at Cabbage and Condoms – the income generating cafe for The Population and Community Development Association. The goal of this cafe is to promote better understanding and the acceptance of family planning throughout the country. After lunch enjoy a boat ride through the canals of Bangkok. Return to hotel.
Day 3 – Meet your guide in the morning and head over to the Grand Palace to visit the Royal grounds and one of the most famous temples in the country Wat Phra Krew. You’ll then take a boat across the river to visit Wat Arun – known as the Temple of the Dawn. Stop for lunch. After that, you’ll visit Wat Po – known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Return to hotel.
Day 4 – Enjoy a traditional Thai cooking class today for lunch. Thai food is among one of the tastiest cuisines in the world so enjoy it! Free evening to explore a night market, stroll through Asiatique, or relax at the hotel.
Day 5 – Today, take a day trip to Ayutthaya – the ancient kingdom of Siam and a UNESCO world heritage site. Arrive in time for lunch and enjoy an afternoon tour of the historical site including the temples of Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, Wat Maha That, and Wat Panun Choeng. Return to hotel in the evening.
Day 6 – Free morning. Afternoon flight to Phuket. Transfer North one hour to Khao Lak Beach and check into beach hotel.
Day 7 – Enjoy an introduction tour of the area including the tsunami memorial, Old Town Takuapa, temple visits, a local market, and some traditional artisans.
Day 8 – Free day to enjoy the hotel or head out and explore the local shops, waterfalls, and hidden beaches on your own. You can also opt to arrange a day trip to James Bond Island or Khao Sok National Park.
Day 9 – Temple tour day. Visit Suwan Kuha Cave Temple, Mercy Cave Temple, and Dragon Cave Temple throughout the day. Stop for a local lunch. Return to hotel in the evening.
Day 10 – Enjoy nature today with a relaxing ride through the forest on a bamboo raft. Be on the lookout for snakes, monkeys and birds! Stop for a local lunch and some time on a special beach. Return to hotel in the afternoon.
Day 11 – Morning flight back to Bangkok. Connect to international flights home.