Thailand - Land Of Smiles Tour 2008
Overland holiday only. Does NOT include airfare to and from Thailand

Duration: 15 days, 14 nights
Fixed Dates: Due April 2009 for Sonkran
Group: From 2 upwards
Accomodation: Comfortable 3-4 star
Prices: Please get a quote for tailor made tours

SUMMARY
’Ä¢ TEMPLES ’Ä¢ VILLAGE VISITS ’Ä¢ SIGHTSEEING ’Ä¢ BEACHES ’Ä¢ CITIES ’Ä¢ CULTURE ’Ä¢ NATURE TREKS ’Ä¢ ANIMAL WATCH ’Ä¢ NIGHT SARAFI ’Ä¢ WORLD WAR II HISTORY ’Ä¢ TRAIN RIDE ’Ä¢ PLANE FLIGHT ’Ä¢ ELEPHANT RIDE ’Ä¢ RAFTING ’Ä¢¬ÝFLOATING MARKET’Ä¢

We really have tried to include everything but the kitchen sink in this marvellous holiday.

We have arranged a magnificent holiday combining as much that is unique in Thailand as possible, even a day trip treking in a rainforest AND relaxing on one of Thailand's most beautiful beaches. Many places are booked so there is not much time.

You can of course also book a tailor made tour for 2 or more people at any time but we advise you to make sure that your holiday covers the days of April 9-12 which is the Thai new year. (2009 will differ)

DAY 2
TOUR STARTS
A full day in Bangkok sightseeing, including the Grand Palace, Wat Po, Wat Arun, a river trip, and floating market. In the evening a flower market or night market
Overnight: Royal River Hotel (3 star hotel)
Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch

DAY 3
A day's leisure in Bangkok - visit the Jim Thompson house, Rama IX Botanical park, shopping at the biggest computer centre in the world and many other activities. If our tour covers the Songkran (new year) Water Festival (April 9-12) then you will be water playing. Everywhere people throw, spray or just chuck water at you. We go to the best and most vibrant places in Bangkok.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Overnight: Royal River Hotel (3 star hotel)

DAY 4
We take our early minibus to Ayuthaya. Here we will visit the 300 year old Bang Pa In Summer Palace and three more main temples then we will drive to Kanachanaburi (90 mins) to check into our over night accomodation at the Royal River Kwai.
All meals included - dinner in floating restaurant
Meals: includes a seafood lunch on the traditional ship
Overnight: Royal River Kwail

DAY 5
This morning we head for Eruwan National Park to see the wonderful 7 tiered waterfall and walk around the rainforest. After this we will go elephant riding, river rafting down the Kwai and visit Hellfire Pass where allied troops cut a railway pass out of solid rock during the second world war . We will stay iat Hintok camp, in luxury tented accomodation complete with air con, bathroom and bed.
Meals: all meals for the day included.
Overnight: Hintok Camp

DAY 6
Continuing on from yesterday's historical visit we will take a ride on the actual 'Death' railway built during WWII and learn the history at the Dearth Museum, ending with a visit to the Allied troops Cemetery. Later that day we will drive to Sukhothai to check into our beautiful hotel, one of few built in teak wood.
Meals: all meals for the day included
Overnight: Lotus Village Hotel, Sukhothai.

DAY 7
All day for the Sukhothai exploration plus the Sanchanalai historical park.¬Ý
Meals: all meals for the day included
Overnight: Lotus Village Hotel, Sukhothai.

DAY 8
We take an early morning drive to Chiang Mai and check in at the Holiday Garden Hotel.
After lunch at a local restaurant we drive to the superb Doi Suthep temple, high up on a hill. The evening is devoted to exploration of Chiang Mai city and a visit to the famous night market.
Meals: breakfast and lunch only.
Overnight: Holiday Garden Hotel

DAY 9
From Chiang Mai to Doi Angkhang where we will stay in the mountains to explore the local villages, visiting local schools and investigating four different cultures, Chinese, Burmese, Thai and the indigenous hill tribe people. The Royal project was set up to promote agriculture in Thailand and we will visit a number of different villages of four cultures.
Meals: all meals included today.
Overnight: Doi Ankhang

DAY 10
A half day at Doi Ankhang and then we drive back to Chiang Mai with a later flight back to Bangkok where we then drive to the sea resort of Hua Hin, the King's favourite retreat. Here you can relax for two days by the beach
Meals: Lunch only included.
Overnight: Casadel¬Ý Mare Hotel

DAY 11
Optional day sunbathing, boat trips, thai massages, shopping or just total relaxation
Meals: breakfast
Overnight: Casadel¬Ý Mare Hotel

DAY 12
More beaching until the afternoon where we will drive to Khao Yai National Park.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch provided.
Overnight: Juldis Resort

DAY 13
Full day excursion wildlife tour in Khao Yai - camping lunch under canvas. In the evening a unique night safari and then back to our hotel.
Meals: All meals provided.
Overnight: Juldis Resort

DAY 14
Today we explore the old town of Korat, Phimai Castle, Dan Kwin village and a silk produciton village. In the evening we head back to the Royal River Hotel in Bangkok.
TOUR ENDS.
Meals: All meals provided.
Overnight: Royal River Hotel

DAY 15
Travellers prepare for their homebound journey today depending on avalable flights. You will probably have time for last minute shopping and possible visits before your drive to the airport.
Meals: breakfast

Tour Includes meals, where indicated and all guide fees, entrance fees, accomodation and transport. Also includes company liability insurance but you will still need normal travel insurance cover for loss of items and medical expenses etc.