12 Day Affordable Thailand

   $909
Land Only
   $1789*
Air & Land
 
Home : : South East Asia Vacations
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Highlights

Escorted Package Includes

  • Round trip flights LAX-Bangkok ▲
    Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices.
  • Airline fuel surcharges
  • Intra-flight
  • 10 nights First Class accommodations
  • All transfers
  • 11 meals: 10 breakfasts, 1 dinner
  • Sightseeing per itinerary in a modern air-conditioned motor coach
  • Services of an English-speaking tour manager
  • Entrance fees per itinerary

Special Features

  • Boat Ride to Golden Triangle
  • Maesa Elephant Camp

▲ Flights from the USA may arrive early on DAY 3. Sightseeing commences in the afternoon of Day 3

Itinerary

DAY 1, Thursday - Depart the USA
Depart the USA for Thailand. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey

DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Bangkok
Arrive and transfer to your hotel in Bangkok
Overnight: Bangkok

DAY 3, Saturday - Bangkok City & Temples Tour
Spend the morning at leisure in Bangkok. This afternoon, enjoy a half day city and temples tour, including visits to three of Bangkok's most distinctive Buddhist temples: Wat Traimit, Wat Po and Wat Benchamabophit. Visit Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha) boasting the world's largest solid-gold Buddha, believed to be cast over nine centuries ago. The seated statue is nearly 10 feet high, weighing 5.5 tons, and carved in the ancient Sukhothai style. Pass through Chinatown to visit Wat Po (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), the largest and oldest temple in Bangkok, before continuing to Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple) to view the "Phra Buddhajinaraja," or Bronze Buddha
Optional: Siam Niramit with Dinner
Overnight: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Sunday - Full Day in Bangkok
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Bangkok independently. Not only the capital and largest city in Thailand, Bangkok itself accounts for nearly half of the country's economic output. This concentration of wealth and culture attracts people from around the world, creating a vibrant and cosmopolitan metropolis
Optional: Half Day Damnoen Saduak Floating Market (AM)
Optional: Half Day Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha (PM)
Optional: Calypso Cabaret at Asia Hotel
Overnight: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Monday - Sightseeing en route to Phitsanulok
Depart Bangkok for Ayuthaya, the historic capital of Siam. Here you will view the giant bronze statues at Wat Mongkol Borpitr, and continue to view Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, known as the "Great Temple of Auspicious Victory," built by King U-Thong in the late 14th century. Stop briefly at Wat Chai Watthanaram, before continuing to Lopburi and the massive stone sanctuary of Prang Sam Yod. Originally a Hindu temple in the early 14th century, the pagoda is famous for its three sandstone spires (prangs) signifying the sacred trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Proceed to Phitsanulok
Overnight: Phitsanulok
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Tuesday - Phitsanulok & Chiang Rai Temples
This morning, visit Wat Maha Dhat Phitsanulok with its grand Buddha statue, Phra Buddha Jinaraj. Following your visit, depart for Sukhothai, one of Thailand's earliest and most significant historical settlements, where you will visit Wat Maha Dhat Sukhothai. Continue to the historic city of Sri Satchanalai where you will find Wat Phra Si Ratana Maha Dhat. Standing on the site of the ancient Khmer fort "Chalieng," the temple features a massive Principal Buddha Image, ornately constructed in the Sukhothai style
Overnight: Chiang Rai
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Wednesday - Golden Triangle Boat Ride
This morning visit the ancient fortified city of Chiang Saen, the former capital of the first Thai Lanna Kingdom, situated on the banks of the Mekong River. By long-tailed boat, visit the famed Golden Triangle where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar (Burma) converge. Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure
Overnight: Chiang Rai
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Thursday - Mae Sai Excursion
Morning at leisure. This afternoon, travel to the town of Mae Sai, the northern-most point of Thailand on the border of Myanmar, and visit a jade cutting factory along with a local market. Return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure
Optional: Half Day Boat Trip & Hilltribe Village (AM)
Overnight: Chiang Rai
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9, Friday - Sightseeing en route to Chiang Mai
This morning depart for Chiang Mai, the largest and foremost cultural city in Northern Thailand. En route, visit handicraft villages to view the spinning and weaving techniques of Thai Silk merchants, Bo-Sang paper umbrella makers, the high-fired stoneware, lacquerware, teakwood carvings, jewelry and silverware of the Celadon Kilns, and a local Jade and Gem Factory. Afternoon at leisure in Chiang Mai
Optional: Kantoke Dinner
Overnight: Chiang Mai
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 10, Saturday - Maesa Elephant Training Camp
Early today travel northwest along the Mae Sa Valley, with its scenic botanical gardens and tiered waterfalls, to visit the Maesa Elephant Training Camp. See the 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 1995. At an additional charge, you may choose to ride on the back of a Thai Elephant, making for a truly memorable experience. Afterward, visit Sai Nam Phung Orchid Nursery and Butterfly Farm, home to more than 50 species of mountain orchid. Afternoon at leisure. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel
Overnight: Chiang Mai
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11, Sunday - Morning in Chiang Mai, Flight to Bangkok
Spend the morning at leisure in Chiang Mai. This afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Bangkok. Arrive and transfer to your hotel
Optional: Half Day Chiang Mai City & Temple (AM)
Overnight: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 12, Monday - Depart for the USA
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

Optionals

Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.

Siam Niramit with dinner
Siam Niramit with dinner Day #3 01 Sep 2009 - 31 Oct 2009     $70
01 Nov 2009 - 30 Jun 2010     $75
Before this evening's stunning performance, dine at the Sawasdee Restaurant. Here you can savor delicious Thai cuisine while also appreciating its elegant presentation and the establishment's charming ambiance.

Then prepare to be dazzled by one of the world's most astounding theatrical productions, 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.

Pick-up and drop-off from hotel. Details to be advised locally.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Day #4 01 Sep 2009 - 31 Oct 2009     $40
01 Nov 2009 - 30 Jun 2010     $45
Depart early this morning to visit the colorful floating market of Damnoen Saduak. On this exciting tour, you'll witness boat-to-boat bartering as hundreds of agricultural vendors float side-by-side in their small rowing boats: buying, selling, or exchanging a variety of farmed goods. The market is at its best in the early morning before the crowds arrive and heat of the day builds up. You may bargain if you'd like, but don't expect to get the price down more than a few baht. Departs at 7:00 a.m. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time. Pick-up and drop-off at the hotel.
Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha
Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha Day #4 01 Sep 2009 - 31 Oct 2009     $40
01 Nov 2009 - 30 Jun 2010     $45
Enjoy an exciting tour of Bangkok's Grand Palace, Thailand's finest and most appealing example of an ancient Siamese court. For centuries, the Grand Palace was used as a royal residence for the Kings of Bangkok and their administrative parties. Here, you'll tour the beautiful courtyards and various palaces within the complex, including the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House, and the Emerald Buddha Temple. Departs at 1:30 p.m. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time. Pick-up and drop-off at the hotel.
Calypso Cabaret at Asia Hotel
Calypso Cabaret at Asia Hotel Day #4 01 Sep 2009 - 31 Oct 2009     $58
01 Nov 2009 - 30 Jun 2010     $60
This evening, experience the first transvestite impersonation show in Bangkok. Transfer from your hotel to the Asia Hotel, home of the famous Calypso Cabaret. Upon arrival, enjoy a buffet-style dinner and show as over 50 "female" performers act-out various theatrical routines. The dinner and show takes place in a non-smoking, air-conditioned theater, with each performance running about 1 hour and 15 minutes (D). Departs at 7:00 p.m. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time. Pick-up and drop-off at the hotel. *The program contains material that may be unsuitable for children.
Boat Trip & Hilltribe Village
Boat Trip & Hilltribe Village Day #8 01 Sep 2009 - 31 Oct 2009     $46
01 Nov 2009 - 30 Jun 2010     $50
This morning, enjoy an exciting tour into the rural scapes of Chiang Rai. Board a long-tail boat and sail the Kok River to the water shed at Pa Kaew Village. On arrival, visit the Akha Village and discover the daily way of life of the Akha tribesmen and women. Departs at 8:00 a.m. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time. Pick-up and drop-off at the hotel.
Kantoke Dinner
Kantoke Dinner Day #9 01 Sep 2009 - 31 Oct 2009     $30
01 Nov 2009 - 30 Jun 2010     $32
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 hilltribes 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 (D). Departs at 7:00 p.m. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time. Pick-up and drop-off at the hotel.
Chiang Mai City & Temple
Chiang Mai City & Temple Day #11 01 Sep 2009 - 31 Oct 2009     $38
01 Nov 2009 - 30 Jun 2010     $42
On this half day Doi Suthep and temples tour, you will visit the most interesting temples in Chiang Mai. Visit Wat Phra Singh with its famous Buddha image, and Wat Suan Dok, where the remains of the Chiang Mai Royal family are enshrined. The tour continues to visit 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. Departs at 8:30 a.m. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time. Pick-up and drop-off at the hotel.

Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.

Rates & Hotels

Click On A Date To Book Online
* All Prices are in USD
2009Land OnlyAir & Land
Sep 3; 17; Oct 1; 15; 29; Nov 59091949
Nov 129091789
Nov 19; 269191799
Dec 17; 249292499
2010Land OnlyAir & Land
Jan 14; 28; Feb 18; Mar 4; 18; Apr 1; 15; May 69191799
May 209292499

*Not included: airport taxes, fees & September 11th Security Fee, optional tours, tips to local guides, drivers and tour manager (see Terms & Conditions).

Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers, but does include flight Chiang Mai - Bangkok.

▲Flights from the USA may arrive early on DAY 3. Sightseeing commences in the afternoon of Day 3

Hotel Plans
12 Day Affordable Thailand - [details]