Accommodation

Galleria 10 Felix River Kwai Hotel Le Charme Sukhothai Historical Park Resort Wiang Inn Hotel Chiang Rai The Empress Chiang Mai

Others

Visit Wat Pho, the Grand Palace and observe local life along the canals during a khlong tour Visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, the War Cemetery, the infamous Death Railway and the Bridge on the River Kwai Visit Sukhothai Historical Park Visit Wat Rong Khun - the White Temple Feel refreshed in the natural hot springs Visit the Night Market and the temples of Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted City orientation tours Audio Headsets provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences Extensive variety of Choice Experiences On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised

Transport

Luxury air-conditioned coach

Guide

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

Meals

4 Dinner (D) 11 Breakfast (B) 4 Lunch (L) Many meals and daily breakfasts included

Hygieneprotocol

All guests travelling with Costsaver through December 31, 2022 are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, which may include a booster shot to keep the vaccination status current and valid, depending on the travel destination. Children not eligible for vaccination and/or booster at the time of travel must provide a verifiable and negative Covid-19 test result, taken within 72 hours prior to the start of the tour (taking time zones into consideration) for all tours departing until December 31, 2022. While highly recommended, COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are no longer required for guests traveling with us from January 1, 2023 onward. It is your client’s responsibly to comply with specific vaccine and/or booster requirements imposed by airlines and/or authorities in the destinations visited, as well as requirements for accessing restaurants and venues, which may be more restrictive than the above. No refunds will be given if they are unable to undertake some or all of their vacation due to failure to comply with these requirements.

Not included:

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Others

Other activities and services are not included

Flights

Flights are not included

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Arrive Bangkok
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Arrive Bangkok

‘Sawadee ka’ and welcome to Thailand! Your trip will kick off in buzzy Bangkok, an urban wonder boasting all the soaring skyscrapers and glistening malls of any capital city, but with a distinctly Thai touch. Here you can see it all; orange robe-clad monks strolling the streets with smartphones in hand, while glowing temples and neon-lit bars co-exist peacefully side by side. After transferring to your hotel you’ll meet up with your Travel Director to get a glimpse of what’s to come on your Thailand value tour, then dinner tonight will have you sampling some of Thailand’s tasty cuisine while you get to know your fellow travellers.
Day 2 Day 2: Bangkok Sightseeing
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Bangkok Sightseeing

Get ready for a full day of sightseeing in Bangkok. We’ll show off Bangkok’s best cultural and spiritual delights, starting at Wat Pho, Bangkok’s most ancient temple. Set eyes on the hugely impressive Reclining Buddha, the largest in Thailand, before moving on to the Grand Palace, a former royal residence. The intricate architecture of this massive complex never ceases to amaze and be sure to see the jewel in its crown, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. We’ll make a pit stop for lunch at a local restaurant then board a private boat and take to the maze of canals (klongs) that snake through the city. Kick back and enjoy the ride as you pass by traditional stilted family homes and soak up the quiet river lifestyle of those who work and live on the water. Still keen for more?
Day 3 Day 3: Bangkok Free Day
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Bangkok Free Day

Today is all yours to explore Bangkok your way and the adventures are limitless. Want to check out the markets? You can find flower species of every shape, colour and origin at the lively Pak Klong Talad (Bangkok flower market), while the charming streets of Chinatown are the perfect place to munch on street food and shop for jade. If you love architecture, you’ll likely choose to join our trip to the ancient city of Ayutthaya, the former capital city of Thailand. We’ll make a stop along the way at the stunning Bang Pa Summer Palace, then continue on to Ayutthaya, an archaeological hotbed of temples, monasteries and statues that offer a glimpse into the glory days of this ancient land. We’ll head back to Bangkok on a cruise and enjoy a buffet lunch as you watch the local life go by along the banks of the Chao Phraya River. This afternoon, you can join our optional visit to Jim Thompson’s House, an exquisite example of traditional Thai residential architecture, where you’ll find an incredible collection of Asian art.
Day 4 Day 4: Bangkok - Kanchanaburi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Bangkok - Kanchanaburi

It’s goodbye Bangkok and hello Kanchanaburi town today, where we’ll jump straight into the action with a visit to the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, and the War Cemetery where over 6000 prisoners of war were laid to rest. Next up, we’ll pause for lunch then see the infamously named Death Railway, before boarding a local train for a ride with a difference. Gorgeous views over the river and a journey across wooden viaducts will keep your camera busy, as will the next and final stop for today – the famous Bridge over the River Kwai. Our hotel is just a short distance from here, where we’ll dine as a group this evening.
Day 5 Day 5: Kanchanaburi Free Day
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Kanchanaburi Free Day

With a completely free day today on your Thailand tour package, Kanchanaburi town is yours to explore your way. Those keen to take it easy can rest up at the hotel and take advantage of the spa facilities, or perhaps you’ll take the opportunity to explore the town and its surroundings. Hoping to get out on the river? Our optional River Kwai Longtail Boat Cruise could be just what you’re looking for. This adventure will begin with a visit to Hellfire Pass, a 500 metre long and 26 metre deep section of rock that was dug by Prisoners of War with nothing more than picks, rocks and their bare hands, to allow for the construction of Death Railway. From here you’ll then travel on to the River Kwai and travel 30 minutes downstream by longtail boat to the River Kwai Jungle Rafts. Fuelling up on a yummy lunch, you’ll then visit the Mon Tribal Village before continuing on downstream, where the coach will meet you and carry you back to the hotel.
Day 6 Day 6: Kanchanaburi - Sukhothai
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Kanchanaburi - Sukhothai

We’ll be up bright and early this morning to travel north to Sukhothai. The Thailand essentials just keep on coming and along the way we have a treat in store, with a visit to Bhutsaya Khiri Suvarnabhumi, or Rock Buddha. This impressive carving of a seated buddha, masterfully etched out of the hillside, was only finished in 2019 and is a true sight to behold. Stopping for a local lunch en route, we’ll arrive into Sukhothai later this afternoon, then dinner tonight will be a group affair.
Day 7 Day 7: Sukhothai Sightseeing And Free Time
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Sukhothai Sightseeing And Free Time

Being famed as the birthplace of Thai civilisation is a pretty big reputation to uphold, but Sukhothai does it with ease. Still historically significant to this day, we’ll start our adventures today with a visit to the UNESCO listed Sukhothai Historical Park, where we’ll get to explore the centuries old temples and palace ruins. History itch scratched, this afternoon will then be yours to explore as you wish. Hungry to learn more about Thai cuisine? Our optional cooking class is there for all the budding chefs amongst you. You’ll start this foodie adventure by learning about the unique herbs and spices of Thailand courtesy of your host, then put the farm to table craze into action by using these ingredients to make a signature Thai dish, such as “Pad Pak Bung Fai Daeng”. And the best part? You get to eat your tasty creation for dinner.
Day 8 Day 8: Sukhothai - Chiang Rai
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Sukhothai - Chiang Rai

The dramatic mountain beauty of Chiang Rai awaits us today, so we’ll be up early to travel further north. Along the way, we’ll make a stop at Khaw Phayao Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the North, before heading on to Wat Rong Khun, otherwise known as the White Temple. Unlike many Thai temples that are centuries old, Wat Rong Khun is unique in the fact that it was only built in 1977. The brainchild of artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, it’s also one of the most recognisable temples in Thailand – you’ll know it when you see it. Finally, we’ll complete today’s journey with a short drive to Chiang Rai, where we’ll check in to our hotel and eat dinner tonight as a group.
Day 9 Day 9: Chiang Rai Free Time
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Chiang Rai Free Time

Today is free for you to explore Chiang Rai as you choose. You may wish to journey to the heart of the Golden Triangle. This morning hop on board a boat that will take you cruising along the mighty Mekong River to the exact spot where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar (Burma) and Laos collide. You’ll have time to step out onto dry land in Laos and head into the Don Sao Island Markets where you can browse all the handicrafts and local snacks on offer. It’s the only part of Laos that can be visited without a visa, so make the most of it! Next, we’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant, before heading to the self-proclaimed ‘edutainment’ Hall of Opium, a fascinating museum that reveals an incredible 5000 years of history. The state of the art exhibitions, harrowing recounts and even a tiny opium plantation all tell a vivid story of the conflicts, rituals and abuse that have all stemmed from opium, a trade that once ruled the Golden Triangle over the past century.
Day 10 Day 10: Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai

Who’s ready to dip their toes in some bubbling hot springs? We hope all of you, as our first stop today en route to Chiang Mai, are the lovely Mae Kachan Hot Springs. Feeling refreshed, we’ll grab lunch in a local restaurant before travelling on to the laidback city of Chiang Mai. Sprawling in size but with a historic centre that has managed to retain the charm and pace of a low-key country town, Chiang Mai is also THE place for temple exploring. So, guess what we’ll be doing this afternoon? You got it! We’ll be exploring both Wat Phra Singh temple, which was built in 1345, and Wat Chedi Luang temple, a charming wooden creation famous for its huge Lanna style chedi. This evening, prepare to discover the charm of Chiang Mai by night as we head out to visit the city’s iconic night markets.
Day 11 Day 11: Chiang Mai Free Day
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Chiang Mai Free Day

Your day your way is what today is all about, and with it being your last day, be sure to make the most of it.
Day 12 Day 12: Depart Chiang Mai
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Depart Chiang Mai

Your incredible journey through Thailand’s cities, rivers, mountains, temples and markets has come to an end. You’ve encountered diverse cultures, tasted all kinds of Thai foods and experienced the warmth of Thai hospitality and we’re sure you’ll be leaving with the iconic Thai smile on your face! Transferring to Chiang Mai International Airport, you’ll catch your onward flight.

12 days tour

Essential Thailand (12 Days)

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Essential Thailand (12 Days)

Day 1: Arrive Bangkok

Day 2: Bangkok Sightseeing

Day 3: Bangkok Free Day

Day 4: Bangkok - Kanchanaburi

Day 5: Kanchanaburi Free Day

Day 6: Kanchanaburi - Sukhothai

Day 7: Sukhothai Sightseeing And Free Time

Day 8: Sukhothai - Chiang Rai

Day 9: Chiang Rai Free Time

Day 10: Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai

Day 11: Chiang Mai Free Day

Day 12: Depart Chiang Mai

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