Kingdom of Siam
Print Itinerary
Highlights
Bangkok
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Nakorn Pathom, Thailand’s oldest city
Chiang Mai
Elephant excursion
Bamboo raft float on river
Chiang Rai, Thailand’s northernmost city
Golden Triangle tour
Koh Samui archipelago
Gulf of Thailand
Water adventures in Angthong Marine Park
Luxury five-star hotels throughout
We continue to Spahan Thaksin Station which is directly on the river. Proceed by public boat to the Tha Chang Pier which is a short distance to Wat Phra Keo where we visit the Emerald Buddha and the Royal Palace. Afterwards we take a Tuk Tuk to Wat Po to see the giant Reclining Buddha. Next we proceed to Chinatown and visit Len Noi Yee Temple. Discover the local market in this bustling part of Chinatown before heading back to the hotel by Skytrain. Upon returning in the late afternoon, the remainder of the evening is free. Overnight in Bangkok. (Breakfast / Lunch)
Its historic importance dates back to the late 13th century due to its close proximity to the Ping River and along major trading routes. In 2014, TripAdvisor named the entire Chiang Mai province as one of the 25 Best Destinations in the World. Upon our arrival, we check in to our hotel with the remainder of the day free for independent exploration. Overnight in Chiang Mai. (Breakfast)
Next we drive on to the convergence of the mighty Mae Khong River and the Ruak River, which forms the triangle where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet. After lunch at a local restaurant, we visit the Opium Museum before continuing on to the old city of Chiang Saen, dating back to 1260, to see some magnificent ancient ruins and temples. We return to Chiang Mai late in the day for another overnight stay. (Breakfast / Lunch)
We enjoy lunch with a breathtaking view, followed by easy kayaking along amazing cliffs and uninhabited islands with perfect beaches. Return to our resort in the late afternoon for a free evening. (Breakfast / Lunch)
Preparation for your tour trip
What to bring
Thailand’s February temperatures will range from 70 to 90 degrees F, with much cooler nights in Chiang Mai, so be sure to bring a light sweater and clothing that can be layered. Please pack light, and limit yourself to one checked bag plus one carry-on bag. There is a 30k (66lbs) combined limit for all your bags on Thai Airways flights inside the country (this is higher if you are Star Alliance Gold). Please bring conservative clothing for visiting Temples, and leave expensive jewelry at home.
Suggested Packing List:
- Proof of citizenship (passport).
- Comfy walking shoes for day tours and walks. Sandals for the beach and water activities.
- Polo shirts / T-shirts (5 – 6).
- Long-sleeved shirts for sun protection (2 – 3).
- Shorts (2 or 3 pairs).
- Lightweight long pants for dinners.
- Sunscreen / lip balm.
- Sunglasses / sun hat with tie-on.
- Windbreaker or light sweater.
- Compact umbrella.
- Mosquito Repellent.
- Personal toiletries (Bring an anti-diarrheal remedy just in case!)
- Swimsuit.
- Camera, lots of digital memory, extra batteries.
- Ziploc Bags (sandwich size for documents, gallon size for wet items or toiletries).
- Electrical adapter for 220v, with two round prongs. Click here to see the type of adapter you will need for this tour.
- A good book for the long flights.
Money
The currency unit in Thailand is the Baht (THB), divided into 100 satangs. Notes come in denominations of 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, and 10 baht. Coins include 5, 10, 25, and 50 satangs, and 1, 5, and 10 bahts. Mastercard and Visa are the most widely accepted credit cards. ATMs are the most cost-effective way to obtain local currency, and they are widely available in each of our destinations except the hill tribe areas near Chiang Mai. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but you will need cash at local markets. As of February 23, 2015, the interbank rate of exchange was 32.47 Baht to the U.S. $1.00. Click here to see the current rate.
Taxes and Tipping: Tipping is not normally expected in Thailand, but people generally round up their bills to provide a little extra for taxi drivers and waiters. We will provide suggested tipping guidelines prior to departure, and will present a collective tip to drivers, guides and other staff at appropriate points throughout the gay Thailand tour. Click here to read an excellent summary of tipping and etiquette in Thailand.
Pricing
Tour prices per person
Price: $4,095 in double occupancy hotel accommodations.
Private Room: $1,350 additional, for a total tour price of $5,445. (Paying a single supplement is not required. Toto Tours will try to match you with a roommate if you are traveling alone and prefer to share a room. If this is not possible, a single supplement will be applied to your reservation before the final payment date.)
Deposit: $600
(Due at time of registration for the tour. May be paid with a credit card.)
Remaining Balance: $3,495 double / $4,845 single
(Plus extension price, if applicable – assumes $600 deposit has already been made.)
Remaining Balance Due: November 28, 2015 (80 days prior to departure)
(Full payment required with reservation form if enrolling after this date.)
ACCOMMODATIONS
Bangkok (4 nights) Pullman Bangkok Hotel G
Chiang Mai (3 nights): 137 Pillars House
Koh Samui (3 nights): Anantara Lawana Samui Resort & Spa
Bangkok Airport (1 night): Novotel Suvarnabhumi Hotel
Inclusions:
Included:
Airport transfers at the beginning of the tour
eleven nights hotel accommodations
Welcome & Farewell Dinners and other meals as specified in the itinerary
three regional flights (from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai to Koh Samui, and Koh Samui to Bangkok)
ground transportation in air conditioned vehicles
sightseeing activities and entrances as listed in the itinerary.
This is a fully guided and escorted gay Thailand tour
Not Included:
International airfare to/from Bangkok
Thailand (airport code BKK)
airport taxes and departure fees if not included in your international air ticket
ground transportation and equipment for sightseeing on your own (taxis, local guides, kayaks, etc.)
meals and optional activities not specifically listed in the itinerary
porterage; camera fees
bottled water
alcoholic beverages
insurance
laundry
telephone calls
faxes
or any other expenses of a personal nature.
Tips to our drivers / guides are not included, we will provide suggested group tipping guidelines prior to departure
Operator:
Toto Tours
