Thailand Luxury Tour of discovery – 9 Days
9 Days Thailand Luxury Tour of discovery
PRICE COMPARE AND BOOK HOTELS IN THAILAND FROM 30+ TOP SITES – HERE!
Sample Tour Itinerary
PRICE COMPARE AND BOOK HOTELS IN THAILAND FROM 30+ TOP SITES – HERE!
COMPARE AND BOOK HOTELS IN THAILAND FROM 30+ TOP SITES – HERE!
PLEASE NOTE: The hotels indicated in this itinerary reflect our preferred properties in each location. We list these hotels primarily to provide a general sense of overall standard.
Start/Finish: Bangkok / Bangkok
This journey takes you across dazzling landscapes; centuries of tradition; complex cultures influenced by powerful civilisations; incredible local cuisine; the finest of everything.
Welcome to Indochina, an incredible journey of adventure and discovery. Drawing on nearly 20 years of experience in the region, we’ve scoured this amazing region in search of the most scenic biking and walking paths, the best local cuisine, stunning architectural wonders and the most knowledgeable experts along with the grandest hotels available to create a trip that simply must be experienced to be believed.
On this incredible odyssey, we’ll visit four nations – Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia – where the ancient and modern worlds meet. Here, we’ll explore the lush forests of Thailand’s remote Golden Triangle, witness a prayer procession of 600 Buddhist monks in Laos, visit Vietnam’s historic Hoi An harbour and wander the ancient ruins and temples of Siem Reap in Cambodia over the course of 15 amazing days of discovery. Simple words barely do this remarkable trip any justice.
For this trip, we have secured our own private aircraft to whisk us from place to place. It’s enough to make even a WAG jealous.
Tours and transfers by air-conditioned coach. Non air-conditioned transportation may be used in remote areas. Except when trekking, accommodation is in medium class tourist or first class hotels based on two persons in twin / double room.
Sleeping facilities consists of mat / sleeping bag on floor with sheets during trekking with rucksack and water canteen provided. An American or continental breakfast daily during trekking, lunches and dinners are provided. 2nd class train with sleeper from Phitsanulok to Chiang Mai and Chiang Mai to Bangkok [Can upgrade where applicable]. Services of a local English speaking guide [when required].
In general the trekking on this tour will not be too hard for anybody who is reasonably physically fit. The precise itinerary of the trekking may have to be changed from time to time to take into account the weather and local conditions. The trek will be in a group of 6-12 people.
While trekking participants will sleep in village huts. As the huts consist of a single all-purpose room in which the villagers live and sleep, participants will sleep on the covered balcony or bamboo bed inside the hut. A mat, a sheet and a blanket will be provided but for additional comfort participants may wish to bring a sleeping bag as in mountain areas it can be quite cool at night, especially in December and January.
Additional equipment such as a rucksack, water canteen, life jacket is available from the operator in Chiang Mai. In addition, participants will require: Good trekking shoes [if not possible, good sports shoes are acceptable], rubber sandals for when not trekking, light warm clothing and rainwear during July-October and heavier warm clothing November -February. March-June will be a little cool in the evenings. A sun hat, torch, small first-aid kit (plasters, foot powder etc.), insect repellent, toilet articles and toilet paper.
As participants are required to carry their own kit, unnecessary items should be avoided. Meals while trekking will be prepared by the porter. During the day a stop will be made by a stream, in a hilltribe village or at some other suitable spot, allowing time for relaxation and for cooking a simple meal of noodles. In the evening dinner will be prepared in one of the huts by a porter. Similarly with breakfast the following day.
The rafts are about 2m X 15-18m and can carry approximately 7-8 persons. The rafting can take up to 6 hours in the summer when the level of water is shallow and current is slow. During the rainy season it might take 4-5 hours. Along some parts of the river there are many snags (dead trees, big rocks, broken wood, etc) which can sometimes be tricky. A life jacket is essential [Can be purchased on arrival in Bangkok] if you cannot swim as it will keep you afloat if, by chance, you should fall off the raft.
During the rainy season (or the dry season following heavy rainfall) the current will be quite strong and the guide will decide if the rafting should proceed or not. His advice on this matter should be strictly followed.
The beginning of our adventure takes place in Thailand, where the grand city of Bangkok showcases some of the country’s most renowned temples; such notable landmarks include the Temple of the Reclining Buddha and the Temple of the Dawn. One of the best ways to become acquainted with the soul of any country is discovering the remoter destinations.
We will travel to the limestone hills of Northern Thailand and meet the residents of some of the world’s most secluded tribes. We will also travel to view the sights of Laos and embark on a boat journey through the Pak Ou Caves, where 4,000 ancient images of Lord Buddha decorate the rock walls.
Our trip to the mysterious Plain of Jars tells us various theories why hundreds of these jars are scattered across the horizon, but we can still only hypothesize as to the true reason. Nature is also responsible for some perplexing work of its own, especially with the many streams that flow through the elaborate network of caves below Vang Vieng.
In Vietnam, we are spoiled by immeasurable delights. We board a comfortable cruise vessel and make our way through Halong Bay, where massive limestone peaks pierce the crystal waters and tower over our boat as it weaves its way through the labyrinth of caves. This is the perfect time to sit back and relax as we’re served some of the local seafood prepared by expert chefs on board. There will be opportunity to get your feet wet when we step off the boat to wander the sandy beaches of some of the pristine islands that dot the waters.
Sample Tour Itinerary
PLEASE NOTE: The hotels indicated in this itinerary reflect our preferred properties in each location. We list these hotels primarily to provide a general sense of overall standard; the final hotel list (which supersedes this itinerary) is not 100% confirmed until approximately 30-45 days prior to departure. We reserve the right to make substitutions of a similar standard if necessary. Overnight in Bangkok.
Visiting: | India |
Activities: | Optional water-based activities |
Highlights: | Beaches, Indian Ocean coast, colonial architecture, Portuguese culture and restaurants of Goa |
Exertion Level: | Light |
The former Portuguese colony of Goa boasts a coastline with some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Stay in an eco-resort set around a fresh water lagoon by an isolated beach in South Goa – a perfect place to relax.
Detailed Description and Itinerary
Day 1 to Day 6 – GOA
You can extend any of our tours in India with a one week stay in Goa staying in a romantic hideaway on the beach of South Goa:
Stay in an eco resort on an isolated beach in South Goa. Ten simple but beautiful thatched cottages are set around a fresh water lagoon overlooking the Arabian Sea. The restaurant is built on a cliff edge, where you can hear the sound of flowing water going into the ocean. A perfect place to relax.
Goa
The former Portuguese colony of Goa boasts a coastline with some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, palm fringed rivers moving lazily down to the Arabian Sea, lush scenery with paddy fields, mango groves, whitewashed villas and easy-going hospitable people. Evidence of Goa’s glorious past can be seen in the unique Indo Portuguese style of its magnificent baroque churches, its stately ancestral mansions and its historic forts. The churches of Old Goa, and the old Portuguese town of Panjim, now Goa’s capital city, make for a worthwhile optional excursion. It is renowned as a world class tourist destination not only for its culture and heritage but also for its flora and fauna due to the proximity of the Western Ghat hills.
Goa is famous for its relaxed lifestyle. Tourism is the primary industry here and the infrastructure of family-run restaurants, friendly cafes and bars that line the roads and beaches promotes a lively atmosphere. For the active it is possible to rent bicycles or motorbikes, or hire taxis, to explore this beautiful small state.
The cuisine is particularly renowned. This area has attracted many international restaurateurs, with establishments that serve a variety of different cuisines. Try prawn balchao, a pickled prawn/shrimp dish that is both sweet and hot. Or a vindaloo curry, in all its spicy glory. Coconut pancake for dessert is the perfect combination of western and Indian cuisines. The night bazaars also offer a fantastic selection of dishes, from crisp fried calamari, to hand-rolled plum sushi.
Day 7 – DEPARTURE DAY
Make your own way to the airport to depart.
Itinerary Notes
Please note: that we need at least 3 months prior notice for bookings during the X-Mas & New Year period (21 Dec to 5 Jan) as all hotels in Goa get booked a long time in advance for this time of the year.
Note: This trip can also be booked using an artist’s retreat – please see alternative Goa Beach Extension
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Visiting: | Egypt |
Activities: | Extensive walking |
Highlights: | exploring the backstreets of Cairo |
Exertion Level: | Light |
A city tour with a difference. Rather than focus on sightseeing, the aim is to get you off the tourist trail and discover a city’s hidden gems that few know about. Your Imaginative Traveller leader will take you to locations that aren’t in any guidebook and you’ll visit the places the locals do – to get that really authentic experience.
Prices: from GBP 70 for 3 days
Detailed Description and Itinerary
Day 1 – CAIRO
Arrive in Cairo and transfer to your hotel.
Cairo
When you arrive in Cairo you are thrown headlong into the hustle and bustle of this wonderful city. As you wander the streets your senses will be assaulted on all levels – an endless cacophony of noise with cars tooting, donkeys braying and the muezzin calling the faithful to prayer; the mix of smells like the aroma from cooking pots bubbling with fuul (a local dish that you will certainly sample); the delicious taste of mint tea as you sit in a shaded café to relax; and the endless river of life that you can watch roll past you – women haggling in the bazaars, men talking whilst enjoying a traditional shisha pipe, cars vying for space on the crowded roads, camels ambling serenely along and children playing in the back streets.
Day 2 – TOUR OF CAIRO
You’ll have a briefing and then begin a full day of exploring the city with your guide. (B)
Cairo City Tour
After breakfast you will meet one of our tour leaders and head off into the backstreets of Cairo to find out more about this amazing city. Along the way your tour leader will brief you about life in Egypt, point out items of interest and describe what you will see over the course of the day. From our hotel we’ll walk to Dokki Square where we’ll hop on the Cairo underground – the only subway system in Africa – all the way to Tahrir Square, one of the most important squares in Cairo. This is the location of the famed Egyptian Museum, the Mogamaa building where all the public government offices are, and the American University, the first foreign university in the country.
Walking toward Talaat Harb Street we pass one of the most famous and oldest restaurants in Cairo, Felfela, which is always a popular choice for dinner. We then continue on towards a coffee shop and stop for a drink and a rest. Talaat Harb was the first founder of the banks in Cairo and his statue is displayed in the square. We will also pass by the synagogue, one of the oldest in Egypt.
From Talaat Harb we pass into a labyrinth of narrow alleys, past small shops where craftsmen make handmade copper and wooden designs. These are where the many souvenirs sold in the Khan El Khalili bazaar are made. Along the way we pass many small mosques, which often have small buildings adjacent to them which are called sapiel. These were used in the olden days as a source of water for passers-by to drink while walking in the street on hot days.
Continuing on towards the Bab Zouiela, one of the oldest gates of Cairo, we visit a watchtower next to a mosque which is also one of the oldest in the city. Heading into the market we reach El Gourieh palace, crossing the green bridge, and on deep into the Khan El Khalili bazaar. We’ll have a traditional Egyptian pancake lunch in the bazaar, and in the afternoon there’s plenty of time to shop and practice your bargaining skills before taxis take us back to the hotel for a well earned rest.
Day 3 – CAIRO
The tour ends after breakfast. (B)
Itinerary Notes
Each City Tour is based on 2 nights stay in tourist class hotels. Published prices are per person on a twin share basis. If you are travelling alone – a single rate applies.
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Visiting: | Bhutan |
Activities: | Walking |
Highlights: | Fantastic scenery and view points, visit a school for monks |
Exertion Level: | Medium |
Discover the remote mountain kingdom of Bhutan. Closed to foreigners for many years, Bhutan has now opened its doors to just a few thousand tourists a year, in an attempt to maintain its traditional heritage. We travel through spectacular Himalayan scenery and have the opportunity to visit traditional Buddhist temples. An exciting trip for those keen to see something unique.
Detailed Description and Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – PHUNTSOLING
Drive from Darjeeling to the border with Bhutan. Stay overnight in the border town of Phuntsoling. (BD)
Phuntsoling
The road passes through the crowded bazaar of Jaigaon and turns through a a traditional Bhutanese gate marking the border. Phuntsoling has its own bazaar, a few government offices, banks and hotels, all strung out along the road to Thimpu. Eating out is pretty much restricted to the hotels, and there is not much in the way of evening entertainment unless you are a fan of Bollywood movies.
Day 2 – THIMPU
A marvellous drive as the road twists its way through lush forests and scattered villages to end the day in Thimpu, capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan. (BLD)
Thimpu
Thimpu is a relatively new town, having been built by the late King Jigme Dorje Wangchuk to become the new permanent capital from 1955. Before that time the government moved in winter to Punakha and in summer to Thimpu. The monks of the central clergy, true to ancient custom, still migrate from Thimpu and spend the six coldest months in Punakha. Not far from the market place is the Changlimithang ground where you will always find the game of archery (the national sport of Bhutan) being played.
The 400-year-old Tashichho Dzong, rebuilt in the early 1960s after a fire destroyed most of the buildings, houses the Central Secretariat, the summer headquarters of the Central Monk Authority, where the 150 member National Assembly meets. The king’s throne room and headquarters, richly decorated with pictures from the life of Buddha, are also housed here. Half the Dzong is an active monastery where in summer the monks stay in residence (during this period non-Buddhists are not allowed in).
A new General Secretariat which was completed in 1993 stands on the other side of the river. A short distance away is a chorten (stupa) to the late king which has paintings inside. Across the Thimpu River and up the valley is the Dechenchholing Palace. Nearby you can watch gold and silversmiths at work.
The National Library is a striking tall white building in traditional style and is roofed in shingle. Thousands of manuscripts and xylographs are stored here as well as hundreds of western books on Buddhism, the Himalayas and Bhutan.
Day 3 – WANGDI
Morning sightseeing in Thimpu. Afternoon spectacular drive via the Dochula Pass to the old capital of Punakha. We end the day in Wangdi where we stay in a lovely resort situated on the edge of a river in the middle of a beautiful valley. (BLD)
Punakha
2 hours from Thimpu lies Punakha, the former capital. The road goes over the spectacular Dochu-La Pass (2,743m) with excellent views of the northern peaks. The descent from the Dochu-La to the Punakha Valley shows an interesting range of vegetation as the altitude difference between the pass and the valley is approx. 1,700 metres. The road passes first through a temperate type of leafy forest where rhododendron and magnolia bloom in spring, then into a semi-tropical zone lined with orange orchards and banana plantations.
Wangdi Phodrang
To the south of Punakha, located at 1,350 metres, is the impressive Wangdi Phodrang (Wangdi for short) Dzong. Built in the 17th century by Shabdrung, the Dzong is strategically located at the confluence of Punakha-Chu and Tang-Chu rivers. Legend has it that Mahakala, the protective deity of Bhutan, appeared to instruct Shabdrung to build a Dzong “atop a rocky spur where two rivers meet, at the place where a flock of ravens will fly off in four directions”. The valley has rich pastureland and is the winter home for many high altitude farmers who migrate with their cattle to the warmer climate in the valley. Numerous paddy fields indicate the fertile conditions and there are 2 or 3 crops or rice and chilli a year.
Day 4 – PARO
Drive to Paro via the impressive Punakha Dzong. (BLD)
Punakha Dzong
The important Dechen Phodrang Dzong of Punakha stands at the confluence of the Pho Chu (Father) and Mo Chu (Mother) rivers. Originally built in the 17th century, the present king had it restored. It was the winter capital of Bhutan and is still the winter headquarters of the Head Abbott. It is open to foreigners in summer when the monks are in Thimpu. When the Dzong is in use in winter only the courtyard can be visited.
Paro
The Paro Valley with its forests of blue pine is considered the most beautiful of Bhutan’s main valleys and the vast white Paro Dzong dominates the skyline. It stands on the site of an old temple that was built in the 14th century and is an imposing five-storied structure with a covered drawbridge on one side and dungeons. The small bazaar and the traditional shingle rooved houses of the local farming population give Paro a special charm.
Day 5 – PARO
Visit the ruined fortress of Drugyel and the nearby Rinpung Dzong which serves as the administrative centre and school for monks. In the afternoon there is an option to do a 2-3 hour hike to the view point of Taktsang monastery. (BLD)
Ta Dzong National Museum
The museum is considered a temple because of the number of religious objects it contains, and as a result you must proceed in a clockwise direction (sounds mysterious? Your guide will explain everything!). It contains works of art as well as hand-crafted objects of daily life, stuffed animals, costumes, armour and even stamps enabling you to get an idea of the cultural and ecological richness of Bhutan in a very short time. Moreover, the massive exterior architecture and the beautiful interior decoration are worth a visit in themselves.
Drukgyel Dzong
From the Museum it is a short drive to the Drukgyel Dzong fortress, a strategic sentry where the Bhutanese forces repelled the numerous Tibetan invasions from the north. The majestic Jumolhari, or ‘Mountain of the Goddess’, can be seen in the background.
Day 6 – KOLKATA
Transfer to Paro airport for the flight back to Kolkata. Tour finishes on arrival in Kolkata. (B)
Key: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner
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Visiting: | Thailand |
Activities: | Extensive walking |
Highlights: | Tour the city with your city escort |
Exertion Level: | Light |
A city tour with a difference. Rather focus on sightseeing, the aim is to get you off the tourist trail and discover a city’s hidden gems thet few visitors know about. Your Imaginative Traveller leader will take you to locations that aren’t in any guidebook and you’ll visit the places the locals do – to get that really authentic experience.
Detailed Description and Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Bangkok
Airport transfer to the hotel
Bangkok
A city of contrasts, Bangkok is a both a modern urban sprawl and a series of small side streets known as sois where the shopkeepers and restaurant owners know as much about the gossip of the street as rice farmers or elephant keepers in rural villages. It’s a hugely cosmopolitan city, with Arab, Indian and Chinese areas where you can be fitted for a linen suit by an Indian tailor, hear the call to prayer from a mosque or dine out in restaurants serving every conceivable kind of cuisine. The public ferryboats that cruise up and down the Chao Phraya River offer a good way to get around the city, and smaller longtail boats travel along the city’s many klongs, or canals. For a view across the city, the Golden Mount is a temple on top of a hill which looks out across Bangkok. The spectacular Grand Palace is a must-see, as is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha nearby. Head into the markets to pick up some bargains, dine out in the countless cafes and restaurants in every neighbourhood and just lose yourself in this remarkable city.
Day 2 – Tour the city with your city escort
City and area briefing and a full day of exploring the city with your guide. (B)
Bangkok City Tour
After breakfast you’ll be met at your hotel by your guide for the day and will walk to Thewet Market, with an amazing collection of flower and plant shops and adjacent food market. From the market we reach the mighty Chao Praya River that runs through the heart of Bangkok. While we are waiting for the local Express boat we can buy bags of breadcrumbs from vendors to feed the sacred catfish around the jetty. We board the Express boat and head downstream past the Grand Palace and Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn) to Saphan (bridge) Thaksin, named after one of Bangkok’s ancient kings. We walk through the streets and make our way to the Skytrain, an elevated tramway that travels quickly above Bangkok’s crowded traffic. This whisks us in air-conditioned comfort to the commercial hub of the city and we disembark at Mah Boon Krong, better known as MBK, one of Bangkok’s most famous shopping centres, spread over 8 floors and offering everything from Thai silk clothes to mobile phones. We’ll enjoy our traditional Thai lunch at one of Bangkok’s institutions, the Food Court. Here your guide will purchase a handful of paper vouchers and walk you through the myriad Thai delicacies like Papaya Salad with soft-shelled crabs, red or green curry soups, fish cakes, you name it!
Leaving MBK we walk to one of Bangkok’s famous klongs, or canals. We’ll see home of Jim Thompson, who transformed Thailand’s silk industry and built a magnificent teak mansion here in the middle of town. We board the Canal Taxi, reminiscent of a James Bond movie – these water taxis move at great speed along the canals of the city. The crew all wear helmets and as the boat approaches many of the low bridges the roof of the boat actually drops to your head level and everybody ducks as the boat speeds underneath. We disembark at the Golden Mount, a huge temple complex, where we’ll climb the 318 steps to the golden chedi to take in magnificent views across the city. Although you are in the heart of Bangkok this area is green and peaceful, filled with the scent of surrounding frangipani trees. We leave the Golden Mount and either walk or catch a tuk tuk to Banglamphu Temple, where we can walk around the grounds and perhaps meet the American monk who resides there and who gives talks about Buddhism. Finally it’s a short walk past the old fish market and the beautifully adorned Chinese Temple back to the hotel having seen the real Bangkok through the eyes of a local.
Day 3 – Bangkok
The tour ends after breakfast. (B)
Itinerary Notes
Each City Tour is based on 2 nights stay in tourist class hotels. Published prices are per person on a twin share basis. If you are travelling a lone – a single rate applies.
Key: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner
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Visiting: | Indonesia |
Activities: | Boat trip with dolphins, Swimming and optional snorkelling., Walking through rice paddies and up volcanoes, Water theme park |
Highlights: | Fascinating local markets, forests full of monkeys, beaches, cultural villages and volcanoes |
Exertion Level: | Light |
A fabulous 11 day trip to the tropical island of Bali full of gorgeous rice terrace scenery and gloroius beaches. Visit exquisite temples, haggle over exotic fruits in the bustling local markets and take a boat cruise and spot dolphins.
Day 1 – SANUR
Arrive in Bali’s Denpasar airport and be transferred to our hotel in Sanur Beach. Filled with quaint little shops and restaurants and away from the roaring surf of Kuta and Nusa Dua.
Day 2 – UBUD
This morning we drive to the cultural heartland of this ancient island. In Ubud we will visit the Monkey Forest (keep these creatures away from your valuables!) and Bali Bird Park. Afternoon is free to relax around the pool or do some optional cycling or even white water rafting. (BD)
Day 3 – UBUD
Morning walk through the rice paddies. Afternoon is free to wander around the famous handicraft market of Ubud or more optional activities like visiting the Elephant or Safari Park. (B)
Day 4 – LOVINA
We take a beautiful scenic drive via the Temples of Taman Ayun and the famous Tanah Lot as well as the market in Bedugul and the Gigit Waterfalls. We arrive at the black volcanic sand beach of Lovina on Bali’s northern coast. (BD)
Day 5 to Day 6 – LOVINA
Lovina is famous for its dolphins. So we rise really early before sunrise and travel by boat out to see the famous dolphins! We’ll return to the hotel for breakfast then have plenty of time just to relax. You might want to visit local hot springs, Buddhist Temples or the local seaside market or take a snorkelling adventure up the coast to Menjangan (Deer Island) within the national park. (B)
Day 7 – KINTAMANI
We drive to Kintamani on the rim of Mount Batur via the provincial town of Singaraja. We are met by very beautiful and dramatic volcanic mountain scenery. (B)
Day 8 – KINTAMANI – SANUR BEACH
We have the option of a sunrise walk up to the crater of Mount Batur volcano crater – we might even cook our eggs on the volcanic steam! Descend to the hot springs. On return to the hotel we’ll drive back to sleepy Sanur via Besakih or Batur Temple and the local Bat Cave! Check back into our hotel in Sanur. (BD)
Day 9 to Day 10 – SANUR BEACH
Two full days to relax and do your own exploring or last minute shopping or just relaxing around the great pool or on the quiet beach. (Day 9 -B, Day 10 – BD)
Day 11 – SANUR BEACH
Our tour ends but the great memories remain. See you again on another Imaginative Family trip! (B)
Itinerary Notes
Sanur Beach is close to Bali Airport.
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