Itinerary

Checklist & How we Travel

Inclusions:

• 8 nights deluxe hotel accommodation and 1 overnight boat trip (air-conditioned private cabin).
• Domestic flights as specified.
• All road transport by air-conditioned vehicles.
• All sightseeing as specified (including entrance fees).
• Western tour leader based on a minimum of seven travellers.
• Local English-speaking guides throughout.
• Arrival and departure transfers.
• Breakfast daily, one lunch and one dinner.

GETTING AROUND: We try to ensure that all transport on all of our journeys is of a high standard, safe, and clean and comfortable. In order to make this journey as comfortable as possible we use a domestic flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. The longest road trips on this journey is from Chiang Mai to Chaing Rai and this takes approximately 4 hours.  Our vehicles are always comfortable and spacious mini-buses or coasters. We also travel aboard the wonderful Mekhala Rice Barge from Bangkok to Ayuthaya.

WHERE WE STAY: This journey uses the very best hotels available. In Bangkok we stay in the elegant Sukhothai Hotel, consistently rated one of the top hotels in Asia. We take the Mekhala River Barge from Bangkok to the ancient capital, Ayuthaya - the private cabins on this atmospheric boat are air-conditioned and have their own showers/ toilets. We soak up the serene atmosphere of Khao Yai National Park at the stylish Kirimaya Resort & Spa. In Chiang Mai we use the elegant  Chedi hotel, a boutique low rise development with a wonderful style and great location near the nightmarket  In the north of Thailand we use the stunning Anantara Resort in the Golden Triangle area, known for its spa facilities and wonderful mountain setting. All hotels have good pools, well-appointed luxury rooms, and treat guests with a high standard of service.

WHAT WE EAT: At Travel Indochina we are keen to provide as wide an array of culinary opportunities as possible, in both local and some very special easting establishments. Tour leaders will always be on hand to provide you with a number of options, no matter what your inclination. Tour leaders also frequently join you for meals, revealing some of their favourite dishes. Don’t forget that we do not usually include meals (except breakfast) in the price of your tour. This is to allow you flexibility when choosing what you would like to eat. There is a wide range of delicious food in Thailand, a country which is famous for many culinary delights. Main courses at good restaurants are generally 4USD to 7USD. Well-known dishes worth sampling include tom yum (spicy seafood) soup, and pad krapow (stir-fried meat with basil).

Tour Q&A

Q: I’ve never travelled on a group tour before. Is group travel for me?
A: Our deluxe Small Group Journeys are not conventional group tours. You will be travelling with a maximum of 15 travellers, staying in some of Asia’s finest and most atmospheric hotels whilst immersing yourself in the culture and everyday lives of the people. They are designed to provide you with a good balance of personal discovery and group activity with like-minded travellers – and an enjoyable, memorable holiday. We shun mass tourism and all of its trappings – and we believe our signature style of travel will appeal to those who want a total experience of their chosen destination.

Q: Who will I be travelling with?
A: Our travellers are of all ages and from all walks of life. What they share is a true passion for travel in Asia – a desire to savour the cuisine, meet the people and connect with the lives and cultures of these extraordinary places. Most travel to Asia from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Q: How fit do I have to be to join the tour?
A: The Treasures of Thailand  is graded Moderate and is suitable for anyone with an average level of fitness and mobility. The tour involves walking, boarding boats, and a short elephant trek. All travellers on our deluxe Small Group Journeys must complete a Fitness Form, which can be downloaded by clicking here. Be sure to pack a positive attitude and a desire to experience Asia and her people first hand. Download the tour dossier for comprehensive information on the Treasures of Thailand deluxe journey. Click here for full description of journey grading.

Q: What happens if I’m a single traveller?
A: Our groups are a combination of single travellers, couples and friends. Single travellers must pay a supplement for a single room on our deluxe Small Group Journeys. Whether travelling alone or with a companion, you will go home with a true sense of the country you have visited and, quite possibly, a brand new set of friends.

Q: Can I bring the kids?     
A: The minimum age on all our deluxe Small Group Journeys is 12 years old. For families with younger children, we can create a tailormade and well-paced trip to suit your needs and requirements. The sites, sounds, smells and adventures that Asia has to offer make it an ideal destination for family travel. Click here to see some of our suggested tailormade family itineraries – designed to give your family a true experience of the essence of Asia.

Q: What are the visa requirements?
A: Of all the countries in which we operate tours, Thailand is perhaps the most visitor-friendly in terms of arranging a visa. Visas can be obtained on arrival at international airports for stays of up to 30 days. There is no fee for the visa.

Q: What kinds of hotels will I be staying in?
A: We stay in a selection of some of Thailand’s most elegant and stylish hotels, including the world renowned Sukhothai in Bangkok,  the Kirimaya Resort & Spa in Khao Yai National Park, the superb Anantara in the Golden Triangle and Chiang Mai’s elegant Chedi hotel.  We also experience the amazing service and charm of one night aboard the Mekhala Rice Barge cruise. We choose our accommodation on the basis that they too represent the essence of Asia. Our deluxe accommodation will become a real part of your experience, and you are sure to be impressed. Our combination of atmospheric accommodation with cultural engagement will give you a truly memorable holiday experience.

Q: Who will accompany our group?
A: You will be escorted by one of our expert Western tour leaders (minimum seven travellers) as well as an English-speaking local guide – a combination which gives you the highest level of service possible. Our local guides are uniquely placed to share personal insights that simply can’t be provided by outsiders or guidebooks. Our Western leaders call Asia home and have a network of friends and experiences to share with you. They are also able to fully appreciate your interests and needs and ensure these are being met. You will be inspired by their enthusiasm and passion for the region. We believe our combination of local and Western tour leaders provides for the best travel experience. The feedback from our travellers over the years confirms the same.

Q: Are arrival and departure transfers included?
A: Arrival and departure transfers are included in the price of the tour. Upon arrival at Bangkok airport you will be met by one of our Essence of Asia representatives and transferred to your hotel.

Q: What kinds of transport are used on the Treasures of Thailand?
A: For road journeys and inner-city touring, air-conditioned cars, mini-buses, or coasters are used. These vehicles are modern, well-maintained, safe vehicles – ideal for small group travel. In the north of Thailand there are two days of four-hour road travel. We use two flights to make this journey as comfortable as possible. There is an overnight cruise on a purpose-built river barge and a long tail boat trip on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, the Thonburi canals, Damnoen Saduak floating markets, and the Mae Kok River. We include one elephant trek for the ultimate experience of Thailand.

Q: Are entrance fees included in the tour cost?
A: Yes, entrance fees are included in the cost of all of our deluxe Small Group Journeys.

Q: What type of restaurants and food will be available on tour?
A: Thai cuisine is an exotic mix of the best ingredients and flavours that Asia has to offer. It is considered among the world's most delicious, with a unique blend of particular tastes: hot, sour, sweet, and almost always highlighted with lemongrass and lime. We have included some memorable gastronomic experiences on our deluxe Thailand Small Group Journeys, such as dining under the stars on board the Mekhala, a luxuriously converted rice barge. Thai food can be quite spicy and we take this into consideration when choosing dishes. Vegetarians will find a good selection of fresh foods available. In remote areas, Western food is not available and only a limited Thai selection is on offer. Breakfast is included each day on our tours and is usually a mix of Western buffet and continental style. We do not include all meals in your tour cost, giving you the freedom to taste the diverse array of delicious cuisine on offer. Our group leaders have a wealth of knowledge of restaurants from the mainstream to the unusual. Some of the best culinary experiences are found in local eateries, old stalwarts and brand new innovative establishments not found in guidebooks. Let us share them with you.

Q: How much money will I spend per day touring?
A: Approximately $12US per person for day-to-day living. Thailand is a country that offers great value for your money. For around $12US you will be able to buy lunch and dinner at good restaurants, as well as refreshments during the day.

Q: How is your company different to others offering small group travel?
A: We don’t know of any company that offers the combination of well thought out itineraries, atmospheric accommodation, insightful Western and local leaders and value for money. We have had a base in the region for over 13 years ensuring that we keep abreast of the changes in the region and can offer 24-hour support to our travellers. If you’re shopping around, ask about your accommodation, transport and the tour leaders and guides who will take care of you during your journey. Check to see how many nights you will spend in each city. Rather than rushing through a destination, we believe that spending quality time in each place enhances your overall experience. We don’t cut any corners!