The Essence of Thailand

Travel to Thailand – 10 Days

This itinerary carefully blends the diverse highlights of Northern Thailand at the best of its natural, cultural and spiritual diversity. At its heart, this holiday is indelibly tranquil and laid-back with all conforts but simoultaneously i twill give you the chance to participate into communities based activities with tribal communities traditional The gentle rhythm of life always delights visitors, and it’s always complemented by thick coatings of untamed nature and immersive cultural journeys. This tour will start from Bangkok, bringing you the finest experiences in Thailand’s enigmatic capital. Taking advantage of a rich cultural heritage, exciting nightlife, stage shows, natural beauty and more than a few hidden gems, you will find plenty of ways to enrich your trip. Moreover, you will have the chance to discover Baan Bat or Monk’s Bowl Village, the small village with an age-old tradition of crafting bowls from raw steel using only their hands and a hammer. You will disccover to Damnernsaduak, Thailand’s liveliest and most picturesque floating market. A train ride on the old railway track will show you a spectacular part of the Death Railway on the river Kwai Bridge. From here you will cruise towards Ayutthaya on the Chao Phraya River, passing the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of Dawn. A traditional rice barges provide the setting for a lunch during the cruise between Bangkok and the UNESCO world heritage city of Ayutthaya. The cruise gives you an opportunity to revisit the ‘old Siam’ and see a charming way of life of local people along the Chao Phraya River. From this privileged perspective you will be able to observe the way of rural life along the river. The Unesco World Heritage site of Ayutthaya is 53 miles (85 kilometers) north of Bangkok. Ayutthaya was a thriving Siamese kingdom from 1350 until 1767, when it was captured by the Burmese. Today, Ayutthaya is known for its spectacular ruins and temples.
Then your tour will continue in one of 2 selected islands, depending on the season: Koh Lipe (from October to March) or Koh Tao (from April to September). Here you will have the opportunity to relax your mind and your body, while you are enjoying the breathtaking landscapes of the islands of Thailand, the crystal-clear sea, the pristine beaches and you can also decide to participate in activities organized by our selected resorts.

SIGN UP FOR THE TRIP

Registration can be requested for group travel or for self-travel. For group travel, registration is not binding. Upon reaching the minimum number of members necessary for the formation of the group, usually 4 or 6 people, you will be asked for confirmation of booking and payment of a deposit.

JOURNEY OVERVIEW AND PROGRAM DETAILS

DAY 1: ARRIVAL BANGKOK

Bangkok
Arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport by morning flight (Suggested flight arrive not later than 08:00 am). Meet with guide and transfer to the hotel. Check-in at the hotel. Later in the morning, you will be collected by your guide to old town, you will walk through the morning market, where you can see the liveliness of the people and vendors. You can have a late breakfast at the market as well. Then we will visit Wat Suthat Thepwararam, which was built during the reign of King Rama I, and there is also a famous mural painting about the demon. Moreover, you will learn how to pay respect to the Buddha image and learn to make merit by monk’s offering as well. After After that, we will do the Buddhist activities at Wat Theptidaram by starting with meditation for 15 minutes, then learn more about the Buddhist way of life by monk chatting. Then we will walk to the Buddha Street, in the center of the old town. Here you can explore the shops and find all sorts of unique things. After lunch continue walking to local community, Baan Bat or Monk’s Bowl Village, the small village with an age-old tradition of crafting bowls from raw steel using only their hands and a hammer. Nowadays, less than five households continue to make a living by selling their craft. Go up to Golden mount temple for the Bangkok bird eye view before transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Bangkok

DAY 2: VISIT BANGKOK

Bangkok
American Breakfast at the hotel. Departure from the hotel, travel to Wat Traimit, famous for its Buddha image made from 5.5 tons of pure gold. After crossing the bustling streets of Chinatown, you will reach the Royal Palace, built in 1782, with its roofs of gold and marble glittering in the sunshine. This tour offers an opportunity to the better understanding of the splendor of Thai architectural forms centuries past, the worship of Buddhism and the high respect Thai people hold for the monarchy. You can also visit Wat Phra Kheo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), the Tower of the Nine Planets, the Coronation Hall and Funeral Hall (Coronation Hall and Funeral Hall are close for any visit during weekends and public holidays). Proceed to Wat Po, with its stately Reclining Buddha image some 46 meters in length, also the site of the famous school for Thai traditional massage. In the late afternoon you will have a chance to experience a traditional Thai massage from visually impaired therapist. Let’s switch on your senses, here in the dark it counts for nothing whether your eyes are open or closed. The one-hour experience designed to offer an insight into how blind people live. We can say this is one of the most valuable experiences in exploring our non-visual senses and even can change our mindset. Afterward, you will be lead to experience Thai Massage by blind (selective of 60 minutes body massage or 60 minutes foot massage). We let blind therapists demonstrate their unique talent for massage therapy as they are able to fully focus on their sense of touch in a way others cannot.
Overnight in Bangkok. (B)

DAY 3: VISIT DAMNERNSADUAK

Bangkok – Damnern Saduak – Kanchanaburi
American Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Damnernsaduak, Thailand’s liveliest and most picturesque floating market. People from neighboring villages arrive on the waterways in their loaded sampans to sell or barter all kinds of goods including vegetables, fruit and flowers offering scenes typical of country life in Thailand. From the market, continue to visit Krasae Cave where currently housing some Buddha Statues. At 13,30 you will take a local train to river Kawai bridge. Enjoy on the a train ride on the old railway track with a spectacular part of the Death Railway running beside steep slopes of the mountain side. It is one of the most interesting part of the railway because of its wooden bridge and is still in working condition. Arrive after 1 hours at river Kwai Bridge, built by Allied prisoners of war and Asian laborers. .Upon arrival at the bridge, enjoy free time with spectacular view in the area. Have lunch in a local restaurant and later transfer to a beautiful hotel with a thermal water pool on the river. Relaxing in the hot spring bathing.
Overning in Kanchanaburi. (B)

DAY 4: CRUISE TO AYUTTHAYA

Kanchanaburi – Ayuthaya – Bangkok
American Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out and depart from the hotel at approximately 07.00 hrs. to Bang Pa-In Royal Palace or the Summer Palace, which is 53 km. away from Bangkok. Then we will enjoy fantastic Thai lunch on a Rice Barge cruising along the majestic Chao Phraya, “River of Kings”. After lunch, we will explore rest on the island framed by three significant rivers: Chao Phraya, Lopburi and Pasak, the historic temples, palaces and remaining architectures of the ancient kingdom of Ayutthaya are one of Thailand’s most precious historical sites. The 715-acre area has been listed the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991 as it portrays the heydays of one of the largest kingdoms in Indochina history. Then, continue the journey to Bangkok, check-in at hotel.
Overnight at Bangkok (B,L)

DAY 5: TRANSFER TO THE ISLAND

Hat Yai o Koh Samui – Koh Lipe o Koh Tao
After breakfast transfer by a/c vehicle to the airport for your flight to Hat Yai or Koh Samui (depending on your chosen island). Arrival at the Airport. Pick-up by the hotel representative – Joining-up transfer by a/c vehicle and private boat. After your arrival on the selected island, free time to rest and to enjoy the wonderful seaside of Thailand. Time for leisure to enjoy the beach.
Overnight in Koh Lipe or Koh Tao (B/D)

DAY 6: RELAX IN KOH LIPE OR KOH TAO

Koh Lipe o Koh Tao islands
Full day rest for leisure on the beach or participate in an activities or excursions.
Overnight in Koh Lipe or Koh Tao (B/D)

DAY 7: RELAX IN KOH LIPE OR KOH TAO

Koh Lipe o Koh Tao islands
Full day rest for leisure on the beach or participate in an activities or excursions.
Overnight in Koh Lipe or Koh Tao (B/D)

DAY 8: RELAX IN KOH LIPE OR KOH TAO

Koh Lipe o Koh Tao islands
Full day rest for leisure on the beach or participate in an activities or excursions.
Overnight in Koh Lipe or Koh Tao (B/D)

DAY 9: RELAX IN KOH LIPE OR KOH TAO

Koh Lipe o Koh Tao islands
Full day rest for leisure on the beach or participate in an activities or excursions.
Overnight in Koh Lipe or Koh Tao (B/D)

DAY 10: DEPARTURE FROM HAT YAI OR KOH SAMUI

Isola di Koh Lipe o Koh Tao – Airport
After breakfast, transfer to Hat Yai or Koh Samui airport depending on destination with private boat and car. Departure by international flight.

ACTIVITIES

learn to make merit by monk’s offering in a Bangkok temple,
visit a local community, Baan Bat (Monk’s Bowl Village), a small village with an age-old tradition of crafting bowls,
visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Grand Palace and Temple of the Reclining Buddha of Bagkok,
experience a traditional Thai massage from visually impaired therapist,
experience Damnernsaduak, Thailand’s liveliest and most picturesque floating market,

take a train along the Death Railway route to River Kwai Bridge,
relax on a hot pool thermal water pool in Kanchanaburi,
enjoy a lunch during cruise towards Ayutthaya on the Chao Phraya, observing the way of rural life along the river,
Discover one of the 2 beautiful selected islands: Koh Lipe (from October to March) or Koh Tao (from April to September)
Relax on the beach or participate in excursions and activities

SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

All the itinerary has been designed in order to promote direct or indirect benefits for local communities, environment and cultural heritages. When possible, we have selected traditional accommodations sensible to social and environmental issues, following general principles and practices of responsible tourism. During the tour you will have several opportunities to meet and interact with local and tribal communities as to get a real exposure to their culture and agricultural practices. In Bangkok surroundings you will have a chance to visit a farmers’ community, where lotus flowers are grown, that are offered in Buddhist temples. In Bangkok you will also have a chance to experience a traditional Thai massage from visually impaired therapist. Perception Blind Massage was launched in December 2014, with an aim of introducing new massage place concept to Bangkok while providing employment for blind or visually impaired therapists. We let them demonstrate their unique talent for massage therapy as they are able to fully focus on their sense of touch in a way others cannot.

TIPS BEFORE DEPARTURE

A conscious approach to travel requires a considerable capacity and willingness to adapt and adjust to the local environment and culture. If you wish to travel with us we request you to be open enough to experience local culture, religious and traditions without bias and pre-conceived ideas you might have before the departure and which belong to our Western cultural way of thinking. Exploring with fresh eyes, with patience and openness, you will be able to access the real essence of South Asian cultural heritages, through the places and people you are going to meet; if you are ready to do this effort you will really enjoy the beauty of a completely different cultural tradition, the extraordinary of the nature, the solemnity of Buddhist temples, the holiness of the waters of countless rivers and oceans that flow through this magic land…
While travelling in Thailand, despite being famous tourist destinations, it is advised that you following carefully a code conduct which respects local culture to avoid any hassles or unwanted troubles along your journey. In particular, avoid to show affection in public places, such as hugging, kissing etc., as this behaviour is not appreciated by local people. Thailand is a wonderful place full of wonderful people. For this reason we would like to enlighten you about a few cultural points that will make your stay here more enjoyable and comfortable for both travelers and locals:

Instead of shaking hands or kissing in Thailand to say hello, place your hands in the prayer like position and pull them towards your chest, bowing your head slightly. This is called a ‘wai’.
Do not touch Thai people on the head as it is a sign of disrespect.
Do not sit with your feet stretched out pointing at someone, or any Buddha images as it is also very rude and disrespectful.
Remove shoes when entering temples or Thai houses
Please respect the Royal Family and do not make negative comments about them.
Smiling and attempting to speak Thai will really impress people. They call us ‘farang’ which just means foreigner and is not disrespectful in any way.

Buddhist monks are a common sight all over Thailand and are easily recognized with their orange robes and shaved heads. It is strictly forbidden for male monks to have direct physical contact with women, this includes handing them something. It is acceptable for women to offer a gift by placing it on the ground in front of a monk and backing away, or by giving it to a man to offer for the woman. Men can come in direct contact with monks. Please treat monks with the utmost respect, to speak to them respectfully and ‘wai’ when greeting, saying goodbye and thank you.
You are advised to follow a certain dress code. There are basically two reasons why it is recommended to be careful about what clothes you wear while traveling to the area. The first reason is to prevent you from hurting the sentiments of the local people and second, to protect you from the varied weather conditions prevailing in seasons. One more thing to keep in mind is mosquitoes…it is advised to keep your arms and legs covered because it provides protection (however, don’t forget to bring with you mosquito nets and repellents, especially for river cruises). Thailand’s time zone is GMT/UTC +7, so chances of jet lag cannot be ignored. It is advised that you get onto this time zone as soon as you leave home and try to eat and sleep according local time. Also, if you reach Thailand early in the day, try to stay awake – this will help the body’s internal clock to reset.
If you are staying less than 30 days, you will not need a visa to Thailand in advance. You can have your passport stamped when you arrive. It is free and you don’t need to bring extra passport photos. However, this is only valid for 30 days and you must show your return ticket upon arrival to show that you plan to leave.

Ko Tao

Koh Lipe

HOTELS

We selected beautiful and traditional heritages resorts with all the facilities throughout the tour. When possible, resorts have been selected carefully according to criteria of social and environmental impacts.

TRANSPORT

A river cruise in Ayutthaya, in an elegantly restored crafted rice barge including an lunch on board. For all over the tour private vehicles o mini-buses with AC will be used according to the number of participants. Internal flights and boat transfers from Bangkok to the islands of Koh Liper or Koh Tao are included.

THAILAND WHEN TO GO

Although the climate varies throughout Thailand, you can visit all year round. The best time to travel is during the cool and dry season between November and early April. The climate of most of Thailand is governed by three seasons: rainy (roughly May–Oct), caused by the southwest monsoon dumping moisture gathered from the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand; cool (Nov–Feb); and hot (March–May).
The best time to visit koh lipe is from october to march, while for koh tao the best time is from april to September.