Essential Thailand featuring Samui
Explore the essentials of Thailand with 3 nights in Bangkok, 3 nights in Chiang Mai, and 3 nights in beautiful Samui.
Experience the real Bangkok in the city’s hidden corners, sacred temples, and world-renowned shopping of Bangkok. Visit the famous Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha complex to admire its glittering gold stupas and dazzling glass mosaics. Wake up to the cool mountain breeze and peaceful views from your Thai countryside eco-lodge in Chiang Mai. Spend days at your leisure in Samui, where you can explore the Ang Thong National Marine Park, try your hand at a Thai cooking course, or a Thai massage. And of course spend time on the beach, ideal for relaxation.
11-Day Essentials of Thailand featuring Samui
Bangkok to Samui
HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoy a close-up view of the porcelain art at Wat Arun
• Engage with northern Thailand's rich tribal culture and spend time in a remote ethnic community in Chiang Mai
• Discover Koh Samui’s local landmarks, from the Big Buddha, a sacred temple and a scenic waterfall
INCLUSIONS
• Fast track service on arrival Bangkok Day 1
• Deluxe Accommodations throughout the tour
• Meals as per the itinerary (food only)
• Private Transfers and Touring
• Professional English-speaking guide
• Join in activities at Lisu Lodge
• Local bottled water and cold towels whilst sightseeing
• Domestic flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai to Samui, and Samui to Bangkok
• Taxes and service charges
Ask about customizing your tour or upgrading to Premium hotels.
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
Welcome to Bangkok! The vibrant capital of Thailand, Bangkok is an eclectic mix of ornate temples and towering skyscrapers. Both traditional and contemporary, the city is a hive of colorful food and flower markets and buzzing off-beat streets complemented by a dynamic dining scene with some of Asia’s top restaurants as well as Michelin-worthy street food all just waiting to be explored.
Fast track service is arranged for your arrival at the airport. Upon exiting the aircraft (or aerobridge), you are met by a representative who escorts you through the express immigration process, then assists with luggage collection and customs before leading you into the arrival hall where your Abercrombie & Kent guide is waiting to meet you.
Transfer to COMO Metropolitan Bangkok, Located in the heart of Bangkok’s central business district, COMO Metropolitan Bangkok is a contemporary urban escape combining sleek, modern style with a chic Asian aesthetic. The sophisticated interiors by Singaporean designer Kathryn King feature a mix of eastern and western influences, creating an aura of calm in each of the spacious rooms. The hotel's facilities include a 25-meter (82-foot) outdoor swimming pool, a yoga studio, spa and a renowned Thai fine dining restaurant.
Experience the real Bangkok in the city’s hidden corners, sacred temples and local neighborhoods. Visit the famous Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha complex to admire its glittering gold stupas and dazzling glass mosaics. Whiz through the old city streets by tuk tuk for a short ride to Wat Pho. The historical temple complex is best known for its large reclining Buddha statue and Thai massage school. Cool down with some coconut ice cream before crossing the Chao Phraya River by public ferry. Enjoy a close-up view of the porcelain art at Wat Arun, or the Temple of Dawn before continuing by private vehicle to the Jim Thompson House, a traditional Thai teak home with antiques and curios curated by the former magnate of Thai silk. Then, explore the silk shop and gallery.
Afternoon, free time at leisure.
Enjoy a day at leisure exploring Bangkok.
Transfer to the airport to board a domestic flight to Chiang Mai.
On arrival at Chiang Mai Airport, you are met by your guide who accompanies you to a Restaurant for Lunch.
After lunch, continue to Lisu Lodge, an eco-lodge surrounded by lush, green mountains. Enjoy a welcome drink while learning about the community-based project here that aims to conserve the heritage of Chiang Mai’s ethnic minorities and hear a bit about everyday life in this typical Thai hill tribe. Take a stroll around the village, stopping at the temple for lovely views of the community’s herbal garden and explore nearby tea and vegetable plantations.
Return to your rustic lodge built in the style of a northern Thai hilltribe home. Dinner is served at your lodge and is accompanied by a music and dance performance by the local Lisu community.
Wake up to the cool mountain breeze and peaceful views from your Thai countryside eco-lodge. Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before heading out to explore the local community. Choose from a range of optional experiences arranged by the lodge (supplementary fees apply).
Explore a local tea plantation on the outskirts of the village. A resident tea plucker shows you around the tea garden where you can try your hand at harvesting tea leaves in the traditional way. You can then observe the art of making tea, from kneading to roasting the tea leaves. During the process, learn from your guide about the different processes and methods used to cultivate young tea plants.
Sit down to enjoy a Thai lunch featuring fresh ingredients from the garden and soak up the breathtaking countryside views.
This afternoon, your guide and driver take you to Tamarind Village, Located in the heart of the historic city, Tamarind Village Chiang Mai is a charming boutique property named after a magnificent 200-year-old tamarind tree that shelters the hotel. Surrounded by ancient temples and quaint shopping streets, the hotel is set around a series of garden courtyards that create a sense of calm and tranquility. Intimate, serene and relaxing, the rooms are designed to reflect the rich ethnic diversity of northern Thailand with the use of fabrics and patterns drawn from various tribes of the region. An outdoor pool, spa and charming restaurant complete the experience.
Note: Activities based on join-in basis.
Lift your spirit with an early morning blessing and breakfast in the sacred mountains of northern Thailand. Experience the local almsgiving tradition and be blessed by monks at a shrine dedicated to Phra Kruba Srivichai, a highly revered monk who inspired the construction of the road you are about to take. Drive up the mountain path to visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s sacred mountaintop temple which stands proudly overlooking the city. The beauty and serenity of the temple is radiant, particularly in the quiet, early hours of the day. On the way back down, stop at a mountainside monastery nestled within the forest for a picnic breakfast beside a small creek overlooking Chiang Mai in the distance.
Late morning, return to hotel for free time at leisure.
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Chiang Mai.
Transfer to the airport to board a domestic flight to Samui.
On arrival at Samui Airport, you are met by your guide who accompanies you to Avani + Samui, Tucked away in a quiet corner on Koh Samui’s south-west coast, Avani Plus Koh Samui is a beachfront destination that offers sand, sun, sea and adventure. The bright and airy accommodations are set within leafy gardens, capturing a sense of calm with the chic yet minimalist interiors. The spa offers signature treatments while the restaurant serves Thai and International cuisine in a breezy open-air environment.
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Samui.
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Samui further.
Today marks and end to your Thailand tour.
Contact a Thailand Specialist
Thailand’s appeal is universal, from the pulse of Bangkok and to the lush countryside of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, to the many beaches of the south. Thailand is bright and colourful with an abundance of warm and open people. Plus you'll be exposed to amazing architecture and ruins, royal history and an up close look at Buddhism. And don't forget about the bustling nightlife, great shopping and some of the best street food you'll ever taste.
Explore the essentials of Thailand with 3 nights in Bangkok, 3 nights in Chiang Mai, and 3 nights in exciting Phuket.
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Experience stunning scenery, time-honored culture, and mouth-watering food experiences on this 12-day locally hosted small group tour.
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All fares are tour only, per person, based on double occupancy and subject to availability at time of booking. Fares include domestic flights as per the itinerary. International flights are not included. Other terms and conditions apply, please contact an advisor for complete terms and conditions. EXCLUSIONS • Any items of a purely personal nature such as laundry and telephone calls • International flight tickets to and from Southeast Asia • Visa fees, departure tax and tourist fee (if applicable) • Personal, travel and health insurance • Early check in and late check out unless specified • Optional tours • Gratuities/tips to tour guides, drivers and hotel staff Please Note... • Visa fees and entry/exit requirements are subject to change at short notice, which may result in additional fees or new visa applications to be covered by the guest • If you are traveling with more than one valid passport, please present the passport that corresponds with the details listed on any pre-arranged visa documents (E-visas, Visa Stamps or Visa Approval Letters) while checking in at the airline counter prior to departure. Abercrombie & Kent does not take responsibility for any issues that may occur as a result of failing to present the correct passport; any fee or fine incurred as a result must be settled directly by the guest