14D/13N Thailand Unseen Beaches and Elephants

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14D/13N Thailand Unseen Beaches and Elephants
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TOUR SUMMARY
ITINERARY IN BRIEF
Day 01
Arrival Bangkok - Transfer to hotel, Evening The Roof @38th Bar - Mode Sathorn Hotel
Day 02
Bangkok - Grand Palace & Wat Prakaew + Klong Tour + puppet show
Day 03
Bangkok - AM Amita Cooking, PM Rarin Jinda Wellness Spa, Ploenchit
Day 04
Bangkok - PM Shopping at Pratunam Market & Platinum Fashion Mall,
Evening Street Eat by Tuk Tuk
Day 05
Bangkok to Ayutthaya day tour, En route to Hua Hin,
Day 06
Hua Hin - AM Visit Khao Takiab + Pa La U Waterfall
Day 07
Hua Hin - FD excursion to Koh Jan (Vanakorn National & Marine Park)
Day 08
Hua Hin - FD. Vana Nava Waterpark
Day 09
Hua Hin to Chumphon - on the way visit at Langsuan fruit stall
Day 10
Chumphon - Nakhon Sithammarat (Khanom)
Day 11
Khanom - HD Visit Fisherman Laem Prathap Island, PM free at leisure
Day 12
Elephant Hills (Jungle Lake Safari Package 3D-2N)
Day 13
Elephant Hills
Day 14
Elephant Hills, transfer to nearby airport (Phuket, Krabi or Surat Thani) and fly to Bangkok
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Day 01 :
ARRIVAL BANGKOK - TRANSFER TO HOTEL, EVENING THE
ROOF @38TH BAR - MODE SATHORN HOTEL (D)
Upon arrival, meet our guide and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon free at
leisure
th
Evening, welcome dinner and cocktail at The Roof@38 Bar (Mode
Sathorn Hotel a new rooftop bar in Bangkok on the 38th floor of this new
fashionable hotel, easily identifiable by its mauve color. The rooftop is
entirely open-sky so not really an option on rainy days but the feeling of
being high up in the air is real and impressive. You can walk around the
entire circumference of the tower and discover a superb 360 view of this
part of Bangkok. You can sit in very comfortable sofas with a glass of wine
or a fancy cocktail
th
The Roof @38 Bar – Mod Sathorn Hotel
Overnight at hotel in Bangkok
Meals: Dinner included
Day 02 :
BANGKOK - FD HIGHLIGHTS TOURS WITH LOCAL ARTIST
VILLAGE & THAI PUPPET PERFORMANCE (B,L)
Meet up your guide at your hotel upon time appointment, heading to visit
the most special Buddhist temple in the city. Visit a site the Thai people
consider the most sacred in the Kingdom: The Grand Palace. This is one
of the most beautiful examples of an ancient Thai court, with several Halls
in same compound. You will also visit the Temple of the sacred Emerald
Buddha (Wat Prakaew). The Emerald Buddha is a Buddha image in the
meditating position in the style of the Lanna school of the north, dating
from the 15th century AD.
The Grand Palace Bangkok
Please note that guests should wear long pants, shoes which cover heal,
and shirts that cover the upper arm (no vests / singlet). This is to show
respect to the Thai people. Also, the Grand Palace is closed on some
National Days (dates TBA), when guests will visit alternative temples
instead.
Lunch at local restaurant
Klong Tour
The Puppet Performance
After lunch, board on a local style "Long Tail Boat", you will spending a
few hours to exploring the picturesque Chao Phraya River and old canals
of the Thonburi side of Bangkok, Thonburi is the western part of Bangkok
where an older and more gracious lifestyle still prevails you will enjoy the
sight of many wooden stilt houses, along new luxury houses, the daily life
and activities of local people along the river banks. If you’re lucky, you
might even spot some larger monitor lizards, enjoying the sun. Its many
canals had originally given Bangkok the name “Venice of the East” Then
Visit the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) locally known as Wat Chaeng, Wat
Arun is partly made up of colorfully decorated spires and stands
majestically over the water which you will probably recognize, from its
famous silhouette. The local story goes that the shards of pottery
decorating its 79 m tall spire came from a nearby shipwreck 100 years
ago.
Afterward see a puppet show at Klong Bang Luang Artist village
(operates Daily Except Wednesday)
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Overnight at hotel in Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Day 03 :
Amita Cooking Class
BANGKOK – AM: AMITA THAI COOKING, PM: SPA & WELNESS
AT RARIN JINDA (B,L)
Morning meet our representative and transfer to Amita Cooking School by
road and crossing by boat. At Amita Thai Cooking Class, you will learn
how to prepare and cook many favorite Thai dishes from our extensive list
of recipes. Classes are completely hands-on, encouraging you to practice
Thai cooking techniques. Our instructors will introduce you to Thai
cuisines and explain the four delicious dishes you will be cooking, before
leading you through our nursery herb garden to pick first-handedly fresh
Thai ingredients for your dishes. Among the plant varieties found in the
school's garden are guinea pepper, holy basil, kaffir lime, piper
sarmentosum, plate brush and Thai basil. Our instructors will then present
a cooking demonstration and provide tasting samples. At your personal
cooking station, the instructors will guide you through the recipe step-bystep as you cook the dish. At the end of the class, a delicious four-course
meal prepared by you, will be set up for lunch at our Thai style veranda
overlooking the canal.
Afternoon, transfer to Rarin Jinda Welness & Spa, an oasis of health and
wellness. Knowing as one of Thailand's leading wellness spa with expertise
in therapists and latest spa technologies. RarinJinda Wellness spa offers
clients wellness, good health and luxurious pampering in a spa sanctuary.
This urban spa fully equipped with all of the latest spa technology and
facilities at high international standards, yet deeply rooted in the Thai
massage and healing traditions. The treatment facilities include state-ofthe-art Indoor heated Hydrotherapy pool, Vichy Shower, Hydrotherapy Tub,
Whirlpool with Chromotherapy, Rainforest Steam and Sauna.
Spa Treatment
Overnight at hotel in Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Day 04:
BANGKOK - AM: PRATUNAM BARGAIN MARKET AND
PLATINUM FASHION MALL , EVENING STREET EATS BY
TUK TUK (B,L,D)
Start the program to visit Pratunam Market is a major market selling
clothes, shoes, and fashion accessories at wholesale prices. Enter the
small alleys and jam-packed small streets and you will find yourself in the
middle of a clothes-maze. Prices are very cheap, and most shops offer
retail prices for single pieces
Continue by walk to Platinum Fashion Mall which is specializes in
wholesale fashion clothing and accessories, with four floors of shopping
space, packed with some 1,300 shops. Platinum Fashion Mall is perfect
for those who plan to do some serious shopping and browsing. You can
easily spend half a day here, so wear comfortable shoes, bring lots of
cash and have a great time! The range of styles and what’s available is
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Platinum Fashion Mall
Tuk Tuk By Night
more than impressive. Find everything from children’s wear, adolescent
clothing, jeans, evening dresses, underwear and oversized clothing to
wigs, belts, shoes, handbags, hats and cosmetics. Basically, you can find
anything to embellish yourself with from head to toe, So don’t be hesitated
to buy when you see something that you like or you may not find it again.
In the evening embark from BTS National Stadium Station on an exciting
tuk tuk ride through Bangkok’s vibrant streets. Stroll along Phetchburi
Soi 10, where food carts spring up as the day turns from evening to night,
and sample delicious street eats such as skewered sausages and Thai
style grill meat. From there, continue via tuk tuk to Saphan Khao Market,
where you can sample from the vast array of fried fish-paste balls. Travel
next to Phra Athit Road to encounter Bangkok’s Roti expert and sample
incredible Thai-Indian cuisine, from freshly-baked Roti to uniquely
flavourful curries. Indulge your taste buds at Bangkok’s most famous Pad
Thai restaurant on Thailand’s best Pad Thai, enjoying the explosion of
spicy and savoury flavours and the amazing variety of textures from the
delicate noodles to the crunchy peanuts. Take a short break from eating to
visit the majestic Wat Pho after dark, where you can enjoy the temple’s
sparkling gold towers beautifully lit up and marvel at the sight of the
magnificent Reclining Buddha. Sip on a refreshing cocktail the Eagle Nest
Bar at Sala Arun Hotel as you take in the splendid views of the Chao
Phraya river and the twinkling buildings along the riverbanks. Later, stroll
through Pak Klong Talat, Thailand’s largest flower market, which only
operates overnight. End the night on a sweet note with mango sticky rice
before the tuk tuk carries you back to your hotel.
Overnight at hotel in Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 05 :
BANGKOK - AM: AYUTTHAYA BY ROAD, PM: TRANSFER TO
HUA HIN
Today to spend a full day program to immerse yourself in Thai history &
savor Ayutthaya’s gourmet food & desserts to visit Ayutthaya Province
one of Thailand’s historical and majestic highlights.
Bang Pa In Palace
Start to visit Bang Pa In Palace, summer palace of the kings of Thailand
today, the palace is only used infrequently, and then mostly for state
occasions rather than as a royal summer residence. The palace is very
European in design. The buildings are laid out along an artificial
ornamental pond. In what was formerly the public area of the palace, the
lake is a long rectangular pool, lines with formal plantings and the odd
folly. The most obvious of the ornaments is a modern copy of a Khmer
style prang.
Afterward continue to the Ayutthaya Historical Park, the old capital of
Thailand, known as the Kingdom of Ayutthaya, was glorified as one of the
biggest cities in Southeast Asia and a regional power for 417 years. The
ruins of the capital of the Kingdom Ayutthaya are now a major tourist
attraction easily accessible from Bangkok by car, train, or boat as either a
daytrip or overnight excursion. Ayutthaya is a place of great cultural
interest and its proximity to Bangkok ensures it is a popular stop-off
destination for visitors as part of their journey north. Visit Wat Phra Sri
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Sanphet; Wat Phra Sri Sanphet is the royal monastery and therefore no
monk is allowed to reside at. However, the temple served to conduct
ceremonies within the royal court, such as the ritual to drink an oath of
allegiance. It is also regarded as an equivalence of Wat Mahathat in
Sukhothai and a model for Wat Phra Sri Ratana Sasadaram (the royal
temple of the Emerald Buddha) or Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok.
Wat Phra Sri Sanphet
After that visit Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahatat which means the sacred
temple where the relics of the Lord Buddha were installed. The Prang of
Wat Mahathat was built in Early Ayutthaya. Its structure became the
traditional model when constructing a temple and can be found
nationwide. Within the kingdom of Ayutthaya, the reliquary holds historical
and religious significance as the edifice representing the Buddha.
Enjoy Thai lunch at local restaurant.
Afterward depart from Ayuthaya tto Hua Hin. (Approximate of 4 hours)
Evening arrive at your hotel in Hua Hin, check in and free at leisure
Overnight at hotel in Hua Hin
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahatat
Day 06 :
HUA HIN - AM: HD PA LA U, PM: VISIT KHAO TAKIAB (B,L)
The Pa-La-U Waterfall is part of the Kaeng Krachan National Park. It is
located about 60 Km west of Hua Hin. There are 16 cascades and the
surrounding forest is over a thousand years old and is filled with rare wild
animals. Our trip starts in the morning; we will be driving west towards the
mountains and the Burmese border. We will continue with a trek through
unspoiled rainforest to Pa-La-U Waterfall where we trek up to the 4th
cascades where the pool filled with wild carp fish. Experience the beautiful
waterfall and jungle surroundings where wild monkeys and birds can be
heard and sometimes spotted.
Lunch at local restaurant
Pa La U Water Fall & National Park
Continue to Khao Takiab, meaning literally "chopstick hill". Khao Takiab is
dominated by a 272 m high headland that juts out into the sea. It is clearly
visible at the southern end of Hua Hin beach. If you approach the hill this
way, you are rewarded with the sight of a 20m tall Lord Buddha statue and
there are other religious figures, both Thai and Chinese, at the summit,
together with a statue of King Rama V. The hill is also known as "Monkey
Mountain" due to large numbers of monkeys (macaques) that are resident
there. Whilst not really fierce, care should be taken when they are around
as they have a habit of grabbing and making off with anything that takes
their fancy, especially handbags and cameras. It is probably better not to
feed them as the larger males can sometimes become aggressive if the
bananas have run out.
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Late afternoon return to your hotel, free at leisure to explore Hua Hin by
yourself.
Overnight at hotel in Hua Hin
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Khao Takiab
Day 07 :
Vana Nava Water Park
HUA HIN - FD: VANA NAVA HUA HIN WATER JUNGLE (B)
Vana Nava Hua Hin is "Asia’s first water Jungle" set in the centre of
Thailand’s much loved resort town, Hua Hin. Claiming to be the first
ecologically and community aware waterpark in the region. The name
Vana Nava is derived from ancient Sanskrit, Vana meaning Jungle and
Nava meaning sea boat, the name is meant to reflect of the atmosphere of
Hua Hin. Covering over 20 Rai, Vana Nava Hua Hin has literally
transformed an empty plot of land in to tropical jungle, featuring almost
200,000 living species from across Thailand.
An exotic tropical
environment with amazing slides, rides and incredible choice of 19
attractions. World class modern design, interactive facilities including
shopping, delicious and variety food and beverage, a café and year round
events and entertainment. Vana Nava provides the best rides and slides
for all ages. Late afternoon return to your hotel, free at leisure.
Overnight hotel in Hua Hin
Meals: Breakfast
Day 08
HUA HIN - FD: EXCURSION TO KOH JAAN ISLAND & HAT
VANAKORN NATIONAL & MARINE PARK (B,L)
After breakfast depart from your hotel in Hua Hin and drive to Vanakorn
National & Marine Park (Approximate of 1.5 hours drive)
Vanakorn National & Marine Park
Vanakorn National & Marine Park is located Tab Sakae district of
Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. The National Park was opened under royal
directive since 30 December 1992. The Marine Park covers an area of 38
square kilometers and has the record of being one of the smallest marine
parks in Thailand and is composed of a sandy beach and the deeper
water surrounding the two islands. Here you can find organisms such as
Shrimp, Fish, Coral, Turtle and also some types of Dolphins. These waters
have a sandy soft bottom and shallow water communities with small
patches of coral. Hat Vanakorn is a popular destination where you can
enjoy camping, snorkeling, swimming, hiking, bird watching and/or just
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relaxing with a picnic under the trees. For this part of Thailand (Gulf of
Thailand), the best time for scuba diving is between late April – early
October
Take speed boat to Koh Jaan Island which is consists of two islands, Koh
Jaan (the larger one) and Koh Tai See (the smaller one). Between the
islands there’s a lagoon with a white sandy beach (100 meters long) that
is a good place for snorkeling, diving and swimming.
Overnight at hotel in Hua Hin
Koh Jaan Island
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Day 9:
HUA HIN - OVERLAND TRANSFER TO CHUMPHON –
ON THE WAY VISIT AT LANGSUAN FRUIT STALL (B,L)
Morning check out and depart from Hua Hin and overland drive to
Chumphon Province (Approximate of 4 hours drive)
On the way to Chumphon will stop at Langsuan Fruit Market. Chumphon
is most reputed for fruits and coffee. Along the route to Chumphon, And
Paknam - Lang Suan, there are various fruit stalls. The most popular fruit
is finger-shaped banana. The others are pineapples, durians,
mangosteens, rambutans, water melons, and langsads. Preserved fruits
are also available in souvenir shops and restaurants. Note some fruits are
seasonal and not available all year round.
Langsuan Fruit Market
From Langsuan market proceed to Haad Sairee, a small bay that's very
pretty with good views of the nearby islands. Just offshore is the very
scenic Koh Maprao, one of the sites where the infamous nests of a
local bird called the sea swift are collected. Numerous seafood
restaurants offer picnic mats and deckchairs along the seafront
promenade. Haad Sairee has the best, most 'beachy' atmosphere of the
beaches near Chumphon. Evening arrive at hotel in Chumphon.
Overnight at hotel in Chumphon
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Haad Sai Ree Beach
Day 10 :
CHUMPHON – OVERLAND TRANSFER TO KHANOM
(NAKORN SRI THAMMARAT) (B,L)
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Late morning check out and overland drive to Khanom in Nakhon Si
Thammarat Province (Approximate of 4 hours drive)
“Khanom” one of Thailand's last pristine tourist locations. A paradise
where swaying coconut palms, lush green landscape, limestone
mountains and virtually untouched beaches still remain in their natural
beauty. Khanom is known for its rare pink dolphins. Locals here are proud
of this rare animal species and wish to protect its original idyllic living
environment on the coast line of Khanom.
Overnight at hotel in Khanom
Khanom Beach
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Day 11 :
KHANOM – HD TOUR TO LAEM PRATHAP (B, L)
Morning depart to Laem Prathap Pier. to see the famous pink dolphins
and some interesting islands. Visit the fisherman Village and follow to see
Khanom’s Pink Dolphins are believed to use the Khanom sea as their
natural habitat, due to the sea being rich in food and having a large area
for hunting down prey that is not too far from the shore. A long boat from
Ban Laem Prathap managed by the villagers will be able to take you for a
viewing. Lunch at local restaurant. Afternoon free at leisure.
Overnight at hotel in Khanom
Fisherman Village in Khanom
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Day 12 :
SURATTHANI - KHAO SOK NATIONAL PARK (B, L,D)
Morning pick up from your hotel in Khanom and transfer to Elephant Hills
1st Days Activities: The Amazing Elephant Experience.
Discover about Thai elephants & elephant conservation with Elephant Hills
unique ‘Elephant Experience’ program, where you get the opportunity to
interact with the elephants, including helping the mahouts bathe & feed
them! After a buffet Thai lunch, take a jungle river canoe trip down the Sok
River, with a local guide to paddle for you. Return for a hot shower in your
luxury safari tent. Cocktails, wines & spirits are available & it’s then onto
dinner beside the rainforest. Overnight in luxury safari tents, with
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comfortable beds, reading lights & private bathroom. Tent doors &
windows have mosquito nets & canvas flaps
Overnight at Elephant Hill Tents Camp
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Elephant Hill Khaosok
Day 13 :
CHEOW LARN LAKE (B,L,D)
2nd Days Activities: Spectacular Cheow Larn Lake.
Visit a local market in Takhun to experience Thailand’s rural lifestyle.
Enjoy breakfast before setting off to explore Cheow Larn jungle lake by
local boat. The 60km long lake, with its over one hundred islands, is
surrounded by limestone mountains & rainforest covered cliffs. There’ll be
time for a swim & a packed lunch is provided. Late afternoon return to
Elephant Hills for dinner & overnight.
Overnight at the Rainforest Camp.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 14 :
KHAO SOK - AM: EXPLORE RAINFOREST, PM : TRANSFER TO
SURAT THANI AIRPORT FOR FLIGHT TO BANGKOK (B)
3rd Days Activities: Flora and Fauna in the Fabulous Forest.
Wake up to the sounds of nature & birds calling. Breakfast is at your
leisure. Then explore the rainforest ecology on foot. See exotic plants,
tropical hardwood trees, orchids, palms, ferns, bamboos & mosses. Birds
such as the hornbill, gibbon & macaque or leaf monkeys may be seen or
heard. Lunch in the rainforest.
In the afternoon, return to Elephant Hills then transfer to the nearest
airport (Surat Thani, Phuket or Krabi)
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Or your option to continue to other beach destination, such as Krabi,
Koh Lanta, Khao Lak, Phuket
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HOTEL DESCRIPTIONS
BANGKOK
Choice # 1
Hua Chang Heritage Hotel Bangkok
The Thai-contemporary style. Located in the heart of Bangkok, walking
distance from MBK Center and Siam Square. The hotel offers three types of
accommodation with deluxe to premier deluxe rooms and suites, all 75
beautifully appointed guest rooms provide a luxury sanctuary where guests
can relax and unwind. Each room is stylishly designed with modern décor in
three different themes inspired by the colours of the Thai lotus: magenta,
purple and cobalt blue - each creating a welcoming ambience. They are also
furnished with fine furniture to ensure that every stay is always blissful.
http://www.huachangheritagehotel.com/
Choice # 2
Siam@Siam Design Hotel & Spa
Located in the heart of Bangkok, this trendy property captures the essence of
modern Bangkok. Close to transportation, shopping and entertainment
venues, you are well placed to soak up all that the city has to offer. All 203
rooms are stylishly appointed and the hotel has a great outdoor pool and
gym.
www.siamatsiam.com
HUA HIN
Let's Sea Hua Hin Al Fresco Resort
Located between Hua Hin and Takieb Mountain, this boutique hotel combines
modern design with superb attention to detail. The service is second to none
and the views over the ocean are beautiful. Relax at the resorts spa or take a
dip in the 120m pool.
www.letussea.com
CHUMPORN
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Novotel Chumphon Beach Resort & Golf
A luxury contemporary design resort surrounded by a golf course and set
beside the clear blue waters of the Gulf of Siam, the resort combines
outstanding leisure facilities with a 9-hole golf course. Reinvigorate your
wellness at the spa or simple laze by the pool. You can relax and unwind
amid nature’s bounty and enjoy a simple rural lifestyle, enhanced by luxurious
comforts and amenities..
http://www.novotel-chumphon.com/
KHANOM
Aava Resort & Spa
Sits on beautiful Nadan beach, a 9km stretch of pristine golden sands and
clear blue water. A paradise where swaying coconut palms, lush green
landscape, limestone mountains and virtually untouched beaches still remain
in their natural beauty.
www.aavaresort.com
KHAOSOK
Elephant Hill Luxury Tented Camp Khaosok
Thailand’s first Luxury Tented Jungle Camps, combining the camp idea of
African national parks with the Thai tropical forest environment. The Elephant
Camp comprises 35 luxurious, tailor-made tents and has successfully been
operated since over 10 years. The floating Rainforest Camp, one of the
world’s only luxury floating tented camps, was opened in 2011 and is situated
on the emerald green waters of Cheow Larn Lake.
www.elephanthills.com
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