land of smiles

Thailand Discovery

Thailand, known as the ‘Land of Smiles’, is one of Asia’s glittering jewels and its people are renowned for their warmth and friendliness. This tour combines a visit to the bustling city of Bangkok, home to some of the world’s most beautiful religious treasures and architecture, with the quieter, more peaceful northern cities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai and a stay in the royal beach retreat of Cha Am.

Watch as orange-robed monks burning pungent incense make off erings to the Gods, marvel at the beauty of the Reclining Buddha image and be transfi xed by the traditional Thai dancers as they move gracefully to the music. Buy hairy-skinned rambutans and custard apples as you pass by traders at the fl oating market, meet the colourful hill tribe peoples and explore the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Burma and Laos meet on the Mekhong River before a couple of days’ reflection on the beach in Cha Am.

Itinerary

Day 1: Check in for your flight and then relax with your fellow travellers in the Executive Lounge. Overnight flight to Bangkok.

Day 2: Morning arrival in Bangkok. Meet your Just Friends tour leader and local guide, then transfer to your hotel to relax. Welcome cocktail reception aboard a converted rice barge on the Chao Praya river before a fantastic welcome dinner with traditional Thai dancing.

Day 3: Spend the morning visiting the ornate temples of Wat Pho, with its enormous reclining Buddha, and Wat Trimit, home to the world’s largest pure gold Buddha image. Afternoon free for individual sightseeing.

Day 4: A fantastic full day excursion to the vibrant floating market at Damnoen Saduak with a longtail speedboat ride through the canals. Lunch and folklore show at the famous Rose Gardens before returning to the hotel.

Day 5: Travel to Kanchanaburi to visit the ‘Thailand Burma Railway Centre’ and allied war cemetery. You then take an interesting train ride across the famous ‘Bridge over the River Kwai’ and Hellfi re Pass, returning to Bangkok by coach late afternoon.

Day 6: Take a short fl ight to the northern city of Chiang Mai. Visit the impressive hilltop Doi Suthep Temple and the Meo Doi Pui hill tribe before travelling through beautiful mountain scenery to Chiang Rai.

Day 7: A full day tour of the Golden Triangle where Burma, Laos and Thailand meet. Take a boat trip on the Mekhong river before visiting the Mae Chan hill tribe and Mae Sai at the border with Burma.

Day 8: A leisurely drive back to Chiang Mai with the rest of the day free to relax. This evening you will enjoy a traditional Thai Kantoke dinner and dance show.

Day 9: This morning visit an elephant orphanage with the opportunity to take an elephant-back ride through the jungle. Enjoy a relaxing bamboo raft journey and spend the afternoon learning about traditional Thai handicrafts.

Day 10: Take the short flight back to Bangkok and travel south by coach to the ancient royal beach resort of Cha Am, on the Gulf of Thailand. Rest of the day free to relax.

Day 11: Relax on the beach or why not join an optional sightseeing tour of Cha Am and Hua Hin or spend a day learning the basics of Thai cookery. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner with your new friends.

Day 12: Some free time for last minute shopping before travelling to Bangkok for your overnight flight home.

Day 13: Morning arrival back in the UK.

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tour ref: JLTD
14th November 2007	£1,399
flight details
Departs London Heathrow	0800hrs
Return arrival	1355hrs
Flights are operated by China Airlines, via Amsterdam. Regional flight connections are available - please ask for details. All flight timings are approximate.

Price includes

Just Friends tour leader throughout
Lounge access at Heathrow Airport
Return flights to Bangkok
10 nights accommodation in 4 star hotels
All transportation within Thailand
All meals throughout the tour
Excursions, visits and entrances as detailed
Services of local English speaking guide
Porterage at hotels and airport