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Goway Travel
OFFER ID 1722745
Family Friendly, Iconic Landmarks, Near the Beach Blend city thrills with island calm on this independent Thailand journey, where Bangkok’s vibrant streets meet Phuket’s beaches and tropical laid-back charm.
Trip Overview:
This 9-day Thailand vacation combines the bustle of Bangkok with the charming beachside idylls of Phuket.
Your Thailand vacation begins in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand and the most-visited city on the planet. Upon immediate arrival, you’ll realize that Bangkok is a city of contrasts. Massive skyscrapers sit beside wooden huts. Luxury malls jostle for baht alongside bustling farmers' markets. No one side of Bangkok is all-defining; it takes both to capture what makes this city so invigorating. Make sure to see the landmarks like Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, and ride the Skytrain if you need to get around the city in style. During your Bangkok tour, you’ll also head on an excursion to the Damnoen Sanduak Floating Market, where you’ll see dozens of vendors on boats selling fruits and vegetables. In the evening, you’ll zip through the streets of Bangkok on a tuk tuk, experiencing the city in the most authentic way imaginable. On your night journey, you’ll stop off at the night markets to see local vendors sell food and flowers and have a chance to buy some for yourself.
From Bangkok, continue your Thailand vacation by zipping down to Phuket, the popular beach resort on the Andaman Sea. With its white-sand beaches, lush mountains, and magnificent coves, it’s no wonder that Phuket is one of the world’s most famous beach getaways. Staying in one of the pampering resorts on the island, you’ll have multiple days to enjoy the gorgeous climate and lazy atmosphere. Swim in the warm waters of the Andaman or take a guided walk to spot animals and fascinating plants in the nearby wilderness. Relax with a good book on the beach or engage in some wellness detox at the many health spas in the area. Or take a deep-dive into Thai culture with a cooking class or by learning Thailand’s traditional martial art, Muay Thai.
This Thailand vacation combines the bustle of the big city with the relaxing tempo of the beach. It’s a great way to engage with two essential parts of Thai culture.
8 nights from $2,187 per person
Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok
Transfer: Bangkok Airportto Bangkok - Riverside
Hotel: Riva Surya Bangkok (4 Star Rating)
Situated along the enchanting Chao Phraya River, Riva Surya Bangkok offers an idyllic urban getaway in the heart of this cosmopolitan city. This modern boutique hotel in Bangkok features 68 beautifully designed rooms, elegant dining options, a riverside swimming pool and leisure facilities that cater to the needs of both business and leisure travellers.
Start the morning with a trip to Wat Pho, arguably Bangkok's most enchanting temple. Arrive just as the resident monks gather for their morning chants. Witness this deeply spiritual ritual and gain a better sense of Thailand's Buddhist heritage. After the chants, take a walk around Wat Pho and see the vast collection of religious treasures on display.
The tour then continues to the nearby Grand Palace, which has served as the seat of Thailand's revered Royal family for more than two centuries. Take a walk around the vast grounds, stopping in to explore the various temples, throne halls and museums within the compound. Visit the Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddhist image in Thailand, and hear about its mysterious origins.
Take a break for lunch in a riverside restaurant, enjoying delicious Thai food with fabulous views. Then continue onwards to visit Wat Trimitr, on the edge of Chinatown, which houses the world's largest solid gold Buddha.
Afterwards take a long-tail boat and move away from the high rises of the city and venture through the quiet canals upon which the city was originally built. Catch glimpses of the olden days, passing by charming neighbourhoods built on the water's edge. Return to the main waterway, the Chao Phraya River, to visit Wat Arun and admire its incredible decoration with ceramic tiles depicting figures of Chinese soldiers and animals.
After a full day of exploring Bangkok, you'll be returned to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Bangkok is a city that truly comes to life after dark. Spend an evening exploring the vibrant streets and tranquil temples with a local guide, getting a different perspective of the capital.
You'll be met in the lobby of your hotel by your guide and will start the evening with a BTS Skytrain or tuk-tuk ride to the central pier. From here, continue onwards by longtail boat sailing up the Chao Phraya River to Wat Arun. See all the buildings and temples lit up and see passing river cruises with lots of lights. Disembark at Wat Arun pier, spending time there before crossing the ferry to a local pier. Walk through the market down to Riva Arun Hotel to enjoy a refreshing cocktail. Enjoy dinner at a great local restaurant on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. With the majestic Wat Arun glittering in the distance, you'll enjoy a delicious traditional Thai meal. Following dinner, take a stroll to the temple grounds of Wat Pho to soak up the beauty of its glittering chedi at night.
Then hop on a tuk-tuk and traverse through the city's historic quarter for a visit to Pak Klong Talad. One of the country's largest fresh markets, the site is busy 24-hours a day with wholesale vendors and local shoppers. Explore the stalls where orchids, flowers, vegetables and other items spill over the crowded stalls.
This unforgettable evening tour ends with a transfer back to your hotel.
Transfer: Bangkok - Riverside to Bangkok Airport
Transfer: Phuket Airportto Phuket - Rawai Beach
Hotel: The Vijitt Resort Phuket (4 Star Rating)
Escape to a heavenly corner of earth at the Vijitt Resort Phuket where the pace of life is slow and the scenery is simply breathtaking. Situated on a tranquil beach away from the bustling tourist crowds, this luxury all-villa Phuket resort offers a rejuvenating retreat that exudes Thai charm. The exquisite location of the Rawai hotel was handpicked for its outstanding natural beauty offering wide open spaces with tall swaying palms and lush green lawns that gently slope towards the Andaman Sea.
Escape to a quieter, more natural side of southern Thailand with this day trip from Phuket. Travel by speedboat across the Andaman Sea to the six scenic Phi Phi Islands. The journey to Phi Phi takes around 45 minutes, passing by spectacular limestone karsts that jut out from the blue seas. Sit back and relax, enjoying the views as the boat cruises closer to paradise. Cruise by Maya Bay, arguably one of Thailand's most beautiful places. The bay is stunning and was used as the setting for the famous Hollywood movie 'The Beach'.
Continue around the islands, Phi Phi Lay Cove and Monkey Beach. Each of these stretches of island boasts swaying palm trees and white sands. There are also calm, clear waters brimming with fish for those who wish to discover Thailand's underwater beauty.
During the day, lunch will be served at Tonsai Bay. This southern stretch of Phi Phi Ley Island offers sweeping views of the surrounding sea. The afternoon is spent cruising to Bamboo Island and possibly other islands nearby, for more chances to snorkel and swim in the Andaman Sea.
After a spectacular day cruising the Phi Phi Islands, it is time to return to Phuket. Transfer back by boat and car, arriving at your hotel early this evening.
Take a closer look at Phuket's rich cultural heritage on this unique tour.
You'll be met at your hotel and start with a visit to the island's historic quarters, where a delightful mix of old and new buildings can be found. See Phuket's oldest Chinese shrine, learning about the Chinese migrants who came to the island in the 19th century to work in the tin mines.
Continue past Sino-Portuguese buildings which attest to the island's past as a key stop on the Asian trading routes. There is also a chance to visit a colourful fruit market where locally-grown tropical fruits are sold.
Following this insightful walking tour, return to the vehicle and drive to the summit of Rang Hill. Enjoy sweeping views of the town, seeing the heritage buildings from a different point of view. A refreshing cocktail and light snack will be served at this scenic location.
The tour comes to a close with dinner at a great local restaurant. Afterwards, you'll be transferred back to your hotel.
Transfer: Phuket - Rawai Beach to Phuket Airport
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
1909 Southwood Street
Sarasota, FL 34231
USA
(941) 922-4070
(800) 299-1125