THAILAND HIGHLIGHTS

Detailed Itinerary

• Day 1

  BANGKOK ARRIVAL (with guide)

  Arrive at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport (after collecting your luggage). Please keep going to the Arrival Hall and look for your guide holding a sign showing your name. 

  Transfer from the airport to the hotel.

  Overnight in Bangkok.

• Day 2

  DISCOVER BANGKOK BY ALL THE RIDES (B, L)

  07.45AM: Today, embark on a thrilling city safari with us and explore the top Thai attractions. Following a pleasant Skytrain ride to the "Saphan Taksin" port, board an express boat to the Tha Chang pier and embark on a thrilling Chao Phraya River cruise.
   
  Disembark from the boat and discover the world-renowned Wat Pho, which houses the 45-meter Reclining Buddha and the Chedis of the Kings. There is a sacred place for traditional Thai massage therapy at Wat Pho as well. Admire one of the thousand Buddha images housed in the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok.
   
  Tuk tuk will take you to Wat Saket, the "Mount of Gold"; make a brief detour en route at Baan Bat, a community that has been producing alms bowls for monks since the 17th century. Ascending the modest 400 steps to the summit, you will marvel at the gigantic golden Chedi, which houses a holy relic of the Buddha. Here is a once in a lifetime chance to take in stunning vistas of the city from a totally different angle. Located in front of Wat Suthat, the Giant Swing has cultural and religious significance in Thai history. 
   
  Take a break and grab lunch at a restaurant known for its delectable Thai cuisine. Enjoy homemade coconut ice cream from a local seller who has been in business for over 50 years.
   
  Continue to Phanfa Lilat Wharf, where you may take a boat across Bangkok's Saen Saeb Canal to Jim Thompson's elegant Lanna-style mansion, where he revived Thai silk to the entire world before inexplicably disappearing on a trip to Malaysia. Take the Skytrain back to the hotel.
   
  Notes:
  • Duration: Full day (7.45-16.00), depending on the hotel location and traffic situation
  • For temple visits, women should wear short/long-sleeved tops with full-length pants or knee-length skirts, while men shoud wear trousers and short/long-sleeved shirts. There are no sandals or flip-flops allowed.
  • The monk's morning chanting riutal is subject to alter without warning (Please notify your travel consultant if you want to attend this activity in the morning)
  Overnight in Bangkok.
• Day 3

  DAMNOEN SADUAK FLOATING MARKET & LUNCH AT HOME KRATENG (B, L)

  7.30AM: Start tour to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, located around 100 kilometers southwest of Bangkok, is one of Thailand's most well-known and renowned floating markets. The market, which is characterized by sellers selling their items from small boats along narrow canals, offers a look into traditional Thai culture and how trade has been done in this region for decades. This vivid, most well-known local market has numerous small boats packed with colorful fruits and vegetables, paddled by Thai women wearing bamboo hats, and is one of the few places in Thailand where you can observe this traditional style of buying and selling items.

  Fresh fruits and vegetables, traditional Thai snacks, souvenirs, apparel, and handicrafts are among the items sold at the market. It's an excellent spot to try local specialties and immerse yourself in Thai cuisine's vibrant flavors.

  Step back in time to a world where traditional fishing villages persist amidst the bustling metropolis. A tranquil estuary awaits you as you float along the Mae Klong River on a local motorboat like a local, where you can see the fisherman at work and maybe even sample some of their freshly caught oysters and mejillones (own account). Another highlight of this excursion is a great authentic lunch in traditional Krateng bamboo house constructed on stilts above the water's surface.

  Notes:

  • Duration: Full day (07.30 - 16.30), depending on the hotel location and traffic situation

  Overnight in Bangkok.

• Day 4

  CHIANG RAI ARRIVAL (no guide) (B)

  10.00AM Transfer from Bangkok Hotel to Suvarnabhumi Airport (no guide).

  Arrive at Chiang Rai Airport (after collecting your luggage). Please keep going to the Arrival Hall and look for your guide holding a sign showing your name. 

  Transfer from the airport to the hotel.

  Overnight in Chiang Rai.

• Day 5

  DAY TRIP TO CHIANG RAI (B,L)

  08.00AM: Start your tour in Chiang Rai

  Chiang Rai is recognized as the gateway to the Golden Triangle, which links Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. The region was once associated with opium production, but it now attracts tourists for its cultural and natural wonders. Take the winding route up the hill to a viewpoint for breathtaking views where the mighty Ruak River and Mae Khong River meet to form a Triangle with the boundaries of Laos, Thailand, and Burma. Among the must-sees on this excursion is the Opium Museum, which illustrates the region's opium trade, cultivation, and anti-drug initiatives.

  Last but not least, stop at Chiang Saen, a historic city with fascinating architecture, archeological monuments, and cultural treasures that will give you a taste of the region's historical past. 

  Later, will stop at the striking Wat Rong Suea Ten or Blue Temple, where you can find paintings in a style similar to that of the well-known White Temple, as it was there where its architect trained for years. 

  Overnight in Chiang Rai.

  Note:

  • Tour duration: Full day (08.00 -17.00)
• Day 6

  CHIANG RAI - CHIANG MAI (B)

  Today, enjoy a magnificent 3.5-hour journey through picturesque rural and jungle landscapes, surrounded by rice fields (in season). Visiting at Wat Rong Khun, or the White Temple, is another interesting place to visit. The temple's main color is white, representing purity, decorated with complex carvings and reflected glass, giving it a strange and otherworldly aspect. 

  Stopping at the Maekhachan Hot Spring. People here think the mineral waters might help them heal and rejuvenate.

  • Tour duration: Full day (08.00 -18.00)

  Overnight in Chiang Mai.

   

• Day 7

  CHIANG MAI: ELEPHANT ADVENTURE AND CULTURAL TREASURES (B,L)

  7.00AM: Begin your day with a hotel pickup in Chiang Mai, followed by a scenic drive north through beautiful fields, forests, and local agricultural areas. Upon arrival at the elephant park, change into traditional clothes and prepare fruits to offer to the elephants. Meet the elephants, feed, interact, and play with them in their natural environment while learning about their behavior and history. Prepare herbal medicine and take memorable photos with the elephants. Walk with the elephants to a clean water pond where you can cool off and observe them in their natural habitat. Enjoy some tea, coffee, and seasonal fruits before saying goodbye to the elephants and returning to Chiang Mai.

  After lunch at a local restaurant, continue your adventure by exploring Chiang Mai's notable temples and historic sites. Visit Wat Chedi Luang, whose pagoda was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1545, and Wat Phra Singh, known for its Lai Kam art and the ancient Buddha image of Phra Singh. Conclude the day with a visit to the Doi Suthep temple, perched over 1,050 meters above sea level, offering a panoramic view of Chiang Mai and its surroundings.

  Notes:

  • Duration: Full day (07.00-17.00)
  • Private transfer with guide, sharing activities at the elephant park
  • What to bring: hat or cap, towel, swimsuit, appropiate walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, change of clothes and underwear

  Overnight in Chiang Mai.

• Day 8

  CULINARY EXPERIENCE WITH A LANNA FAMILY (B, L)

  09.30AM: Cooking in a unique private house with a local family is a fun and unique experience. This historic family home is a great place to learn about the local culture, Thai herbs, and the owner's traditional way of life. Take part in a pleasant talk with your host as he shows you around his stunning home-living museum and shows you the family tree, complete with images of their ancestors' elephant rides to Chiang Mai about 150 years ago. The ornate architecture of the house, rice barn, and extensive space allocated to gardens and orchards demonstrate the family's prosperity. Take a stroll through his garden with the host, who will guide you how to harvest the fresh fruits and herbs used in traditional Northern cuisine. Get your hands on some flavorful, traditional northern Thai cuisine! Ultimately, it's all about experiencing a traditional Thai family's everyday life through sharing laughter, delicious food, and enjoyable conversation.

  Notes:

  • Tour duration: Half day (09.30 -14.30)

  Overnight in Chiang Mai.

• Day 9

  PHUKET ARRIVAL (B)

  10.45AM: Transfer from Chiang Mai Hotel to Chiang Mai airport (with guide).

  Arrive at Phuket Airport (after collecting your luggage). Please keep going to the Arrival Hall and look for your driver holding a sign showing your name (no guide) 

  Transfer from the airport to the hotel in Phuket by private vehicle.  

  Notes:

  • Surcharge is applied for early transfer from 21.00 to 07.00

  Overnight in Phuket.

• Day 10

  FREE DAY IN TOWN (B)

  This day is free at leisure.

  Overnight in Phuket.

• Day 11

  FREE DAY IN TOWN (B)

  This day is free at leisure. 
   
  Overnight in Phuket.
• Day 12

  FREE DAY IN TOWN (B)

  This day is free at leisure. 

   
  Overnight in Phuket.
• Day 13

  DEPARTURE (B)

  Transfer from Phuket hotels to Phuket Airport for flight (no guide).

  Notes:

  • Surcharge is applied for early transfer from 21.00 to 07.00

Kindly contact us or send email to tour@vietnamstay.com for the updated price!

Services Include:

• Accommodation with daily breakfast as mention or similar
• Transfer services in a private air conditioned vehicle
• Entrance fees, other boat fees where applicable
• Meals as listed in the program B= Breakfast; L= Lunch & D = Dinner: pre-arranged at local restaurants based on local food with set menu. 
• Tours with local English speaking guide (Other languages with supplemental charge)
• Boat trip as mentioned

Services Exclude:

• Dinks and other meals not clearly mentioned
• Surcharge for special request on food, and meals. 
• Entrance fees, permits and guide service during free time. 
• Insurance, gratuities and personal expenses
• Surcharge for public holidays (if any)
• Internal airfares in the tour (please refer to the supplement quotation)
• International airfare from/to Vietnam
• International airport departure tax
• Visa handling fee, visa stamp fee.
• Personal expenses such as Bar, telephone & Laundry bills 
• All other service not stated in the program

IMPORTANT NOTES

1. Tourist visa 

• Full passport information is required for ticketing & hotel check-in 
• Please ensure that you have a valid passport with at least 06 months of validity and 03 empty pages from the entry date for all the countries on your trip.
• Make sure you have a visa/ or E-visa/ or “Visa on arrival approval letter” for the country you visit (Vietnam/Laos/Cambodia/Myanmar/Thailand) and verify that all information on the visa matches exactly with your passport before embarking on your trip. For Visa information details, click here
• The average time to obtain a visa to a country is approximately 7 to 10 working days. If you wish to benefit from the “Visa service” offered by Vietnamstay, and avoid the administrative procedures, this service is chargeable, and the deadline is approximately 10 – 15 working days, before the departure date. 

2. Land transportation: Our price based on the group arrives at one time (on one flight). In case, clients arrive at different flight times, and need different airport transfers, the extra transfer will be charged.  We apply the same for departure date. 

3. Travel insurance: Our price of the tour is not included travel insurance. We highly recommend you purchase health/travel insurance for your trip to Asia. 

4. Responsibility:

• Except in situations beyond human control, VietnamStay will be held responsible for any additional expense resulting from the change caused by us in itinerary, transportation, accommodation.
• However, VietnamStay cannot be held responsible for denied boarding, nor for additional costs occurred due to the situations beyond human control.
• The detailed program and schedule flights are subject to changes by airline without prior notice and in accordance with the weather conditions and daily operation of flights. Consequently, itinerary concerned might be adjusted. If this occurs, VietnamStay will endeavor to secure the alternative arrangements. 

5. Vaccine

There is no compulsory to get any vaccine to visit our countries. But we encourage you to have popular Vaccine such as Diphtheria, Tetanus, Typhoid, Polio. You may consult your doctor before traveling.

HOW TO BOOK AND CONFIRM A TRIP

• No service secured at our proposal, services in destination (hotel, boat, flight, guide etc) are subject to availability. 
• Please send booking order to VietnamStay as soon as you agree on our proposal to secure your trip arrangement. Similar alternative service to be suggested when your choice is unavailable at the time of booking. 

FLIGHT DETAILS

• International flight details of arrival & departure are required for airport transfer arrangements

DEPOSIT & PAYMENT 

• At least 30% deposit of the total tour cost to be deposited upon commitment of the tour.
• The outstanding amount to be paid prior to arrival date or at our office in Viet Nam on your arrival day.

CANCELLATION & AMENDMENT POLICY & CHARGES 

In practice, VietnamStay always do the best to minimize cancelation penalty for our guests but we must abide by the cancelation policy of each service provider. 

1. Low season (01 May – 30 Sep)

• More than 30 days prior to the guest’s arrival day: No charge
• From 21 to 30 days: 10%
• From 11 to 20 days: 30%
• From 10 to 03 days: 50%
• Within 02 days or no show: 100%

2. High season (01 Oct – 30 Apr)

• More than 30 days prior to the guest’s arrival day: No charge
• From 21 to 30 days: 20%
• From 11 to 20 days: 50%
• From 10 to 03 days: 70%
• Within 02 days or no show: 100%

Please be advised that during Peak Season (Christmas and New Year) and during Public Holidays, different cancellation policies may apply. The cancelation policy for such period will be informed to client(s) case by case.

3. Children policy (land service only)

• From 1- 4 yrs.: Free of charge if sharing existing bed with parents
• From 5 – 6 yrs.: Charge 50% of adult price if using extra bed/mattress in parents’ room
• From 7 – 11 yrs.: Charge 75% of adult price if using extra bed/mattress in parents’ room
• From 12 yrs. up: Pay as adult rate