Thai Holiday in Paradise 14 Nights / 15 Days

Destinations: Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Chumphon, Koh Ngam Yai, Koh Ngam Noi, Khao Sok National Park, Samui Island, Pha Ngan Islands and Ang Thong Marine National Park islands. Activities: Sightseeing historic and scenic places, cruising in the rivers, hiking national park forest trails to see wildlife, kayaking, snorkeling, swimming in the islands and beaches to relax.

Trip Grade: Easy, fun and relaxing
Best Season: The southern and the Gulf of Thailand regions are best from November to March. Samui Island is located in the Gulf of Thailand; thus, it is pleasant to visit year round. Thus, this tour departs throughout the year.

Highlights of Bangkok:
Welcome to Bangkok, the capital and the major metropolitan city of Thailand! The Grand Palace, ancient temples, river boat cruise, floating market, classical Thai dance, elephant show, and crocodile farm are some of the highlights of the tour here. The bustling capital offers sightseers a full range of historic monuments and avant garde modern architecture. Temples, monasteries, museums, libraries, cultural centers, safari parks, huge shopping complexes and first class hotels make Bangkok one of the greatest cities in the Far East. Our guided tours will take you through most attractive historic monuments and sites of Bangkok. Treat yourself with finely designed tour of Discover Asia Travel.

Kanchanaburi Ecotourism:
Kanchanaburi is a province along the Myanmar border in the central-west some 130 kilometers from Bangkok. The attractions of Kanchanaburi are the historic railway bridge built by the Japanese during WWII, scenic Mae Klong and Kwae Noi Rivers, Buddhist monasteries, hill tribe villages, national parks with scenic trails and resorts in quiet locations in the nature. The Jungle Raft Floatel and the River Kwai Resotel are perfect examples of superb resort destinations in the wilderness of Kanchanaburi which offer visitors some of the best ecotourism experience in the region.

Ecotourism Programs:
The Jungle Rafts Floatel (the floating hotel) on the Kwai Noi River and the River Kwai Resotel built on the bank of the same river are located in the nature in quiet locations some sixty kilometers off the beaten tracks from Kanchanaburi town. These resorts are perfect places to escape from the crowded areas and busy life styles in the cities to relax in the ambience of nature where privacy, serenity and comfortable accommodations are guaranteed. We offer eco-tour programs that involve elephant riding, canoeing, bamboo rafting, hill tribe village trekking, mountain biking, river excursions, cave excursions, and Mon Hill tribe cultural show. Moreover, the resort offers various health treatment options such as stream aromatherapy massage, Royal Thai Massage, foot massage and sauna to rejuvenate you.

Khao Sok National Park Highlights:
Khao Sok National Park is located in the mountains which separates the east and west coasts of the Thai Peninsula. It consists of rugged mountains of mudstone and siltstone, averaging 300-600 meters above sea level. Khao Sok is famous for its Limestone karsts outcrops scattered across this rough terrain, particularly in the region of the 20sq km lake. The highest limestone mountains in the park rise 3072 feet above sea level.

Floras and Faunas of Khao Sok National Park:
Tropical evergreen forest covers the majority of the national park. These forests are dense and stratified structures, dominated by tall emergent trees, often supported by buttress roots. The middle-storey of the forest is an aerial tangle of figs and lianas (woody climbers). Below is a dense under-storey where evergreen ground flora such as bamboo, rattan, ferns and palms compete for light. Because of Khao Sok's location, its forests contain species from both the north and south of Thailand. Khao Sok is home to a variety of very rare plants including the most famous the "bua poot", a giant rafflesia found growing parasitically on lianas, and two palm species- 'langkov and Maak pralahoo'. The richness of the tropical forest flora, the abundance of fresh water, and the shelter of the mountains combine to provide excellent habitats for many wildlife species. Khao Sok is part of the largest continuous forest area on the Thai peninsulaproviding the only viable habitat in southern Thailand for large mammals needing extensive tracts of virgin forest for their survival. Wildlife includes Elephant, Leopard, Banteng, Guar, Serow, Tapir, Gibbon, Dusky Langur, Bear, Malayan Sun Bear, Tiger, Wild-boar, Porcupines, many snakes, lizards, tortoises, butterflies and many others. Additionally, 188 bird species have been confirmed in Khao Sok including several kinds of hornbills and the Argus pheasant. Khao Sok is less than three hours drive from Phuket and offers wonderful opportunities for trekking, kayaking, and bird watching.

Highlights of Samui:
Koh Samui is one of Thailand's most popular islands and is third largest, which is part of an archipelago that includes 80 smaller islands, of which only six- Koh Pha Ngan, Koh Ta Loy, Koh Tao, Koh Taen, Koh Ma Ko and Koh Ta Pao are also inhabited. Samui is also famous for delicious seafood, beautiful coral reefs for scuba diving and snorkeling, sea kayaking through scenic limestone islands with beautiful caves, sailing, spectacular views and beautiful beaches. Angthong Marine National Park and other nearby smaller islands are perfect destinations for daily excursions. Samui is accessible both by air and ferry. Samui offers top four and five star resort accommodations with spa facilities and tourist to middle class accommodations of various tastes.

Itinerary: Thai Holiday in Paradise 15 Days:

Day 1 Arrive Bangkok Meet on arrival at Bangkok International Airport and transfer to hotel.
Meals: None.

Day 2 Bangkok Royal Grand Palace and ancient Temples. Breakfast at the hotel,
08:00am depart to visit the National Museum in Bangkok. The visit to the National Museum is to give you an insight about the history of Thailand, its people and culture. Museum opens 9.00am to 4.00pm, and closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and National holidays.

Next, we visit Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) is the oldest, largest and most visited temple in Bangkok, which is also well known as the first open university of Thailand; for example, Thai people learned therapeutic Thai massage techniques from this temple.

Then, we walk to visit the Royal Grand Palace and Wat Phra Keow (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) located within the palace complex, various halls of royal function such as Amarindra Throne Hall, Chakri Mahaprasart and Dusit Mahaprasart Throne Hall and the residential area. Wat Pra Keow (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) is one of the most beautiful temples in the royal grand palace compound. The temple itself is being used for principal royal function and royal chapel. This temple is the repository of The Emerald Buddha, the most holy Buddha Image of Thai Buddhism. The Image is carved in semiprecious green stone 66cm high. The temple is regarded as the oldest and the most beautiful decoration in the country.

Dress Code: Formal attire is required to enter the Royal Grand Palace. Thus, please wear comfortable casual clothes while touring the Royal Grand Palace. High cut-shorts, skirts, beach attires, bare shoulders and ankles are not allowed. If you are not in proper attire, you will be asked to rent one at the palace gate! Recommendation on Foot Wear: Wear comfortable walking shoes covering your ankles; Tevas covering ankles are acceptable.
Wear shoes that you can take off and put on easily while visiting the temples.

Lunch will be served at local restaurant near the Chaophraya River around noon, depending on when you finish the tour inside the Grand Palace.

Canal tour after lunch, we board on long-tail boat and cruise along the Chao Phraya River (The River of Kings). There are well over 100 canals in Bangkok. Hence, it is often called the "Venice of the east". Early Thai lifestyle of dwelling along the riverbanks is still experienced in this hustle and bustle modern city of Bangkok.

Canal tour gives you an opportunity to observe how the local people live here. Bangkok has many canal ways, which are still active. The canal tour also takes you to the impressive Royal Barge Museum located at the riverbank.

Canal tour ends at Wat Arun (The Temple of dawn), the former palace of King Taksin of Thonburi (period 1767-1782), one of the most revered temple of Thailand, where we will pay a short visit before returning to our hotel.
Overnight at the hotel. Meals: BL.

Day 3 Bangkok to Kanchanaburi
06.30AM depart for Kanchanaburi.
On arrival in Kanchanaburi, visit the War Museum (Thailand-Burma Rail Way Centre), houses fragments of war weapons, paintings, drawings and pictures of life in the camp during the war that have been donated by former prisoners of war and their families. The museum has been upgraded and provides additional information through modern multimedia in addition to the traditional displays. Don Rak Cemetery is located next to the museum. Then, we drive to "the bridge over river the Kwai" and sightsee before boarding the original train from the war era which passes through the death railway, a complex wooded bridge against the cliff that gives you an adrenaline rush. We disembark the death railway train at Thamkrasae to visit a cave shrine, and drive for lunch break at Thai Wisdom (cooperative center of local farmers).

Indochina Tiger Conservation Project: After briefing about the project and safety, we visit the Indo-Chinese Tiger Conservation Project at a local temple.
Touch the nature of tigers and other kind of wild animals such as deer, Serow, wild fowl, and wild boar. Finally, we drive to the pier to take a short boat trip to the resort at the bank of Kwai Noi River and take a short ride on long tail boat to River Kwai Resotel.
Around 7.00PM, buffet dinner is served at the restaurant.
At 8.00PM Mon Hill-tribe cultural show.
Meals: BLD.

Day 4 Rivers, Waterfalls and jungle hikes
07.00 AM American Breakfast.
Eight O'clock board a long-tail boat and cruise along for about one hour upstream to Sai Yoke National Park, where we will visit the Sai Yoke National Park, Waterfall, teak wood forest to experience the nature at its best. We will do approximately three plus hours of nature hike in the forest through the marked nature education trails and visit some of the local bat habitats before lunch. While on the nature walk, we will also visit the to WW II Japanese army camp kitchen remnants.
Lunch break will be at Sai Yoke Waterfall, and return by boat down stream to visit the Mon village and school, and return to our resort. Remaining time at leisure for relaxation in paradise, swim in the pool, read a book or walk in the herbal garden around the resort.
19:00PM Dinner and overnight at River Kwai Resotel.
Meals: BLD.

Day 5 Kanchanaburi-Chumphon Beach 07.30AM American Breakfast, depart the resort by long-tail boat to our vehicle and drive to Chumphon Beach. Lunch served en-route at local restaurant.
On arrival in Chumphon, check in at the beach resort and relax.
Overnight at one of the beautiful beach resorts.
Meals: BL.

Day 6 Snorkeling trip Breakfast at resort.
09.00AM depart resort for snorkeling trip to Koh Ngam Yai and Koh Ngam Noi.
10.00AM arrive to the dive and snorkeling site. Enjoy snorkeling to see the underwater world until lunch. Lunch will be served on the boat.
1530 arrive back to resort.
Overnight at the resort.
Meals: BL.

Day 7 Chumphon Sightseeing Breakfast at hotel and depart to visit Chumphon National Museum to see prehistoric Chumphon and the southern carved figure performance. Then, visit an assorted fruit plantation and enjoy seasonal fruit. Lunch will be served at seaside restaurant.
Next, visit to see the Prince Chumphon Monument, and visit Khao Chow Muang viewpoint. Arrive at Chumphon Marine National Park mangrove forest. Then, visit Khao Plu Temple, and drive back to resort. Alternative option is to have a leisure day to relax on the beach.
Meals: BL.

Day 8 Khao Sok National Park and Kayak the Sok River Early morning breakfast, and drive to Khao Sok National Park for lunch.
After lunch, visit the park information center, and kayak in Sok River for about two hours through a beautiful valley surrounded by limestone mountain and evergreen forest scenery. Along the river, we can see two to three different species of king fishers, little Herons and various other birds. We can also see small Pythons and Mangrove snakes coiled in the tree canopy. Seeing these reptiles is possible, but not guaranteed. End of kayak trip, drive back to lodge and at leisure until dinner.
Overnight at bungalows.
Meals: BLD.

Day 9 Khao Sok Rainforest Trek Early breakfast and trek some of the wildest rainforest trails of Khao Sok National Park; we will eat fresh lunch cooked in bamboos on fire with barbecued chicken; then, swim in the river pool where possible and trek back to our lodge.
Dinner and overnight at lodge.
Meals: BLD.

Day 10 Khao Sok-Samui Island
Breakfast at the lodge and drive to Surat Thani Pier for a ferry for Samui Island. On arrival, transfer to beach resort for check in and remaining day at leisure.
Meals: B.

Day 11 Sea Kayak & Snorkel trip in Ang Thong National Marine Park Mu Koh Angthong park is group of 42 Islands. Most appealing islands are Koh Wua Talap and Koh Mae Koh.

Koh Wua Talap, a group of uniquely beautiful island, the symbol of Mu Koh Angtong Marine National Park, is the offered scenery at Pha Chun Charat viewpoint. Besides, skin diving at the front of the beach is very appealing. Tham Bua Boak is located in the south of the beach. It is worth visiting to see its stalagmite and stalactite that are in the shape of blossoming lotus.
Koh Mae Koh, the lagoon or Thalay Nai is at the center of the island embraced by high cliff. The water level is about 7 meters deep and is crystal clear all year round.

Intinerary: 07.30am: Pick up from hotel to Nathon pier
08.30am: Boat departs from Nathon pier. On the boat have hot coffee, tea and cake served on board.
09.50am: Arrive Angthong National Marine, visit Koh Wau Ta Lap Island located above a clean white sandy beach. Climb to view point about 500 meters walk 220 meters high which from the viewpoint there is the picturesque panorama of all the islands. Kayaking is along the coast of Kho Wau Ta Lap around the wonderful nature of the Marine Park.
12.30pm Buffet lunch Seafood and fruit served at Island.
13.30pm: Kayaking along the coast to visit the beautiful emerald salt lake" Green Lagoon, which is a natural feature filled with the sea at Koh Mae Koh, Snorkeling, swimming and sunbathing at leisure on the beach.
15.40pm: Depart Angthong marine national park. On the way we have coffee, tea, orange juice and cookies served on board.
17.00pm: Arrive Nathon Pier and Transfer to your hotel.
Meals: BL.
Kayak Trip Includes: All transfers, full Insurance, snorkeling and kayaking equipment, life jacket, Soft Drinks, Fruits, Lunch, Marine Park Entrance Fee, English speaking tour guide.

Day 12 Pha Ngan Island Excursion Pha-Ngan Island is located in the middle of the Gulf of Thailand. It is about 100km from the mainland and about 15km from Koh Samui.
Koh Pha-Ngan has plenty of beautiful remote beaches which are perfect to swim, snorkel, sunbath or lie on the white sand beach as long as you like.
Koh Mah is a small island connected to Koh Phangan by a sandbar on Had Mae Had beach. Easily accessible, Koh Ma has only a few bungalows. Many people refer to this island as "Paradise" and find it extremely hard to leave. Koh Mah is surrounded by an amazingly colorful living reef. It is an ideal location for snorkeling or learning how to dive.
The island itself is lush, with papaya and coconut. If you want to climb to the top of the island, we recommend you bring a sturdy pair of walking boots.
Haad Rin is one of Pha-ngan's most popular beach where the famous Full Moon Party takes place every month.
It actually consists of two beaches, one on each side of Cape Rin, which sticks out like a thumb from southeast corner of the island.

Itinerary: 07.30AM Transfer from hotel to Maenam pier.
08.30AM Depart from the pier to "Koh Phangan".
09.00AM Arrive at "Thong Sala" pier and prepare to be transported by local taxi. The first stop is at the "Chinese Temple" Then go to "Koh Mah" for snorkeling.
12.00noon Have lunch at local restaurant.
13.00PM Visit an authentic fishing village and the scenic view at "Wat Khao Tham" and Phaeng Waterfall, relaxing at "Haad Rin" where the world-famous "Full Moon" parties are held.
16.00PM Back to Koh Samui and transfer to your hotel.

Koh Pha Ngan Day Trip includes: Round trip transfer by boat, First Aid, Continental breakfast, Life jackets, Lunch and soft drinks, Travel Accident Insurance, Snorkeling equipments, English speaking local guide.
Meals: BL.

Day 13-14 Samui at leisure Breakfast at the resort and day at leisure to explore Samui on your own. Leisure day activities on Samui are getting spa treatments, go to one of the finest beaches to relax, visit souvenir shops, or go for an excursion to scenic places and try local and international cuisines.
Meals: B.

Day 15 Depart from Samui
Breakfast at the resort and at leisure until transfer to Samui Airport for a flight to Bangkok or your next destination.
Meals: B.

Meals: (Breakfast=B, Lunch=L, Dinner=D): The meals, such as lunch and dinner are not included in some locations. This is done in purpose in order to let you have choices of choosing your own favorite dish where the variety of local and international cuisine is abundant.

Hotel Category A:
Bangkok: Indra Regent Hotel/similar
Kanchanaburi: River Kwai Resotel
Chumphorn: Chumphorn Cabana Resort / Superior Room
Khao Sok: Morning Mist Resort or similar
Samui: Chaba Cabana Beach Resort / Deluxe Room
Remark: Peak season surcharge will apply at some of the hotels and will advise at the time of booking.

Hotel Category B:
Bangkok: Asia Hotel
Kanchanaburi: River Kwai Resotel
Chumphorn: Chumphorn Cabana Resort / Standard Room
Khao Sok: Morning Mist Resort or similar
Samui: Central Samui Village / Villa Garden View
Remark: Peak season surcharge will apply at some of the hotels and will advise at the time of booking.

Samui-Bangkok one way airfare: US$95 Per Person (subject to change)

Tour Cost Includes:
Fourteen nights accommodation in twin sharing in quality hotels in Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Chumphon, Khao Sok, and Samui Island on twin sharing (accommodation throughout the trip will be in quality resorts with air conditioned rooms except in Khao Sok we stay in bungalow rooms with fans, attached bathroom with hot and cold showers), meals are as indicated in the program and full-board meals are provided while traveling in remote areas, quality air-conditioned tour coach or van for transfers, tour activities as mentioned in the itinerary, English speaking local tour guide service throughout the tour and kayak guides, entrance fees to monuments and parks visited, all internal transfers including on arrival and departure, kayak equipment, life jacket, snorkel equipment, and insurance for the duration of the tour.

Tour Cost Does Not Include:
Visa fees, international and domestic airfares (Samui-Bangkok), airport departure taxes, lunch & dinner not stated in the itinerary, personal clothing, sleeping bag, snorkeling equipment, mosquito repellent, personal insurance, alcoholic beverages, telephone, laundry, charges for delays caused by situations beyond our control such as bad weather, natural disasters, political unrest, emergency costs, and optional activities on leisure days.
Note: The above itinerary is guideline only to plan your trip. Itineraries will be modified as per the local conditions and logistical needs. A final program outline will be given before departure.

Package Price Changes and Alternation of Itineraries:
All package prices are net per person in US Dollars. Package prices are subject to change should there be major changes in government tax policies, Thai currency exchange rates and/or major changes in US Dollar exchange rates. We reserve the right to alternate an itinerary in the event of natural disasters, bad weather, civil unrest or other unforeseen factors that pose threat to our clients and crew. Alteration of an itinerary is made for the safety of our clients and the crew. Please treat the above program as guideline for your trip planning. We will provide you with fine tuned itinerary with specific details before departure.