Thailand Itinerary!
Dec 28th, 2008 | 02:52 AM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 22
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Thailand Itinerary!
Day 1 and 2: Bangkok - own exploring
Day 3 and 4: Bangkok - Tour guide
In the morning, we introduce you to some of Bangkok’s most famous sights, including the impressive Grand Palace and the adjoining Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew). We also visit Wat Po – the temple of the famous Reclining Buddha. From near our hotel we jump on board a local khlong (canal) boat, before catching a public bus to these sites. This is a great way to sample a couple of the more popular forms of local transport. You have a free afternoon to make your own discoveries, do some shopping in the many excellent shops and markets for which Bangkok is renowned.. In the evening we catch the overnight train to Surat Thani, in the south of Thailand.
Days 5-6: Koh Samui
Our train arrives in the early morning and we transfer by bus to the ferry terminal (approximately 2 hours) for the two-hour ferry trip to the beautiful island of Ko Samui. In the afternoon we take a trip around the island in a songthaew, visiting the 15-metre tall Big Buddha. There’s time to take a dip in the cool tropical waterfalls of Na Muang and also to drop in to see the Mummified Monk. After this we head back to our secluded fan-cooled accommodation, situated in the north of the island. The rest of your time on Koh Samui is free to choose amongst a multitude of activities. Swim, laze in the sun, ride an elephant, dive or snorkel, take a optional day tour to the breath taking Ang Thong National Marine Park - the decisions are yours. In the evenings you can relax, dine on the beach at the water’s edge and soak up the pleasant tropical atmosphere.
Day 7: Khao Sok National Park
We take the ferry back to the mainland and then continue to Khao Sok National Park by local songthaew (the ferry ride is approximately 2 hours and the drive to Khao Sok approximately 3 hours). This is one of Thailand’s best-kept secrets, containing the country’s finest and largest rainforest and home to a rich variety of wildlife. From our jungle guesthouse, we head down to the river for a canoeing trip. There is every chance of seeing monkeys playing by the waters edge during your excursion. Please note that we generally need to be lucky to spot other wildlife, due to the thick jungles and the nocturnal nature of many of the species. We also have the option of going for a walk along the many interesting trails and beside the many waterways that exist within the park.
Days 8-9: Krabi (Rai Leh)
In the early morning we first take a bus from Khao Sok to Takua Pa (approx 2 hours) where we transfer to another local fan cooled bus bound for Krabi (approx 2 hours). A songtaew transfer and then longtail boat takes us to the beautiful and secluded beach area of Rai Leh, where we spend two days appreciating the peace and tranquillity. This is a great place to kick back, relax and swim in the warm waters of a hidden tropical paradise. Our accommodation is in comfortable, but basic, fan cooled bungalows. There are plenty of optional activities to fill your time, you can choose from cave exploring, sea kayaking, diving and rock climbing. (N.B. During the months of May to October inclusive, due to inclement weather conditions, we may need to change our accommodation to nearby Railay beach.)
Day 8: Koh Lawa (Beach Camping)
We catch a local fan-cooled bus towards beautiful Phang Nga Town (approx 2 hours), which set in the stunning Phang Nga Bay is full of spectacular limestone islands jutting out of the water. A longtail boat takes us out in the midst of this beautiful area, which was used as a setting for the James Bond movie, The Man with the Golden Gun. We pass traditional southern Thai Muslim villages, built on stilts, and spend a night camping on a beach, on a small and secluded island. (N.B. During the months of May to October inclusive, weather conditions may mean that we are unable to reach the island. If this occurs, we would change our accommodation to the nearby Muslim fishing village of Koh Panyi.)
Days 10-11: Phuket
Our final stop is Phuket, the largest island in Thailand. Here is a great place to finish our journey, as we can along the streets and indulge in the numerous shopping opportunities or wander through a local market in search for some delicious Thai food. Our tour finishes after breakfast on the morning of Day 10; however, you may wish to extend your holiday and stay longer in Phuket. There are many facets to this island, especially in Phuket Town, which was a major port over the centuries visited by Portuguese, Chinese and Malay traders. Here, historic remnants of the island’s past are reflected in its eclectic architecture.
Any recomendation in places to see and do during our stay in Thailand pls let me know.
Thank you.
KC
Day 3 and 4: Bangkok - Tour guide
In the morning, we introduce you to some of Bangkok’s most famous sights, including the impressive Grand Palace and the adjoining Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew). We also visit Wat Po – the temple of the famous Reclining Buddha. From near our hotel we jump on board a local khlong (canal) boat, before catching a public bus to these sites. This is a great way to sample a couple of the more popular forms of local transport. You have a free afternoon to make your own discoveries, do some shopping in the many excellent shops and markets for which Bangkok is renowned.. In the evening we catch the overnight train to Surat Thani, in the south of Thailand.
Days 5-6: Koh Samui
Our train arrives in the early morning and we transfer by bus to the ferry terminal (approximately 2 hours) for the two-hour ferry trip to the beautiful island of Ko Samui. In the afternoon we take a trip around the island in a songthaew, visiting the 15-metre tall Big Buddha. There’s time to take a dip in the cool tropical waterfalls of Na Muang and also to drop in to see the Mummified Monk. After this we head back to our secluded fan-cooled accommodation, situated in the north of the island. The rest of your time on Koh Samui is free to choose amongst a multitude of activities. Swim, laze in the sun, ride an elephant, dive or snorkel, take a optional day tour to the breath taking Ang Thong National Marine Park - the decisions are yours. In the evenings you can relax, dine on the beach at the water’s edge and soak up the pleasant tropical atmosphere.
Day 7: Khao Sok National Park
We take the ferry back to the mainland and then continue to Khao Sok National Park by local songthaew (the ferry ride is approximately 2 hours and the drive to Khao Sok approximately 3 hours). This is one of Thailand’s best-kept secrets, containing the country’s finest and largest rainforest and home to a rich variety of wildlife. From our jungle guesthouse, we head down to the river for a canoeing trip. There is every chance of seeing monkeys playing by the waters edge during your excursion. Please note that we generally need to be lucky to spot other wildlife, due to the thick jungles and the nocturnal nature of many of the species. We also have the option of going for a walk along the many interesting trails and beside the many waterways that exist within the park.
Days 8-9: Krabi (Rai Leh)
In the early morning we first take a bus from Khao Sok to Takua Pa (approx 2 hours) where we transfer to another local fan cooled bus bound for Krabi (approx 2 hours). A songtaew transfer and then longtail boat takes us to the beautiful and secluded beach area of Rai Leh, where we spend two days appreciating the peace and tranquillity. This is a great place to kick back, relax and swim in the warm waters of a hidden tropical paradise. Our accommodation is in comfortable, but basic, fan cooled bungalows. There are plenty of optional activities to fill your time, you can choose from cave exploring, sea kayaking, diving and rock climbing. (N.B. During the months of May to October inclusive, due to inclement weather conditions, we may need to change our accommodation to nearby Railay beach.)
Day 8: Koh Lawa (Beach Camping)
We catch a local fan-cooled bus towards beautiful Phang Nga Town (approx 2 hours), which set in the stunning Phang Nga Bay is full of spectacular limestone islands jutting out of the water. A longtail boat takes us out in the midst of this beautiful area, which was used as a setting for the James Bond movie, The Man with the Golden Gun. We pass traditional southern Thai Muslim villages, built on stilts, and spend a night camping on a beach, on a small and secluded island. (N.B. During the months of May to October inclusive, weather conditions may mean that we are unable to reach the island. If this occurs, we would change our accommodation to the nearby Muslim fishing village of Koh Panyi.)
Days 10-11: Phuket
Our final stop is Phuket, the largest island in Thailand. Here is a great place to finish our journey, as we can along the streets and indulge in the numerous shopping opportunities or wander through a local market in search for some delicious Thai food. Our tour finishes after breakfast on the morning of Day 10; however, you may wish to extend your holiday and stay longer in Phuket. There are many facets to this island, especially in Phuket Town, which was a major port over the centuries visited by Portuguese, Chinese and Malay traders. Here, historic remnants of the island’s past are reflected in its eclectic architecture.
Any recomendation in places to see and do during our stay in Thailand pls let me know.
Thank you.
KC
Dec 28th, 2008 | 09:28 AM
#4
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,749
Likes: 0
If it it a real budget tour you are after and you are asking what we think, well, that will all come down to what you are being charged. Nothing wrong with budget but be sure you can handle the fan cooled aspect.
It really comes down to the price you are being offered.
It really comes down to the price you are being offered.
Dec 28th, 2008 | 10:12 AM
#6
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 33,288
Likes: 0
I have to say, this looks just ghastly to me, but it might be just what you want.
As others have said, the fan-cooled buses will be very hot.
In 11 days, you visit 6 places including 5 beaches. I go to a beach to relax, but with two nights in a place, you'll have just one day to enjoy the beach in each location. You spend a lot of your time on "fan-cooled" buses getting from place to place.
Clearly this is a very low-budget trip. As such, you'd be be much better off to decide what you want to do/see and book it yourself. There are lots of low-cost places to stay some are simple but clean and conveniently located. Others may have major drawbacks. You'd be better off choosing these yourself rather than having a tour company do it for you. If you choose just two or three locations, you'll have time to enjoy those places and will save money on transport so you can splurge on something else.
As others have said, the fan-cooled buses will be very hot.
In 11 days, you visit 6 places including 5 beaches. I go to a beach to relax, but with two nights in a place, you'll have just one day to enjoy the beach in each location. You spend a lot of your time on "fan-cooled" buses getting from place to place.
Clearly this is a very low-budget trip. As such, you'd be be much better off to decide what you want to do/see and book it yourself. There are lots of low-cost places to stay some are simple but clean and conveniently located. Others may have major drawbacks. You'd be better off choosing these yourself rather than having a tour company do it for you. If you choose just two or three locations, you'll have time to enjoy those places and will save money on transport so you can splurge on something else.
Dec 28th, 2008 | 01:34 PM
#7
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 6,664
Likes: 0
If you haven't committed to thgis tour, I would follow Kathie's advice and plan a low budget trip on your own. If you really want a pre-arranged tour take a look at PacificDelight.com. Many on this forum have reported excellent tours with them. Their prices seem very reasonable.
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