Thailand Tour 5 days

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy. Approximately 95 percent of the population is Buddhist and ethnically Thai, with Muslim and Christian minorities. Standard Thai is the official language of Thailand and is spoken in every province, though many areas also have a local dialect, and in the Deep South, a variant of Malay is widely spoken. Most Thais working in the tourist industry and in businesses dealing with foreigners can speak at least rudimentary English. Thailand is a popular travel destination, and tourist facilities and services are available throughout the country. At many tourist attractions, including national parks, foreigners are charged admission fees up to ten times higher than those charged to Thais.

The Kingdom of Thailand draws more visitors than any other country in Southeast Asia with its irresistible combination of breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring temples, renowned hospitality, robust cuisine and ruins of fabulous ancient kingdoms.

From the Stupa-studded Mountains of Mae Hong Son and the verdant limestone islands of the Andaman Sea, to the pulse-pounding dance clubs of Bangkok and the tranquil villages moored along the Mekong River, Thailand offers many things for every type of traveler.

Facts for the Traveler
Passport and visa
All travelers should hold a valid passport with at least 6 months validity left on it, beyond your expected departure date. This is definitely something to check while planning your trip to Thailand. For more information about UK passports click here: http://www.ukpa.gov.uk   

Arrival by air: When you arrive by air you will receive a free standard 30-day visa, as long as your passport is valid for six months after your intended departure date. If you want to stay longer than 30 days, you should contact the Thai embassy in London. Landing forms will be handed out on the flight and it’s useful to complete this before disembarking, as this can save a lot of time at the customs desk.

Arrival by land: When arriving by land, you’ll be issued a free 15-day visa automatically, but if you’re staying any longer than this you’ll need to look into arranging your visa in advance. This kind of thing is really handy to know if you’re planning a longer trip in Thailand.

Health risks: malaria (This serious and potentially fatal disease is spread by mosquito bites symptoms range from fever, chills and sweating, headache, diarrhea and abdominal pains to a vague feeling of ill-health. Seek medical help immediately if malaria is suspected. Without treatment malaria can rapidly become more serious and can be fatal. If medical care is not available, malaria tablets can be used for treatment. If you do contract malaria, be sure to be re-tested once you return home as you can harbor malaria parasites even if you are symptom free.  

Best time for visit
 Thailand’s monsoons arrive around July and last into November (the ‘rainy season’) and can be quite uncomfortable to deal with. This is followed by a dry, cool period from November to mid-February, followed by much higher relative temperatures from March to June.

Thailand Attractions
Bangkok
Bangkok is one of the most unique cities in the world. It started as a city of canals and elephant paths and has developed into a mixture of old and new! East and West, peace and chaos, exotic and common, totally mixed in a uniquely Thai fashion. Being in the city for a short period is an insight to the importance of the calm Thai nature. Bangkok is one of the most fascinating cities in Asia. Love it or hate it you just can’t miss it. There are many reasons why people come to Bangkok some of those being- Superb hotels and hospitality, Buddhist temples (wats), glittering palaces, floating markets, food, nightlife and shopping.

Grand Palace
The 1.5 square kilometer grounds of the Grand Palace, open to visitors who are dressed properly occupy part of a compound that also includes the royal chapel, the Royal Collection of Weapons, the Coin Pavilion and a small museum. The buildings within this compound are simply magnificent and never fail to impress.

Buddhist Temples
It is extremely difficult to credit any one temple (wat) in Thailand as being the best, however Wat Phra Keow is certainly the most famous as it houses the Emerald Buddha (the most revered and holiest of religious object in Thailand). There are over 400 temples in Bangkok and over 30,000 in Thailand, each one impressive in its own way.

Chao Phraya & Waterways
A trip along the rivers or canals (kalongs) of Thailand will offer a totally different perspective than that of the city. It seems as though the 20th century has somehow forgotten these areas. In Bangkok the waterways are often referred to as “The Venice of the East”.

Shopping
Bangkok is a Mecca for all shopping fans and for many people their main reason for visiting the city. In addition to the many shopping malls Bangkok has great markets such as the notorious Pat pong Night Market (which extends itself over half of Siloam road also!) and the weekend market at Chatuchak.

Traditional Thai Massage
The ancient art of Thai massage may not be suitable for everyone! It is certainly worth a try during your visit or maybe even learns it yourself at Watt Po which is considered the centre for traditional medicine.

Religion
While roughly 95% of the Thai people are practitioners of Theravada Buddhism, the official religion of Thailand, religious tolerance is both customary in Thailand and protected by the constitution.  By its very nature however, Buddhism, which is based on the teachings of the Buddha, “the enlightened one” (nee Siddhartha Gautama), is a compassionate and tolerant religion, the aim of which is the alleviation of suffering. Consequently, Thai people are very respectful of the religious beliefs of others and are very open toward discussing their Buddhist values with visitors.  In fact, there are many opportunities in Thailand to visit Buddhist temples to learn about or study Buddhism and perhaps to learn to meditate.

Religion in Thailand pervades many aspects of Thai life and senior monks are highly revered; it is not uncommon to see their images adorning walls of businesses or homes or upon ornaments inside of taxi cabs. In many towns and villages the neighborhood wat (temple) is the heart of social and religious life. Buddhist holidays occur regularly throughout the year (particularly on days with full moons) and many Thai people go to the wat on these and other important days to pay homage to the Buddha and give alms to monks in order to make merit for themselves.

Meditation, one of the primary practices of Buddhism, is a means of self reflection in order to identify the causes of individual desire and ultimately alleviate ones suffering. Visitors can learn the fundamentals of this practice at a number of wats across the kingdom. Some temples, particularly in Chiang Mai, allow visitors to chat with monks in order to gain general knowledge about Buddhism or to study Buddhism more seriously.

While Theravada Buddhism may technically be considered a philosophy rather than a religion (there is no ‘God’) Thai Buddhism is infused with many spiritual beliefs which are likely the result of lingering animist and Hindu beliefs from centuries earlier.  Most Thai homes and places of business feature a ‘spirit house’ just outside the building, where offerings are made to appease spirits that might otherwise inhabit their homes or workplaces.  Furthermore, Buddhist monks are often brought to new homes and businesses to ‘bless them’, and Thai people frequently light incense and make prayers to both Buddha images and a host of Hindu gods whose shrines are located throughout Bangkok and the countryside.

The next largest religion in Thailand, Islam, is practiced by only about 4% of the population; the majority of Thai Muslims live in the most southerly provinces near the Malaysian border.   Other religions in Thailand include Hinduism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Christianity, which are generally practiced by those living in Bangkok, where a multi-cultural population includes citizens of Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and European descent.

Places Reached By Road from Bangkok
Kanchanaburi
It is located west of Bangkok and is the home to the famous bridge on the river Kwai.

Damnern Saduak
This may not be a familiar name to most but it is in fact the location for the famous floating market! There are smaller versions of this in and around the Bangkok waterways but they are certainly not as impressive.

Petchburi
Petchburi is the principal town in this area of the south. The local school of arts is considered to be one the best and is often used to restore temples. Local sweets are also a delicacy here especially the local custard with deep fried onions!

Khao Wang
Khao Wang is located on the outskirts of Petchburi. This was once one of the palaces of King Mongkut. Built in 1860 for one of the King’s favorites pastimes, astronomy.

Khao Sam Roi Yod National Park
Translated into English this means “300 Peaks range”. Once home to highway bandits, it is now occupied by deer, monkeys and numerous species of birds. It was here that King Mongkut predicted a solar eclipse in 1868.

Koh Samui
 Koh Samui is the third largest island in the East Coast of Thailand. It is 25 kilometers long, 21kilometres wide and surrounded by approximately 80 smaller islands. Koh Samui or “Samui” as it is known to the locals, is quite un commercialized compared to other areas of Thailand, retaining many of its traditional ways along with its beautiful and unspoiled beaches. The main town on the island is Nathon, although town is perhaps a little of an exaggerated claim! Most visitors to the island either stay in the Chaweng Beach area.

The Big Buddha
The Big Buddha overlooks the three northern beaches and is considered to be the local landmark so much so the nearby beach has been renamed Big Buddha beach!

Angthong Marine Park
Just a short boat ride away you will find yourself amidst the Angthong marine park where the scenery above the sea competes with the dramatic marine life that can be seen when snorkeling.

Neighboring Islands
Not all of the islands in this archipelago are easily accessible however regular boats can take you the 12KM to Koh Pha Ngan. The highlight of this island is Tong Nai Paan Beach with white sands and turquoise water.

Wat Khunaraam
This is not your usual temple. Enclosed in glass you will find a mummified monk who meditated his way to the next world in 1973.

Waterfalls
There are many waterfall in Thailand which will give to guest very natural beauties’ with enjoy a pleasant walk to the Na Muang I & II waterfalls.

Chiang Mai
Thailand’s second largest city, Chiang Mai, offers a multitude of contrasts to Bangkok. Set in Northern Thailand, 700KM from the capitol, Chiang Mai is known as the “Rose of the North”. The moat and original fortified gates mark the perimeter of the city where numerous temples and distinctive monuments await you. The people of Chiang Mai will charm you with their friendly laid-back character in their small but cosmopolitan capitol. Chiang Mai offers more traditional handicrafts for the shoppers. Look out for hand painted umbrellas, woodcarvings, silverware, pottery and laquerware at bargain prices. Many of these goods are still made using century old methods passed down through the generations.

Chiang Rai & Golden Triangle
 Originally made famous for its Opium route your trip to Chiang Rai gives the chance to visit the Golden Triangle, the northern most point in Thailand. It is here that three countries join together (Thailand, Myanmar and Laos). Chiang Rai is just over 180KM northeast of Chiang Mai and lies at the heart of Thailand’s Golden Triangle. There are also many hill tribes in this area such as the Yao, Akha & Lahu to name.

Mae Hong Son
This is Thailand’s most northwestern province some 300KM from Chiang Mai. Here you will find a mixture of hill tribes such as Karen, Lisu & Lahu. Most famous of all hill tribe people in this area are the long-necked women of the Ka Rieng Koh Yao. Mae Hong Son is also known as the land of the three mists. The scenery is also quite spectacular.

Pattaya
“Great Nightlife”
Pattaya is one of Thailand’s most famous beach resorts. Situated three hours by car from Bangkok, it boasts easy access to the capital with a great range of nightlife from Thai cultural restaurants to the exotic and atmospheric! There are three main bays within the Pattaya region, the most famous being Pattaya Beach. To the south is Jomtien Beach, somewhat quieter and within easy reach by local transport. On the northern side is Nakula bay, where the old fishing harbour still retains an uncommercialised feel.

Koh Samet
This is a very popular island get away that can be visited by day or you can stay for a while. The attraction here is the simple accommodation and fabulous beaches.

Rayong
A lesser-known beach resort not too far from Pattaya.
Chonburi
The principal town of the region. Located east of Pattaya, famous for gem mining. Well known by the locals is Wat Buddhabat Sam Yot, Buddha’s Footprint Mountain of Three Summits. About 7KM out of the city is Ang Sila a once favored resort of Thai Royalty.

Phuket
This place is very famous and found off the West Coast of Thailand. Although originally an island, it is now connected to the mainland by the Sarasin Bridge. Phuket was original called “Bhuket”, a Malay word meaning hill, forming an area of deserted beaches and jungle-covered hills. The advent of tourism started in the early ’70s when the opening of the bridge allowed easy access to the island’s mountainous terrain. As soon as the roads were laid the pristine beaches were discovered and Phuket soon emerged as one of the most popular Asian travel destinations. There are now a number of resorts on the island, the most popular of these is Patong and it is in this resort where most of the islands restaurants, shopping and nightlife are found. There are few real places of interest on the island. Most visitors come here simply to relax and unwind on the beautiful beaches, which are the islands biggest attraction.

Phi Phi Islands / Krabi
  The Phi Phi islands are perhaps the most photographed place in Thailand. The distinctive double crescent beach conjures up images of a lost world. Krabi – Is an up and coming beach resort where relaxation is the key! The beaches here are superb.

Phang Nga
This is a province just to the north of Phuket. It boasts some of the most dramatic scenery in Thailand consisting of sheer limestone cliffs and islands. Perhaps the best-known feature here is the notorious James Bond Island.

Phuket Town
The lifestyle of the south is quite different from places such as Bangkok. Phuket town will offer you an insight into daily life on the island away from the crowded resorts and beaches. Thalang road offers great Sino-Portuguese architecture, well worth a stroll down.

Thailand Tour Package
04 Nights /05 Days Pattaya & Bangkok :
Day 01 : Bangkok-Pattaya
On arrival at Bangkok transfer to Pattaya. Check-in to hotel. Day free at leisure. Evening Alcazar Show. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 02: Pattaya
After breakfast depart for Coral Island Tour with Lunch. Afternoon return to Pattaya. Evening free at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 03: Pattaya – Bangkok
After breakfast depart for Bangkok, enroots (optional) visit Safari World. On arrival at Bangkok check-in to hotel. Evening Dinner Cruise on Chayopaya River. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 04 : Bangkok
After breakfast City & Temple Tour of Bangkok. Rest of the day is free for shopping / independent activities. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 05 : Bangkok – Departure
Breakfast at hotel. Day free at leisure. In time transfer to International Airport to connect flight for onward destination.

05 Nights / 06 Days: Thailand
Day 01 : Bangkok-Pattaya
On arrival at Bangkok transfer to Pattaya. Check-in to hotel. Day free at leisure. Evening Alcazar Show. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 02 : Pattaya
After breakfast depart for Coral Island Tour with Lunch. Afternoon return to Pattaya. Evening free at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 03 : Pattaya – Bangkok
After breakfast depart for Bangkok, enroute (optional) visit Safari World. On arrival at Bangkok check-in to hotel. Evening Dinner Cruise on Chayopaya River. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 04 : Bangkok
After breakfast City & Temple Tour of Bangkok. Rest of the day is free for shopping / independent activities. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 05 : Bangkok
Breakfast at hotel. Full day free at leisure / relaxation. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 06 : Bangkok – Singapore
Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to International Airport to connect flight back to destination.

3 days/ 2 nights Chiang Mai tour package
A package tour explore “the rose of the north Thailand”. Visit the Hmong, the white Karen, the Lisu hilltribe villages and the local market, the waterfall, and the Wat Doi Su-thep in the lanna style temples, the San-kam-peang shopping home industry, the orchid farm. The elephant show and elephant riding and the Bamboo rafting, the Khan-tok dinner included.
Day1. Chiang Mai – soft adventure tour
Depart Chiang Mai by minibus to the south chiang mai Mae wang village. Then continue hiking 1 hour to visit the Hmong hill tribe village here you will have an inside look into their daily life. Afterwards drive to take the elephant riding 1 hour and lunch at the local restaurant, then drive to visit the white Karen hill tribe village and refreshment at waterfall. Then continue to take the bamboo rafting 1.30 hours. Dinner All guests will enjoy “the Khan-tok dinner” is the northern Thai style dinner with Charming Fon-lep ( finger dance), Sword dance, Fon-tien (candle dance), Ramwong. After Khan toke dinner, enjoy yourself by watching Hilltribe show and them market at northern Thailand in the peacefully landmark and overnight in the Empress hotel chiang mai town.
The Lunch, Dinner included.
Day 2. Chiang mai – Doi Su-thep temple and home industry tour.After breakfast, we visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep tour. This temples is Chiang Mai’s most important and visible landmark, and overlooks the city from its forested mountain backdrop. it is 3,520 feet above sea level, and dates from 1383. The temple’s golden pagoda contains holy Buddha relics and attracts Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world throughout the year. Return to Chiang mai town for lunch at a local restaurant, after the tour to The San Kamphaeng shopping local handicrafts center. The visitor may watch artisans working in several outlying villages, in genuine cottage industries, parasols, Thai silk and cotton weaving, jewellery, celadon, silverware, woodcarving, lacquerware, Saa paper umbrella are manufactured and number among popular purchases, and the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. In the evening we will have dinner at a local restaurant and a stroll around the night market. Overnight in the at chiang maitown hotel. The B/L included
Day 3. Depart Chiang mai – the elephant show and orchid farm tour.
After breakfast we take a relaxed visit the elephant at work at Mae Rim valley, nestled in the peaceful forest and visit the orchid farm and lunch. After we head back to Chiang mai town, before transferring to Chiang Mai Airport.
The breakfast, Lunch included. Transfer to airport for final departure to your destination.
3 Days / 2 Nights Mae Hong son package tour.
The package tour explores “the land of the three mists”. Visit the Longneck karen, the Hmong, the red Karen, the black Lahu and the red Lahu, the Lisu hilltribe villages and the Shan village, the waterfall, the hot spring, the fish cave, the Lode cave, and the Wat Jong-klang, the Wat Jong-com and the Wat Kong Mu in the Burmese style temples, the Shan local market. The elephant riding and Bamboo rafting included.
Day: 1- Chiang Mai – Pai.
Depart Chiang Mai by minibus 8.30 a.m. to the north chiang mai Mae Sa valley. Then continue visit the elephant show, take the elephant riding 1 hour and visit orchid farm, the local market. After visit the Hmong hill tribe village, here you will have an inside look into their daily life. Afterwards drive to visit hot spring and lunch at the local restaurant, then drive to visit the Lisu hill tribe village. Then continue to Pai town overnight in the Muang Pai resort.
The Lunch, Dinner included.
Day: 2- Pai – Mae hong son.
After breakfast, we visit the Water Cave, Tam Lod, a large limestone cave with a wide stream running through it. Tam Lod is one of the two local caves which happen to be the largest. Besides the main chamber there are three side chambers that can be reached by ladder, it takes two or three hours to see the whole thing. Lunch at local restaurant in Soppong town. Continue to visit the black Lahu hill tribe village then moving to Mae hong son and take the long tail boat 1.30 hours. Overnight at The Rook Holiday resort. In the evening we will have dinner at a local restaurant and a stroll around the night market.
The breakfast, Lunch, included.
Day: 3-Depart – Mae hong son.
After breakfast, visit Wat Doi Kong Moo, Wat Chong Kam and Wat Chong Klang, the Burmese style temples. Afterwards visit the hilltribe village of the long-necked-women, the Padongs and the red Karen, the big ears hill tribe village. The women of this tribe from an early age on have brass rings put around their necks making them appear as if they have long necks. Then to visit the fish cave and lunch at a local restaurant. After transferring to Chiang Mai town.
The breakfast, Lunch included.
 Bangkok and Pattaya 6 Days / 5 Nights

Day 01: Arrival
Arrive Bangkok .You will be met at airport by our representatives and transfer you to hotel. Day free at leisure, you may take a stroll of the city or simply go for shopping.
Day 02: Bangkok
0900 Hrs Assemble at the lobby at for half day city tour. The tour covers Four Face Buddha temple, Golden Buddha temple or Wat Po, shopping to Gems/Leather factory. Tour ends with one transfer to Mah Boon Krong (MBK) OR World Trade Centre (WTC).Day free at leisure.
Day 03: Bangkok – Pattaya
After breakfast prepare to leave for Pattaya. It is located 120km east of Bangkok, roughly1½ hrs drive. Check in at Hotel. Day free at leisure, you may explore the town or engage yourselves in various water sports.
Day 04: Pattaya
Prepare to leave for a spectacular tour of CORAL ISLAND. The excursion includes a boat trip to the nearby Island of Koh Larn. View the beautiful Corals from the Glass Bottom boat On the way, one could take Para – Sailing or Sea Walking to see the wonderful underwater world (additional expenses on your own). Lunch is included in the tour Return to hotel by late afternoon.
Day 05: Pattaya – Bangkok
0800 Hrs: Assemble at the hotel lobby for transfer to Bangkok. Check in at hotel. day free at leisure.
Day 06: Departure
Please wait at the lobby at scheduled given time for your airport transfer. Arrive home with fond memories of your holiday with Acme Holiday Tours.
Bangkok Tour 4 Days / 3 Nights

Day 01: Arrival
Upon Arrive on the Bangkok airport. You will be met at the airport by our representatives and transfer you to hotel. Day free at leisure, you may take stroll of the city or simply go shopping.
Day 02: City Tour
0900 Hrs: Assemble at the lobby at for half day city tour. The tour covers Four Face Buddha temple, Golden Buddha temple or Wat Po, shopping at Gems/Leather factory. Tour ends with one transfer to Mah Boon Krong (MBK) or World Trade Centre (WTC).Day free on your own.
Day 03: Full Day Tour
0800Hrs: Leave for full day tour of Marine and Safari Park….This is Thailand’s greatest and most popular open zoo and show park which covers 200 acres. It houses vast spectrum of Land and Sea animals and offers variety of fun and entertainment to the visitors. Lunch is included in the tour, return to hotel by late afternoon.
Day 04: Departure
Please wait the lobby at given scheduled time for your airport transfer. Arrive home with fond memories of your holiday with Acme Holiday Tours.

Cost includes:

• The package tours and transfers as detailed in the itinerary.
• Well English speaking tour guide.
• Accommodation in specified hotels or in hotels of a similar category.
• Meals as specified in the itinerary.
• All entrance fees.
• Transportation by air-conditioned vehicles.
• The elephant riding 1 hour and the long tail boat 1.30 hour either as per their policy.