Traditional and Cultural Thailand with Phuket | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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Traditional and Cultural Thailand with Phuket

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PRIVATE TOUR - 11 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 4815

Private Tour Highlights

  • Marvel at floating markets with fresh produce and wares
  • Enjoy the bustling nightlife and imposing skyline of Bangkok
  • Travel back in time to when Sukothai was a thriving kingdom
  • Take advantage of the time at Leisure in Phuket with numerous day tour options
  • Cruise through hundreds of fascinating islands rising above the sea
  • When the tide is low, discover underwater caves to explore
  • Visit James Bond Island, where "007 The Man with the Golden Gun" was filmed
  • Wat Chantaram, an impressive temple containing the Crystal Hall and Golden Shrine
  • Enjoy a delicious Thai dinner with marvelous aboard The Manohra Luxury Cruise
  • Thai cultural performances, including the colorful Buddhist ordination procession
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

Let Yampu guide you to some of cultural Thailand’s most renowned sites. After exploring Bangkok, head north along the Chao Phraya River to Ayutthaya. From there its a short journey to the historic park of Sukhothai before flying south to the luxurious beach atmosphere of Phuket. Highlighting Bangkok’s glittering night skyline, floating markets, divine palaces, ancient ruins and pristine seascapes, this tour will introduce you to the many diverse aspects of Thailand.

Ayutthaya, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was a former Asian powerhouse and major port city during the time of the sea trades. Despite its fall as an empire, major renovations and restoration projects upon its ancient ruins have made it possible to imagine the splendor that made many trades declare it as the finest city they have ever seen. Despite the popularity of this destination, the town remains unspoiled with its own unique charm. The Kingdom of Sukhothai flourished during the 13th and 14th centuries as the golden age of Thai society. The local art and architecture that date to this period are considered to be the most classic of Thai styles, which are exemplified in its historical park. Considered the spiritual birthplace of the Thai Kingdom, this park features lotus ponds, moats and some 200 ruined temples on an area covering nine square miles.

Arrive in Phuket to enjoy a sundowner cruise upon a traditional Burmese Junk as you take in the setting sun and surreal tropical surroundings. Awake the following morning for a full day of exploration, where you will kayak between the famous limestone formations and discover their tidal caves. For the remainder of the trip, you are free to enjoy the beaches at your leisure or explore further with an island tour, a jungle safari, white water rafting or an elephant trek from one of the local camps.

Inclusions
Price Includes:
One way domestic airfare from Sukhothai to Bangkok and round trip airfare from Bangkok to Phuket, Accommodations with daily breakfast, All private transfers and activities by air-conditioned car, An English speaking guide to escort all transfers and tours, All entrance fees and activities as mentioned, Meals where specified (food only), Government tax and services charge

Phuket Excursions:
*Full Day Phi Phi Island & Bamboo Island Speedboat Tour
Transfer to Boat Lagoon Marina for a cruise to one of the most popular natural attractions in Thailand: the Phi Phi Islands. Start with a visit to Bamboo Island, a pristine white sand beach set along the emerald color water, and then snorkel near Yoong Island. Enjoy swimming with colorful fish all around you and then cruise to Monkey Beach, an island full of wild monkeys! Continue on to Phi Phi Don for a simple local buffet lunch and then take a dip in Viking Cave. Afterwards, discover first-hand the magical landscape of Maya Bay, where parts of the movie "The Beach" were filmed. Enjoy a swim in this famous bay or simply relax on the white sand beach before returning to your hotel in Phuket.

*Half Day Phuket Island tour
Drive along the Phuket coastline via Karon Beach and Kata Beach, to the view point where you can see Phuket's three most beautiful beaches from the highlands. Continue on to Promthep Cape for a beautiful photo opportunity, and then visit Rawai Beach and see Wat Chalong, Phuket's revered monastery. Learn about the history of the temple's abbot and proceed to see a cashew nut factory and Wang Thalang Souvenir Shop, a local shop that offers a variety of handmade products. Afterwards, admire the Chino-Portuguese houses at Thalang and Debuk Road.

*Full Day Sea Turtle Conservation, Elephant Camp & Bamboo Rafting
Discover the beautiful unspoiled nature in the rainforest reserve of Khao Lak National Park. Visit the sea turtle conservation project before going to Elephant Camp, where you will ride an elephant on a short trekking adventure in the jungle. Afterwards, enjoy a tasty Thai set lunch at a local restaurant and then go bamboo rafting down a jungle river with some swimming opportunities along the way. After the tour, return to your hotel.

*Full Day Market Visit and Cooking Class
The Phuket Thai Cookery School class offers a choice of 7 different courses consisting of an introduction to Thai ingredients, a visit to a local market, and then cooking a wide selection of mouth-watering Thai dishes. Each course has been designed as a one day course, and you are able to select one or all of the courses you are particularly interested in. The lessons have a warm and easy-going atmosphere of Thai hospitality, breathtaking scenery of the mountains, and miles of sandy beach on Sirey Island.

Notes:
* For Day 3, it is recommended that for religious reasons, ladies have their shoulders covered and do not wear shorts or very short skirts. No sleeveless top and the sleeve have to be part of the top. Gentlemen should wear trousers and short sleeved shirts. Shoes must be removed before entering the Emerald Buddha Temple. Full length trousers and pants are required.

* Additional supplements may apply between 23 December – 7 January with a set minimum of consecutive nights required for bookings between 23 – 25 December. Special conditions apply between 28 – 31 December.

* Additional supplements may apply during the weeks immediately preceding and following the Lunar (Chinese) New Year. The dates vary each year, but fall sometime between January 21st and February 20th:
2016 – Monday, February 8th
2017 – Saturday, January 28th
2018 – Friday, February 16th

* If staying in Ayutthaya or Sukhothai during the Loy Kratong Festival (Nov 1), Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve, you will be subject to a compulsory dinner at an additional cost.

* The Burmese Junk dinner cruise in Phuket only operates between the months of November – April.
Best Time to Travel
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Best Good Consult

Package Price: From £$ 4815

Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.

Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.

Trip Type:

All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!

Tour Itinerary

Day
1

International Flight to Bangkok

Overnight international flight to Bangkok.

Overnight international flight to Bangkok.

Day
2

Arrival in Bangkok

Upon arrival in Bangkok, airport reception and transfer to the hotel. Depending on arrival time, spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Upon arrival in Bangkok, airport reception and transfer to the hotel. Depending on arrival time, spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Thailand_Bangkok_Wat_Arun
Day
3

Journey to Wat Pho

After breakfast, drive to Wat Pho in time to experience the monks' morning chanting ritual. One of the oldest and most extensive temples in Bangkok, Wat Pho is home to the famous 45m Reclining Buddha. It is also the original school of traditional Thai massage. Next, visit the Grand Palace, the most important and spectacular royal palace in Thailand. The palace is an architectural wonder of golden stupas, walls and pillars encrusted in shining and colorful mosaics. Previously the residence of the Kings of Thailand, there are multiple palaces within the complex which were used for different occasions; including the beautiful Wat Phra Kaew, which houses the most revered Buddha image in Thailand: the Emerald Buddha. Continue with a walk to the public ferry pier for a short boat ride to Wat Arun, once the grand royal temple to King Rama II. After exploring, eat lunch (not included).


Then proceed with a visit to Vimanmek Mansion, the largest teakwood mansion in the world. Also referred to as Teakwood Palace, it was built in 1900 by King Rama V as part of the Dusit Palace Complex. In 1982, Queen Sirikit was granted permission from King Rama IX to renovate the building for use as a museum. Today, the museum holds an impressive collection of photographs, personal art, and handicrafts that were all personally collected by King Rama V.

Continue with a visit to the Thai-style house of Jim Thompson, the legendary American businessman who came to Thailand at the end of World War II and rediscovered the Thai silk industry. His house is now a museum filled with fascinating Asian antiques and historical memorabilia. The house consists of six separate Thai teakwood houses from the Ayutthaya period put together as one. Jim Thompson's mysterious disappearance in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia remains a mystery to this day. After the tour, return to the hotel for the evening.


Note: Wat Arun Temple in under renovation, so climbing up the stupa is prohibited. Ladies should wear a short-sleeved shirt with pants or a knee-length skirt and gentlemen should wear pants and a short-sleeved shirt for religious reasons. Sandals and flip flops are not allowed. If the trip starts on a Saturday, the Vimanmek Mansion part of the tour will be replaced with a tour of Suan Pakkad Palace Museum.
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Bangkok-Wat-Pho-Buddha
Day
4

Exploring Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Depart early morning for the two hour drive to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. This vibrant market features numerous small boats laden with colorful fruits and vegetables, paddled by Thai women wearing bamboo hats. Almost always crowded with hundreds of vendors, purchasers and tourists, the best way to experience the atmosphere of the market is to board a rowing boat and journey through the small canals to buy fresh produce from the vendors. This is the only place to see the traditional way of selling and buying goods in Thailand.


Afterwards, visit the Nakorn Pathom; the site of the highest Chedi in Thailand called "Phra Pathom Chedi", which is the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia. Enjoy an excellent buffet lunch at the picturesque Rose Garden. After lunch, there will be Thai cultural performances, including the colorful Buddhist ordination procession, an elegant fingernail dance, a Thai boxing demonstration, Hill Tribe dance performances, sword fighting, elephants, charming folk dances, a traditional Thai wedding ceremony and more.


This evening, transfer to Manohra Pier (or Saphan Taksin Pier), where guests will board a boat for an evening cruise. Learn more about Bangkok and the Chao Phrya River, a truly magnificent waterway and one of the great rivers in Asia. The river has been a principal factor in the development of Thai heritage, culture, and economy, and is considered the nation's life and soul.


While cruising down the Chao Phrya River, enjoy a delicious Thai dinner and watch the panorama change to reveal fantastic treasures from the country's rich past, as well as fascinating modern architectural creations. The Manohra Luxury Cruise will take guests to the King Rama VIII Bridge, where the boat will turn around and head back to the pier. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
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damnoen-saduak-floating-market-thailand
Day
5

Journey to Ayutthaya

This morning begin the journey to Ayutthaya, located in the lower half of northern Thailand. Head north along the historical Chao Phraya River and enjoy the everyday scenes of Thai life along the way. Lunch will be included en route. Upon arrival in Ayutthaya, the ancient capital city of Siam, visit the Summer Palace of King Rama V as well as some of the key temples in this former capital. With a mixture of Thai, Chinese and Gothic architecture, this proves to be a well preserved monument to the former Thai Kingdom. After the tour, transfer to the hotel for check-in. ...read less

Ayutthaya-Buddha-Head-in-Tree-Roots
Day
6

Ayutthaya – Uthai Thani

This morning, transfer out of the city to Uthai Thani, a small town on the Sakaerkrang River that is rarely visited by tourists. Visit the Wat Chantaram, an impressive temple containing the Crystal Hall and Golden Shrine. Then enjoy lunch at the Uthai River Lake Country Resort and continue driving north to Phitsanuloke, a major regional commerce center that is spread along the banks of the Nan River. Visit the much venerated shrine of Wat Mahathat, which is home to one of Thailand’s most beautiful Buddha images. Then continue to Sukhothai and check in at the hotel for the evening. ...read less

Thailand_Ayutthaya_Bang_Pa_Palace_Summer
Day
7

Sukothai Historic Park

This morning, head to Sukhothai’s Historic Park to visit the numerous temple ruins and beautiful landscape of lotus ponds and moats. The ruins of nearly two dozen monasteries with art and architecture styles of the original Khmer, Mon, Sinhalese and Tai influences remain inside the walls of this old city. From here, continue the journey north to the ancient town formerly known as Muang Chaliang, but later renamed Si Satchanalai under the reign of a new government. Ruins of 134 monuments have been discovered within this town’s park, which serves as an excellent contrast to Sukhothai’s Historical Park. There is a sense of history and a mysterious atmosphere among these ruins as they remain largely unrestored. ...read less

Day
8

Sukothai – Phuket

Transfer read more...

Transfer to the airport for connecting flight to Phuket. Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to the hotel. In the evening, transfer to Chalong Bay to enjoy a sunset dinner cruise upon a Burmese Junk. Head out into the calm waters of the bay and cruise among the flotilla of boats. Pass by Lone Island with its quiet beaches and tropical rainforest clad hills and Coral Island. This area is renowned for lovely sunsets. Enjoy a drink from the bar, a sumptuous Thai buffet dinner and take in a tropical sunset. Operates between November and April only. ...read less

Phuket-Maikao-Beach
Day
9

Nga Bay National Marine Park via boat & 007 Island

Enjoy a journey by speedboat to Phang Nga Bay National Marine Park. Cruise through hundreds of fascinating islands rising above the sea, and when the tide is low, paddle in an inflatable canoe with an expert guide to discover underwater caves. Explore the Dark Cave, Hong Island, Mangrove Cave and Diamond Cave. Later, return to the boat for a cruise to visit James Bond Island, the famous island where "007 The Man with the Golden Gun" was filmed. Proceed to the stilt village of Panyi and enjoy a tasty Thai set lunch at a local restaurant. Spend some time swimming at Lawa or Naka Island before returning to the hotel in Phuket. ...read less

Phuket-Kayaking
Day
10

Exploring Phuket

Enjoy the day at leisure on the beach or choose one of the following activities:


Full Day Phi Phi Island & Bamboo Island Speedboat Tour


Full Day Sea Turtle Conservation, Elephant Sanctuary & Bamboo Rafting Tour


Full Day Market Visit and Cooking Class


Half Day Phuket Island Tour

Enjoy the day at leisure on the beach or choose one of the following activities:


Full Day Phi Phi Island & Bamboo Island Speedboat Tour


Full Day Sea Turtle Conservation, Elephant Sanctuary & Bamboo Rafting Tour


Full Day Market Visit and Cooking Class


Half Day Phuket Island Tour

Phuket-Boats
Day
11

International flight home via Bangkok

Depending on departure time, enjoy the morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for a connection to Bangkok and flight home or continue an optional Yampu Tours add-on.

Depending on departure time, enjoy the morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for a connection to Bangkok and flight home or continue an optional Yampu Tours add-on.

Bangkok Thailand

Ayutthaya Restaurant, West Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta City, Special Capital Region of Jakarta, Indonesia

Sukhothai Thailand

Phuket Thailand

Places You'll See

  • Bangkok_Temple

    Bangkok

    Dubbed the “World’s Best City” by Travel + Leisure, Bangkok is home to a plethora of attractions, and activities. Enjoy a variety of shopping and dining experiences, or the city’s bustling night life. Or immerse yourself in the city’s rich culture by visiting the Grand Palace, any of the several Buddhist temples, or the Bangkok National Museum.

  • Ayutthaya_Thailand

    Ayutthaya

    Ayuthaya, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was a former Asian powerhouse and major port city during the time of the sea trades. Despite its fall as an empire, major renovations and restoration projects upon its ancient ruins have made it possible to imagine the splendor that made many traders declare it as the finest city they had ever seen.

  • Sukhothai_temple

    Sukhothai

    Sukothai flourished as a Kingdom during the 13th and 14th centuries, which has been deemed as the golden age of Thai society. The local art and architecture that date to this period are considered to be the most classic of Thai styles, which are exemplified in its historical park. This park features some 200 ruined temples, lotus ponds and moats covering an area of nine square miles.

  • Phuket-Thailand

    Phuket

    Enjoy some sun and sand on Thailand’s largest island, Phuket. Visit Old Phuket Town for its rich culture and history. Take a trip to the Phuket Butterfly Farm to view its wide collection of butterflies and other insects. Have a traditional southern Thai lunch at the Thai Village and Orchid Farm while watching their cultural shows including Thai dancing and boxing.

Hotel Options

3 Star Properties

Bangkok : Adelphi Suites

Bangkok : Chatrium Residence Sathon Bangkok

Bangkok : Shanghai Mansion Bangkok

Bangkok : U Sathorn Bangkok

Ayutthaya : Classic Kameo Hotel

Ayutthaya : Kantary Hotel

Sukhothai : Le Charme Sukhothai Resort

Sukhothai : Legendha Sukhothai Resort

Phuket : Phuket Hotel: Diamond Cliff Resort & Spa

Phuket : Kantary Bay Phuket

Phuket : Sawaddi Patong Resort & Spa

4 Star Properties

Bangkok : Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa

Bangkok : Ariyasomvilla

Bangkok : Hotel Muse Bangkok Langsuan

Bangkok : Pullman Bangkok Hotel G

Ayutthaya : Iudia on the River Hotel

Ayutthaya : Sala Ayutthaya

Sukhothai : Sukhothai Heritage Resort

Sukhothai : Tharaburi Resort

Phuket : Amari Phuket

Phuket : Centara Karon Resort Phuket

Phuket : Grand Mercure Phuket Patong

Phuket : Mandarava Resort and Spa

5 Star Properties

Bangkok : The Okura Prestige

Bangkok : Shangri-La Hotel

Bangkok : Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok

Bangkok : Sofitel So Bangkok

Phuket : Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket

Phuket : JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa

Phuket : Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort

Luxury Properties

Bangkok : Mandarin Oriental

Bangkok : The Peninsula Bangkok Hotel

Bangkok : The Siam Hotel

Phuket : Anantara Phuket Villas

Phuket : Point Yamu Resort by COMO

Phuket : Tha Naka Island Hotel

Phuket : The Shore at Katathani

Testimonials

Pamela

Traveled August, 2014

I will definitely think of Yampu when I plan my next vacation.

I will definitely think of Yampu when I plan my next vacation. The English speaking guides in Thailand were excellent. Our entire trip was flawless and we will always remember this vacation

Traveled To

Debbie

Traveled February, 2014

I will always remember this trip

We have had opportunities to review our photos and share stories with family and friends, I will always remember this trip! Bangkok hotel and tour guide was fabulous. As soon as we got to the hotel they upgraded all of us to unbelievably fantastic rooms! Our guide met us at the airport and between her and the driver all went so smoothly. Due to the protest and closed streets, our guide helped us around the city using public transportation (upon our request), so no sight was unseen. The guide treated us as friends, sharing the local market place food and making sure we were safe at all times. Chiang Mai was great. Our hotel was in a perfect location. The hotel staff, food, and our guide were excellent.In Siem Reap, the hotel and surprise birthday celebration was fantastic, great location and fantastic staff! The guide and driver were kind, knowledgeable, accommodating and very flexible! Magical is a good word for Koh Samui. The hotel was perfect and would highly recommend it. I saw a few children, but not a place I would suggest for family with young kids. I must say that our guide showed us incredible places on the island that were not on the planned itinerary and that was beautiful. This guide had such a love for Koh Samui, which was a big plus! This guide saw we loved nature and added some unique experiences for us, like climbing a fantastic waterfall. In most of the locations the included lunches were not very good and in some cases bad. Maybe people should be given a chance on tour packages to upgrade to more of a local experience not a place all the tour buses go to. The first meal in Cambodia was fine but it went downhill fast from that one.I am so grateful for the chance to get check one place off my bucket list, Angkor Wat. Seeing Angkor Wat at sunrise completed one of my dreams.

Traveled To


Lillian B

Traveled November, 2012

The vacation was wonderful.

The vacation was wonderful. My husband and I had a great time. We really enjoyed the services you had arranged. A few things really stood out to us. 1. The Tour Guide at Bangkok Tanat, I believe his name is, was the superman of accommodation. He not only fitted our wishes or demands in helpful ways, but put in extra effort in many small aspects of the trip. We were completely satisfied with his service and would recommend him to any customers. Pass on the compliment if you can. 2. The Adelphi Suites in Bangkok- Fantastic hotel. Great location, friendly staffs, clean rooms, in room internet, affordable rate. I can’t ask for better. 3. Service and Hotel in Chiang Mai. Although in comparison to what we received in Bangkok, the accommodation lacked magic sparks. But everything was to our satisfactory. The tour guide there was able to arrange for a last minute cooking class when we asked. That turned out to be an outstanding experience. 4. Phi Phi Island Spa and Resort – I cannot describe how scenic Phi Phi island is. And the resort did a wonderful job presenting it to their guests. The beach is small, but private. The view off to the ocean calms one’s soul. The staffs are friendly and helpful. The Spa service lives up to its name. The only two problems are super expensive mediocre food and mosquito breeding ground. But we were able to overlook them. It was a nice get away from the cities’ hustle and bustle. Thanks for making our trip memorable. I definitely would like to work with you again on my next adventure.

Traveled To

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