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13 Day Thailand & Angkor Highlights
Highlights: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Siem Reap, Koh Samui
Trip start: Bangkok
Trip end: Koh Samui
Price Range from £2,314 to £2,596 *
* GBP per person based on 2-4 people, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

National Geographic Adventure Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth '98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'

Winner National Geographic 'Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth'
2008 & 2009

Trip Summary
Map of Itinerary
Expand [+]

An overview of the best that Thailand and Cambodia have to offer! Experience the excitement of Bangkok, the elephant reserves and rollling hills of Chiang Mai, the stunning grandeur of the Angkor Wat ruins and the soft sand beaches of world famous Koh Samui. Enjoy unique and comfortable accommodation, and private guide & driver.

Day Activities Hotel
Day 1
Bangkok
  • Bangkok: Transfer - Private - Airport - Guide/Vehicle/Driver
Ariyasomvilla (B)
Day 2
Bangkok
  • Private - Full Day Highlights of Bangkok - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
  • Lunch (included)
Ariyasomvilla (B)
Day 3
Chiang Mai
  • Transfer - Private - Airport - Guide/Vehicle/Driver
  • Air - Bangkok - Chiang Mai [Domestic] - Economy
  • Chiang Mai: Transfer - Airport - Guide/Vehicle/Driver
  • Private - Half Day Doi Suthep and Temples - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
Tamarind Village (4*) (B)
Day 4
Chiang Mai
  • Private - Full Day Elephant Safari & Rafting - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
  • Lunch (included)
Tamarind Village (4*) (B)
Day 5
Chiang Mai
  • Shared - Thai Cooking at Baan Hongnual Cookery School Chiang Mai - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
  • Lunch (included)
Tamarind Village (4*) (B)
Day 6
Siem Reap
  • Transfer - Airport - Guide/Vehicle/Driver
  • Air - Chiang Mai - Siem Reap [via Bangkok] - PG economy
  • Siem Reap: Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa (4*) (B)
Day 7
Siem Reap
  • Private - Full Day Angkor Wat Temples - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Lunch (included)
Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa (4*) (B)
Day 8
Siem Reap
  • Private - Sunrise at Angkor Wat, Banteay Srei, Landmine Museum & School Visit - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
  • Lunch (included)
Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa (4*) (B)
Day 9
Koh Samui
  • Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
  • Air - Siem Reap - Koh Samui [Via Bangkok] - Economy
  • Koh Samui: Transfer - Airport - Guide/Vehicle/Driver
Buri Rasa Village (4*) (B)
Day 10
Koh Samui
  • At Leisure
Buri Rasa Village (4*) (B)
Day 11
Koh Samui
  • Shared - Full Day Angthong Marine Park by Speed Boat - Boat/Guide
  • Lunch (included)
Buri Rasa Village (4*) (B)
Day 12
Koh Samui
  • At Leisure
Buri Rasa Village (4*) (B)
Day 13
Koh Samui - Bangkok
  • Transfer - Airport - Guide/Vehicle/Driver
  • Air - Koh Samui - Bangkok [Domestic] - Economy
Depart (Int`l Airport) 
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive

Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan.

Itinerary

Day 1 Bangkok

Bangkok is a frequently chaotic jumble of traffic, temples, savory food and entertainment. Over the last few years, the opening of a slick new elevated tramway that enables visitors to glide over the chaotic scenes below, coupled with the cheap and frequent river boats and the reasonably priced air-conditioned taxis, have made tourism in the city newly appealing. Within the city limits is a wealth of over 300 Buddhist temple and shrines. Most famous are Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple), Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and Wat Trimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha). One of the largest temple complexes in the country is Wat Pho. Altogether, there are over 30 individual temples scattered here, of which the Temple of the Reclining Buddha is the largest. The Buddha's statue is enormous, an amazing 47.5m (156ft) long and 15m (49ft) high. Wat Phra Kaeo is a temple complex that houses the Emerald Buddha.

A private vehicle with English speaking guide & driver will transfer you between the airport and your hotel.

Welcome to Bangkok and AriyasomVilla - step back in time to a more leisurely life style. The Villa was built in 1942 and is still in the hands of the original family who built it. With 25 beautifully appointed Rooms and Suites, "Na Aroon" Restaurant, Room Service, Swimming Pool, Spa, Meeting Room, Library, Meditation Hall and under ground Car Parking we are well equipped to really look after you during your stay in the "City of Angels". Conveniently located in the "heart" of Central Bangkok.

Overnight at Ariyasomvilla.


Bangkok
Bangkok
Ariyasomvilla
Ariyasomvilla
Day 2 Bangkok

A visit to the Royal Grand Palace, the nation’s landmark and most praised royal monument in Thailand, with the enclosed and dazzling Wat Phra Keo with its revered Emerald Buddha, the Golden Chedi, the Pantheon of the Chakri Kings and the Eight Coloured Towers, is a must. In Thailand by many, it is considered to be a living example of classical Siamese Court, being the former residence of the kings of Thailand. Wat Pho is also regarded as the first centre of public education and is sometimes called ‘Thailand’s first university’. Mural paintings, inscriptions, and statues found in the temple-educated people on varied subjects such as literature, warfare, archaeology, astronomy, geology, meditation and to be considered, home of the Thai traditional massage. Here, you will enjoy a 30-minutes’ Thai massage as an excellent break after a morning sightseeing. Experience an afternoon trip along the bustling Chao Phya River and the quiet Klongs (canals) in a long tail boat enjoy scenes of life by water.   We bring you to a more traditional way of living, more serene and traditional, away from all the high-rise and modern buildings of Bangkok City Centre, as we gently pass Thonburi residential areas. A stop will be made at the “Temple of Dawn” (officially named Wat Arun). Finally, a visit to the Flower and vegetable market will round off this day. Located close to the Chao Phraya River, this part of Bangkok brings you to a rural piece of Bangkok where they have a vast selection of all kinds of flowers, especially orchids and tropical flowers and see how the merchants create very special flower garlands. The end of this Bangkok day ends at the Golden Mountain.  Photography is permitted in the Royal Palace Grounds and in the compounds of the Emerald Buddha Temple, but not inside the buildings.  Note: Please dress respectfully by not wearing sleeveless, shorts or sandals, when visiting the Grand Palace and temple complex.  The Palace may be closed without prior notice during Royal ceremonies and officials/head of state visits. The inner courts of Grand Palace are frequently closed on Sundays; we recommend not to book this excursion on Sundays to avoid disappointment.

Overnight at Ariyasomvilla.


Golden Mountain
Golden Mountain
Day 3 Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai in the far north is Thailand's second-largest city and a center for excursions to the region's ancient and beautiful temples, the teak forests and their working elephants, caves and waterfalls, and journeys to visit the northern hill tribes. The main attractions are the Doi Suthep temple and elephant trekking. Doi Suthep is one of the most famous temples in northern Thailand. Perched high on a hilltop, it offers fine views over the city on clear days. The trip up can either be made via a funicular or a grand staircase with 400 steps. The banisters alone are worth a visit: a giant green-and-red glazed serpent winds its way down to end in a magnificent dragon's head.

A private vehicle with English speaking guide & driver will transfer you between the airport and your hotel.

Relax on this flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

Visit the most sacred temple in the north of Thailand; the Wat Prathat Doi Suthep is the most sacred temple in Chiangmai containing a holy relic of the Lord Buddha. Tucked away in the mountains at an elevation of 1,056 meters (3520 feet), the temple is reached using a Naga (7- headed dragon head serpent) railing rising along both sides. The temple compound – reachable via a 300 steps stairs offers an exhilarating view of Chiangmai city and surrounding countryside. Drive back down to the city centre to visit some of the other impressive temples of Chiangmai. Wat Suan Dok is one of them, which dates back to the 14th century when it served as the pleasure gardens to the Thai monarchy. Nowadays it houses several white Chedi’s, containing the ashes of Chiang Mai’s former Royal family. This temple also houses one of the most famous Monk Schools in the whole of Chiang Mai and the Wat Jedyod, also known as The Temple of Seven Spires. Please dress respectfully by not wearing sleeveless T – shirts, shorts or strapless sandals, when visiting the Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep

Tamarind Village is set in the heart of Chiang Mai, just 15 minutes from the airport, and close to the local bus and train links. The world famous night bazaar is a short stroll away, along with various temples and cultural points of interest. This boutique property boasts 42 guest rooms and 3 suites reflecting a range of styles accustomed only to northern Thailand. All rooms are decorated with contemporary elegance. On-site facilities include a spa, travel desk and car rental service.

Overnight at Tamarind Village (4*).


Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai
Buddha Statue at Doi Suthep
Buddha Statue at Doi Suthep
Tamarind Village
Tamarind Village
Day 4 Chiang Mai

The elephant is Thailand’s working pride and one of this country’s national symbols. Current estimates of wild elephants left in Thailand were between 3000-4000 animals. Although logging is being banned in this Kingdom, they remain a very important mode of jungle transport as it beats any other animal or machine for its ability to move through a forest with minimum damage. For centuries these animals were trained to use their skills by moving lumber and served as a mode of transport within the jungle area. Over the past decade, with the reduction in lumbering, these giants of the forest have been protected in various conservation camps. An interesting journey through the scenic countryside brings you to Chiang Dao Elephant Conservation Camp. Here you to see elephants at work during a half-hour presentation. There’s also an opportunity to watch the elephants as they take their morning bath. During your visit to the camp, you’ll have an opportunity to ride on elephant back during a one hour trek into the surrounding forest.  After a thai set lunch at the camp, the afternoon is reserved for a leisurely cruise on a bamboo rafting along Ping River to the raft station before heading back visit Orchid Farm.

Overnight at Tamarind Village (4*).


Elephant Ride
Elephant Ride
Day 5 Chiang Mai

A Lanna style school located in a country-side village, just 15 minutes from the city of Chiang Mai. The school offers lessons in how to cook delicious Thai food, Thai sweets, fruit-carving and presentation. When cooking Thai food, various local spices, that enhance your health and physical well being, are used as ingredients. It is the ideal school to learn how to cook Thai food to preserve it for generations to come. The atmosphere surrounding the school is filled with warmth, sympathy and helpfulness, all representing ancient, traditional Lanna custom and culture.  It is our aim to teach you how to cook delicious and sumptuous Thai food perfectly and to preserve this culinary art for future generations.

Overnight at Tamarind Village (4*).


Cooking Thai Cuisine
Cooking Thai Cuisine
Day 6 Siem Reap

Siem Reap is famous for the magnificent temples at Angkor. This ancient and astounding temple complex is what remains of the capital of the once mighty Khmer civilization. Angkor Wat itself, built AD 879-1191 to honor the Hindu god Vishnu, is often hailed as one of the most extraordinary architectural creations ever built, with its intricate bas reliefs, strange acoustics and magnificent soaring towers.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

Today you will travel from Chiang Mai to Siem Reap (via Bangkok).

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English speaking guide. Note: departure tax leaving Siem Reap is not included in the tour price (USD$25 per person).

Popular among celebrities and industry professionals, the Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa offers comfort, elegance and superb refinement in the heart of Siem Reap. The building's graceful colonial architecture of the 1930's provides a sense of peaceful tranquility while its enchanting design creates a feeling of harmony with its natural surroundings. Gaze at the magnificent swimming pool, framed by lavish tropical gardens, from the seclusion of your private balcony. Indulge in the multitude of first-class dining options, from French gastronomy to traditional Khmer dishes or experience one of the resort’s renowned themed gala dinners. Rejuvenate your mind and body at Le Lotus Blanc Spa and experience why people the world over continue to flock to this mesmerizing resort.

Overnight at Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa (4*).


Siem Reap
Siem Reap
The elegant Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa
The elegant Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa
Day 7 Siem Reap

Meet at the hotel or airport and transfer for sightseeing. Visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the Bayon temple complex, as well as Takeo and Ta Prohm temples. Lunch at a local restaurant. Continue with a visit to the Angkor Wat temple complex and enjoy watching the sunset on Phnom Bakheng before returning to your hotel.

Overnight at Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa (4*).


Angkor Wat at Night
Angkor Wat at Night
Day 8 Siem Reap

Today, you will get up at 4 AM to head to the temples and enjoy Sunrise at Angkor Wat, then return back to your hotel for breakfast. After breakfast you will transfer about half an hour outside the city to visit one of the more remote temples, Banteay Srei. After touring around this temple with your guide, you will head back towards Siem Reap, and en route you will stop for a quick visit to the Landmine Museum. This museum was opened in 1997 by Aki Ra, a former child soldier, and proceeds go toward clearing landmines across Cambodia. It is a safe and educational place to learn about the impact that these devices have had on Cambodia, and what is being done to rid the country of their threat. Transfer back to the city for lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch, head to one of Siem Reap's lively local markets where you can buy small gifts to bring along on your next visit, to one of the schools for local orphaned children near Wat Bo. Play with the children, tour the facilities, sit in on a lesson, and interact with the local community here along with your guide, in an experience that is sure to offer some inspiring insight into the Khmer people. In the later afternoon transfer back to your hotel in Siem Reap. ***A portion of the tour cost will be donated to both the Landmine Museum and Orphanage, of course, further donations are welcome!

Overnight at Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa (4*).


Landmine Museum
Landmine Museum
Day 9 Koh Samui

Over the last decade or so Ko Samui, once a backpacker's haven, has developed into a more sophisticated beach resort, complete with an airport that offers regular flights to and from Bangkok and Krabi. Ko Samui is Thailand's third-largest island, and although tourism is now the main industry, its lingering rustic charm is summed up by the fact that coconut farming is still a major industry.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English speaking guide. Note: departure tax leaving Siem Reap is not included in the tour price (USD$25 per person).

Fly from Siem Reap, Cambodia to Koh Samui, Thailand (via Bangkok).

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English speaking guide.

The Buri Rasa Village is situated in an enchanting traditional southern Thai village. Dwellings are nestled in a veritable Garden of Eden. Echoes of halcyon days with, once upon a time, tales of aristocracy escaping to country or Paradise Island retreats with a full complement of servants and services to meet their every need and requirement. Only an hour by plane from Bangkok, Buri Rasa nestles on the northwest coastline of the stunningly beautiful island of Samui, on what is considered the island's finest white sand beach. Calm and secluded, a true island paradise location in every sense of the word.

Overnight at Buri Rasa Village (4*).


Koh Samui
Koh Samui
Koh Samui
Koh Samui
Buri Rasa Samui
Buri Rasa Samui
Day 10 Koh Samui

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Overnight at Buri Rasa Village (4*).


Day 11 Koh Samui

Angthong is the second National Park created in Thailand and it consists of around 40 curiously shaped islands.  During this tour you will experience the beautiful sights of Angthong National Park, exploring natural caves, blue lagoons and stunning rock formations. This is followed by a trip to Mae Koh Island where an inner salt lake is located. Lunch will be served on the boat while we head to Wau Ta Lab Island and the National Park head quarters for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling or just simply relaxing on the white sandy beach while taking in the breathtaking views around you.

Overnight at Buri Rasa Village (4*).


Samui Beach Inlet
Samui Beach Inlet
Day 12 Koh Samui

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Overnight at Buri Rasa Village (4*).


Day 13 Koh Samui - Bangkok

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English speaking guide.

Relax on this flight from Koh Samui to Bangkok.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).



Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.