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Thailand: The Golden Kingdom

with Cambodia extension

Duration: 12 or 15 days
Group size: 10-22
Reviews: 124

Extended Risk-Free Booking Period

Book today and feel good about your decision. If you change your mind, you’ll receive a refund of your deposit through January 1, 2021.See terms

Experience the warm welcome of the Land of Smiles.

On this small group adventure tour, you'll travel from bustling Bangkok to ancient ruined capitals, local villages, and mountaintop temples to investigate all sides of this vibrant country of contrasts. The spice and rice will nourish your body; the scenery and history will nourish your soul.

Your tour package includes

10 nights in handpicked hotels
10 breakfasts
5 lunches
3 dinners with beer or wine
1 cooking class

Included highlights

Grand Palace
Temple of the Reclining Buddha
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Ayutthaya ruins
Rice paddy farm visit

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Day-by-day itinerary

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Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Bangkok today.

Bangkok3 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Bangkok

Welcome to Thailand! Settle in to your hotel tonight.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Bangkok

Included meals: Breakfast, Welcome lunch, Tasting

This morning, join your Tour Director on a sightseeing tour of Bangkok.

Explore the sprawling Grand Palace complex, built in 1782 for the king of Siam
Pass by the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)
Step inside the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) to see the famous 150-foot long statue of Buddha
Visit the nearby flower market before talking a walking tour of the Chinatown neighborhood
Enjoy an included welcome lunch with your fellow travelers
Tour the city’s canals, called klongs, on a speedboat and converted rice barge as you sample local fruits

Day 4: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Maeklong Railway Market & organic farm

Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting

Explore the region on a series of stops at local cultural sites.

Ride through canals and villages on a long-tail boat to arrive at the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
See the varied stalls, where locals sell food and goods, before sampling a local specialty
Explore the Maeklong Railway Market, which is built along an active train line
Walk through an organic farm to learn about the eco-friendly practices
Sample fruit and a refreshing coconut drink, before taking part in a hands-on planting workshop

Phitsanulok1 night

Day 5: Phitsanulok via Ayutthaya & rice paddy

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Journey to Ayutthaya, Thailand’s capital from 1350 to 1767.

Take a tour of the UNESCO-listed Ayutthaya Historical Park
Learn about Ayutthaya’s role as the second capital of the Siam Kingdom
Tour the ruins, decorated with beautiful images of the Buddha draped in saffron robes, just like living monks

Continue on to the central Thai city of Phitsanulok making stops along the way.

Enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant
Meet a local farmer at a rice paddy to learn how rice is grown
Walk through Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat temple to see the Phra Buddha Chinnarat image

Sit down for an included dinner. Then, enjoy a free evening in Phitsanulok or add an excursion.

Rickshaw Ride & Market

Excursion (additional cost)

Chiang Rai2 nights

Day 6: Sukhothai Historical Park & transfer to Chiang Rai via pineapple farm

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tasting

This morning, join your Tour Director on a bike tour of Sukhothai Historical Park.

Hop aboard a bike and explore the UNESCO World Heritage site on two wheels
See classical Buddha statues and temple ruins, including the monument to King Rama

Please note: You’ll bike along flat, paved paths without cars. Travelers can opt to take a self-guided tour of the park by tram instead of biking.

Travel to the Lampang region where you’ll enjoy an included family-style lunch. Then, tour a pineapple farm and sample the fresh fruit as you learn how it’s produced before continuing on to Chiang Rai.

Day 7: Mae Kok River & oolong tea plantation

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Tasting

Spend today exploring the waterways, villages, and markets outside of Chiang Rai.

Board a long-tail boat and venture along the Mae Kok River
Visit the Golden Triangle, where the three countries of Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos meet on the Mekong River
Enjoy an included lunch overlooking the Mekong River
Head to an oolong tea plantation in Mae Salong for a tour
Sample three different kinds of local tea at the Choui Fong Tea shop while admiring views of the lush, terraced tea plantation

Chiang Mai3 nights

Day 8: Chiang Mai via Wat Rong Khun & Doi Suthep

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy the stunning scenery as you stop at some of the region’s most impressive temples and historic sites on your way to Chiang Mai.

Stop at Wat Rong Khun, the otherwordly “White Temple"
Discover Doi Suthep, the regal mountain overlooking the city from the northwest and home to some of the most deeply loved symbols in the Kingdom
Take a cable car to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, a major temple and pilgrimage destination during the important Buddhist holidays of Makha Buja and Visak
Opt to take a one-hour hike down a well-marked trail with many stairs or ride the cable car back to the base of the mountain

Continue on to Chiang Mai and take part in a Thai cooking class this evening.

Begin the night by visiting a local market to learn about the fresh ingredients you’ll use during your cooking class
Prepare four Thai dishes with culinary chefs in a secluded village known for its stunning rice fields
Enjoy the meal you cooked for dinner

Day 9: Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting

Spend a free day in Chiang Mai or add an excursion.

Tonight, sample local cuisine and enjoy free time to shop as you explore the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar with your Tour Director.

Mae Kampong Hill Tribe: Village Visit & Hike

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 10: ChangChill elephant sanctuary visit

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Drive through the countryside and visit ChangChill, an organization at the forefront of elephant welfare and responsible tourism in Chiang Mai.

Hear how the organization works with World Animal Protection to create a safe living environment for the elephants and an educational experience for visitors
Learn about Asian elephants as you watch them roam freely during a hands-off elephant exploration walk
Help prepare medicine and food for the elephants
Chat with the mahouts, or elephant caretakers, and enjoy an included vegetarian meal overlooking the elephants’ natural bathing spot

Enjoy a free evening in Chiang Mai or add an excursion.

Lanna Family Home-Hosted Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Bangkok1 night

Day 11: Wat Suan Dok & flight to Bangkok

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

This morning, visit Wat Suan Dok, a temple constructed for a revered priest visiting from Sukhothai. While here, you'll meet and talk with one of the resident monks to learn about Buddhism.

Then, fly to Bangkok where you'll celebrate your trip at a farewell dinner.

Flight Home

Day 12: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your early morning flight home or continue your tour in Cambodia.

Extension to Cambodia

You haven't really seen lost cities until you've been to Cambodia, where Angkor Wat astounds with out-of-this-world architecture and history. Fly to Siem Reap and get an insider's peek at this renowned religious monument and other fascinating ruins alongside your Tour Director.

Siem Reap2 nights

Day 12: Sunset at Angkor Wat

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia, and enjoy an included lunch. At sunset, tour the majestic temples of Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument and an outstanding example of Khmer architecture. Honoring Hinduism and Buddhism, its five layers of rectangular walls and moats are said to represent mountains and the ocean.

Later, sit down for an included dinner.

Day 13: Angkor Thom & Ta Prohm

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Spend the day exploring evocative temple ruins with your Tour Director.

Experience Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Kmer Empire and home of the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King, and the Bayon Temple
Sit down for an included lunch
Explore Ta Prohm, a 12th-century temple that has been largely reclaimed by the jungle

Bangkok1 night

Day 14: Cambodian Landmine Museum & flight to Bangkok

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Enter the Cambodian Landmine Museum, an organization dedicated to the removal of landmines and unexploded ordnance, or UXO, from Cambodia.

Watch a short film about Aki Ra, a former Khmer Rouge child soldier who founded the museum
Take a guided audio tour of the museum to learn about the organization's de-mining projects and community development initiatives
Learn how the revenue from your visit supports relief projects for those harmed by landmines and UXO

Later, fly back to Bangkok for a farewell dinner with your group.

Flight Home

Day 15: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your early morning flight home.

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Reviews

4.7 average

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

More than expected

02/22/2020 by 1st-time traveler Kim

I would highly recommend the Thailand tour, we stay at nice hotels, food was great. We seen many temples that mean so much to the people of Thailand. The sights were as stated in the internary and plus.my favourite was the elephant conservation I could have stayed there. But I must say that our tour...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 03/02/2020

Dear Kim, We appreciate you sharing your experienc...

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Thailand and Cambodia

02/12/2020 by 3rd-time traveler Lester

All seasoned travelers know the key to a fun and educational trip is a well-versed tour director and diverse itinerary. Our group had both. Mr. Kongka Buatoei (Kong) guided us through the rich history and historic sites of Thailand. While proud of its cultural heritage and Buddhist foundation, Kong ...

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Great Trip

02/10/2020 by 1st-time traveler Andrea

Great trip. Kong is the best tour guide I have ever had. This was my first time to an Asian country. I learned so much about the culture. It was amazing.

01/03/2020 by 1st-time traveler Carole

This was my first tour with Go Ahead and it was fantastic! Our tour guide, Louie, was exceptional. He helped us experience Thai culture in a way I never expected. The accommodations were good and the food was fantastic. Even though I was the only solo travel in the group everyone was super friendly ...

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12/29/2019 by 3rd-time traveler Kimberly

Much of the trip was spent on the long bus rides. There were also way too many temple visits along the way. There should have been more of a variety of locations to visit. Bangkok is an amazing city so it would have been nice to spend more time there. We flew into Bangkok to only spend a day there a...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 03/03/2020

Dear Kimberly, At Go Ahead, we do our best to keep...

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Hotels, flights & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Anantara Sathorn Bangkok Hotel

This sleek hotel is located in the Sathon district. Guests enjoy a bar, restaurant, and spa. Nearby you’ll find Wat Yannawa temple, Silom Night Market...

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Grand Riverside Phitsanulok

This comfortable hotel is located along the Nan River. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service, and a fitness center. Nearby, you’ll find the Phitsanulo...

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Majestic Grande Sukhumvit Bangkok

This modern hotel is located in Lumphini, Bangkok. Guests enjoy WiFi, laundry service, and an in-room safe. Nearby, you'll find Lumpini Park, Benjakit...

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Prince D'Angkor

This elegant hotel is located in the Sangkat Sla Kram neighborhood. Guests enjoy swimming pools, a spa, and a piano bar. Nearby, you’ll find the Angko...

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Siripanna Villa Resort & Spa

This upscale hotel is located in the Wat Ket neighborhood. Guests enjoy an outdoor restaurant and bar, a wine bar, and free WiFi. Nearby, you’ll find ...

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Dusit Island Resort Chiang Rai

This tranquil hotel is located in the Vieng Subdistrict, Chiang Rai. Guests enjoy free WiFi, a currency exchange, and outdoor pool. Nearby, you'll fin...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

FAQ

Print FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

In order to enter Thailand (and Cambodia on the tour extension), U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens traveling to Thailand.
U.S. and Canadian passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Cambodia on the tour extension. You may choose to obtain your Cambodia visa at the port of entry (you will need $30USD and two passport-sized photos), by applying directly to the Cambodian consulate, or by using a visa provider, such as our partner company, VisaCentral.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for at least 1 hour daily across uneven terrain with some hills.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own luggage at times, as well as getting in and out of pick-up trucks and small boats.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in and depart from Bangkok. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
Small boats rides and a flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok are included in the price of your tour. (The tour extension also includes one round-trip flight between Bangkok and Siem Reap).
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Airlines have varying weight restrictions on baggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage; be advised that you are responsible for any such costs.
Contact your airline for detailed information regarding baggage size and weight restrictions for your flight, but please note that our travelers are restricted to one checked bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights. We recommend that you limit your baggage to under 44lbs to avoid charges on included flights within Thailand.
One carry-on bag is also permitted, provided that it does not exceed 45 total inches (length + width + height).
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing. Please note that you will be required to remove your shoes at all Buddhist religious sites.
Waterproof shoes or sandals, a swimsuit, sunscreen, and insect repellent are recommended for outdoor activities.
Binoculars are handy for a closer look at local wildlife and scenery.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
It is preferable not to visit temples or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).

Health

At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
Please be sure to take proper care with sun exposure as the sun can be especially strong in some of the areas you are visiting.
Drink bottled water only. Refrain from drinking tap water, including when brushing your teeth.
Avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables unless they are cooked or washed in clean water and peeled.
Bring a small first aid kit, including antacids, anti-diarrhea medication, motion sickness medication, and any prescription medications in your carry-on bag.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour and any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

Traditional Thai cooking uses market-fresh ingredients seasoned with a mix of herbs, spices, and condiments such as chili peppers and fish sauce. The main staple is rice. Most meals include a soup, a curry, a steamed or fried dish, and a salad.
On the tour extension, international influence is evident in the Khmer cuisine of Cambodia, where full flavor is created through the mix of herbs and spices such as sweet basil, Asian coriander, mint, lemongrass, and pepper. The base of almost all Cambodian dishes is rice or noodles, served with a curry, soup, or vegetable stir-fry. Grilled freshwater fish is popular, and the fermented fish paste known as prahok is a traditional seasoning.

Electricity & air conditioning

Thailand (plus Cambodia on the tour extension) operates on 230 volts.
Thailand uses Types A, B, C, or O plugs with two flat pins, two flat and one rounded pin, or two or three rounded pins, respectively.
Cambodia uses Types A, C, or G plugs with two flat pins, two rounded pins, or three flat pins, respectively.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
The strength of the air conditioning in Asian hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

Thailand (plus Cambodia on the tour extension) is 11 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
When it’s noon in New York, it’s 11pm on tour.

Currency

You will use the Thai baht in Thailand (plus the Cambodian riel on the tour extension).
On the tour extension in Cambodia, U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere, though change may be given in riel. Most hotels, restaurants, shops, taxis, buses, and airlines list their prices in U.S. dollars, but small transactions (less than a dollar) are usually conducted in riel. Always carry small amounts of riel for motorcycle taxis, snacks, and other small purchases.
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director, $3USD per person per day for your driver, and $2USD per person per day for your bus attendant.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.

Dates & prices

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20212022

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