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Overview Itinerary Reviews Hotels, flights & FAQ

Thailand: The Golden Kingdom

with Cambodia extension

Duration: 12 or 15 days
Group size: 15-35
Reviews: 120

Experience the warm welcome of the Land of Smiles.

From bustling Bangkok, you’ll travel north 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
8 guided sightseeing tours

Included highlights

Grand Palace
Temple of the Golden Buddha
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Ayutthaya Ruins
Sukhothai Historical Park

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Day-by-day itinerary

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, Lunch

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

• See the city’s vast array of Buddha statues at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho), and the Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit)

• Enjoy an included welcome lunch with your fellow travelers

• Tour the city’s canals, called klongs, on a speedboat and converted rice barge

Day 4: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & River Kwai

Included meal: Breakfast

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

• Experience the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where locals sell produce from their small boats

• Journey to Kanchanaburi, home to the River Kwai and the Thai-Burma Railway bridge that was made famous by the novel and film about its construction

• Visit the World War II Cemetery, resting place of over 9,000 Allied soldiers

Phitsanulok1 night

Day 5: Phitsanulok via Ayutthaya & Uthai Thani

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

• Tour the ruins, decorated with beautiful images of the Buddha draped in saffron robes, just like living monks

• Continue on to Uthai Thani to visit the beautiful Wat Chantaram

• Enjoy an included family-style lunch

• Make your way to the Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat temple in Phitsanulok 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

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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

• Board a trolley and explore the UNESCO World Heritage site

• See classical Buddha statues and temple ruins, including the monument to King Rama

Enjoy an included family-style lunch before continuing on to Chiang Rai.

Day 7: Mae Kok River & oolong tea plantation

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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"

• Make a photo stop at a rice paddy

• 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

• Walk the 290 steps skyward or 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

• Visit a jade factory to learn about the precious gemstone

Continue on to Chiang Mai and sit down for an included dinner.

Day 9: Sightseeing tour of Chiang Mai

Included meal: Breakfast

Take a tuk-tuk, similar to a rickshaw, ride through the streets of Chiang Mai this morning.

• Pass through Tha Phae Gate on your way to the old city

• See Wat Phra Singh, Viharn Lai Kham, and Wat Chedi Luang temples

This afternoon, travel to San Kamphaeng to see how regional products are made during visits to local handicrafts markets.

• Watch a demonstration to learn how silk is made

• Stop by a celadon ceramics factory

• Visit a paper umbrella manufacturer to learn how the elegant pieces are designed

• Pay a visit to a lacquerware and silverware shop

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

Lanna Family Home-Hosted Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 10: Elephant Nature Park

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Drive through the countryside to the Mae Taeng Valley and the Elephant Nature Park, a camp dedicated to caring for the elephant population through conservation efforts and ending mistreatment. You’ll learn about Asian elephants as you watch them feed and bathe.

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

Traditional Thai Cooking Class & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Bangkok1 night

Day 11: Wat Suan Dok & flight to Bangkok

Included meals: Breakfast, 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

Learn about the dramatic history of the Khmer civilization and see how Cambodia is reinventing itself today. Wander among Angkor’s temples and terraces and discover one of humankind's most astonishing and enduring architectural achievements. From the layout of the temple sites to the intricate bas-relief and the iconographic sculpture, the sites of Siem Reap will mesmerize and amaze.

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 & Preah Khan

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

• Stop at the ruins of the nearby Preah Khan temple

Bangkok1 night

Day 14: Flight to Bangkok

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a morning tour of Banteay Srei and Banteay Samre, the latter meaning “Citadel of the Women.”

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

120

4.7 average

What a trip!

07/02/2019 by 6th time traveler Anonymous

Both my husband and I are 70+ years of age and we were concerned about attempting this trip on the other side of the globe. While the pace and some logistics were a bit challenging some days, the incredible tour guide "Kong," the fine bus driver "Sam" and his cohort "bus boy" Nob, were outstanding....

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The Golden Kingdom

07/09/2019 by 4th time traveler Paul B.

Fantastic tour in an amazing place. Our tour manager Mr. Kong was very personable and knowledgeable of the places that we visited. This tour encompasses a large variety of locations and gave me what I felt was a true gauge of modern day and historical Thailand (Temples, Buddhism, Thailand as a count...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 07/09/2019

Dear Paul, At Go Ahead, we work passionately to en...

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04/17/2019 by 2nd time traveler Tracy R.

Thailand was absolutely amazing!! I was a little nervous about going, but I'm so glad that I went. Our tour director was wonderful and very knowledgeable about his country. I learned so much in those two weeks. The elephant nature park was amazing. Loved everything!!

The tour should be called: Buddhas, boats and pagodas

05/03/2019 by 7th time traveler Anonymous

The amount of temples is overwhelming in the short time of the tour. I would recommend a better mix of activities. Also, there were too many activities in one day for a level two tour. I enjoy tours with more free time. Also considered the weather, it was in the 90´s most days we were in Bangkok...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 05/03/2019

Dear Traveler, All of our team at Go Ahead are con...

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04/10/2019 by 2nd time traveler Zinammi M.

This was so amazing first trip using go ahead tours and it was the best, our tour guide Kong was very knowledgeable and fun to be around he made us all feel like family, some people on the trip had certain things they couldnt do or eat and he took very good care of them and even gave us a chance to...

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Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

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.

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

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 about 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 prongs, two flat and one rounded prong, or two or three rounded prongs, respectively.
Cambodia uses Types A, C, or G plugs with two flat prongs, two rounded prongs, or three flat prongs, 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.

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28 Departures

Tour prices are per person, before flights from your departure city, and based on two travelers per hotel room. Tour prices include on-tour flights where applicable.