Thailand - A Land of Smiles - Solo Tour

Thailand - A Land of Smiles

This adventure through Thailand begins as you discover the exciting city of Bangkok by tuk-tuk, where dazzling sights include the Grand Palace and the Wat Pho temple, home of the incredible Reclining Buddha. You'll then travel northwards to discover the UNESCO-listed ruins of Ayutthaya and in the company of a local history expert, you can admire some of Thailand's finest architecture at Sukhothai. You'll stay in Lampang in a traditional Lanna style hotel set in beautiful grounds before taking a tour of the area and learning more about local customs in Lampang and Chiang Mai. Highlights here include a private blessing ceremony with monks and a visit to an elephant rehabilitation centre. The rest of your holiday is spent at the coastal resort of Cha-Am, so spend days of relaxation on the beach. You can also opt to learn how to cook Thai cuisine, a wonderful skill to take back home!

What's Included

• Just You Holiday Director as your host & Specialist Local Guide
• 11 nights in 3 & 4-star hotels plus 2 nights in flight
• Overseas transfers, internal flights, other transportation & porterage
• Return flights
• A guaranteed twin or double room of your own
• Portable audio headset system on excursions
• Use of an airport lounge in the UK
• 23 included meals: 11 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners including welcome dinner & drink & farewell get-together

Holiday Highlights:

• ​Discover Bangkok at night by tuk-tuk
• Bangkok city tour
• Thai classical dance show
• Visit the ruins of Ayutthaya
• Boat trip in Uthai Thani
• Admire the Wat Yai temple in Phitsanulok
• Discover UNESCO-listed Sukhothai
• Discover the art of Sukhothai Noodles and create your own lucky charm
• Tour of Lampang including visit to textile weaving
• Chiang Mai tour including visits to a local family & the Wat Palat & Doi Suthep temples
• Receive a blessing from a monk
• Visit the Elephant Nature Park
• Enjoy an authentic Thai dinner at one of the most popular restaurants in Bangkok

Day 1: UK – Bangkok

Today you will depart on your overnight flight to Bangkok, arriving on day 2.

Day 2: Bangkok

Welcome to Bangkok - the quintessential eastern metropolis and Southeast Asia’s most vibrant capital city. Known in Thai as the city of angels, Bangkok is a city of mind-boggling history and spirituality, where you can expect ancient Thai temples that rise magnificently from the riverbanks, colourful palaces that glisten spectacularly in the sunlight, and a snaking river that audaciously wind its way through the heart of the city. Fabulous shopping awaits you, whether you’re after high quality artisanal handicrafts or excellent bargains in Asia’s most stylish shopping centres. If you’re a food lover, you will delight at the exceptionally delicious meals that can be enjoyed at every corner of the city. On arrival in Bangkok this morning we'll transfer to our hotel for a three-night stay. There's plenty of time to relax at your leisure this afternoon, before we get to know one another better over a wonderful authentic Thai dinner where you'll sample a wide selection of dishes. Later we'll head out to discover the delights of Bangkok at night. We'll travel by tuk-tuk, an open-air vehicle invented in Thailand more than 50 years ago. As we wind our way through the city's streets we'll soak up the unique atmosphere and aromas and see many of its famous landmarks. Look out for the spectacular Grand Palace, the Wat Pho temple and Sanam Luang Park, also known as the Royal Field. Be ready to witness a side of Bangkok that you would never normally have the chance to see and experience.

Day 3: Bangkok

Situated on the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok is Thailand's exciting capital and we'll see many of its highlights on today's included sightseeing tour. We begin with a visit to Wat Pho, one of the city's largest temple complexes and home to a leading school of massage. We'll hear the morning chant of the saffron-robed Buddhist monks and see the 46-metre-long golden Reclining Buddha. Next we'll head to the magnificent Grand Palace, Bangkok's most famous landmark and for 150 years the home of the Thai kings, the Royal court and the government. Within its grounds we'll see the sacred Wat Phra Kaew, the temple containing the Emerald Buddha, a small revered image carved from a single piece of jade.

After lunch we'll take things at a slightly slower pace as we step aboard a long-tail boat for a cruise on the Thonburi klongs on our optional excursion. Thonburi is the old capital of Bangkok and on our journey along the klongs, or canals, we'll see traditional wooden townhouses and local people going about their daily life. Along the way we'll visit the Royal Barges National Museum and you can admire the stunning exterior of the Wat Arun temple with its majestic spires rising from the water's edge. Alternatively, explore more of Bangkok at your pace at leisure.

This evening we'll gather together and enjoy a Thai dinner, where a variety of local dishes will be served.

Day 4: Bangkok

After ­breakfast ­this ­morning­ we'll ­begin­ our­ explorations ­at ­the­ beautiful ­Bang ­Pa-In­ Palace,­ which­ was ­once­ a­ royal ­summer ­residence. We'll ­then ­continue­ to­ the ­UNESCO listed ­ruins ­of­ Ayutthaya. We'll ­take ­a ­stroll ­around ­the­ impressive­ remains, ­which ­include ­a ­head ­of ­Buddha ­embedded­ in­ a ­tree­ trunk ­surrounded ­by ­tangled­ roots. Lunch­ is ­included ­at ­a restaurant, ­and­ this ­evening­ has been left free for you to explore Bangkok's food scene with your fellow travellers.

Day 5: Bangkok - Phitsanulok

We'll depart Bangkok after breakfast and drive to Phitsanulok, one of Thailand's most historic cities. En route we'll make a stop at Uthai Thani to enjoy lunch on board a boat. On arrival in Phitsanulok we'll visit the 14th century Wat Yai, a stunning temple which houses a bronze statue of Buddha and an array of decorative features.

Day 6: Phitsanulok - Lampang

Our journey continues today as we drive to the ancient city of Sukhothai, which flourished during the 13th and 14th centuries. This walled city was the birthplace of some of Thailand's finest art and architecture, and as we explore the UNESCO-listed site we'll discover magnificent Buddha images, wall paintings and beautifully carved elephants supporting a towering stupa. Next we'll meet a local history expert to learn about the heritage and traditions that live on in this area and get a hands on experience making your own lucky charm, before we sample Sukhothai noodles & rice noodles served in a broth, usually with meat and green beans for lunch.

This afternoon we'll drive to Lampang for your overnight stay.

Day 7: Lampang - Chiang Mai

Breakfast at hotel. Spend this half day morning visit Wat Phrathat Lampang Luang - an incredible of example of Lanna-Buddhist architecture, comprised of an ancient fortress wall guarding the central chedi. Then visit to Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao, a temple built on the site of an 8th century fortification that once guarded the routes to Lampang. This temple is one of the few places known to have enshrined the Emerald Buddha - one of the most sacred images of the Thai Kingdom. Continue to visit Dhanabaadee Ceramic Museum, the proud of Lampang products that is named the ceramic city in Thailand. Museum displays how ceramics related to the way of life of Lampang people as well as the demonstrating of traditional "chicken" bowl with local technique of drawing patterns on a chicken bowl that is the only one in the country. Lunch at a local restaurant. Afternoon, journey to Chiang Mai with drive through the ancient city of Lamphun. In Lamphun, northern Thailand's historical home of textile weaving, learn first hand the centuries-old Yok Dok weaving technique. Later, visit Wat Ton Kaew, marveling in the eclectic mix of architectural styles, and admire the cascading gold structures at Wat Phrathat Haripoonchai before transferring to Chiang Mai. Check in at your hotel in Chiang Mai. The remainder of the evening is at leisure or you can join us on an optional excursion to Chiang Mai night bazaar with our guide where we can shop for souvenirs and enjoy something to eat.

Day 8: Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai was once the capital city of the Lanna Kingdom, which covered much of northern Thailand in the late 13th century. Today we'll visit a local family to learn about Lanna traditions which live on to this very day. The family will be happy to tell you all about local architecture, handicrafts and food, and after we've explored the traditional houses and gardens we'll enjoy a meal cooked over a fire. This afternoon we'll take the winding road up to the sacred temple of Doi Suthep. Considered to be the most important temple in Chiang Mai, it sits on a hilltop overlooking the city. En route we'll stop at Wat Palat, a peaceful temple tucked away in the jungle and surrounded by hills, forest paths, shrines and a tumbling waterfall. When we reach Doi Suthep there will be plenty of time to explore this intriguing site and we'll get an insight into the importance of religion in Thai society at a private monk blessing ceremony. This evening has been left free for you to dine at leisure. Why not head out with your travelling companions and sample the delicacies on offer at one of Chiang Mai's outstanding eateries.

Day 9: Chiang Mai

We've got a great day planned today, as we head to the Elephant Nature Park, just an hour's drive out of Chiang Mai. The sanctuary is home to many of these majestic creatures, which roam free in this rural setting. You'll learn all about how the elephants are rescued, and get the chance to feed them from a special viewing platform. Lunch will then be provided at the Elephant Nature Park.

Day 10: Cha-Am

After breakfast we'll transfer to Chiang Mai airport for our flight back to Bangkok. Upon arrival we'll transfer to the laid-back coastal resort of Cha-Am, our base for the next three nights. Your hotel is set beside a long sandy beach and the rest of the day is free for you to relax and enjoy this lovely location.

Day 11: Cha-Am

Spend today enjoying the facilities at your hotel, perhaps take a dip in the outdoor pool or Jacuzzi, or go for a stroll along the beach. If you like to cook, we also offer a fantastic optional excursion today as we head to the nearby beach resort of Hua Hin, where you can learn the art of Thai cookery. Start by visiting a local market to shop for your fresh ingredient. During your class you'll cook with ingredients such as fish sauce, herbs, spices, limes and coconut milk, and whatever you cook you'll eat for lunch.

Day 12: Cha-Am

Enjoy a final day at leisure. You could choose to soak up the sun on the beach and later, perhaps head out with your travelling companions to one of the nearby seafood restaurants for lunch. If you're wanting to go for a walk after lunch, you could explore the hotel's grounds, or perhaps try out the well-equipped fitness centre. Your hotel also boasts a fabulous spa, so maybe book yourself in for a pampering session. This evening we'll gather together for a farewell drink before dinner.

Day 13 & 14: Cha-Am – UK

Transfer to the airport in Bangkok for your flight back to the UK, arriving on day 14.