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GRAND TOUR of THAILAND
November 20 - December 4, 2011
PHUKET EXTENSION - The PEARL of the ANDAMAN SEA!
December 4 - 9, 2011
Travel Broker Tours invites you to join Jeff Pychel for 14 nts in Thailand and 5 nts in Phuket - The Pearl of the Andaman Sea!
Limited to only 12 participants!
Thailand is a wondrous kingdom, featuring ancient cities, Buddist temples, exotic wildlife, and spectacular islands. Along with a fascinating history and a unique culture that includes delectable Thai cuisine and massage, Thailand features a modern capital city, and friendly people who epitomize Thailand's "Land of Smiles" reputation. Join Travel Broker Tours and Jeff Pychel and discover the very best that The Kingdom of Thailand has to offer.
Our Program - 14 Nights
- 3 Nts Bangkok
- 2 Nts Kanchanaburi on the River Kwai
- 2 Nts Ayutthaya
- 2 Nts Chiang Rai
- 2 Nts Mae Hong Son
- 3 Nts Chiang Mai
Optional Extension - 5 Nights
- 5 Nts Phuket Island
Available International Flight Stopover Cities
- Seoul (w/ Korean Airlines), Hong Kong (w/ Cathy Pacific), Tokyo (w/ Air Canada) or Taipei City (w/ Eva Airlines).
Detailed Itinerary
SAT Nov19th, Depart your HOME CITY for BANGKOK, THAILAND
Board your trans-pacific flight (not included in the tour price) to Bangkok, Thailand. Possible airlines and their international flight stopover cities include Korean Airlines via Seoul, Cathy Pacific via Hong Kong, Air Canada via Tokyo and Eva Air via Taipei City. As a full service travel agency, we are happy to help you with your flight and transfer details to join up with this tour. We suggest booking early to obtain the best flights and rates available.
Day 1: SUN Nov 20th - ARRIVE in BANGKOK, THAILAND
Welcome to Thailand! We transfer to our hotel located in the heart of Thailand's capital just minutes from shopping, street markets and the Chao Phraya River. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore, relax and settle into our surroundings. Lodging: Hotel Sofitel Bangkok Silom
Hotel Sofitel Bangkok Silom is a 5 star luxury hotel located in the heart of Bangkok's vibrant business centre and entertainment venues, with an easy access to the city's subway and skytrain networks. Sofitel's 38 - storey landmark comprises 469 luxury guestrooms, all elegantly furbished with modern Thai décor style and the exclusive Sofitel's signature "MY BED" with the luxurious finishing touches of Hermès and L'Occitane amenities. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in public areas.
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Day 2: MON Nov 21st - BANGKOK
Early this morning after breakfast we begin our exploration of Thailand’s capital, an expansive and exhilarating metropolis of seven and a half million people that straddles the great Chao Phraya River. We begin with a private tour of the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo (the home of the sacred Emerald Buddha) before visiting Wat Pho, Bangkok’s oldest and largest temple and home to the 46-m (150-ft) long gilded Reclining Buddha. After lunch we'll enjoy a Khlong ("Thai for canal") cruise in Thon Buri, making stops at the Royal Barge Museum and Wat Arun, a striking Bangkok landmark named after Aruna, the Indian god of dawn. The monument’s design symbolizes Hindu-Buddhist cosmology with the main prang 79 m (768 ft.) being the mythical Mount Meru, and its ornamental tiers the world’s within worlds. The balance of the day is at leisure. Later that evening we will regroup for the Tour's Welcome Dinner. Optional excursion: High Tea at the Oriental Mandarin Hotel $42 USD. (BD) Lodging: Hotel Sofitel Bangkok Silom Meals: (BD) Breakfast, Tours Welcome Dinner
OPTIONAL EXCURSION - AFTERNOON TEA at THE ORIENTAL MANDARIN HOTEL
Your escort Jeff Pychel will be enjoying traditional afternoon high tea in the Authors' Lounge at the world-renowned Mandarin Oriental Hotel. The hotel was established in 1876, and the name "Authors’ Lounge" evolved from the many famous writers who stepped through the doors of the Mandarin Oriental over the years, from Joseph Conrad to Barbara Cartland. Delicate, white-washed rattan furniture with hand-painted upholstery and Siamese umbrellas now grace the lounge amid towering bamboo and palm trees. Est. Price $42 USD.
Day 3: TUE Nov 22nd - BANGKOK
After breakfast we begin our second day in Bangkok with a visit to Wat Ratchanatdaram and Wat Benchamabophit, nicknamed "The Marble Temple". We visit Dusit Palace, the compound of Royal residences that were constructed in European style and built between 1897 and 1901. We enjoy a private tour of the Vimanmek Mansion, the world's largest golden teak wood 
mansion and the ornate, Italianate Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall before making our way to Jim Thompson's House, where the late entrepreneurial American, single-handedly revived the art of Thai silk weaving after WWII. After our house tour we enjoy lunch at the adjoining restaurant. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure with the hub of shopping in Bangkok just a few minutes away. We regroup later for dinner and Siam Niramit, a world-class performance of Thailand's arts and cultural heritage. Lodging: Hotel Sofitel Bangkok Silom Meals: (BD) Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: WED Nov 23rd, BANGKOK to KANCHANABURI
Today we say farewell to Bangkok as we make our way to Kanchanaburi, the home of the renowned Bridge over the River Kwai. We depart our hotel before dawn for the most famous of floating markets in Thailand, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. We arrive and muse at the village locals, enjoying a private boat ride and tour well before the throngs of tourists arrive by the busloads from Bangkok. Then its off to the picturesque Rose Garden where we will have time to explore the wonderful gardens before lunch. In the afternoon we will enjoy a Thai Village Cultural Show, where we will view representations of Thai life - from the stages of Buddhism, to the Nagee Saran and Harvest dance, Thai kickboxing and sword fighting; and view a village wedding ceremony. The show finishes in an energetic combination of dances from Thailand's four main regions - including the skillful and rhythmic North-eastern Bamboo Dance. We then will visit the "Phra Pathom Chedi", the tallest Buddist pagoda in the world while making our way to our hotel in Kanchanaburi. Dinner and the rest of the evening is at leisure. Lodging: U Inchantree Kanchanaburi Meals: (BL) Breakfast, Lunch
U Inchantree Kanchanaburi is a boutique resort located on the north bank of the Kwai Yai River close to the famous River Kwai Bridge. The resort features 26 rooms in a two-storey building set around a courtyard, dominated by an ancient "Inchantree" from which the resort derives its name. The overall design of the resort is a rustic river lodge style surrounded by landscaped gardens. Enjoy freshly prepared cuisine with spectacular views of the River Kwai at our restaurant or sundowners at the sunset terrace lounge suspended over the edge of the river.
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Day 5: THU Nov 24th, KANCHANABURI
After an early morning breakfast we depart for Hellfire Pass, a WWII site where allied prisoners of war sustained heavy losses while constructing a rock cutting on the former Burma-Siam Railroad now referred to as the "Death Railway". We visit Hellfire Pass Museum and walk along the trail where the railroad tracks once laid. We stop to enjoy lunch on a floating restaurant before boarding the train for our journey back to Kanchanaburi. Enjoy a relaxed and scenic trip along the River Kwai to Kanchanaburi where we'll cross over the famed "Bridge over the River Kwai". The rest of the day is at leisure. Lodging: U Inchantree Kanchanaburi Meals: (BL) Breakfast, Lunch
 Hellfire Pass and Hellfire Pass Memorial MuseumKnown by the Japanese Army as the "Konyu Cutting", allied POW's were forced to cut through solid rock, sometimes for days at a time with little or no food and no rest! The most famous stretch of the Thai-Burma Death Railway also offers the most horrific stories of human suffering! The Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum, co-sponsored by the Australian and Thai governments, is located on the site of the cutting and has superb interactive displays telling the story of the construction. The Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum, co-sponsored by the Australian and Thai governments, is located on the site of the cutting and has superb interactive displays telling the story of the construction. Visitors can walk down the valley and see the actual cutting of Hellfire Pass. Although the tracks have long since disappeared, the route of the cutting can be clearly seen. |
Day 6: FRI Nov 25th, KANCHANABURI to AYUTTHAYA
Today enjoy a relaxed breakfast and some free time to explore Kanchanaburi before embarking on our land transfer to the historical city of Ayutthaya. En route we stop in Bang Pa-in to enjoy lunch followed by a visit of the exuberant complex known as The Royal Palace. We depart for the ancient capital of Ayutthaya, with its magnificent ruins and relics scattered around the now modern city. Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Siam was officially recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1991. Arriving at our Thai-styled accommodation, the remainder of the day is at leisure. Lodging: Baan Thai House Meals: (B) Breakfast
Baan Thai House is a hideaway in the historic city of Ayutthya which offers a unique experience of relaxation and Thai style living. The resort was designed and created for those who are looking for peace and tranquility. Baan Thai has twelve individually themed villas nestled among the tropical landscape to enable you to experience Thai hospitality at its best. The resort has a swimming pool and a spa which offers both Thai traditional massage and Aromatherapy services by qualified therapists. All villas are non-smoking, air-conditioned and include cable TV, internet access and command a garden or lake view.
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Day 7: SAT Nov 26th, AYUTTHAYA
After breakfast we start to explore the city of Ayutthaya, which was founded around 1390. We visit Wat Phra Mahathat (home of the Buddha head encased in a Banyan Tree) and Wat Ratchaburana (a wonderful 15th C prang that has recently been restored) before making our way to Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bohit. We have lunch at a local restaurant before enjoying a boat cruise around the city, making stops at historical sites along the river banks. The rest of the day and evening is at leisure. Lodging: Baan Thai House Meals: (B) Breakfast
Day 8: SUN Nov 27th, AYUTTHAYA to CHIANG RAI
After breakfast we depart Ayutthaya for Bangkok, and begin our journey to Northern Thailand. En route if the traffic is good, we will stop at Bangkok's Chatuchak Weekend Market, which is the largest market in Thailand. We arrive at Bangkok's airport with plenty of time to check-in and get a light lunch before our flight. Upon arriving in Chiang Rai, we transfer to our secluded boutique resort which is situated along the Mae Kok River, with panoramic views of the near-by hills and mountains. The rest of the day is at leisure. For those interested in shopping, you may want to join your escort Jeff to Chiang Rai Town to visit it's popular Night Market. Lodging: The Legend Chiang Rai River Resort Meals: (B) Breakfast Flight: Bangkok to Chiang Rai
The Legend Chiang Rai River Resort lies along the Mae Kok River, secluded from Chiang Rai Town, yet only a few minutes by car from the city centre. The property has a panoramic view of the near-by hills and mountains. The riverside is rich with large rain trees and lush vegetation. The immediate surroundings are relatively undeveloped, providing a tranquil, natural location ideal for a resort & spa. Contemporary Thai style buildings set the tone, with views of the Kok River or the lush gardens. Each studio has a living area of 52 square meters consisting of an air-conditioned bedroom, open-sala living area and a semi-tropical outdoor bathroom. The bedrooms are fitted with either king or queen/single beds and a daybed which converts into an extra bed.
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Day 9: MON Nov 28th, CHIANG RAI
This morning after breakfast we depart Chiang Rai for "The Golden Triangle", a 195,000 sq km area spanning parts of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar (Burma), the three countries that make up the "triangle". We arrive in Doi Tung, driving up through forests and Shan, Akha and Lahu tribal villages. At the top of the mountain is the thousand year old temple of Wat Phrathat Doi Tung and the Royal Villa and Gardens of the late Princess Mother. We depart for Sop Ruak, the nearest village to what is known as "The Golden Triangle". We enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before departing for Chinag Saen, which is one of the oldest towns in Thailand and is set beautifully on the bank of the Mekong River. We make our way back to our resort in Chiang Rai, where the rest of the afternoon and evening is at your leisure. Lodging: The Legend Chiang Rai River Resort Meals: (B) Breakfast
The Golden Triangle The term "Golden Triangle" refers to the once opium growing region covering northenr Thailand, eastern Burma and western Laos. Opium production has been illegal in Thailand since 1959. Thanks to a highly successful crop substitution program undertaken by the Royal Projects Foundation established by His Majesty King Bhumipol, opium production has largely been eliminated in Thailand. However, across the border in Burma, the Shan United Army, which is fighting the central Burmese government for an independent Shan state, has been accused of funding its war through the sale of opium and heroin. |
Day 10: TUE Nov 29th, CHIANG RAI to MAE HONG SON
Today after an early breakfast we depart Chiang Rai for the airport in Chiang Mai. En route we will stop to visit the beautiful Wat Rong Khun or White Temple. The White Temple of Northern Thailand has become a national landmark, and was the idea of one of Thailand's renowned artists, who wanted to build a temple all in white to signify the purity of Lord Buddha. We arrive at the Chiang Mai airport with plenty of time to enjoy lunch and check-in for our afternoon flight to Mae Hong Son. Upon arrival in Mae Hong Son, we transfer to our hotel located in a scenic mountain setting just 5 km from town. The rest of the day is at leisure. For those interested, why not join your escort Jeff to Mae Hong Son for dinner. Lodging: Goldenpai Suite Resort Meals: (B) Breakfast Flight: Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son
The Goldenpai Suite Resort is surrounded by the wonderful nature of Mae Hong Son Province. The resort is situated in the middle of misty mountains on the scenic site of the Pai river, only 5 km from town. The resort accommodation consists of 70 rooms, all with amenities such as air conditioning room, tv, mini bar and hot shower. To feel with lanna and shan style atmosphere and see a way of local life, other facilities include the riverside restaurant and outdoor swimming pool with jacuzzi.
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Day 11: WED Nov 30th, MAE HONG SON
After breakfast we will visit the active local market in town before we take a long-tail boat cruise along the Pia River to a Padong village, home of the long-necked Padong Tribe whose woman wear brass rings around their necks. We will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the Burmese style temples of Wat Jong Kham and Wat Jong Klang, located next to the large pond in Mae Hong Son Town. We return to our resort hotel, where the rest of the day is at leisure. Lodging: Goldenpai Suite Resort Meals: (BL) Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12: THU Dec 1st, MAE HONG SON to CHIANG MAI
After breakfast we transfer to the Mae Hong Son airport for our morning flight to Chiang Mai, meaning "New City," which celebrated its 700th anniversary just a few years ago. The city was founded as the capital of the Kingdom of Lanna, "A Million Rice Fields" in 1296. Upon our arrival we make our way to our elegant colonial style hotel, located just minutes from the gates of the old city. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure before regrouping for a Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show that evening. We will then return to our hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure. For those interested in some night shopping, you may want to join your escort and stroll through the old city's famous "Night Market". Lodging: Ping Nakara Hotel and Spa Meals: (BD) Breakfast, Dinner Flight: Mae Hong Son to Chiang Mai
The Ping Nakara Resort and Spa is an intimate hotel built in the elegant colonial style of Chiang Mai's rich past. The hotel’s graceful gingerbread architecture is accented by hand-carved fretwork and creates a cool and restful environment. Throughout the nineteen rooms you’ll find thoughtful use of natural materials and a distinctive yet practical style. This sophisticated design is matched by relaxed yet professional service, providing a welcoming retreat for every traveller. Enjoy the serenity of the veranda next to the pool, curl up with a book in the library, or unwind with a drink in the hotel's rotunda. Whatever your preference, your sure to enjoy this return to elegance.
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Day 13: FRI Dec 2nd, CHIANG MAI
This morning after breakfast we depart Chiang Mai on a private day long tour of the surrounding area. We begin with a visit to Wat Sri Suphanin, "The Silver Temple" located in Chiang Mai's silvershop neighbourhood. Then it's off to Doi Suthep, a thickly forested mountain in the twin-peaked Doi Suthep-Doi Pui National Park. Located near its summit (5,250 ft) is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the most revered Buddhist shrines in all of Northern Thailand. After our visit we journey to the small village of San Kamphaeng with its many handicrafts including silverware, celadon (a grayish-green porcelain) and lacquerware. Then its off to Bo Sang which is renowned throughout Thailand as the "umbrella village" on account of the decorative umbrellas produced there. We enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before making our way back to our boutique hotel in Chiang Mai, where the rest of the afternoon and evening is at leisure. Lodging: Ping Nakara Hotel and Spa Meals: (B) Breakfast
Day 14: SAT Dec 3rd, CHIANG MAI
This morning we enjoy breakfast before departing for our full-day trip to the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre located approximately 1 hr from Chiang Mai. The centre was founded in 1993 under Royal Patronage, and cares for more than fifty Asian elephants in a beautifully forested conservation area. The TECC is known for its pioneering work in conservation and science of the Asian Elephant and proudly houses six of HM King Bhumibol's ten white elephants in the Royal Elephant Stables. We will enjoy many activities at the TECC that include elephant bathing, the elephant show and a veiwing of the centre's baby elephants. The highlight of the day will be an elephant-back ride and tour of the their elephant hospital. The hospital manages Thailand's first mobile clinic, treating needy elephants free of charge. Our visit to the TECC will surely leave you with memories of Thailand forever. Upon our return to our hotel, we will have some time to relax before regrouping with our fellow travelling companions for the tour's farewell dinner.Lodging: Ping Nakara Hotel and Spa Meals: (BD) Breakfast, Dinner
Day 15: SUN Dec 4th, DEPART THAILAND for HOME CITY
After breakfast we make our way to Chiang Mai Airport for our journey home, filled with memories of vibrant Thailand. Meals: (B) Breakfast
INTERESTED in extending your holiday in PHUKET?
Pricing:
Prices per person in Canadian Dollars (CAD) |
In a Twin |
In a Single |
14 Nts - Grand Tour of Thailand - Nov 20 to Dec 4, 2011 |
$3,975.00 |
$4,875.00 |
5 Nts - Phuket Extension - Dec 4 to 9, 2011 |
$840.00 |
$1,225.00 |
| Early Booking Bonus (If booked and paid in full by April 15, 2011) |
- $150.00 |
- $150.00 |
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Tour Inclusions:
- Accomodation: Stay in Bangkok 3 Nts, Kanchanaburi 2 Nts, Ayutthaya 2 Nts, Chiang Rai 2 Nts, Mae Hong Son 2 Nts, Chiang Mai 3 Nts in superior or higher hotels in rooms with private en suite facilities.
- Domestic Tour Flights: (Bangkok to Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son, Mae Hong Son to Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai to Bangkok)
- Meals: Breakfast daily, 3 lunches and 4 dinners (Including tour welcome and farewell dinners)
- Tour Transportation: By private touring van throughout the tour in Thailand including airport transfers.
- Entrance Fees and Sightseeing: Entrance fees to all sites and places of interest mentioned in the itinerary.
- Tour Escort/Local Guide: A Canadian escort from Travel Broker Tours will travel with the group and a local English-speaking guide for local tours in Thailand.
- Taxes: Local taxes on all included ground transportation, hotel accommodation and included meals per itinerary.
- Baggage Handling: Total of one bag each passenger throughout tour including gratuities.
- Final Documentation: Final itinerary and general information.
Tour Exclusions:
- International Flights to Bangkok, Thailand and return from Bangkok, Thailand.
- Phuket Extension (Contact Jeff Pychel for more details).
- Personal Insurances (medical, baggage, cancellation, etc.), immunizations and visas.
- Handling of carry-on bags or any bags above the allotment specified in tour inclusions.
- Alcoholic beverages and all beverages (except for beverages included in daily breakfasts).
- Laundry & personal hotel charges.
- All gratuities, items of personal nature and souvenirs.
- All optional excursions or deviations from the itinerary.
Phuket Extension Inclusions:
- Accomodation: Stay in Phuket 5 Nts in a beachfront superior hotel in rooms with private en suite facilities.
- Domestic Tour Flights: (Chiang Mai to Phuket, Phuket to Bangkok).
- Meals: Breakfast daily
- Airport Transfers: By private touring van from hotels to city airports.
- Tour Escort: A Canadian escort from Travel Broker Tours will travel with the group.
- Taxes: Local taxes on all included ground transportation, hotel accommodation and included meals per itinerary.
- Baggage Handling: Total of one bag each passenger throughout tour including gratuities.
- Final Documentation: Final itinerary and general information.
Phuket Extension Exclusions:
- Personal Insurances (medical, baggage, cancellation, etc.), immunizations and visas
- Handling of carry-on bags or any bags above the allotment specified in tour inclusions.
- Alcoholic beverages and all beverages (except for beverages included in daily breakfasts)
- Laundry & personal hotel charges
- All gratuities, items of personal nature and souvenirs
- All optional excursions or deviations from the itinerary
Deposits and Final Payments:
- Deposits: At time of booking of $750.00 (CAD) per person + $650.00 CAD (Cost of domestic flights that are non-refundable and must be booked early to secure space) + insurance premium if applicable (See details below).
- Final Payment: Invoices will be issued Auguest 5, 2011; final payment
by Auguest 12, 2011. Payments may be made by Visa, Mastercard, AMEX and by personal cheque (less $100.00 CAD discount).
Cancellation Charges:
- Once a deposit has been paid the following scale of cancellation charges will apply: (Note that insurance premiums once paid are non-refundable).
- Until August 12, 2011: Deposits paid
- From August 13 to September 12, 2011: 50% of final invoice
- From September 13 to October 12, 2011: 75% of final invoice
- October 12, 2011 or later: 100% of final invoice
For more information or to register for this tour please contact Jeff Pychel at The Travel Broker and Cruise Centre
Travel Broker Tours
A division of The Travel Broker & Cruise Centre
1758 Bath Road Kingston, ON Canada
Telephone: 613-389-7914 or 1-800-387-7678
Email: jpychel@thetravelbroker.ca
Web: www.thetravelbroker.ca
