Three-Week Immersive Tour of Thailand for Seniors

Senior couple enjoying a tropical beach at sunset surrounded by palm trees and rocky shoreline in Thailand.

What to expect on this itinerary

Thailand’s dramatic heritage and enchanting cultural landmarks are wonderfully explored on this handcrafted tour to the country’s most beloved destinations. Over the course of three captivating weeks, you will discover the magic behind Thailand’s renowned cuisine and capture images of remarkable temples. Furthermore, you will share marvelous moments on the pristine, white-sand shores, which draw millions of travelers to the country every year. What makes this tour entirely unique is that we have tailored each experience to take you away from the beaten path and into locations less traveled. Enjoy secluded luxury on this riveting tour of Thai authenticity.

Countries Visited

Thailand

Places Visited

Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, Koh Samui, Phuket, Similan Islands

Suggested Duration

21 Days

Customizable Itinerary

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Day 1 - 4

Chiang Mai – Wonderful Wilderness of Northern Thailand

The breathtaking Northern capital of Thailand, Chiang Mai, boasts a collection of exquisite resorts that are set amid magnificent mountain ranges and cascading green landscapes. You will witness these marvelous sights as you approach Chiang Mai International Airport. Shortly after you have arrived, your private transfer will whisk you away towards your premier accommodation in the heart of the city. A 5-star private suite with panoramic views of the unspoiled wilderness will welcome you to Thailand. Check-in and unwind as you revel in the world-class amenities and award-winning restaurant before soaking up the sunset splendor as you sip on divine cocktails and encounter magical vistas on your first evening in the Land of Smiles.

The following day of your adventure will reveal the concealed beauty of Chiang Mai’s hideaway destinations. You can escape the tourist rush of the city’s main cultural attractions and transfer to awe-inspiring locations that are off the beaten path. A guided tour of a local artist village will highlight intricate Thai designs and masterful pieces of work. You can stroll through the traditional streets and catch wafts of authentic cuisine as it is being prepared before visiting exhibitions by coveted artists to capture unique images of the charming architectural sites. Your tour will culminate at a beloved temple, or Wat, for an immersive experience of Thai spirituality. Immaculate Buddha statues are dotted around the temple complex, and a pristine green garden encompasses the grounds. In the evening, you will witness iconic views from the top of Doi Suthep Mountain, and you will climb the mountain from the comfort of a cable car, where you will be welcomed by a 360-degree vista of Northern Thailand. You can capture these idyllic moments and explore the famous Wat Phra That temple that sits atop the mountain.

Today, you will discover the marvelous creatures that call Chiang Mai home on your final full day in the city. You will set off for an enchanting morning among the luscious forest, where you will tuck into delightful gourmet delicacies amid the evergreen foliage that encircles the classy establishment. The sumptuous setting will be a breath of fresh air and will mark the beginning of your alluring expedition. You will encounter mighty elephants at an ethical sanctuary that is surrounded by the unspoiled environment. The exemplary staff will share insightful information about the animals and their efforts to protect the environment, and you will enjoy the opportunity to connect with these creatures and care for them amidst a postcard-like backdrop. You will conclude your adventurous day with a night safari at Chiang Mai’s leading wildlife attraction. On board an open-sided tram, you will experience up-close encounters with majestic mammals and beautiful birds. This will bring your stay in Chiang Mai to a dazzling close.

What's Included:

Transfer
Accommodation
Activity
Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Day 5 - 6

Chiang Rai – Discover Native Living in the North

Day 7 - 10

Bangkok – Explore the Heart of Thailand

Day 11 - 12

Kanchanaburi – Peaceful Serenity on the River Kwai

Day 13 - 16

Koh Samui – A Piece of Secluded Paradise

Day 17 - 21

Phuket – Witness the Islands like Never Before

Trip Highlights

  • Discover the ornate beauty of Wat Phra That, which is the famous, gold-adorned temple that sits atop the striking Doi Suthep Mountain
  • Encounter marvelous wildlife creatures at an ethical elephant sanctuary and night safari experience in Chiang Mai
  • Familiarize yourself with Thai traditions amidst local ethnic hill tribes in Chiang Rai and Kanchanaburi
  • Witness Bangkok’s famous, grand temples and visit premier art houses that are sprawled across the city
  • Learn more about Thailand’s dramatic heritage as you visit pinnacle war museums in Kanchanaburi
  • Luxuriate at hideaway beaches on Koh Samui for secluded relaxation and bask in an authentic Thai spa treatment
  • Uncover the magic of Thai cuisine at a prestigious culinary school where you will learn to prepare authentic and beloved dishes
  • Soar above Phuket in a VIP helicopter for unique vistas of the region
  • Journey to the Similan Islands for an impressive display of Thailand’s tropical beach paradises.

Detailed Description

We have handpicked a collection of Thailand’s most captivating cultural destinations for you to enjoy on an immersive three weeks in the country. Your journey will begin in the Northern capital of Chiang Mai. The mountains tower up from the Earth, and green hills roll off into the distance at this idyllic location. You will be swept away by the wondrous wildlife and the visits to renowned cultural sites that are sprawled across the picturesque landscape. Your tour of traditional Thailand will continue in Chiang Rai, where you will enjoy a slice of secluded paradise amidst the immaculate rural landscape of a destination less traveled. Here, you will encounter an ethnic hill for an authentic taste of traditional living before you venture to Bangkok.

Bangkok is an opulent hub of Thailand that boasts world-class resorts. You will enjoy lavish experiences amid the splendor of Bangkok’s finest experiences. You will tuck into gourmet, award-winning cuisine and witness the golden temples around the city. Furthermore, you will immerse yourselves in the cultural heart of Thailand as you transfer to the ancient city of Ayutthaya, where you will learn more about the country’s dramatic history before capturing images of the unspoiled environment. Your journey in the serene wilderness will continue to Kanchanaburi, where you will spend a few nights in an intimate, private suite that floats above the River Kwai. Here, you will encounter a traditional Mon tribe and connect with the fascinating locals. Before departing for Thailand’s tropical islands, you will visit the famous museums of Kanchanaburi and uncover iconic heritage stories and relics of the old-world.

You can unwind in complete style on Thailand’s premier island paradise of Koh Samui. This exceptionally lavish destination will provide a comfortable few days of stunning relaxation. You may find yourselves worlds away at secluded palm tree-lined beaches that lead into crystal clear waters or snorkeling along marvelous coral reefs and capturing images of the majestic sea creatures in their element. You will conclude your stay with an invigorating Thai massage at a first-class wellness spa. Lastly, you will transfer to Phuket, which is an island of rich tropical beauty that is teeming with cultural highlights. Your stay will share remarkable vistas of the white-sand coast and impressive displays of magnificent architecture and temples. Furthermore, you will witness the surroundings through the comfort of a VIP helicopter as you traverse the Andaman Sea to the pristine shores of the Similan Islands. This will bring your enchanting tour of Thailand to an incredibly satisfying close.

Learn more about the Thailand travel agents you could be working with, whom we have personally vetted to be one of the best in the industry.

Starting Price

$7,600 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

4.8

Verified Traveler Reviews

Based on 406 reviews

Travel Review: Luxury Asia Vacation, Thailand, Japan. Myanmar, Tokyo, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Koh Samuri, Elephant Experience

My wife and I just returned from a 2 week trip that included a few days in each of the following locations: Tokyo, Bangkok, Chiang Rai/GoldenTriangle, and Koh Samui. Our agent at this Asia travel company quickly understood the type of trip we wanted to plan and presented a competitively priced itinerary, which included great hotels, private guides, transportation, and activities. 

Your overall comments on Zicasso

We were pleased with both travel companies that responded to our request submitted via Zicasso. Both responded quickly and thoroughly.

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Thailand Travel Review: Luxury Family Trip, Chao Phraya River, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Food Tour, Temples, Floating Market

Overall, it was a great vacation and we all enjoyed it very much. Thailand is a beautiful country with very friendly people, a deep and rich culture and awesome food!

When we set out to book our family vacation to Thailand, at first we were overwhelmed by the choices and the planning. Which cities to visit ? What are the tours ? Where do we stay ? Flight travel etc. Luckily, I came across Zicasso – a new way to book travel – that connects you with a travel advisor who has local knowledge of the place you want to go. This is how I got referred to our tour planner and travel team.

The travel team really helped us experience Thailand with local guides who know the place well.

First of all, our tour planner is awesome – she and the travel team helped us plan our trip – everything from airline, to hotels to the day by day itinerary and travel insurance. Even before we left on the trip, we felt both prepared and excited by the program. The app is amazing – it feels great to have your complete itinerary including local tips around guides, phone numbers, flight details all available in the app when you need it. Our agent gave us many good choices for local tours and helped us pick the itinerary that best suited our family.

Flights – The tour planner connected us with an airline which did a great job with our flights. We flew from Vancouver and within Thailand. The flights were great, good service and generally on time.

Hotels – the hotel in Bangkok was great. We got rooms on a high floor overlooking the Chao Praya river – amazing views! The best part was seeing the fireworks display on the Chao Praya river for the New Year. The hotel was packed since it is high season for tourists and yet we got good service overall. In Chiang Mai, we stayed at a hotel. It is a quaint, homely place to stay and within walking distance to local markets. A couple downsides – lots of mosquitoes in Chiang Mai – the hotel does a mosquito spray in the evening sometimes and we had to be out of our rooms for an hour in the evening for that. The Wi-Fi also was not great. They serve a great buffet breakfast in the morning.

Local guides – Chatcha in Bangkok and Oil in Chiang Mai – were awesome! They were very flexible with our family needs, knew the local conditions well and really helped us get the most out of each day in Thailand. Having a guide and vehicle exclusively for our family needs each day was amazing! The pickup and drop-offs at the airports were great and both our guides helped us all the way from check in to the point of entry into security. Both guides had extensive knowledge of the history of Thailand and the local tours and this helped us understand things better. Finally, the guides helped us experience the amazing Thai food – including in local places and street food. We felt safe wherever we ate and always had bottled water available for our needs.

Tours – the original tours planned had more temples in the program. After a couple, we decided to improvise and change things up which our local guides helped with a lot. We added an Elephant camp tour at the last minute – this turned out to be the highlight of the entire trip for our kids (and us!). I did not know that Elephants can paint and seeing the Elephants paint some great pictures is an experience we will never forget! For the temples, there is a dress code – our guides helped us buy elephant pants where needed so we could go in. The Doi Suthep temple in Chiang Mai is a must see – you need to climb 300+ steps to get to the top – stunning temple and great views of Chiang Mai city. We loved the boat rides – the long tail boat ride in Thonburi and near the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market were super fun! Lots of history – if you like that, the Ayutthaya day trip is worth it. The Jim Thompson house in Bangkok is a short tour but very interesting and well worth it.

Food - always lots of food choices – a noodle dish restaurant in Chiang Mai is soooo good! Loved the foodie tour with street food in Thonburi, the floating market and Chatuchak market. Tom Kah soup, Mangoes, Coconut pancakes and of course Phad Thai, Fried rice, sticky rice – if you love great food, Thailand is like heaven!

Shopping – lots of great shopping opportunities and we bought many interesting things for the house. Its good to have local currency for small purchases. We loved the shopping at Chatuchak market, floating market and the malls – MBK and Siam Paragon.

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Travel Review: Luxury Thailand & Cambodia Vacation Package, Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Siem Reap, Angkor Wat,...

Simply the best travel experience I have ever had! When preparing for my SE Asia venture, I spent a significant amount of time researching each of the destinations I was visiting prior to booking my trip. I knew exactly where I wanted to stay, places I wanted to visit, and activities which I wanted to partake in. I think this was probably the best thing that I could have done in order to maximize my trip, and still allow for plenty of down time. Zicasso and this Southeast Asia tour operator were both amazing to work with, were able to take each of my "wants" and create a beautiful, adventure packed, yet still relaxing and self discovering month long voyage. Each of the individuals whom I worked with (from the planning phase through the execution phase) were exceptional. I was always pleased by the warm & welcoming tour guides, comfortable means of transportation, and fabulous boutique hotels. I am incredibly pleased with the overall work, and service which went into creating such an amazing experience. My only constructive comment, is that I was disappointed in the quality of included lunches while visiting in Bangkok specifically. I chose to embark on a bespoke, solo tour because I am a traveler who enjoys truly experiencing each culture/country I visit, and wish to avoid westernized/tourist laden restaurants. Each of the restaurants which I went to were buffet style, westernized versions of local fare. Personally I would have preferred to go to a local restaurant and given the opportunity to order the meal of my choice (even if for extra $), just as I did when visiting included restaurants in Chiang Mai and Siem Reap. Additionally, there was one more item of constructive feedback: Having greater than 1 week to enjoy Phuket, we built my itinerary to spend the first half of my time in Patong (to have fun) & the second half in Kata (to relax). When leaving my hotel in Patong, I had to wait several hours (past the agreed uoon time on the itinerary) for transportation (sitting in the hotel lobby, as I had already checked out) to bring me to Kata Beach. The manager from the local travel company in Phuket whom was providing my transportation & services while on island was very kind and came to speak with me at my hotel in Kata that evening. However, I was disappointed that he literally just came to "meet" me. He did not offer any type of good will (ie: fruit basket, dinner voucher, discount for activities, etc). With the lunches in Bangkok aside, and the transportation mix-up/inconvenience, I was 200% satisfied with my experience!

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Luxury Thailand Honeymoon Review, Chiang Mai, Elephants, Mu Ko Ang Thon Marine Park, Bangkok Midnight Food Tour, Temples & Ruins
The trip planner and this tour company were absolutely fantastic. We spent 3 days in Bangkok, 3 days in Chang Mai, and 5 days in Koh Samui (it was rainy season, so we avoided the West coast). It was a dream Honeymoon and we couldn't have asked for a better time.We had a guide pick us up from the hotel every morning to take us on excursions.This took all the stress out of our travels.  In Bangkok we saw Temples and learned about the history of the region as well as saw the ruins in Ayutthaya. We also did a midnight food tour. In Chang Mai we got to give elephants a mud bath and then play with them in the river. We also did an amazing hike to see waterfalls and the forest. And in Koh Samui we did a day trip to the Ang Thon Marine Park and a Chinese Junk sunset tour. Everything was amazing. 

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Travel Review: Cambodia & Thailand, Bangkok, Siem Reap, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Biking, Temples, Villages

Below is a brief summary of our 2018-2019 family trip to Thailand and Cambodia.  Each year on Christmas we pick a new place to explore and spend time together.  As the kids get older and we see them less often, Trish and I really look forward to sharing these quality experiences with them.  

Christmas is high season for SE Asia and so we knew there would be crowds.  We are a very active family and prefer that most of our activities include getting out and moving, exploring and adventuring.  We prefer to have a private adventure with a knowledgeable guide, rather than a group tour where there is a need to cater to the least active of the group.  With that caveat, here is the report:

Day 1 – Arrival into Bangkok

 

The lines at Immigration in Thailand can take over an hour to get processed, we paid for a Fast Track service which was well worth it.  After 24 hours of travel, the last thing you want to do is wait in an extended queue.  A guide with our name placard met us as we got off the plane and led us directly to the immigration officer with no wait, and then immediately to the baggage claim.  VIP service indeed. 

We arrived late in the afternoon and went directly to the hotel where we had Two Bedroom Suite and a Grand Deluxe Room for the six of us.  Highly recommend the hotel.  Great service, city views, comfortable beds, and an amazing breakfast buffet.

Day 2 –Bangkok Biking

 

Most of us woke really early (the effects of jetlag) and I went for a 5:30 AM run in Lumphini Park.  I was shocked to see hundreds of joggers out getting their morning exercise, running circles around a 1.5 km loop surrounding the park.  It was impressive.

 

At 8:30 AM we were taken from the hotel to our private tour of the city and countryside on bicycles.  Our guide, Aon, spent a few minutes getting to know us, and we were off.  The traffic on the streets of Bangkok is madness.  Motorcycles, tuk-tuks, autos, buses, and pedestrians all vying for a finite amount of tarmac.  Add seven bicycles to the mix and the scene is comical with the weaving and bobbing of bodies and machines.  Miraculously, we survived thanks in large part to Aon’s deft guidance.

 

First stop was the Farmer’s Market.  The hustle and bustle of commerce were fun to see.  Every type of fresh produce was available, as was live, dying, or butchered livestock and fishes.  Not a place for the animal lovers and the smell was a bit horrific as the day’s juices covered the concrete streets.

Leaving the market, we boarded longtail boats with our bikes, crossed the Chao Prava river, and biked country trails which were elevated above the jungle floor.  We had a good Thai meal at a local restaurant, returned to the boats and biked back.

 

Highly recommend this tour company.  Ohn was delightful, knowledgeable, and a charismatic hostess- She got the most family votes for the best guide of the trip.

 

We stayed at the hotel the second night.

 

Day 3 – Travel to Chiang Mai

We were picked up for our short flight to Chiang Mai, which is an hour flight north on Bangkok.  Upon arrival, we were met by our guide for the day, Nancy.  The itinerary was seeing the Thai temples of Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Pra Sing, and Wat Prathat Doi Suthep.  Lots of ornate buildings, old architecture, tons of Buddhas, history, and symbolism.  At every stop, there were street food stalls and local merchants catering to the crowds.  We found the coveted “elephant pants” for Bridget and Camdyn and a pretty neat high-end jade store where Trish picked out a belated birthday necklace.

 

By the end of the day, we had seen our fair share of Thai temples and were dropped off at a beautiful resort for the night.  The resort was cottage style with cabana rooms that were nestled next to pools that weaved throughout the resort.  The service here was also excellent- less refined than the last hotel but more genuine.  Most of the breakfasts and dinners during our stay in Chaing Mai were here, as the hotel was a bit remote from downtown.

 

Day 4 – Elephants!

 

The next day we were picked up and taken to the Elephant Sanctuary.  We spent the morning feeding them sugar cane, bananas, and protein balls for dessert.   We learned about their lifestyles and behaviors and Gavin, Tegan and Camdyn ended the afternoon joining them in the mud for a good scrub down.  The ability to interact directly with the animals in their natural habitat was a real treat.  They truly are amazing creatures – big and beautiful.  One of them was pregnant and we could see the baby move like some wild alien in her belly.

We returned to the hotel, where everyone got a massage- except for me.  I went for a run.

That night, Tegan, Bridget and I went to the Sunday Night Street Market. Absolute mayhem, which was part of the fun.  Part food market, part street fair, part circus, all in an open air and festive environment, the play was humming!  There were times when it was hard to push through the crowds as space was defined by all of the merchant stalls that lined the streets.  We ate, shopped and people watched.  It was a fun evening.

Day 5 – Ah, Nature? 

Nancy was once again our host for the day and she and her driver picked us up for what I thought would be a great hike up some mountain where we could stretch our legs and enjoy some wild.  After all, it was described as “one of the most fertile troves of natural treasure in Chiang Mai, DoiIntanon National Park. The invigorating mountain air, the fresh, cool climate, makes it a rejuvenating break from the city.”  We did get to Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s tallest peak at 2,565 meters, but it was slow-go as it was December 31and half of Chaing Mai had the same idea.  Once at the top, the destination was a street food market and a couple of .5 km loops through the forest.  And it was swarming with bodies.  We actually couldn’t get off the hill fast enough.

 

We stopped briefly at the Twin Chedi - built by the Thai Airforce to honor King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit, and at the summit - the shrine of Chao Inthawitchayanon, the former prince of Chiang Mai.

 

On the way back, we stopped at the impressive Wachiratharn Waterfall which was probably the best part of the day, as we were left to explore it on our own and we were able to climb to the top where the crowds preferred to remain below.

 

We’d skip this day again.  Even without the crowds, the trip didn’t warrant the time.

 

Back to the resort.

 

Day 6 – Travel to Phuket

After a private shuttle and a quick two-hour flight south, we landed in Phuket.  Phuket is an island province of Thailand known for its beautiful beaches and iconic pinnacle rock islands off its coast.  We had Googled pictures of the resort online and were excited to be right on the beach in a resort with many pools and water slides for Camdyn- The Centara Grand Resort. Upon arriving, however, we were dropped off at the Centara Karon Resort- a third rate sister facility which was a 5-10 minute walk to the beach and which overlooked a crowded and unkempt street.  Rooms were extremely dated, plumbing questionable, service and attitudes were poor.  It was such a contrast to what we had experienced in the first two locations that I thought that it must be a mistake.  There were two "Centara" hotels close to each other.  The issue turned out to be the word GRAND in our itinerary, which despite also having the word Karon in it, would show up as the nice beachfront property when we Googled it when previewing the itinerary.  The "Karon" had no Grand it it’s name and we now know why.

I placed a call to our trip planner at the travel company to try and remedy it.  To his credit, he found a place an hour north, but that would cost us another $3,200.  We were told that it was a four-bedroom house on the beach.  We booked it- not willing to spend more than the single night at the “Karon”. 

Day 7 – More Phuket

 

We arrived the next morning to the four-bedroom house with its own pool as part of the resort.  It wasn’t “on the beach” as there was another house between it and the sand, but it wasn’t far and the facilities were so much better.

The beaches in Phuket are gorgeous- clear water, blond sand, and almost empty, but the waves (at least in the two places where we stayed) are small or non-existent and any swimming exposed you to painful (but not debilitating) jellyfish stings.  So unless your idea of fun is laying on the beach, there wasn’t a lot to do.

Day 8 – Island Exploring, Kayaking, Swimming- Phuket area

We were excited to explore the islands today as the trip thus far was at a slower pace than we are used to.  We were to “explore, kayak and swim in the area of Phga Nga Bay and James Bond Island”.   

We were dropped off at the boat harbor to join the canoeing company for our tour.  After waiting for everyone to arrive (how many people are on this trip!?!), we were divided into four groups of around 40-50 and herded onto four boats.  Honestly, sardines have more room than we did on the boat.  Fortunately, there was no smoking allowed while on the boat, so all of the chain smokers who previously puffed away while waiting to board didn’t expose us to their toxins while on the water.

“Explore” consisted of landing on a small island, walking it and viewing a unique looking rock that shoots from the sea like a construction piling and is famous for being featured in the 1974 Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun.  The problem was that there were at least 300-400 others doing the same thing, reminiscent of Disneyland on Independence Day weekend.  What a cluster!

“Kayak” consisted of getting into a two-man inflatable and having a “guide” paddle you through a cave- lasting around 10 minutes.  If there were a hundred strokes during the trip, I’d be surprised.  Oh, the adventure!

Finally, the “Swim” was at an island overrun with food and “activity” vendors where you had to remain in an area cordoned off with buoys to avoid all of the boat traffic, jet skis, and “other dangers”.  It wasn’t much larger than the local public pool.

Each island stop required 15-30 minutes of sardine boating.  Mercifully, we were done early afternoon and could get back to our room to create our own adventures.

This is a MUST MISS tour.  

 

Day 9 – More Phuket

 

Free day.  We made the most of it spending the morning reading, walking the beach along the far tarmac of the airport to see the planes take off and land up close, and watching for the storm remnants of Cyclone Pabuk (which never arrived).  At the end of the day, Camdyn and I made use of the slide park at the resort and had the place to ourselves.  I guess no one likes sliding in the rain??

Honestly, any return trip to Thailand would not include a stop in Phuket.  Super touristy, overpriced, and a mecca for the uninspired sand kickers and urban whales.

Day 10 –Siem Reap

 

We flew to Siem Reap the next morning and got a shuttle to our hotel.  While the Thailand traffic was crazy, the Cambodia traffic was chaos.  It was amazing that we never saw a collision between the tens of thousands of vehicles and pedestrian traffic during our stay.  Tuk-tuks and mopeds and motorcycles were the preferred mode of travel.  We heard that the tax on vehicles was 120% of the sale price, which meant only the really wealthy could afford to drive a car.

We settled into the hotel, which was very nice for the area.  The service was excellent and the staff hooked us up with dinner reservations and transportation.  In the evening we visited the famous Circus Show, which was a mix between a musical, comedy, and acrobatics, with fantastic feats of strength and flexibility- all under a tent.  Old school carnival style.  Highly recommend.

Day 11 –Siem Reap Temples

The next day we toured the “big three” temples of Cambodia.  Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Ta Phrom.  These were reminiscent of South American temples of the Aztecs.  They were built in the 12th and 13th centuries by the kings of the day as a capital city (Angkor Thom), a monastery, university, and a temple of worship.  Volcanic and limestone rock was hauled by boat, man, and elephant from 70 kms away to build the stunning architecture that has survived the centuries.

This area has a rich history so a knowledgeable guide who is able to speak English well will make the day really enjoyable.  Fortunately for us, our guide Tola was every bit the knowledgeable and articulate host.  

Day 12 –Siem Reap- Jeeps, Bicycles and a Boat

Our guide Chili picked us up the next morning in a couple of 1960s Jeeps, which were the spoils of the Vietnam War.  Spartan and seasoned, they were every bit the “General Purpose”  vehicles you’d expect to see in the jungle of Cambodia.  We drove about an hour on very dusty roads to a small village where we jumped on single-speed cruiser bikes and rode to the local market.  The market was an open-air version of capitalist commerce.  Each stall specialized in a specific sector- produce and meats (by far the largest), electronics, house and garden, toys, clothing, hardware, etc.  The place had it all.

After the bike ride, we continued by Jeep to a village on the bank of Tonle Sap Lake where we climbed the stairs of a home on stilts, 30 feet in the air, and had the best local meal of our whole trip. 

Once lunch was finished, we boarded a local fishing boat and toured the floating village of Kompong Khleang. The Vietnamese Village homes of Kompong Khleang are built on objects that keep them afloat on Tonle Sap. The village moves along the river and sometimes up to the lake depending on the season. There was a floating school, a hospital, local shops, and even a hairdresser.

We finished with an open-air jeep ride back to the hotel where we all looked three shades darker with the layer of red dirt caked to every part of exposed skin.  Quick showers and the rest of the afternoon and evening was spent relaxing poolside. And I went for a city “trail” run.

Day 13 – Back to Bangkok

The next morning was a short return flight to Bangkok for our final day.  We were met by our guide Willow who took us to lunch and then boarded a private long tail boat for a tour of the canals of the Chao Prava River.  The tour gave us a glimpse of the underbelly of Thailand- away from the tourism and commerce.  The different angles of life exposed via the backyards of the neighborhoods was a cool perspective. 

That evening we went to Chinatown, which is famous for its variety of food in an open-market environment.  While it had received high ratings, we were mostly disappointed, although Trish and Gavin were able to find some good ramen.

 

Day 14 – Departure

We flew out the next morning to San Francisco via Taipei for the 20-hour trip back home.

 

Of note:

 

The people of Thailand and Cambodia are amazing.  Kind, friendly and accommodating.  They were the best part of the trip.There doesn’t appear to be a culture of outdoor activity and exploration, so the trails are utilitarian and not paths to scenic destinationsDo your homework on accommodations.  It will make a huge difference to your stay.We preferred our time in Cambodia over that in ThailandLearn to squat.  Most public bathrooms are open hole.Our trip planner at the travel company was very responsive and accommodating during our trip

 

Final Thoughts:

 

With our trips, so much of what we get out of them is our family time together- regardless of the specific sights or activities.  We can make a great adventure out of a deluge in the middle of an ocean (done that).  We are privileged to have four amazing kids who get along great, regardless of the circumstances.  Sure, there are times when we each need some space, but those times are solved with a book, a walk, or a run.  We’ll chalk this trip up as another success.  Not necessarily as one that amazed us with specific adventures, but one that nourished us with the richness of being together, for two weeks, meeting great people in new lands. 

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Review: Southeast Asia Tour, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Koh Samui, Halong Bay Cruise, Mekong River

Excellent tour package and itinerary for a month long Southeast Asia trip visiting Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand.

Our travel agent did a super job to ensure that we had an amazing travel adventure.

Transportation arrangements for pick-up and tours were efficient and well organized.  

Drivers were courteous and safe and vehicles were well maintained.

With the exception of one, all tour guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and beyond helpful.  

Special commendations to the following:  Our guides in Siem Reap, Cambodia, Saigon, Hoi An, Hanoi, Bangkok and in Chiang Mai.

Restaurants for lunch and food selections were exceptional.

Our vacation ended with a blissful few days of R&R at the resort on Koh Samui.

Overall experience .....5 Stars, Excellent!  Highly Recommended!

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