Travel Notices

The Friendly Planet Newsletter

Published May 17, 2023
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Last month our Marketing Manager Amanda set out on one of our signature Small Group Tours to experience Thailand's culture, cuisine, and history first-hand! If you're looking for a great introduction to the magic of this Southeast Asian country, she highly recommends A Taste of Thailand tour—it packs so much into a short amount of time! Here are some of her favorite experiences and snapshots from the trip.
 
Royal Grandeur
 
Royal grandeur
 
One of the top things to see in Bangkok is The Grand Palace. Within its grounds, you can visit the popular Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho (the oldest temple in Bangkok), and the remarkable Reclining Buddha. I love how intricate the temple details are.
 
 
tbd
 
Bustling Bangkok
 
From the moment you first arrive in Thailand, Bangkok is an adventure for your senses. Full of people, markets, high rises, historic sites, and exciting things to do, this city has something for everyone. Having cocktails at Rembrandt Hotel's rooftop bar at sunset was the perfect way to unwind after an exciting day of guided touring.
 
 
tbd
 
Friendly people
 
They don't call it the Land of Smiles for nothing! From the infectious positivity of our national guide, Lek, to the locals we met along the way–everyone in Thailand exuded, "The glass is half full." I ran into a young girl taking photos in traditional clothing with her family, and she graciously let me take her picture, too. This photo might be my favorite from the trip!
 
 
Food
 
So... much... food
 
If you told me you went to Thailand for the food alone, I'd believe you! From diverse menus at sit-down meals to the seemingly never-ending street food available everywhere you go, the flavors of this country are mind-blowing. In this snapshot, we're having local food at a restaurant that overlooks the historic bridge over the River Kwai. Lek helped us by ordering various dishes for us to try.
 
 
Ancient history
 
Ancient history
 
After some time in the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, we traded the city for Ayutthaya's verdant countryside and some of the most incredible temples I've ever seen. Even in their ruined state, these ancient temples were beautiful and intricate against the bright blue sky.
 
 
A glimpse at local life
 
A glimpse at local life
 
Something that made me smile was watching the monks and novices go about their daily life. Here we were lucky to see a ceremony where these two men received blessings and acceptance into the monkhood and were outfitting themselves with their iconic orange robes for the first time!
 
 
A Taste of Thailand
 
 
The humming capital of Bangkok, historic Kanchanaburi & the River Kwai, plus ancient Ayutthaya; optional extensions to Angkor Wat & Phuket
 
FROM
 
FROM
 
$2349
  
$1549
  
10
W/ FLIGHTS
TOUR ONLY
DAYS
per person, double occupancy*
 
SEE THIS PACKAGE
 
 
Best of Thailand
 
 
Bustling Bangkok, historic Kanchanaburi & ancient Ayutthaya, then explore the wild north in Chiang Rai & the Buddhist temples of Chiang Mai; optional extensions to Angkor Wat & Phuket
 
FROM
 
FROM
 
$3649
  
$2849
  
12
W/ FLIGHTS
TOUR ONLY
DAYS
per person, double occupancy*
 
SEE THIS PACKAGE
 
 
 
Submit your travel questions
 
Have questions about visiting Thailand or any of the destinations we visit? Drop us a line at [email protected], and our experts can weigh in on what you want to know more about!
 
 
* Advertised prices may include an "Instant Savings" discount and/or sale discount, available for a limited time. Prices reflect these discounts. Advertised prices are per person, based on double occupancy; single occupancy rooms may be available for an additional charge. Advertised prices are the best available based on the least expensive travel dates, departure city, and other options, and do not include optional excursions or other optional items. Your total price will vary based upon the dates, flights, and other options you select during the booking process. For packages including flights, prices include Airline Taxes, Fees & Sept. 11th Security Fee, but do not include excess baggage fees or advance seat reservations. Prices and availability subject to change. More about our prices.

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Alternately, you can choose to receive a future travel credit for all payments made, excluding the cost of any issued flight tickets; or you can choose to receive a refund for that same amount, minus the deposit, per person future travel credit.

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