Thailand Temples and Beaches

Handcrafted Travel
Daily Departure

Overview

Day 1 - 3: Bangkok
  • Arrive in Bangkok. Join a city tour to see Bangkok’s most important landmarks.
  • Cruise to DamnoenSaduak Floating Market on a longtail boat. Discover the historic sites in Ayutthaya.
Day 4 - 7: Krabi - Koh Phi Phi

Transfer to Krabi. Spend the time at your leisure.

Explore the scenery of Koh Phi Phi on a day trip.

Day 8 - 12: Koh Samui - Bangkok - Departure
  • Fly to Koh Samui. Relax on the beautiful beaches.
  • Day tour at Ang Thong Marine Park: snorkel, hike to viewpoints to see all 42 islands, cruise around the park.
  • Depart Koh Samui for Bangkok and transfer for your flight back home.

Customizable itinerary

From Thailands’ temples to its beaches, this tour will make sure you cover every interesting destination in the country. Navigate Bangkok – the most charming city in Thailand and see the glorious Grand Palace, continue on marvellous Buddhist temples and enhance the day with tasty Thai food. Embark on a cruise to the DamnoenSaduak Floating Market and discover ancient temples in Ayutthaya. Relax on the breathtaking sandy beaches of Krabi and Koh Samui, and join in various activities, from swimming, snorkelling to day-tour to neighbouring islands in Ang Thong Marine Park.

Upon arrival in Bangkok, you will be met in the arrivals area by your local guide holding a name-board. After a warm welcome and brief introduction, take a private airport transfer to your hotel for assistance with check-in. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure.

Overnight in Bangkok



Morning
After breakfast, meet your tour guide at the hotel lobby and start the tour to the Grand Palace, one of the most magnificent palaces in the world and the Temple of Emerald Buddha, built in 1782 by King Rama I, as the royal residence and the seat of the government. The palace added on many royal buildings by later kings until the complex now has many architectural styles from Thai to European. But they are still very much the original Thai style buildings and traditional structures. The Royal Palace compound is divided into four sections.

Next, we’ll visit the Temple of Reclining Buddha or Wat Pho (Wat Phra Chetuphon) (5 meters long and 1.5 meters wide), the home of the most beautiful and famous Reclining Buddha. The temple housed the 46-meter long Reclining Buddha image which is the second largest reclining Buddha in the country, (the largest reclining Buddha is 50 meters long at Wat Khun in Pramun, Angthong province). Wat Pho is the centre for the teaching and preservation of traditional Thai medicine and Thai massage.

Afternoon
After lunch at a local restaurant, you will continue to visit the City Pillar Shrine consisting of a square building with openings on all four sides. Inside the shrine, there is a small Buddha image that can predict whether one’s wish.

Continue on to Wat Suthat, better known for the towering red Giant Swing that stands at its entrance, which is one of the oldest and most impressive temples in Bangkok. It features an elegant chapel with a sweeping roof, magnificent wall murals and exquisite hand-carved teakwood door panels.

Before getting back to the hotel, you will visit Wat Traimit, the temple of the golden Buddha, made of 5.5 tones of solid gold, sculptured in Sukhothai style.

Overnight in Bangkok.
Meals: (Breakfast/lunch/_)



You’ll leave the hotel at 06:30 am for the floating market, enjoy the scenic drive through towns, small villages and paddy fields, prawn & salt farms and observe Thai people going about their daily business.

Arrive at a nearby pier to embark on a cruise to the DamnoenSaduak Floating Market by long-tail boat, a journey that takes you down picturesque canals lined with the traditional Thai culture.

You will then continue to Ayutthaya and discover historical sites in this ancient land. You’ll visit the WatPhananchoeng – built in A.D. 1325, which is the most reserved monastery by the inhabitants of Ayutthaya. You will also visit WatYaiChaimongkhon to see the large pagodas, built to celebrate the victory of his single-handed combat on the elephant’s back during Ayutthaya capital.

After lunch in a Riverside Restaurant, visit Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit. Phra Mongkhon Bophit, a large bronze cast Buddha image was originally enshrined in the open area outside the Grand Palace and later covered by a building in the reign of king Songtham. During the fall of Ayutthaya, the building was badly destroyed by fire. The one currently seen was reconstructed but does not have as beautiful craftmanship as the previous one. The open area east of the sanctuary was where the royal cremation ceremonies took place.

Your next visit will be to WatPhra Si Sanphet. This is the most important temple within the Royal Palace compound and the original from which the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok was copied. Three outstanding Ceylonese style pagodas were built during the 15th century to enshrine the ashes of three Ayutthaya kings.

At around 03:00 pm, you will leave from Ayutthaya, pass green paddy fields, villages, and temples then return to Bangkok. You may stop en-route for refreshments and shopping before heading back to your hotel.

Overnight in Bangkok
Meals: (Breakfast/lunch/_)



Meet at the hotel after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight to Krabi, the capital of southern Thailand’s Krabi Province. It is a resort town lies in an area of limestone karsts and mangrove forest.

On arrival, meet and transfer to the resort for the day at your leisure.

Overnight in Krabi
Meals: (Breakfast/_/_)



Enjoy the full day at your leisure.

Overnight in Krabi
Meals: (Breakfast/_/_)

08.00am: Pick up from the HOTEL.
09.00am: Depart from Nopparattara Pier.

Places & activities:

  • Bamboo Island swimming snorkeling and Relax on the beach.
  • Phi Phi Lay Viking Cave where they can get Pi Leh Bay, a beautiful lagoon, and Crystal pool.
  • Loh Sama Bay enjoy with colorful fish.
  • Maya Beach the location of the famous movies “The Beach” Phi Phi Don
  • Lunchtime at the restaurant, shopping and relax on the beach.
  • Monkey beach for more fun snorkeling Colorful coral

16.30pm: Transfer back to your hotel

What to bring? Suns lotion/Sunglass/Hat and towel/Camera with a Plastic bag or waterproof case/swimming suite.

Overnight in Krabi
Meals: (Breakfast/lunch/_)



Another free day to relax in Krabi.

Overnight at Krabi
Meals: (Breakfast/_/_)



Free time at your leisure until transfer to Krabi Airport for a short flight to Koh Samui, Thailand’s second-largest island, lies in the Gulf of Thailand off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus. It’s known for its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves, and dense, mountainous rainforest, plus luxury resorts and posh spas.

Arrival in Samui Airport, meet your private driver and transfer to hotel/ resort.

Overnight in Koh Samui
Meals: (Breakfast/_/_)



Enjoy the full day at your leisure.

Overnight in Koh Samui
Meals: (Breakfast/_/_)



Another relaxing day in Koh Samui. No planned activities.

Overnight in Koh Samui
Meals: (Breakfast/_/_)

08.00am: Pick up time from your residence.

Tours & activities:

  • Meeting point at our Koh Samui or Koh Phangan office.
  • Enjoy your continental breakfast (coffee, tea, cookies, fresh fruit).
  • Board the speed boat to Ang Thong Marine Park – about 45 minutes away, from Samui about 60 minutes away.
  • Snorkeling at the best spot at Koh Wao or Koh Tay Plaow.
  • Inner Emerald Lake – Talay Nai – short walk to the most incredible viewpoint to see all 42 Islands of Angthong National Marine Park – Thailand.
  • Sightseeing around Angthong Marine Park – Explore Monkey Island, cruise around Angthong National Marine Park.

12.30pm: Beach Front Buffet Lunch at one of the best beach at Koh Sam Sao Island Kayaking, viewpoint climb, relaxing or snorkeling.

“Say Bye-Bye to Angthong Marine Park”.

16.30pm: Transfer back to your residence.

What to bring? Sunscreen/Sunglass/Hat/Beach Towel/Waterproof bag/swimming suite

Overnight in Koh Samui
Meals: (Breakfast/Lunch/_)



Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then meet at the appointed time for your departure transfer to Koh Samui Airport for your flight back to Bangkok and connecting flight home. Checkout is at 12 noon.

Meals: (Breakfast/_/_)

Useful Information

This tour is built upon our firsthand knowledge & experience, offering you the best choices available. The price of this trip varies depending on the number of people in your party, dates of departure, and availability of ground services. Please click on REQUEST A FREE QUOTE (above) and supply the required information, enabling us to send you your personalized quote within 24 hours!

Note: Amendments CAN be made to this tour to suite your requirements.

What’s Included?

  • Accommodation with daily breakfast at selected hotels
  • Private Vehicles and Drivers
  • Private English Speaking Guides (Other languages if available, upon request)
  • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
  • Entrance fees for all mentioned sights visited
  • Service Charge & Government Taxes

What’s Not Included?

  • Your International Flights to and from Thailand
  • Thailand entry Visa Fees (contact us for further information)
  • Personal Expenses (such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc.)
  • Any bank fees or charges at your end
  • Meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary
  • Personal Travel Insurance
  • Tips for guides and drivers

Request this tour

Free service. No credit card required

Reviews on Our Service

We are committed to giving our customers unforgettable experiences in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and beyond, not just something staged for tourists. Read reviews written by our customers about their experiences in Indochina after they have returned home. These include the ratings and comments on attractions, guides, activities, hotels and food.

Excellent
4.9/5
5 97.66%
4 2.13%
3 0.21%
2 0%
1 0%

Vietnam Luxury Vacation Review: Sightseeing, Culture, 12-Day Travel

Asia Pioneer Travel was professional, provided prompt communication before and during our trip, and offered an itinerary custom to our wish list and timeline.

They helped us focus on highlights of areas which we would have spent considerable time researching and organizing without their help. Their attention to detail in information shared ahead of time, as well as step by step planning of transportation, meals, lodging, and sightseeing options offered a stress-free vacation- optimizing our time and energy on experiencing everything beautiful Vietnam has to offer!
The landscape, scenery, and customs of Vietnam are stunning and diverse. Each area we visited offered its own unique beauty. Absolutely amazing!!!
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Rachel Faust - USA
Mar 8, 2023
From: 5

Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Sightseeing, Rice Fields, Boat Rides, 18-Day Trip

We started searching for our tour for Vietnam / Cambodia back in October 2022 to start the tour in the first week of January 2023. We selected this travel agency, and contact name provided to us was Elly. She was extraordinary with her communication with us. Excellent English speaking language capability & excellent in communication on Whats app and email communication. We went back & forth few times to arrange the tour we wanted. She was very accommodating in arranging our schedule. We requested automobile tour for both countries, just for two of us.

We requested SUV FOR OUR COMFORT AND  WE GOT IT!
We requested to get the high end hotel in each city and she gave us choices and not only that but send videos of each hotel for each City and then waited for us to decide which hotel we select. All the Hotels turned out to be one of the best we would expect to be. M/s Elly, personally came to visit with us on the evening of our first day tour. Very respectful and asked if she could do anything for us.I had requested before in our communication, if she would arrange for power converter for us, since my camera chargers are all in 110. So brought two power converters for us! Something, not everyone will do this kind of service. So all the kiddos to her!

as to the drivers in each city were very courteous, very professional and very careful in how and where they have to do driving.

our Guides in each city were so friendly, courteous and knowledgeable in where ever we visited. How ever wish two guides in Hue An and Ho Chi Minh City spoke English more clearly.

We only wish we had one extra day in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, , however, there is so much to see in the world! Perhaps next time will visit Vietnam.

As to Cambodia, same thing to express about site seeing and our Guide and drivers. Guides and drivers really made our travel thro’ the countries where we do not speak that language, made it so comfortable and enjoyable.

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Sudhir D - USA
Mar 3, 2023

Outstanding!

Hi Lam…hope you don’t mind me contacting you directly. My wife Barb  & I (Paul) have just arrived home after completing a great tour of Vietnam which was organised through your company Asia Pioneer Travel.

We want to tell you personally how impressed were were with the level of service that we received…it was amazing and the best that we have experienced anywhere. After we made initial contact with you, you handed us over to Chloe to arrange the trip which she did in very quick time and the amount of detail that she went to was fantastic. From the moment that we walked out of Hanoi airport on arrival to see our guide waiting, we knew that we were in for a great trip. The drivers & guides were fantastic and Chloe was in contact by email constantly making sure that everything was going to plan & that we were happy. At one stage we need to vary the itinerary by extending accommodation & changing air tickets and Chloe did that without any fuss or bother.

We also met some wonderful Vietnamese people along the way and Ive got to say that they are our kind of people, very generous & friendly.

Enough of my ramblings, thanks for a great visit to Vietnam, and a special thank you to Chloe for looking after us in such a terrific manner…she is a very special caring lady.

Kind regards & I hope that we have the opportunity to use Asia Pioneer Travel again….Paul & Barb Little from Newcastle Australia

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Paul & Barb Little - Australia
Mar 2, 2023

Superbly organised and very flexible

We travelled to Vietnam for two weeks, booking the whole trip through Lizzie at Asia Pioneer, including hotels, excursions, trips, guides and internal flights. Lizzie was so helpful and flexible, accommodating changes to our schedule until the last minute, especially as we missed our connecting flight in Dubai and arrived a day later than planned (our fault). Nothing was too much trouble, including getting my wallet back to me after I left it in the car taking us to the airport.

We started in Hanoi in the North and worked our way south to Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon), taking in Ha Long with its amazing sea stacks and sleeping on a boat, then to Sa Pa on the overnight sleeper train from Hanoi, with its wonderful countryside and rice terraces. Afterwards, we went to Hoi An for three days of relaxation. Hoi An probably my favourite place and three days are enough to cover it. Then onto Hue, the original capital, my least favourite place and then finally on to HMC, which was a real contrast to the North.

The 3-star hotels that Lizzie picked were very good and comfortable, and the guides were very knowledgeable. I would definitely use Asia Pioneer again for future Asia trips.

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Alex Miller - United Kingdom
Mar 1, 2023