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Compare Classic Thailand West Coast (Nov - Apr) by Intrepid Travel vs The Best of Thailand: An Exploration of the Culture and Kingdom by Road Scholar

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Duration 16 days 15 days
Price From $ 2,910 $ 3,599
Price Per Day $ 182 $ 240
Highlights
  • Work up an appetite with a leisurely cycle through the ancient Buddhas and ruined temples of Heritage-listed Sukothai Park, then feast on a home-cooked picnic lunch
  • Experience daily rural life firsthand when staying with long-time Intrepid friends in a small Thai village
  • Support an important animal welfare initiative and get close to incredible creatures at the Chang Chill Elephant Park
  • Travel like the locals do on an overnight sleeper train, the best way to travel long distances, meet locals and maximise time at destinations
  • Ease into the beach-loving lifestyle and enjoy various sea activities of snorkeling and kayaking to explore the amazing limestone cliff and caves, colorful coral reefs and mangrove forests.
  • Get deep in the community vibes of Baan Nai Nang village by spending time with the locals, enjoying a hearty home-cooked lunch and learn about their organic fruit orchids.
  • Walking is the best way to get to know a new place
  • I’m energetic and enjoy a good physical challenge, so I’m always ready to spend the day on the move
  • Whether it’s public transit, city streets or village cobblestones, I’m game
Trip Style Small group tour Small group tour
Lodging Level Standard Standard
Physical Level
  • 3- Moderate
  • 3- Moderate
Travel Themes
  • Cultural
  • Local Immersion & Homestays
  • High Adventure
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Culinary & Wine
  • Photography
  • National Parks
  • Yoga, Meditation & Wellness
  • Relaxing Retreats
  • Holy Land
Countries Visited
Cities and Attractions
  • Ao Nang
  • Bangkok
  • Chao Phraya River
  • Chiang Mai
  • Khao Lak
  • Phuket
  • Sukhothai
  • Surat Thani
  • Chiang Mai
  • Phuket
Flights & Transport Ground transport included No
Activities
  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • Nature
  • Photography
  • Relaxing Retreat
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Yoga & Meditation
Meals Included N/A
  • Number of Breakfast: 12
  • Number of Lunch: 8
  • Number of Dinner: 9
Description

Combining the best of the north and south, this is the definitive Thailand tour. Travel from the clamour of the capital to the serenity of steamy rainforests; from atmospheric ruins to relaxed sun-drenched islands. Tour temples in Bangkok, bargain-hunt in lively Chiang Mai and then swim, snorkel or simply kick back on the divine beaches of the southern coast. This adventure is the perfect chance to visit the many attractions and treasures of Thailand.

Delight in the beauty of Thailand as you enjoy gentle hikes, walks, canoe rides and boat excursions through its cultural and natural wonders.
Itinerary: Classic Thailand West Coast (Nov - Apr)

Day 1 Bangkok

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Bangkok, Thailand's bustling capital. Bangkok is famous for its tuk tuks, khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious Thai food. With no planned activities until your important welcome meeting at 6 pm, why not head out and explore. You could take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, uncover the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road, or indulge in a Thai massage. After the meeting tonight, perhaps gather your fellow travellers together and tuck into some into world famous street food.

Day 2 Sukhothai

This morning, leave the current capital of Thailand and head north by train (approx 6 hours) and private mini van (approx 1 hour) to one of the first ancient capitals of Siam, Sukhothai. Located on a fertile plain, Sukhothai was established in the 13th century, and the name means the 'Dawn of Happiness'. It’s now famous for its World Heritage-listed historic park that celebrates the Golden Age of Thai civilisation. Tonight, be sure to head to the fascinating local night market and try the local dishes, like Sukhothai noodles.

Day 3 Sukhothai

Head out to the historical ruins of Old Sukhothai, set amid beautiful lakes and gardens. The religious art and architecture of the Sukhothai era are considered to be the most classic of Thai styles, and the Sukhothai Historical Park contains the remains of 21 historic sites, with awe-inspiring Buddha images and four large ponds often filled with stunning lotus flowers in full bloom. Upon arrival at the park, hire bicycles and enjoy a few leisurely hours feeling the breeze in your hair and learning about the history of this fascinating place. Enjoy a home-cooked picnic lunch somewhere along the way, and if you have enough free time, visit a local ceramics factory.

Day 4 Village Homestay

Travel by private minivan from Sukothai (approx 4 hours) to the warm and welcoming home of Intrepid's long-time friends in a small Thai village where you’ll spend the night. Accommodation at the homestay is multishare and basic (there will be fold-out mattresses on the floor and shared bathrooms), but there is no better way to better understand a country and its people. In the evening, you’ll be treated to a traditional northern Thai khantok dinner, accompanied by live music and dancing.

Day 5 Village Homestay - Chiang Mai

In the morning, jump on some bikes and cruise around the homestay village. This is a great opportunity to see how the locals live, and you’ll make a few stops along the way to see small country industries in the area. Cycling past the rice fields and breathing in the fresh country air, with beautiful mountains in the distance, makes this morning a picture-postcard experience. Say goodbye to your new friends and travel on to Chiang Mai (approximately 45 minutes). The most vibrant city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has many famous temples and an interesting old city area. Renowned for dazzling beauty and extremely welcoming locals, the ‘Rose of the North’ will leave you spellbound. Chances are, you won’t want to leave. Follow your leader on an orientation walk to get your bearings and enjoy a free evening tonight.

Day 6 Chiang Mai

This morning, follow your leader to the largest fresh produce market in Chiang Mai for a visit. You'll be able to learn about these fresh ingredients and where the beautiful flavors of Thai cooking comes from. Then the rest of the day is free.Perhaps explore the famous temple complex of Doi Suthep. Drive along a scenic, winding mountain road that ends at an impressive 300-step naga-guarded stairway (approximately 45 mins). The rewards justify the climb with one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand on display, not to mention fantastic panoramic views of the city and the opportunity to listen to hypnotic evening chanting by resident Buddhist monks. Or maybe wander markets, meet monks, cruise the river, and slurp noodles on a Mae Ping River Experience. Don't miss out on trying lunch at the Chuan Chom vocational training center where you'll learn about the work that they do to train the women from the correctional institution with skills to go back to society. Or maybe join a Thai cooking class to discover some of the secrets of Thai cuisine. Your tour leader will be able to help you make the best of your day with plenty suggestions.

Day 7 Chiang Mai

Today, you’ll have a pretty special time visiting the ChangChill elephant experience. Take a 1.5-hour drive out of Chiang Mai to ChangChill, where you’ll begin to learn how this organisation supports the protection, conservation and lifestyle of free roaming elephants in the region. You’ll observe the daily patterns of these jungle giants from a safe distance, seeing how they graze and socialise with their other friends. The expert local guides will be able to give you a ‘live lecture’ on the elephants themselves, its sustainable tourism practices and conservation efforts in the area. Enjoy some refreshments nearby the elephant’s mud pit but be careful not to get a spray! Be treated to some lunch in a riverside sala (pavilion) alongside your giant friends, who will be enjoying a meal too. Return to Chiang Mai where the rest of the time is at leisure.

Day 8 Bangkok

Today, take a flight back to Bangkok. You will be unaccompanied on the flight. Enjoy some free time before your group briefing at 6pm to meet your new tour leader and fellow travellers. Bangkok is a vibrant mix of ancient traditions and slick modernity, where markets (obviously bustling) and world-class cuisine are only the beginning. How about acquainting yourself with this frenetic city of tuk tuks, street food and traditional khlong boats winding down the Chao Phraya River and just having a walk around. After your important meeting, you might want to experience the unique tourist mecca of Khao San Road with some of your new travel crew.

Day 9 Bangkok

You’ll start today with a visit to Wat Arun – Temple of the Dawn. Named after the Indian God of Dawn – Aruna, this impressive landmark of Bangkok sits on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The rest of the afternoon is free for optional activities, and this city has so much to offer – perhaps head next door to the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha or Wat Pho, home to the country's largest reclining Buddha and keeper of the magic behind Thai massage. You may want to take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, or travel by longtail boat down the Chao Phraya River to explore the famous 'khlongs' (canals) of Bangkok. Life along these canals seems a world away from the chaotic streets of the capital. Tonight, board an overnight train southbound for Surat Thani (approximately 13 hours).

Day 10 Ao Nang/Krabi

Arrive into Surat Thani this morning and continue by bus (approximately 2.5 hours) to the resort town of Ao Nang in Krabi Province. Ao Nang has a main street with open-air restaurants, shops that light up the sidewalk and bars perfect for kicking back with a beer. It’s also in a great position to hop on longtail boats to places like Railay Beach and the idyllic islands surrounding the bay. There's plenty of free time to relax on the beautiful beaches and get into the spirit of southern Thailand. You also might want to take advantage of some of the optional activities on offer, like a cycling trip that takes you on back country tracks, gets you close to local culture, and rewards you with a lovely afternoon dip in a beautiful waterfall. Otherwise, consider a relaxing massage on the beach (no kidding), or just sit back with a good book and a cool cocktail to watch the sun slip beneath the horizon. This is living. In the late afternoon, visit Baan Na Teen village and take part in Batik Making to learn about this ancient technique of dyeing and then join in a local family for some home-cooked feast. Here is also an opportunity to assist with the preparation of tonight's meal – learn some of the delicious secrets of southern Thai cooking and enjoy a dinner that tastes all the better thanks to your handiwork! This is a wonderful opportunity to absorb some of the daily rituals of Thai culture.

Day 11 Ao Nang/Krabi

This morning, head out to Ao Nang beach and on board a speed boat to start today’s exploration. Immerse in the beauty of the coast line with stops at Phra Nang Cave, Railey Beach, Koh Tup, Koh Gai and discover the amazing coral and tropical fish through snorkelling in the crystal clear water. Enjoy a day of swimming and snorkelling and return back to Ao Nang beach in mid-afternoon. Tonight, why not grab some travel pals and stroll down the main drag to find a seafood restaurant.

Day 12 Khao Lak

Say goodbye to Ao Nang this morning and continue your journey to Khao Lak. On the way, stop at a great Community-based tourism initiative at Baan Nai Nang village (supported by Mangrove Action Project) and you’ll spend a better half of the day here, experiencing the amazing nature and learning about local culture. Get active and venture out in a kayak to explore the amazing water, limestone cliffs and mangrove forests at Khao Ka Rot. Return back to the village and enjoy a hearty home-cooked lunch after a good workout, then learn to prepare and taste the organic local mulberry leaf tea. Head out for a walk in the village and its organic fruit orchards after lunch before hopping back on your bus and continue to Khao Lak (approx. 3 hours).

Day 13 Khao Lak

Enjoy a free day at Khao Lak. There are plenty to do in Khao Lak. Why not visit Lam Ru National Park andTon Chong Fa Water Fall, or make it a day trip to Similan Islands or Surin Islands? Your tour leader will be on hand to help you make the best of the day.

Day 14 Phuket

This morning leave for the tourist haven of Phuket, Thailand’s largest and most visited island. This island is certainly a brasher, more vibrant extrovert to the mellower sibling of the last few days. If a little modern pizazz is what you’re after with your dose of sunshine exotica, look no further – this island offers a little something for everyone. It’ll take about 3 hours to get to Phuket.Once you've arrived on the island, there's a chance to stop at the Tsunami Memorial if you would like to visit. Then continue to Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation which support the protection of turtles and research of the Marine Biodiversity. You'll be able to learn about the important work that they do here and see the different type of turtles at the foundation. Then it's another hour to Kata beach. You’ll stay in the heart of Kata beach, where everything from shops to restaurants to nightclubs awaits.

Day 15 Phuket

Phuket is ringed with beaches, each with their own distinct personalities, from a party vibe to perhaps something quieter and more romantic. If you can pull yourself away from the beautiful beaches and curving coasts, Phuket also has a range of activities to fill your day, from Thai boxing exhibitions to cabaret shows. If you love getting out on the water and exploring the islands, then perhaps use your last day to take a day trip out to the stunning Phi Phi and Khai Nok, a tiny island surrounded by white sandy beach perfect suitable for swimming and snorkelling. If you want to spend some time with Thailand’s magnificent elephants, take a visit to the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. You will get to see the elephants in the safety and security of their natural home and get an insight into the behaviour and personal history of each elephant. Perhaps gather together your fellow travellers tonight and enjoy a celebratory dinner.

Day 16 Phuket

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to end! If you’d like to continue to soak up the very best of Phuket, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Itinerary: The Best of Thailand: An Exploration of the Culture and Kingdom

Day 1 Depart for Thailand In Flight

Day 2 In Transit Across the International Dateline In Flight

Day 3 Arrive, Hotel Check-in, Orientation at 6:30 p.m. Chiang Mai

Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m. The Orientation is at 6:30 p.m. If you arrive later and miss the Orientation, the Group Leader will give you a brief overview the next day. DINNER: Tonight we will have a regular dinner as some flights are arriving quite late. The Welcome Dinner will be held tomorrow (Day 4 of your itinerary).

After arriving at the hotel and checking in, take some time to unpack, freshen up and relax. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Free time is reserved for your personal independent exploration. Evenings at leisure offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable through personal independent exploration, engaging in available activities on your own, or simply relaxing and making new friends among fellow participants. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions for free time. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may be changed due to local conditions/circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

Traditional Thai plated set menu at the hotel with coffee, tea and water included. Other drinks available for purchase.

Day 4 Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai Walking Discovery Chiang Mai

Van transfer to Doi Suthep, driving up winding mountain roads for approximately 45 minutes (12 miles) one way. Morning visit entails approximately 1.5 hours walking (1-2 miles). Afternoon exploration entails approximately 1.5 hours walking (1 mile) along cobblestones in the old city center with light traffic.

In the early morning, we depart for Doi Suthep via minivans to experience a Buddhist tradition, the procession of the monks, before they ascend the 309 steps of the Golden Naga staircase to reach the glittering, golden pagodas at the sacred Doi Suthep Mountain. We continue our drive to Wat Umong, a temple that dates back to the 14th century and contains a network of tunnels and caves. Here we experience a private blessing ceremony, a traditional Buddhist way of offering you good health and happiness.

After lunch, join our local guide and Group Leader for a walking discovery of Chiang Mai. Begin at a local market where fresh vegetables, spices, meat and fish are sold. Continue walking to the Three King Monument which, according to legend, has became a landmark for the city of Chiang Mai. Return to the hotel on a 'songthaew', a local form of transportation, with time to freshen up before our Welcome Dinner.

At leisure.

Boxed breakfast to be eaten during our journey to Doi Suthep.

Enjoy a traditional Northern Thailand lunch, "Khao Soi". Chiang Mai's most famous dish combines crispy noodles and a rich coconut curry sauce. Coffee, tea and water included. Afterwards, enjoy a presentation on sustainable and organic tea plantations given by the founder of the restaurant.

Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant featuring traditional northern Thai cuisine. We have a welcome drink with dinner this evening. Coffee, tea and water included. Other drinks available for purchase.

Day 5 Doi Inthanon National Park, Karen Hilltribe Village Chiang Mai

Drive is approximately 37 miles (1 hour 25 minutes) one way. Easy to moderate walking in the mountains for approximately 2 hours.

Doi Inthanon National Park is the home of Thailand's highest mountain, Doi Inthanon. The National park is made up of tropical forests, rivers, and waterfalls. It is also filled with wildlife - gibbons, deer, wild boar and over 300 species of bird. Depart from the hotel by vans to the summit of Koi Inthanon National Park (approximately 1.5 hours drive). At the summit, enjoy a walking discovery along natural trails (approximately 30 minutes). We continue our drive down to the Twin Pagodas for a walk around the beautiful gardens.

After lunch, we visit the Karen Hiltribe village to learn about this ethnic group with a walk through the village and a visit to one of the homes. Return by van to Chiang Mai.

At leisure.

At the hotel, we will have a buffet featuring local and international cuisine with a selection of hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water are included.

At the Royal Project restaurant.

At own arrangements. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Day 6 Chiang Mai, Free Morning, Wat Suan Dok, Chat with Monks Chiang Mai

In preparation for tomorrow's visit to the Elephant Valley, we have a short presentation on Asian Elephants to be given at the hotel. The rest of the morning is free for you to explore Chiang Mai. Your Group Leader will be happy to offer ideas and suggestions to make the most of your free time.

Travel by motorcoach to Wat Suan Dok, the Buddhist University. Take a short walk around the temple to learn about its history and understand why it is revered as one of the city's most sacred sites. Spend some time chatting with the monks to learn more about the religion of Buddhism. Return to the hotel by motorcoach with time to freshen up before dinner.

At leisure.

At the hotel, we will have a buffet featuring local and international cuisine with a selection of hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water are included.

At own arrangements.

At a local restaurant. Coffee, tea and water are included. Other drinks available for purchase.

Day 7 Coach to Mae Chan, Elephant Valley Mae Chan

Driving approximately 150 miles (4.5 hours) with rest stops. Easy to moderate walking for approximately 3 hours.

Check out of the hotel and depart for Chiang Rai to visit an elephant sanctuary (approximately 3 hours drive). The Elephant Valley Thailand is a lush, 40 acre elephant sanctuary in Chiang Rai where we will have a brief introduction to the Thai Elephants and the sanctuary's mission. We have some time to observe the elephants in their natural environment, with the chance to meet them and feed them as well. After your time with the elephants, we enjoy lunch at the sanctuary.

We continue our drive along winding roads to Mae Chan, and our hotel.

At leisure.

At the hotel, we will have a buffet featuring local and international cuisine with a selection of hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water are included.

We will have a family style meal at the sanctuary. Coffee, tea and water included. Other beverages available for purchase.

We will have a family style meal at the hotel. Coffee, tea and water are included. Other beverages available for purchase.

Day 8 Mae Chan, Hilltribe Villages, Mae Salong, Free Time Mae Chan

Easy to moderate walking approximately 1 mile (2-3 hours).

We travel by motorcoach to Baan Pangpooloer, a hill tribe village. In this village, three ethnic groups of people live together:- Akha, Yao and Thai lowlander. We walk from the Thai lowlander houses to the Akha houses to the Yao houses, comparing and contrasting these villagers' lives and learning about their culture and history. We re-board our motorcoach and drive towards the 101 Tea Plantation for a photo opportunity. We continue up to the summit of Doi Mae Salong and stop for a walk at the Yunnan village. We will have the opportunity for tea tasting this morning. Return to the resort by motorcoach to participate in a cooking class followed by lunch.

Free afternoon.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

Enjoy preparing our own food for lunch at the resort. Learn about the different herbs and spices that are common in Thai cooking.

At the hotel. Coffee, tea and water included. Other beverages available for purchase.

Day 9 Coach to Chiang Rai, Fly to Bangkok, Lecture Bangkok

Drive to Chiang Rai airport is approximately 1 hour. Evening walk from hotel to nearby restaurant is approximately 10 minutes.

Check out of the hotel and transfer to Chiang Rai airport for our late morning flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival in Bangkok, transfer to the program hotel and check in.

In the late afternoon, we will be joined by a local expert for a presentation about Thailand’s political economy: the interdisciplinary study of economics, political science, sociology, and other disciplines to understand the impact and influence of political factors in economic outcomes. Known as Siam until 1939, Thailand has been a unified kingdom since the mid-14th century. The national government is in transition.

Soak up the atmosphere at Asiatique and return to the hotel at leisure.

Hotel buffet.

We will have a family style meal at the hotel. Coffee, tea and water included. Other beverages available for purchase.

We will walk to Asiatique on the Riverfront (approximately 5-10 minutes walk) for dinner at a restaurant. Asiatique is an outdoor bazaar hosting many different restaurants and is themed according to the architecture of old Siam. It features a very distinctive atmosphere in the evenings.

Day 10 Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, Boat Ride Bangkok

Getting in/out of a long-tail riverboat. Walking approximately 1.5 miles throughout the day from river pier to the Grand Palace, to lunch, then to Wat Pho. Note: We do not go inside the Grand Palace; we explore the surroundings. Wat Pho is a sacred site. Please dress conservatively (no shorts or singlet tops); shoes must be removed to enter the temple, but socks are allowed; photography not permitted.

We will take a local river taxi to the Grand Palace area. The Grand Palace with its surrounding complex is Bangkok’s most famous landmark. Built in 1782, the extraordinary architecture, artistic detail, and amazing history have made it a cultural icon. The Grand Palace is no longer the royal residence, but is used for important ceremonial occasions. We do not go inside the Grand Palace, but we explore the surroundings. In addition to the Palace itself, there are more than 100 structures within the grounds. Many of these are beautifully designed and decorated, including Wat Phra Kaew, Thailand's most important and sacred temple. We will visit the Wat Phra Kaew temple that houses the so-called Emerald Buddha, painstakingly carved from a single block of green jade. It was discovered in a Chiang Rai stupa in 1434, covered in plaster! Legend says its history goes back to India in the year 43 BCE. It now sits in splendor on a golden throne and watches over the Thai nation. Afterwards, we visit the Queen Sirikit Textile Museum to learn about Thai textiles past and present. We then continue by foot to Wat Pho, adjacent to the Palace. The oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok, it contains more than 1,000 images of the Buddha. One of the most famous is the Reclining Buddha, nearly 150 feet (46 meters) long and 50 feet (15 meters) high. Wat Pho was also the country’s earliest center for public education. It is the national headquarters for preserving and teaching traditional Thai medicine, including Thai massage, which is still practiced here.

We board a colorful long-tail boat and cruise up the river, admiring the Bangkok skyline from a unique point of view. We will discover an intricate network of waterways, dotted with traditional teak houses as well as modern mansions. Bangkok's waterside reveals some of the city's history and shows how it has evolved into the cosmopolitan capital we see today. Return to the hotel.

At leisure. Prepare for our early morning flight to Phuket tomorrow morning.

At the hotel, we will have a buffet featuring local and international cuisine with a selection of hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water are included

We will have a family-style meal at a local restaurant near Wat Pho. Coffee, tea and water are included. Other beverages available for purchase.

At own arrangements.

Day 11 Fly to Phuket, Free Time Phuket

Flight is approximately 1.5 hours. Drive to Bangkok Airport is approximately 40 minutes-1 hour (11 miles). Drive from Phuket Airport to the hotel is approximately 5 minutes (1 mile).

We check out of the hotel and transfer to Bangkok Airport for our flight to Phuket, in the south of Thailand.

Arrive at Phuket International Airport and transfer to the hotel. Check in and relax.

At leisure.

At the hotel, we will have a buffet featuring local and international cuisine with a selection of hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water are included

On the flight to Phuket.

At the hotel. Coffee, tea and water are included. Other drinks available for purchase.

Day 12 Phang Nga Bay, Cave Kayaking, Krathong Launch Phuket

Enjoy some time at leisure before our late morning departure (around 11:30 a.m.) to Phang Nga Bay. Ride to Ao Po Grand Marina Pier to explore the sea caves and hidden lagoons, and uncover the pristine beauty of Phuket as we explore the limestone cliffs and turquoise waters of Phang Nga Bay.

Explore the Phang Nga Bay caves. Local guides will do the paddling as we take in the surroundings. Look out for hidden caverns with bat colonies and picturesque lagoons surrounded by giant cliffs.

We finish the day by floating our self-made flower “Krathong”, and will return to the pier after sunset. Return to the hotel.

At the hotel, we will have a buffet featuring local and international cuisine with a selection of hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water are included

Enjoy lunch aboard the boat as we cruise around Phang Nga Bay.

Enjoy a Thai seafood buffet dinner underneath the stars on one of the beautiful beaches of Phang Nga Bay.

Day 13 Snorkeling and Beach Time Phuket

Motorcoach transfer time from hotel to pier is approximately 1 hour. Speedboat travel time is approximately 15 minutes to Maiton Island.

We board our private speed boat and spend the day on the Andaman Sea. We will make a stop at a snorkeling location where we can spend some time exploring the underwater world. We continue to Maiton Island, which is a private island. Here we will spend some time walking on the white sand beaches and enjoying the beautiful clear water. For those interested, there is the opportunity for more snorkeling along the Maiton Reef.

After lunch, you may choose to walk to the island's viewpoint, relax on the beach, swim or snorkel before heading back to the hotel. Our speedboat departs for Phuket at 3:30 p.m. The transfer by motorcoach from the pier to the hotel is approximately 1 hour (20 miles).

At leisure.

Breakfast buffet at the hotel including Asian and Western dishes.

Enjoy lunch on the beach.

At own arrangements.

Day 14 Walking Discovery of Phuket Town, Free Time, Farewell Dinner Phuket

Walking in town for approximately 2-3 hours (2 miles) along small, sometimes busy, roads.

Explore the old town of Phuket on foot. Learn about the island’s past while exploring different architectural styles. See former Chinese schools that have been repurposed into museums and restaurants as well as Chinese shrines. Walk to Sino-Portuguese buildings that stand in testimony to the influence of the migrants who came to Phuket during the tin mining days of the 19th century. Take a closer look at the past with a visit to Thavorn Museum. Located in the hotel of the same name, this museum boasts an impressive collection of old calculators, typewriters, tin toys and more. Seeing these relics gives us a sense of what life was like in Phuket in earlier times. During the walk you can sample various local delicacies.

Free time. Return to the hotel with some time to relax before our Farewell Dinner.

At leisure. Say farewell to new Road Scholar friends and pack for your journey home.

Breakfast buffet at the hotel including Asian and Western dishes.

At own arrangements.

Farewell Dinner at the hotel. We have a Farewell to Thailand drink with dinner this evening. Coffee, tea and water are included. Other beverages available for purchase.

Day 15 Program Concludes In Flight

Hotel check-out by 12:00 p.m. The airport is located approximately 1 mile (5 minutes) away from the hotel.

Breakfast buffet at the hotel including Asian and Western dishes. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Best wishes for all your journeys! Follow us on social media to stay in touch with Road Scholar! Find us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures and www.instagram.com/rsadventures

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"A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles."
Tim Cahill
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