Thailand Activities

Diving in Thailand  

Learn to dive, and you add a whole new dimension to your trip as you see new worlds both above and below the water.  The island of Koh Tao off the east coast of Thailand is perfectly equipped for those who want to learn to dive or - like me - refresh their somewhat rusty skills.  

Koh Tao has more dive shops than I've ever seen in one place so if you don't like the first place you come to, try the other five down the road. Most dive centres are linked to resorts, so if - for example - you do the PADI Open Water Diver Course (usually the first step in diving), you’ll get free accommodation and breakfast for the duration (typically three to five days). Even if you're already a seasoned diver, you’ll get half-price accommodation on the days you dive or do other PADI courses. If you really get bitten by the diving bug you can train all the way up to instructor level.  

All courses are taught in a variety of languages as PADI is an international learning body, meaning your qualification will be recognised everywhere you go. You can learn in Japanese, French, German, Swedish or Swahili (though they may have been pulling my leg on that last one...).  

All courses and dives include full kit, and even prescription masks for glasses-wearers. Your PADI course will include a certain amount of theory, and most resorts have classrooms for the videos and lectures... but don't worry, it's nothing like school! The resorts also have pools for training in or chilling out by when you're not diving.  

Koh Tao’s coral reef is accessible from the island’s shore, but some of the best dives require a short boat trip. So, once you get into the water what will you see? You'll swim amongst huge trigger fish, rays, colourful coral, pipe fish (similar to seahorses) and puffer fish, and even Nemo himself makes an appearance.  

By far the best dive I did was at night. It was a scary proposition to sink into blackness with a tiny torch to guide my way but it was well worth it to see the fish that come out once the sun goes down. At one point we turned our torches off and moved our arms about, watching the plankton light up like something out of The Matrix!  

Koh Tao is also one of the few places in the World where you can dive with the biggest fish in the ocean, the 18 foot long whale shark (don't worry, they only eat plankton!). If you want to meet these gentle giants, make sure you visit Thailand between February and June.  

Diving in Thailand is affordable and fun, with crystal-clear, calm, warm seas, plenty of sunshine and tonnes of tropical sealife - so come on in, the water's great!"  

Tiger Temple  

Go there because... you get to stroke tigers! This Buddhist temple in Thailand 's Kanchanaburi province began taking in injured and orphaned cubs in 1999. It now has 18 tame tigers as well as other rescued animals. For a small donation (which goes to conservation projects) a monk will lead you amongst the tigers; you can touch them and get your photo taken.  

Full Moon Parties  

Glowsticks-a-go-go! Slap on the fluorescent body paint, grab yourself a goldfish bowl of questionable alcoholic content and join 10,000 other revellers in shaking your stuff on the sandy beach of Haad Rin , the island's nightlife capital.

The Full Moon Party atmosphere starts bubbling up to a week before the actual event. Beachside bars play 24 hour music, DJs spin warm-up sets and everyone gets into the Full Moon spirit. Be warned, the place gets rammed a fair few days before the big party, so you'll need to get your accommodation booked up beforehand. If you're planning to any sleep that is...  

The Full Moon Party is held each month (on the eve of the full moon surprisingly...) Twelve major sound systems run the length of the beach, so chances are you won't be able to miss where the party's at. Drum 'n' bass, dance, trance, house, hip hop... the music is varied and top DJs keep on doing their thing well into the morning. Full Moon Parties mean table-dancing, fire eaters, jugglers, candle-lined beachfronts, midnight swims, plenty of alcohol and backpackers from across the globe getting together to shake their money-makers.  

There are also Half Moon Parties and Black Moon Parties should you miss out on the main event.  

Be warned, this may not be your scene if you're a pipe and slippers type...  

Things to think about...  

1) Please respect the beautiful island of Koh Phangan . Take your rubbish with you and do all you can to leave the locals with a positive image of backpackers.

2) Not everyone is in it for the music and the booty-shaking. Bad people go to full moon parties too... stay aware.

3) Be sensible on the alcohol and drugs front. Girls (and guys), stick with a group and keep an eye on each other.

4) If you've been drinking, stay out of the sea. It's dangerous.

5) Keep your shoes on. Broken glass and bare feet are a bad combo.

6) Local hostels often require a three night minimum stay around Full Moon Party time, so try to get there early if you can. You'll get a cheaper rates too!  

Dates for Full Moon Parties 2006/2007  

Thursday 7th September 2006

Saturday 7th October 2006

Sunday 5th November 2006

Wednesday 6th December 2006

Wednesday 3rd January 2007

Saturday 3rd February 2007

Saturday 3rd March 2007

Monday 2nd April 2007

Wednesday 2nd May 2007

Thursday 31st May 2007

Friday 29th June 2007  

Soot Sanuk Gold Tour - North Thailand  

This wonderful North Thailand tour departs from busy Bangkok and for six fun filled days, you will travel through the north of Thailand before reaching your final destination of Chiang Mai.  

See ancient Buddha statues, temples and monasteries and overnight at the superior accommodation in Phitsanulok on the banks of the Nan River . Next spend two nights in a superior hotel in Chiang Rai, visit the colorful hill tribes and the Golden Triangle before arriving in Chiang Mai for two nights in the deluxe Empress Hotel. Here explore the surrounding area as well as visiting the local Elephant camps before concluding your tour (Ride not included).  

Dates:

Tuesday departures  

Location:

From your hotel within the Bangkok City area  

Time:

6:30am  

Hotel Pickup:

Please advise the name of your hotel in the 'Hotel Pick-up' field at time of booking  

Return Details:

You will be returned to Chiang Mai Airport  

Itinerary:

Day 1 (Tuesday): BANGKOK-BANG PA IN-AYUTTHAYA-LOPBURI-PHITSANULOKE (L,D)

This morning the tour begins from Bangkok as we drive north out of the city to Bang Pa In, a lavish royal Summer Palace set in beautiful gardens. The Palace combines an exotic mixture of Thai and European architecture. Admire the beautiful Thai pavilion set in the middle of a lake, and an elegant house constructed entirely out of wood, and see some immaculate Thai topiary - bushes cut into the shapes of elephants!  

After visit of Bang Pa In, we proceed to the ancient capital city of Siam-Ayutthaya . The city was ransacked by the Burmese but evidence of its splendor remains. Explore ruined temples and palaces, and admire the extensive canal and river network which helped Ayutthaya to flourish. You will have time to browse around numerous stalls selling Thai handicrafts. Lunch will be at a local restaurant.  

After lunch, we will then drive through scenic countryside to Lopburi, the former summer capital of Siam . Artifacts of the Neolithic and Bronze Ages have been found in quantity in Lopburi, testifying to the antiquity of the city. From the 6th to 11th century, during the Dvaravati period, it was a major town.  

You will see the magnificent stone carvings of Phra Prang Sam Yod, which is a 13th century laterite block shrine with three spires. Also included is a stop at the Kala shrine of Sarn Prakarn, which was a Buddhist sanctuary in the mid 13th century. Hundreds of monkeys have made this temple complex their home!  

In the afternoon, you will drive further north to the town of Phitsanuloke which is spread along the banks of the Nan River , where numerous houseboats are moored. The shrine of Wat Mahathat in Phitsanuloke is venerated throughout Thailand and will provide you with an idea of the ancient style of Thai religious architecture.  

Accommodation :

 Amarin Lagoon, Phitsanuloke or similar  

Day 2 (Wednesday): PHITSANULOKE-SUKHOTHAI-SRI SATCHANALAI-CHIANG RAI (B,L,D)

After breakfast, we visit Sukhothai, the ancient capital of Thailand in the 13th Century. The city was protected by no less than three rows of earthen ramparts and two moats, which enclosed the inner city. Admire beautiful standing Buddha statues as you explore the many ruined temples and monasteries.  

About 34 miles further north, we will visit Sri Satchanalai, which was Sukhothai’s twin city. Lunch will be at a local restaurant. This afternoon’s drive takes us through rural Thailand and further north through jungle-clad hills. You will stop at the small town of Phayao , which dates back to the 11th century, to enjoy refreshments beside a lake. Arrive in Chiang Rai in the late afternoon.  

Accommodation: 

Rimkok Resort, Chiang Rai or similar  

Day 3 (Thursday): MAE SALONG-MAE SAI-GOLDEN TRIANGLE-CHIANG SAEN (B,L,D)

North Thailand is famous for its colorful hill tribes and this morning we will board 'pick-up' vans to climb narrow mountainous roads and visit several villages. The scenery is magnificent and we will enjoy mountain views from Doi Mae Salong, a Chinese settlement founded by Kuomintang soldiers who fled from China after Mao Tse Tung’s victory in 1949. Some interesting Chinese hotel medicines are on sale here!  

Stops are included at Akha and Yao Hill Tribe Villages , where the people continue to wear their fascinating traditional costumes and follow a very simple way of village life.  

Return to the valley for lunch before driving to Mae Sai, Thailand ’s northernmost town near the Burma border. You can watch Thai and Burmese locals walking across the bridge separating the two countries. There are excellent opportunities to buy Burmese handicrafts at reasonable prices.  

This is possibility for optional Burma Border crossing for approximately one hour walk to explore inside Burma (SUBJECT TO BORDER SITUATION) or take a rickshaw ride around the market place. (Note: Two photocopies of your passport are required along with border pass fee if we can cross into Burma ).  

From Mae Sai, we will drive to the heart of the renowned Golden Triangle where the Ruak and Mekong Rivers meet. You can stand on a hilltop and enjoy views over Burma , Laos , Thailand and the mighty Mekong River . An optional boat trip will be available for those who want to get closer to Laos and Burma ! Visit Chiang Saen, where evidence of the original 13th century city can still be seen. We will enjoy this lovely setting on the banks of the Mekong River ; a tranquil spot with charming old temples and finely carved figures. Drive back to Chiang Rai for overnight.  

Accommodation: 

Rimkok Resort, Chiang Rai or similar  

Day 4 (Friday): CHIANG RAI-CHIANG MAI (B,L,D)

After breakfast, depart Chiang Rai for Chiang Mai stopping on the way at Mae Ka Chan, famous for a hot spring which is a favorite bathing place for local people who believe it relieves their aches and pains. Lunch will be at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you will drive through splendid mountain scenery and tropical jungle to the 'Rose of the North' - Chiang Mai. Before arriving in the town, it will be your turn to work! Climb 290 steps to visit the hilltop temple of Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep which offers spectacular views of the Chiang Mai area (the less energetic will be pleased to know that there is a cable car up the hill!)  

Tonight, you will be treated to the ceremonial northern Thai dinner, known as Kantoke. Traditional dishes will be served while you watch elegant dancers performing a series of folk stories. Colorfully dressed, Hill tribes will perform their own traditional dances after dinner.  

Accommodation: 

Empress, Chiang Mai or similar  

Day 5 (Saturday): CHIANG MAI (B,L,D)

A full day to enjoy the delights of Chiang Mai! In the morning we will visit one of the elephant camps where skilled 'mahouts' show how elephants have worked in the jungles for centuries. You will be amazed by their strength and deftness. There will also be the chance to see the elephants relaxing as they bathe in the river!  

We will have lunch at a local restaurant before heading out of town to the district of Sankampaeng, home to Chiang Mai’s famous cottage industries. Watch how artisans continue to make their products by hand and you will of course have the opportunity to hunt for that perfect souvenir! See silkworms and the process of spinning silk as well as the art of using handlooms to make intricate patterned silk fabrics. Marvel at the transformation of bamboo, silk and paper into hand-painted multi-colored umbrellas and at skilled potters creating distinctive Thai celadon. Wood carvers are chipping away busily at teakwood to produce elegant ornaments and furniture. The process of making lacquerware is fascinating to watch too. They even use egg shells to create unusual designs. And of course there are silver items-plenty to tempt even the cautious shopper!  

Accommodation:

 Empress, Chiang Mai or similar  

Day 6 (Sunday): DEPART CHIANG MAI (B)

After breakfast, your tour concludes today. A transfer to the airport is included, if flight times are advised at time of booking. Alternatively, you can choose to spend a few days more exploring Chiang Mai or return to Bangkok by air or rail B28.  

Bangkok City and Temples Private Tour including Wat Pho  

Duration:

3 hours

Commences:

  Bangkok , Thailand  

Thailand has over 26,000 temples or Wats (local name). This tour will bring you to three of the most distinguished temples in Bangkok . Wat Traimit, the temple of the Golden Buddha. The statue is made from solid Gold weighing 5.5 tons. It is a fine example of Sukhothai art and was discovered by chance from a layer of stucco during construction of the temple.

Passing through Chinatown your next stop is Wat Pho, the temple of the reclining Buddha which is the largest and oldest in Bangkok .  

Your last stop is at Wat Benchamabophit or the marble temple. This magnificent monastery was built with white Italian marble from Carrara .  

Dat es:

Daily  

Location:

From your hotel within the Bangkok city area  

Time:

Morning Tour  

Pick up between 7:15am and 8:00am

Tour commences 8:30am

Afternoon Tour  

Pick up between 12:30pm and 1:00pm

Tour commences 1:10pm  

Hotel Pickup:

Hotel pick up is available if pre-arranged at time of booking  

Return Details:

Tour returns to your hotel at approximately 12:30pm for the morning tour or 4:00pm for the afternoon tour.  

Additional

Inclusions:  

Private tour

Private English speaking licensed guide and Thai driver

Air-conditioned vehicle

Admission to attractions where applicable

Good and Services Tax  

Exclusions:  

Items of a personal nature

Tips or Gratuities to guides or drivers  

Additional Info:  

This tour must be booked at least 72 hours in advance of your travel date

Confirmation of this product will be received at time of booking

Tour is operated in English unless otherwise stated

This tour is accessible to wheel chair passengers, please advise at time of booking

This tour will ONLY operate with a minimum of two passengers

Tipping / Gratuities  

Gratuities to the guide and driver although customary, are not required. Any such expression of appreciation should be made on a voluntary and individual basis.  

Pricing Policy:  

Infants aged 1 year and under are free of charge, as long as they do not occupy a seat

Please advise their name and age in the 'Special Requirements' field

Children aged 2 years and over will be charged at the adult rate per vehicle   

Bangkok City and Temples Private Tour including Wat Pho per person Season 1 person 2 people 3 people 4 people 5 people 6 people 7 people 8 people 9 people Apr 01, 2006 to Mar 31, 2007 Apr 01, 2007 to Mar 31, 2008 Apr 01, 2006 to Mar 31, 2007 Apr 01, 2007 to Mar 31, 2008 Apr 01, 2006 to Mar 31, 2007 Apr 01, 2007 to Mar 31, 2008 Apr 01, 2006 to Mar 31, 2007 Apr 01, 2007 to Mar 31, 2008 Apr 01, 2006 to Mar 31, 2007 Apr 01, 2007 to Mar 31, 2008 Apr 01, 2006 to Mar 31, 2007 Apr 01, 2007 to Mar 31, 2008 Apr 01, 2006 to Mar 31, 2007 Apr 01, 2006 to Mar 31, 2007 Apr 01, 2006 to Mar 31, 2007 Tour Code Days of Week Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Morning tour commences at 8:30am Mon..Sun $40.00 $45.96 $22.50 $25.31 $18.75 $20.99 $18.75 $20.99 $18.75 $20.99 $18.75 $20.99 $18.75 $18.75 $18.75 Afternoon tour commences at 1:10pm Mon..Sun $40.00 $45.96 $22.50 $25.31 $18.75 $20.99 $18.75 $20.99 $18.75 $20.99 $18.75 $20.99 $18.75 $18.75 $18.75

Prices are in USD and are listed as a guide only.  

Travel Voucher

For every confirmed booking you will be required to print a voucher which is presented at the destination. You will receive a link to your voucher via email once your booking is confirmed.

 

Bangkok 's Sampran Elephant Show  

Duration:

3 hours

Commences:

Bangkok , Thailand  

Bangkok , Thailand 's vibrant capital is one of the world's most exotic and colorful cities - a unique blend of the traditional and ultra-modern. Take the opportunity this afternoon to learn more about one of Thailand 's most important animals - the Elephant.

Can elephants play football? Well, you’ll soon see at this show complete with dramatic sound and narration. There are a whole host of shows to be seen that include elephants at work and how they once played a part in the battles that took place in ancient Siam . One show will depict the battle between King Naraesuan The Great and the Burmese Prince where elephants were used by both armies.  

Dates:

Daily  

Location:

From your hotel within the Bangkok city area  

Time:

Pick up between 12:00pm and 12:50pm

Tour commences 1:00pm  

Hotel Pickup:

Please advise the name of your hotel in the 'Hotel Pick-up' field at time of booking  

Return Details:

Tour returns to your hotel at approximately 4:00pm  

Additional

Inclusions:  

Coach tour

English speaking licensed guide

Air-conditioned vehicle  

Exclusions:  

Elephant ride

Items of a personal nature

Tips or Gratuities to guides or drivers  

Additional Info:  

This tour must be booked at least 72 hours in advance of your travel date

Confirmation of this product will be received at time of booking

Tour is operated in English unless otherwise stated

This tour will ONLY operate with a minimum of two passengers

Please note - group sizes vary from 2 to 40 passengers per tour. The type of transport provided may vary from a 9 seater minibus to 40 passenger coaches depending on number of passengers booked.

Tipping / Gratuities  

Gratuities to the guide and driver although customary, are not required. Any such expression of appreciation should be made on a voluntary and individual basis.  

Pricing Policy:

Infants aged 1 year and under are free of charge, as long as they do not occupy a seat.

Child prices apply to children aged 2-12 years inclusive  

Bangkok ''s Sampran Elephant Show per person Season Apr 01, 2006 to Mar 31, 2007 Apr 01, 2007 to Mar 31, 2008 Days of Week Adult Child Infant Adult Child Infant Mon..Sun $21.25 $15.00 Free $23.99 $16.65 Free

Prices are in USD and are listed as a guide only.

 

Safari World – Bangkok  

Duration:

 8 hours

Commences:

Bangkok , Thailand  

Spend a full day at Safari World in Bangkok, Thailand’s greatest and most popular open zoo and show park, which covers over 200 acres. Safari World comprises of Safari Park and Marine Park and offers a variety of fun and entertainment for visitors of all ages and nationalities.

Partake in an exciting safari drive through a picturesque African wilderness setting and an intimate encounter with dolphin and lot lots more!  

Dates:

Daily  

Location:

From your hotel within the Bangkok City area  

Time:  

Pick up between 7:00am and 7:30am

Tour commences 8:00am  

Hotel Pickup:

Please advise the name of your hotel in the 'Hotel Pick-up' field at time of booking  

Return Details:

Tour returns to your hotel at approximately 4:00pm  

Additional

Inclusions:  

Admission to Safari Park and Marine Park

Lunch

English speaking licensed guide

Air-conditioned vehicle  

Exclusions:  

Beverages

Additional areas and attractions

Items of a personal nature

Tips or Gratuities to guides or drivers  

Additional Info:  

This tour must be booked at least 72 hours in advance of your travel date

Confirmation of this product will be received at time of booking

Tour is operated in English unless otherwise stated

This tour will ONLY operate with a minimum of two passengers

Tipping / Gratuities  

Gratuities to the guide and driver although customary, are not required. Any such expression of appreciation should be made on a voluntary and individual basis.  

Pricing Policy:  

Infants aged 1 year and under are free of charge, as long as they do not occupy a seat

Child prices apply to children aged 2-12 years inclusive  

Safari World - Bangkok						per person
Season	May 01, 2006 to Mar 31, 2007			Apr 01, 2007 to Mar 31, 2008
Days of Week	Adult	Child	Infant	Adult	Child	Infant
Mon..Sun	$40.00	$28.75	Free	$44.96	$32.98	Free

 

Bridge on the River Kwai  

 

Fascinating, nostalgic and memorable sums up this day tour to the Kanchanaburi province, 130 km west of Bangkok . The province itself is an agricultural area, and sugar cane, rice paddies and pineapple plantations are all part of the landscape, which in many areas is quite stunning.  

The famous bridge and the beginning of the 'Death Railway' which lies some 1 mile outside town are a poignant reminder of the thousands of POW’s and forced laborers who lost their lives in the Second World War. A visit will be made to one of the Allied War Grave cemeteries (often an emotional experience) before visiting the JEATH war museum, which houses pictures and paintings from this period.  

An exhilarating long tailed speed boat ride will then take you down river to the famous bridge itself where you have ample time to explore at your own leisure. A ride on a local train is also included before returning to Bangkok city.  

Group of 2 travellers or more? Upgrade to a private tour for a small additional cost. Search for Product Code: 3685BKK36P  

Schedule Details  

Departure Dates:

Daily

Departure Point:

From selected hotels within the Bangkok city area

Departure Time:

Pick up between 6:15am and 7:00am from selected hotels in the Bangkok city area

Tour commences 7:10am

Return details:

Tour returns to your hotel at approximately 4:00pm

Hotel Pickup:

Please advise the name of your hotel in the 'Hotel Pick-up' field at time of booking. Please be aware, however, that this tour will only pick up from selected hotels in the Bangkok city area. Please reconfirm your pick up details upon arrival into Bangkok .  

 

Bangkok Floating Market and River Kwai Tour  

If your time in Bangkok is limited then this is an ideal way to see two great places in one full day excursion! Your journey commences with a leisurely drive passing through salt fields and rice paddies before arriving at a jetty. Here we will board long tail speed-boats to take