Thailand Temptations

Join us on an amazing, exotic adventure to Thailand, the Land of Smiles, where we explore the rich heritage, warm hospitality, and tropical paradise that makes this one of Asia's top travel destinations. This once-in-a-lifetime trip begins in the bustling city of Bangkok, famous for ornate temples and colorful street markets, offering a new and amazing bite of food on every corner.  From here we travel to the mystical and enchanting Ruins of Angkor, where hundreds of ancient ruins create the largest single religious monument in the world.  We finish off with rest and relaxation on the sugary sand beaches of Hua Hin, at a five-star resort packed with amenities and activities.  Fantastic flavors, sensational sightseeing, incredible shopping, topped off with surf and sand – this is the very definition of a bucket list vacation!

Day 1: Departure

Our adventure begins with a mid-afternoon departure from Frankfurt International Airport and an overnight flight to Bangkok, the most populated city in Thailand, officially known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon and colloquially referred to as Krung Thep.

Day 2: Beautiful Beginnings in Bangkok

Welcome to Bangkok! After an early morning arrival, we travel to our downtown hotel for check-in where there will be time to freshen up before venturing out into the city for our taste of Thailand with an introductory tour.  This is the perfect opportunity to get acquainted with the fast, lively pace of this colorful city, celebrated for the countless ornate shrines, vibrant street life, and street markets that are woven together by an endless series of klongs (waterways).  Along the way there will be plenty of chances to sample the delicious street food of Bangkok; from fresh and familiar spring rolls and pad thai to the more exotic local favorites including fried grasshoppers, scorpions, and other delicacies!  If you’re not ready to dive into the marvel and mystery of Thai street food just yet, fear not, there is an amazing meal coming your way!  The evening offers an amazing traditional dinner at one of the city’s most prestigious restaurants. In addition to the amazing local flavors, this dinner is served high atop the 76th floor with an unparalleled view of the bustling, glowing metropolis below.  There is no better way to end your first day in Bangkok than this; in the clouds, tasting delicious Asian cuisine, watching the electric shimmer of city lights as far as the eye can see.

Day 3: Heritage and History

Following breakfast at the hotel, we venture out for a day of sightseeing that illuminates the true essence of this beautiful city as we visit the Rattanakosin Royal District which houses some of the most important sights of Bangkok.  Our first stop takes us to the Temple of  Wat Pho, one of six first-class royal temples and the oldest in Bangkok.  The temple is home to more than one thousand Buddha images as well, among them is the impressive Reclining Buddha, spanning 151 feet in length, and covered in gold leaf.   Next, we visit the iconic Grand Palace, a perfect example of the ancient Siamese court and home to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Pra Kaew).

The morning finishes with a tasty and well-deserved lunch, followed by a relaxing boat ride on the Chao Phraya River (River of Kings), providing the perfect opportunity to see the network of Klongs that bind the city together, taking us to the west bank and the modern Thonburi District. Here, we will have the chance to observe and photograph the serene family homes and temples along the waterways, which gave the city the name “Venice of the East”. Our final stop today is Wat Arun, one of the most photographed sights in Bangkok, boasting steep steps and a Khmer-style spire. This majestic temple derives its name from the Hindu god Aruṇa, often personified as the beams of the rising sun, which come alive on the ornately decorated glazed ceramic pieces that reflect early morning rays.  From here, the remainder of the day is yours to freely explore the city, shop for an endless amount of treasures, snack on street food, and take in the magic of Bangkok at your own pace.

Day 4: Floating Markets & Exotic Foods

After breakfast at the hotel, we journey approximately 100 km to the west of Bangkok to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, famous for its many colors, flavors, and exotic fragrances. Our time here begins with a scenic ride on a longtail, a traditional wooden speedboat used to navigate the shallow klongs and coastlines.  This scenic ride takes us past rustic riverside villages and fruit plantations before arriving at one of Thailand’s most famous and popular floating markets. Sample durian fruit, order fried bananas served via fishing pole, buy souvenirs from Canalside stalls, and don’t forget to barter – it’s expected here! After ample time to shop, we travel back to Bangkok where we will explore the world’s largest Chinatown.  This lively, historic neighborhood is nested in a grove of skyscrapers, bustling with traffic, aglow with colorful neon signs, and the sultry aromas are sure to tempt you to try some of the most delicious and exotic street food in Bangkok – a true feast for all the senses! Your guide will accompany you through the narrow alleyways that offer a fusion of colonial-style architecture and contrasting Chinese temples such as Leng Noi Yee.  Once your guide has introduced you to the area, you are free to indecently explore the maze of market stalls, glittery gold shops, spice merchants, and fabric shops.  As evening arrives China Town turns into Bangkok’s biggest open-air restaurant, offering an endless supply of culinary delights to sample and snack on. 

Day 5 – Day 7: Amazing Angkor Ruins

Following breakfast and check-out from our hotel, we say goodbye to Bangkok and embark on the next exciting part of the trip.  A short flight takes us to Siem Reap (Cambodia), where we find one of the world’s most mysterious and majestic sites… Welcome to heaven on earth and The Temple Complex of Angkor! The expansive site is the earthly representation of the Hindu Faith's Mount Meru, home to their ancient gods, as Mount Olympus was to the ancient Greeks. Here you will find a perfect fusion of creative ambition and spiritual devotion, built by each generation's effort to outdo the last in size, scale, and symmetry, producing the world’s largest religious compound.

Following breakfast each day, we will dedicate our time to seeing this impressive and massive collection of precious places.  Angkor is one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia and contains the architectural remains of the Khmer Empire (9th to 15th Century). The complex is the perfect blend of symbolism and symmetry and is home to the spectacular temples of Angkor Wat, Angkor Tom, Ta Prohm (the temple overgrown with trees), the Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King to name only a few. Here we will be immersed in a tropical jungle full of treasures, ruins, temples, elaborate carvings, imposing stone faces, and images that take us back in time through a narrative of stories of ancient religious devotion.

The Angkor complex consists of an Outer Wall, richly decorated with sculptures including a statue of Vishnu the eight-armed God, an Avenue lined with Naga Balustrades, and the Central Complex with the Gallery of the Thousand Buddha (Preah Poan). The Temples of Angkor combine a rich history of both Hinduism and Buddhism, connecting those who visit this sacred place with the spirit and heritage of its people.

Spectacular Sunrise & Sunset Experiences:  To see the Temple Complex of Angkor Wat at it most enchanting and beautiful, it is best to arrive in the early morning hours, just as the sun's first rays gently graze over towers, bathing the site in a romantic reddish-golden glow. In the evening, enjoy the best views of The Temple Hill of Phom Bakheng as the sun sets into the horizon, casting a mystical glow over this ancient wonder.     

Day 7 – Day 10: Stunning Beach resort 

Our day begins with an early breakfast and check-out from our Siem Reap hotel.  After the short return flight back to Bangkok, we head south to the sun-kissed shores of Hua Hin and the stunning five-star beach resort that will be our home for the remainder of our time in Thailand. The resort is set between the seaside town of Hua Hin, framed by sugar palm fields, mountains, and the sea.  Now is the time to experience the finest of Thai hospitality and the sugar sand beaches here. The resort is equipped with a Wellness Sanctuary that offers body treatments, massages, and holistic wellness programs as well as an array of fine-dining options offered at the restaurant, poolside, or barefoot on the beach.  Your time here is your own to relax and rejuvenate, follow your own interests, and experience the coastal life of Thailand.  After a very late check out on Day 9 and final breakfast in Thailand, our shuttle will take us back to the airport for an early evening check-in and overnight return flight to Frankfurt.

Day 10: Homecoming

With a treasure chest of amazing memories and group of new friends, we arrive in the early morning at Frankfurt International Airport.

• International Flight: Frankfurt - Bangkok - Frankfurt on Thai Airways (coach)
• Domestic non-stop flight: Bangkok – Siem Reap
• 1 checked bag with 20 kg (44 pounds) luggage allowance
• Airport taxes
• 3 Nights hotel accommodations in Bangkok
• 2 Nights hotel accommodations Siem Reap / Angkor Wat
• 3 Nights hotel accommodations at Hua Hin Beach Resort
• 8 Breakfasts provided at hotels
• 1 Welcome Dinner in Bangkok
• 1 Welcome Dinner Siem Reap
• 1 Lunch in Bangkok as per itinerary
• All transportation/transfers in Thailand provided in a modern air-conditioned coach
• Guided Sight-seeing Bangkok as per itinerary
• Visit Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho
• Visit the Grand Palace in Bangkok
• Visit the Temple of Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)
• Visit Temple Wat Arun
• Long Tail boat cruise River Chao Phraya including the Klongs (canals) of Thonburi Day
• Visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
• Visit China Town
• Visit Angkor Complex includes Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Terrace of the Elephants und Terrace of the Leper
• Visit Baphuon Temple Mount, The Great Square, Phimeanakas Temple Pyramid, Bayon State Temple and Ta Prohm Temple Komplex
• Local English Speaking Guide
• RTT Escort

• Meals & beverages not mentioned or specially noted as included
• Visa Fee Cambodia (USD 35.00)
• Tips and items of a personal nature
• Trip Cancellation Insurance (highly recommended)
• Travelers Health Insurance (highly recommended)
• Transportation to/from Frankfurt Airport. Optional round-trip bus transfers Ramstein to/from Frankfurt Airport €85 per person (minimum participation of 20 passengers required)
• Visa for Cambodia

A single/one-time administrative fee of Є55 will be levied by RTT to complete a cancellation request, in addition to the per person cancellation fees listed below: 

• From the day of booking until 65 days before travel: 25%
• 64-40 days before travel: 40%
• 39-19 days before travel: 80%
• 18-3 days before travel: 95%
• Later Cancellations - No refunds
• No Show - No Refund

• Itinerary is subject to change without prior notice, but will not sacrifice the quality of the tour.
• The tour requires a lot of walking and personal stamina for long hours of touring.
• Cancellation insurance is mandatory / strongly recommended. Cancellation fees cannot be waived. For more information, see Travel Insurance section above.
• Health insurance is strongly recommended, RTT nor the Vendor are liable for accidents and health-related issues during the trip. For more information, see Travel Insurance section above.
• Thailand is a hot and humid climate with many tour activities taking place outdoors.  Please bring appropriate attire and footwear for the range of activities listed on the itinerary.
• Any airline surcharges levied after booking are the responsibility of the customer.
• Departure airports in Europe, other than Frankfurt, may be available
• Down payment of 35% is required at time of booking, final payment 31 Days before departure.
• Tour departure will be confirmed with 15 people, maximum number of people permitted is 34.