This will be our 5th trip to
Thailand and is always a wonderful trip. Thailand is exotic, beautiful,
and thrillingly different. We will repeat our 2014relaxing trip
with just two stops - 3-nights in
Bangkok
and 7-nights in Krabi.
Bangkok certainly lives up to its reputation as a travel hot spot
in Southeast Asia. The "City of Angels" has funky markets,
upscale malls, a riverside full of surprises, a vibrant nightlife
scene, and attractions that reflect its unique heritage. There's
a modern skytrain and underground systems that cover a large area
and you can explore the riverside area by a long-tail speedboat
or river taxi. Vibrant, cosmopolitan and intriguing, Bangkok is
simply sensational. As the cultural and commercial centre, Thailand's
fascinating capital presents an everlasting curious palette of
activities, events, parties and other happenings. From spectacular
stage productions to colorful temple fairs, sumptuous food festivals
and bizarre art installations, something peculiar goes on every
day.
We
are flying on Cathay Pacific on a red-eye arriving on May 1st
at 12:30 am, arriving in Bangkok May 2nd. Our flight from LAX
routes through Hong Kong so let us know if you wish to spend any
time there on your own either before or after our trip.
The next 2 days we will plan a a couple of
optional half day tours - the Grand Palace and a Klong tour of
the canals.
For a real sense of how people in Bangkok used to live, in stilted
shacks, old wooden townhouses and dilapidated lean-tos – and still
do – see them at the Bangkok Thonburi Khlongs. Bangkok's
charming riverside is brimming with stories to tell. On this tour,
a long-tailed speedboat whisks you down the Chao Phraya River
and canals (khlongs) of Thonburi – the original site where
Bangkok was founded. Immerse yourself in the picturesque riverside
scenery, as you drift past stilted wooden homes, 'floating kitchens',
mobile shops, colonial mansions and all kinds of colorful culture
along the riverfront, before stopping at the enchanting Temple
of Dawn (Wat Arun).
During our canal tour we will visit
Wat Arun, situated on the west
bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is believed that after fighting
his way out of Ayutthaya, which was besieged by a Burmese army
at the time, King Taksin arrived at this temple just as dawn was
breaking. He later had the temple renovated and renamed
it Wat Chaeng, the Temple of the Dawn
.
The beauty of the architecture and the fine craftsmanship declare
its status as a temple of the first grade and one of the most
outstanding temples in Thailand. The spire (prang) of Wat Arun
is one of Bangkok's world-famous landmarks. It has an imposing
spire over 70 metres high, beautifully decorated with tiny pieces
of colored glass and Chinese porcelain placed delicately into
intricate patterns.
If there is one must-see sight that no
visit to Bangkok would be complete without, it's the dazzling,
spectacular Grand Palace, undoubtedly the city's most famous landmark.
Built in 1782 - and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal
court and the administrative seat of government - the Grand Palace of
Bangkok is a grand old dame indeed, that continues to have visitors in
awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail, all of which
is a proud salute to the creativity and craftsmanship of Thai people.
Within its walls were also the Thai war ministry, state departments, and
even the mint. Today, the complex remains the spiritual heart of the
Thai Kingdom. Within the
palace complex are several impressive buildings including
Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which
contains the small, very famous and greatly revered Emerald Buddha that
dates back to the 14th century.
The nights in Bangkok are so famous you might
remember the song, "one night in Bangkok". Bangkok nightlife
is legendary and for good reason. The city is buzzing seven nights
a week, with world famous mega-clubs and 
underground
haunts attracting revelers from every corner of the planet. You
can find every niche musical movement in Bangkok – from classic
hip hop, to funky vocal house andeven drum ’n’ bass – and it’s
this sheer choice, along with fun-loving crowds and the classic
easygoing Thai charm that makes 
Bangkok
the premier clubbing destination in Asia, and one of the most
boisterous party cities in the world. The entire city takes on
a vibrant flavor with an abundance of options from a nice dinner
cruise to a visit to the red-light district or a high tech club,
Bangkok certainly has it going on. Click
here to read more.
Our hotel, the 4-1/2 star Eastin Grand Hotel
Sathorn was chosen for it's high ranking on Tripadvisor (9 out
of 721 hotels in Bangkok!) and the tram system stops right at
the hotel, not to mention the beautiful rooms and infinity pool
at the top of the roof! Everyone will enjoy upgraded
rooms to the Executive floor with not just amazing views but
some incredible benefits including free open bar for 2 hours
every night complete with an incredible spread of hors dourves,
soups, salads and desserts! This hotel was a huge hit
on our last Thailand trip. You will love it!
After our 3 nights in Bangkok we will depart
for the amazing coastline with our visit to Krabi. You will love
this town and it's easy access to the slands located just a short
boat ride away. Krabi Town is majestically situated among impossibly
angular limestone karsts 
jutting
from the mangroves. The distinguishing feature of both Krabi and
neighboring Phang Nga is the massive limestone karsts, rising
vertiginously out of the flat rice paddies on land and as islands
from the sea.
Krabi abounds with countless natural attractions
that never fail to impress. Such attractions include white sandy
beaches, crystal clear water, fascinating coral reefs, caves and
waterfalls, as well as numerous islands. We'll organize optional
tours into the interior jungle for river rafting ATVing, Caving,
Ziplining, and even elephant riding and head to the ocean for
snorkeling, island hoping and scuba diving. There is just so much
to do including visiting spas, hot springs and other sight seeing
and in Thailand our dollars goes a LONG WAY. Click
here for the list of optional activities (these rates
may change slightly as this is from our 2015 trip). 
Plus
there are the gorgeous beaches and excellent scuba diving.
Our hotel is the 4-star Centara
Anda Dhevi Resort & Spa Krabi which is convienently
located in the heart of Krabi. It's another luxury resort that
will certainly please. Read more below. Early signups will get
poolside rooms.
On Sunday, May12th we fly back to LAX to arrive
at 9:55 pm
Cost, for the international air, domestic
air and 10-nights accommodations with daily breakfast at these
two 4-star hotels is just 
$2,695
plus departure tax. Don't miss what we certainly be another wonderful
trip to paradise.
DEPOSIT - $200 to sign up
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
(your own room) is $750
INCLUDES:
- International and domestic air (Deduct
$925 with your own air and you will not pay the departure tax).
- All ground transportation
- Group rates on all tours
- Daily Breakfast
- Price is for double occupancy
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- US and Thailand departure tax of $315 (subject
to change until ticketing)
- Tips and gratuities
Click
here to see photos from a past trip of ours to
Thailand
OUR AIR: Deduct
$925 with your own air. We will still take care of the flight
from Bangkok to Krabi. You will purchase a ticket arriving to
Bangkok and returning from Phuket
Flight:Cathay
Pacific 881 Departure: Los Angeles 01MAY/1230A Arrival:Hong Kong
02MAY/645A
Flight: Cathay Pacific 717 Departure:Hong Kong 02MAY/855A Arrival:Bangkok
02MAY/1050A
Flight:
Bangkok Airways 267 Departure:Bangkok 05MAY/1240P Arrival:Krabi
05MAY/205P
Flight: Cathay Dragon 265 Departure:Phuket 12MAY/530P Arrival:Hong
Kong 12MAY/1010P
Flight:Cathay Pacific 880 Departure: Hong Kong 13MAY/1205A Arrival:Los
Angeles 12MAY/955P
OUR HOTELS:
Eastin Grand Hotel
Sathorn, Bangkok
Hotel
website
Tripadvisor Review
This deluxe property is centrally located in
the Sathorn business district, just minutes from the world famous
Chao Praya River and a short drive via the nearby expressway to
Suvarnabhumi 
International
Airport. It is unique in being the only hotel in Bangkok with
its own direct access to the BTS Sky Train system at Surasak Station
literally bringing the city to your doorstep.
All 390 luxuriously appointed rooms and suites
are decorated in soft, subtle tones and feature the latest amenities
for the comfort of both leisure and business travelers while enjoying
stunning views of the majestic Chao
Praya River or Bangkok’s imposing skyline.
Value-added services:
-
-
Daily International buffet breakfast
-
-
Wireless internet access in room and public area
-
-
Complimentary bottled drinking water (2 per day)
-
-
Complimentary coffee and tea set in room
-
-
Pool and gym facility access
We've upgraded our entire group to their executive superior
sky rooms. Check out these benefits:
Located
on the highest floors for simply the best views of the city available.
Featuring the latest in-room entertainment plus full Executive
Lounge privileges including breakfast served in the Lounge, complimentary
tea, coffee, non-alcoholic drinks and snacks available throughout
the day, an open bar serving wine, beer, spirits, cocktails
and hors d’oeuvres from 17.30 -19.30 hours and many more exclusive
benefits.
Centara
Anda Dhevi Resort & Spa Krabi
Hotel
Website Tripadvisor
Review
Known
as a destination of stunning natural beauty where limestone formations
soaring above the Andaman Sea share the landscape with tropical
outlying islands and perfect beaches, Krabi has something for
everyone. Located in the Noparatthara area, west of Ao Nang and
within easy reach of the soft sands of Nopparathara and Ao Nang
Beach, Centara Anda Dhevi Resort & Spa Krabi presents a great
holiday base with an intimate setting. Along with opportunities
to kick-back or enjoy family fun and a warm, attentive service,
the resort offers different accommodation styles that include
pool access rooms and family suites. First 16 people will get
poolside rooms!
Sign up for this Trip!
