- Email address verified
- Email address verified
About this trip
Thailand is the foremost jewel of Southeast Asian travel and a great value for American travelers. Blessed with a dizzying array of natural wonders, a welcoming society, a splendid cultural heritage, and a well established tourist infrastructure, Thailand makes for a perfect first foray into Asian travel. This fortnight tour includes the Buddhist temples and imperial wonders of Bangkok, the spectacular natural wonders of the Andaman coast and Khao Sok National Park, the northern capital of Chiang Mai, and the World Heritage sites of Ayuthaya and Sukhothai. And for those extending to Cambodia, add in Southeast Asia’s premier sight: Angkor Wat.
Note: While the Thailand tour is not particularly physically demanding in the typical way, the country is hot and humid, which has an enervating effect. Additionally, at certain times during the tour we’ll be climbing in and out of boats, sometimes without a pier or dock, or climbing up ladders onto boats (snorkeling excursion), climbing up to and through a cave, riding bikes, etc. Those activities require a reasonable level of strength and dexterity - and an adventurous spirit. However, nothing is required on our tours. Travelers may skip any activities they chose and accommodation will be made for them.
Trip Highlights (A few of many)
- Explore the vibrant city of Bangkok with its Buddhist temples and imperial wonders.
- Visit the spectacular natural wonders of the Andaman islands.
- Discover the lush beauty of Khao Sok National Park.
- Experience the cultural richness of the northern capital, Chiang Mai.
- Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites like Ayutthaya and Sukhothai.
- Optional extension: visit Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Southeast Asia’s premier historical site.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Visa Requirements: US and Canadian citizens are not required to get a visitor visa in advance for Thailand. It will be stamped in your passport upon arrival. No fee. Cambodia also issues visas upon arrival ($36), but one can acquire an E-visa prior to arrival as well.
Registration and Deposit
Q: What should I expect after registering and paying the deposit for the tour?
A: You will receive a confirmation email welcoming you to the tour. This email will include a link to a 'Manage Booking' page where you can view and edit all your trip details, your deposit receipt, payment schedule, and information for purchasing travel insurance through Travelex. Imprint Tours STRONGLY recommends purchasing trip insurance.
Flight Information
Q: Are flights included?
A: International Flights to/from the tour are NOT included. Internal tour flights (Ayuthaya > Surat Thani, Krabbi > Bangkok) are included.
Q: What airport do I use to join/depart the tour?
A: The tour starts in Chiang Mai (CNX) on Jan 31 (late afternoon) and ends in Bangkok Don Muang airport (DMK) on Feb 13 (by 2:00PM). Homeward flights will likely need to be booked from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Int'l Airport (BKK). Imprint will help with transfers between the two airports. (1 hour) We advise departures from BKK be scheduled no earlier than 8:00PM on the 13th.
If opting for the Pre-tour Angkor extension on Jan 28, you will want to fly into Siem Reap, Cambodia (SAI).
Q: Does Imprint provide or arrange airport transfers?
A: No, airport transfers are the traveler's responsibility to arrange. Basic information will be included in the 8-Week Letter.
Q: Does Imprint provide advice about airlines, routing, or booking?
A: No, Imprint does not provide these services.
Q: When should I book my flight?
A: Avoid booking flights before May 31 unless you confirm the tour status.
Early Pay Discount (EPD)
Q: How do I avail the Early Pay Discount (EPD)?
A: To receive the $300 EPD, you must book your trip and pay in full by May 31, 2025. The payment system already reflects this discount. The tour price will increase to full (+ $300) on June 1. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions regarding EPD as cancellation incurs a penalty.
Pre-Departure Information
Q: What should I do to prepare for the tour?
A: About 8 weeks before departure, you'll receive a detailed email with a packing list, sightseeing suggestions, and other important information. Meanwhile, ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the tour end date and has two clean pages for visa stamps.
Pre- and Post-Tour Hotels
Q: Since Imprint is unable to assist with pre- and post-tour hotel bookings, how do I book non-tour hotel nights?
A: For pre-tour nights, book at Yaang Come Village. For post-tour nights, the tour ends at Don Muang airport, so there is no tour hotel in Bangkok. Bookings are under Intrepid Travel Thailand and Imprint Tours, standard rooms. Final hotel bookings with roster names will be made about 60 days prior to the tour start.
Tour Hotels
Q: If I need a complete list of tour hotels, where do I find that?
A: On the Thailand Tour ITINERARY page on the Imprint website.
Post-Tour Angkor Extension
Q: How do I sign up for the optional pre-tour Angkor Extension?
A: For logistical reasons, we have listed the Extension as a tour product in the registration process (rather than an "add on"). You can add it during your initial registration process or at any time later, until the final payment deadline.
Important Reminders
Q: Are there any critical things I need to keep in mind?
A:
- Print and keep the confirmation letter for reference.
- Add [email protected] to your email address book.
- Download & activate Whatsapp for essential on-tour communications.
- Check your bank’s policy on international ATM withdrawal or Credit Card fees.
Health and Safety
Q: What health precautions should I take?
A: Visit the CDC website or your local travel medicine clinic for suggested inoculations for Thailand. We cannot advise on inoculations due to liability concerns.
This tour involves moderate to difficult physical activity in a tropical climate, including walking tours, steps, and excursions to natural sites with uneven terrain. Participants should be in good health and capable of handling such activities.
Tour Member Expectations
Q: What mindset should I have for the tour?
A: Be flexible, independent, and personally responsible. Expect challenges and surprises, especially in less-developed areas. Positive, flexible attitudes contribute to a better group experience.
Travel Insurance
Q: Why is travel insurance important?
A: Travel insurance protects your investment against unforeseen events like flight delays, baggage loss, or sudden illness. We recommend Travelex.
In case you haven’t read our Terms and Conditions carefully, we would like to repeat the
importance of purchasing trip insurance. We have partnered with Travelex, a leader in the travel insurance industry. We have chosen Travelex for their very high rating, their record and
reliability of processing claims, and their excellent customer service. Travelex is proud to offer
you a variety of travel protection plans to fit your travel needs. We understand your plans can
change quickly and unforeseen events could impact your travel plans. We feel it’s important to consider purchasing a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment.
Travel protection plans help provide coverage for:
- Trip Cancellation
- Trip Interruption
- Emergency Medical Expenses
- Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation of Remains
- Travel Delay
- Baggage & Personal Effects
- Baggage Delay and more
TRAVEL ASSISTANCE SERVICES*: With a Travelex Travel Protection Plan, emergency assistance and travel services are just a phone call away from virtually anywhere in the world.
For more information on the recommended plans or to enroll, CLICK HERE or contact Travelex
Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 06-0252.
Please Note:
Travelex Insurance Services plans are only available to U.S. Residents. To be eligible for a
waiver of the pre-existing medical condition exclusion, the Ultimate protection plan must be
purchased within 21 days from the time you make your initial trip deposit. However, plans can
be purchased any time up until the day prior to departure.
*Travel Assistance Services are provided by the designated provider as listed in the policy. The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex Insurance Services, Inc. CA Agency License #0D10209. Insurance coverages underwritten by individual member companies of Zurich in North America, including Zurich American Insurance Company (NAIC #16535, state of domicile: New York), 1299 Zurich Way, Schaumburg, IL 60196. Certain coverages not available in all states.
What’s included
- Accommodations13 nights accommodation
- Most mealsAll breakfasts, 6 dinners, 5 lunches
- TransportationAll tour transport (bus, minivan, songthaew, boat, airplane)
- TipsAll tips (guide, tour director, local guides, drivers, boat crews, group meals, hotel staffs)
- GuidesFull-time services of a Thai tour manager, Imprint escort, local guides
- Entrance FeesAll entrances: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Ayuthaya Historical Park, Wat Doi Suthep, Sukhothai National Historical Park, Khao Sok National Park
- Activities & ExcursionsChao Phraya riverside dinner, Bangkok canals tour, village homestay visit, bicycle tour, homestay entertainment, elephant sanctuary, rice barge excursion of Ayuthaya
- Activities ContinuedCheow Lan lake excursion, Andaman snorkeling excursion, Emerald Cave, Bangkok tuk-tuk tour, and more.
What’s not included
- International FlightsFlights to and from our tours are NOT included
- Travel InsuranceSTRONGLY Recommended
- VisasParticipants are responsible for obtaining a Visa and paying all associated fees
- Drinks & free-time MealsParticipants are responsible for the cost of all drinks and free-time meals throughout the tour
- Additional activitiesActivities not listed in the itinerary, such as free-time sightseeing and activities
- BaggageFlight baggage overage fees
- Additional expensesExpenditures of a personal nature
Available Packages
For 2 travelers sharing a room on the same booking (1 Double bed or 2 Twin beds).
Price is per person based on double occupancy.
Must pay in full by May 31, 2025 to receive early discount. Please review Terms & Conditions for the Early Pay Discount as cancellation incurs a penalty.
If booking separately, please use the "Twin/Single Sharing" package.
For individuals traveling alone and paying the Single Supplement.
Must pay in full by May 31, 2025 to receive early discount. Please review Terms & Conditions for the Early Pay Discount as cancellation incurs a penalty.
For traveling companions/couples registering separately.
OR - For the individual who doesn't want to pay the Single Supplement and is willing to share a room with a traveler of the same gender.
Note - If Imprint is unable to find a traveler willing to share you will be required to pay the single supplement.
Must pay in full by May 31, 2025 to receive early discount. Please review Terms & Conditions for the Early Pay Discount as cancellation incurs a penalty.
For 2 travelers sharing a room on the same booking (1 Double bed or 2 Twin beds), not taking advantage of the Early Pay Discount
Price is per person based on double occupancy.
If booking separately, please use the "Twin/Single Sharing" package.
For individuals traveling alone and paying the Single Supplement, not taking advantage of the Early Pay Discount.
For traveling companions/couples registering separately., not taking advantage of the Early Pay Discount
OR - For the individual who doesn't want to pay the Single Supplement and is willing to share a room with a traveler of the same gender.
Note - If Imprint is unable to find a traveler willing to share you will be required to pay the single supplement.
Available Add-Ons
For 2 travelers sharing a room on the same booking (1 Double bed or 2 Twin beds), taking advantage of the Early Pay Discount (EPD)
Price is per person based on double occupancy.
OR
For traveling companions/couples registering separately.
OR For the individual who doesn't want to pay the Single Supplement and is willing to share a room with a traveler of the same gender.
Note - If Imprint is unable to find a traveler willing to share you will be required to pay the single supplement. Must pay in full by May 15, 2025 to receive early discount. Please review Terms & Conditions for the Early Pay Discount as cancellation incurs a penalty.
For individuals traveling alone and paying the Single Supplement, taking advantage of the Early Pay Discount (EPD)
Must pay in full by May 15, 2025 to receive early discount. Please review Terms & Conditions for the Early Pay Discount as cancellation incurs a penalty.
For 2 travelers sharing a room on the same booking (1 Double bed or 2 Twin beds), not taking advantage of the Early Pay Discount.
Price is per person based on double occupancy.
OR
For traveling companions/couples registering separately.
OR For the individual who doesn't want to pay the Single Supplement and is willing to share a room with a traveler of the same gender.
Note - If Imprint is unable to find a traveler willing to share you will be required to pay the single supplement.
For individuals traveling alone and paying the Single Supplement, not taking advantage of the Early Pay Discount.
Itinerary
Day 1
For those extending to Angkor, we’ll meet in the afternoon to get acquainted. Our ace Cambodian guide Kheang will meet us for a short briefing in our hotel. The day concludes with a classic Cambodian dinner.
Day 2
Angkor Wat; Banteay Srie
Our destination this morning is Angkor Wat, the jewel in the great Angkor crown, the world’s largest religious building, and Southeast Asia’s premier sight. Our guide will interpret its long bas relief galleries, distinctive corncob prangs, and concentric walls and moats: which together constitute a metaphor for the Buddhist cosmos. In the afternoon we’ll head to Banteay Srie, a small but intricately carved temple complex considered to be the jewel of early Khmer architecture. Additionally, the journey to and from Srie affords opportunities to see village life.
Day 3
Angkor Thom; APOPA; Ta Prohm
We start our day with Angkor Thom, a royal city encompassing famous Bayon temple, the Elephants and Leper King Terraces, and one of the oft-photographed Angkor Thom Gates. The Bayon is a popular favorite with labyrinthine passages to explore and multiple towers – each with 4 enigmatic Khmer faces. The south gate may well be the most photographed destination at Angkor. Its massive “4-face” tower and ‘tug-of-war’ warrior balustrades adorn many books and brochures. We will finish our morning with a visit to the APOPO organization training center. This fascinating charity trains Tanzanian rats to sniff out landmines, saving thousands of Cambodian lives. After a mid-day break we’ll visit Ta Prohm, made famous in the movie “Tomb Raider”. This complex was left in its natural state, overwhelmed by the jungle. The roots of giant trees weave in, on, and through the temple ruins and walls of the complex. We’ll take plenty of free time here for photographers to record these iconic Angkor images. Tonight we’ll indulge in a traditional dinner while enjoying classical Khmer dance.
Day 4
The extension ends after breakfast. We’ll be transported to the airport to catch our flight to Chiang Mai and the Thailand tour.
[Extension hotel and itinerary details are subject to change.]