Day 1 Welcome meeting, Dinner Feb 19

Welcome to Thailand! Our tour starts late afternoon with a get-acquainted meeting followed by dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 2 Elephant encounters, Wat Doi Suthep
This morning we’ll visit one of the ethical elephant sanctuaries near Chiang Mai. We’ll learn about elephant life in Asia while observing the great animals in their natural habitat. In the afternoon we depart for the nearby mountain temple of Doi Suthep for panoramic views and the tour’s best Buddhist connection experience. Ring the prayer bells as we ascend or take photos of the sacred Bodhi tree, the view, or giant ceremonial drums. While listening to the musical tinkling of temple bells you can receive a monk’s blessing, learn your fortune from joss sticks, join the ceremonial circumambulation of the stupa, or add oil to the sacred lamps (like lighting a candle in a Catholic church). Our guide will use Doi Suthep’s “Century Calendar Book” to teach you your birth sign, sacred animal, and ritual Buddha posture. If available, we'll stay to listen to the monks' chanting service.

Day 3 Cooking Class, Village Homestay Visit
On our second morning together we’ll engage in a cooking class. We will shop for ingredients at the local market, learn to prepare several simple Thai dishes, and then enjoy the results for lunch. Then we’ll depart to the countryside for a taste of rural life. We’ll take an easy countryside bike ride, visiting a local handicraft cooperative and a mushroom or rice farm. Later we’ll partake in a traditional Kantok dinner with our village hosts. Traditional music and a dance performance will be provided by local students. The evening concludes with a Thai lantern ceremony.

Yaang Come Village (3 nights)

Day 4 Craft Villages
After breakfast we will begin the journey to intriguing Sukhothai. As we leave Chiang Mai we’ll visit a couple of the famous craft villages. Choices include lacquerware, silk production, and pottery. We will certainly visit famous Bo Sang Village, where colorful umbrellas, fans, and hats are still crafted by hand. In the afternoon we continue our drive to Sukhothai.

Day 5 Sukhothai Historical Park

This morning we’ll have a guided visit of Sukhothai, one of Thailand’s World Heritage sites. Sukhothai was Siam’s first “national” capital, uniting its feudal kingdoms in the 13th century. Culture, art, and architecture flourished and today we can visit the remnants of that refined dynasty. The captivating temple ruins boast rows of columns, crumbling stupas, and many Buddhas displaying the enigmatic “Sukhothai Smile.”  We’ll navigate the flat terrain by bicycle and indulge in a picnic lunch among the ruins. Your afternoon is free to relax by the pool or have a Thai massage.

Sukhothai Treasure (2 nights)

Day 6 Klong tour, Riverside dinner

After breakfast we'll depart Sukhothai, heading south to Thailand's bustling capital - Bangkok. Upon arrival we'll check into our hotel for some down time. In the late afternoon we'll embark on a tour of the city's canals (klongs). Bangkok is laced with hundreds of canals. A tour of these waterways is a journey into Bangkok’s heart and soul, and a fantastic waterborne photo safari. We’ll see people cooking, fishing, washing dishes, swimming, making merit, and playing. We’ll float past teak palaces side by side with ramshackle hovels and workaday wats. Afterward we’ll enjoy a classic Bangkok experience, a riverside dinner.

Day 7 Grand Palace, Wat Pho

The Grand Palace complex with its flamboyant architectural style includes Wat Phra Kaew, a wonder of gleaming stupas, statues, and bots. This is Thailand’s premier sight and a fitting start to our Bangkok sight-seeing. Phra Kheo is home to the country’s most venerated religious object, the Emerald Buddha. The complex is surrounded by a galleried wall, displaying an electric mural series from the Ramakian, the Hindu epic of good vs. evil. Giant Yakshas, or mythical guardians watch over the entrances. Gilded garudas and multi-chromatic mythic warriors line the bases of chedis and other gilded statues populate the grounds. Next door is Wat Pho, home to Thailand’s largest reclining Buddha. Pho has a more work-a-day feel. Engage the monks in conversation, check out the ancient massage school “instruction” panels, drop coins in the alms bowls, or photograph the whimsical guardian statues at Pho’s main gates.

Day 8 Tuk-tuk tour

On this morning we’ll explore Bangkok’s less accessible sights on a tuk-tuk tour – the ubiquitous Asian 3-wheel transport.  Highlights include Wat Saket – the Golden Mount, Rama V monument, the flower market, Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, and Wat Traimit with its 5.5 ton solid gold Buddha statue. Your afternoon is free to explore on your own.

Nuovo City Hotel (3 nights)

Day 9 Ayuthaya Historical Park

After breakfast we'll travel north to Ayuthaya, Siam’s capital from the 14th to the 18th centuries. It is Thailand’s second World Heritage site and our favorite archaeological destination. We'll visit Wats Mahathat and Si Sanphet before lunch. After some relaxation we’ll finish our afternoon with the saffron-sashed Buddha statues of Yai Chai Mongkhon. Then we’ll board a converted rice barge for dinner. Relax while some of Ayuthaya’s prime sights drift gently by.

Kantary Hotel (1 night)

Day 10 Khao Sok NP

An early morning flight jets us south to Surat Thani (included). Then it’s on to Chiaw Lan Lake in beautiful Khao Sok National Park. After checking in to our floating guesthouse we’ll enjoy lunch together. Afternoon activities include a variety of nearby options or simply relax on the water. In addition to the tropical flora and breathtaking landscape we hope to see gibbons, flying lizards, and a variety of birdlife. But the real magic begins at dusk as moon shadow creeps across the surrounding karsts creating a magical ambiance.

Laguna Chiew Larn Floating Guesthouse (1 night)

Day 11 Tharn Bokkoranee

A morning’s drive brings us to another natural jewel, Tharn Bokkoranee National Park. We’ll board longtail boats to journey through karst hongs (natural caves) and emerald pools surrounded by the verdant mangrove jungle. After lunch we continue south, by-passing over-developed resort areas to relatively undeveloped Trang Province and Koh Lanta island. It’s longer and more complicated to get here, but the payout is spectacular!

Day 12 Free Day

Today is a full-stop break from the demands of our tour itinerary. No planned activities. You decide how you want to spend your day in this tropical paradise. Options include snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, scuba, or just relaxing by the beach.

Day 13 Andaman Excursion

After breakfast we’ll take a boat excursion to 3 or 4 of the most picturesque Andaman islands for a fun-in-the-sun snorkeling adventure. Our private boat will take us to pristine beaches and past dramatic karst islands. The day includes Ko Muk’s spectacular Emerald Cave. We swim through a 300-foot long sea cave to reach the secluded interior lagoon (actually a collapsed hong). A perfect sandy beach is surrounded by steep jungle-clad cliffs forming a perfect, round, natural chimney up to the blue sky. It is an amazing experience! Returning to our Koh Lanta resort, we'll gather for a final dinner together.

Thapwarin Resort (3 nights)

Day 14

Our tour officially ends after a midday flight back to Bangkok (flight included; Bangkok's Don Muang airport). We will help with transfer arrangements into the city or to nearby Suvarnabhumi international airport (BKK).

[Itinerary details & hotels subject to change]

Day 1 Flight, meeting, dinner

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.

Steung Siem Reap Hotel (3 nights)

[Extension hotel and itinerary details are subject to change.]

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.

• 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.

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). Extension starts at 5:00PM

Q: Should I arrive early for the tour?

A: When you arrive is entirely up to you. Most Imprint travelers arrive 1 day early.

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.

Q: Do I need to check the tour status after May 31?

A: No, if you have not received a cancellation notice from Imprint by May 31, you may assume the tour is a go.

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 the designated date. 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.

A: For those extending to Angkor, our extension hotel is Steung Siem Reap Hotel

Tour Hotels

Q: If I need a complete list of tour hotels, where do I find that?

A: Hotels are listed in the itinerary section above.

 Q: Will there be hair dryers in the hotels.

A: Yes, hotels will have hair dryers.

Q: Will there be opportunity to do laundry during the tour?

A: Yes, there will be several opportunities for laundry.

Pre-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.

• If your passport will expire between now and 6 months beyond your intended departure from Thailand, it is your sole responsibility to update your registration information in We Travel. You can use the link in your confirmation email to return to your account to make edits. Imprint Tours is not responsible for reminding you to update your information nor for any problems with booking delays or mistakes due to incorrect passport data.

• Add reid@imprinttours.com 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, respectful, independent-minded, 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.

Trip cancellation insurance helps protect you and the investment you made in your trip when you travel. It provides pre-departure benefits in case you must cancel your trip before you have the chance to take it, and post-departure benefits such as travel delay, trip interruption, and emergency medical expenses to protect you while you are traveling. We recommend Trawick. For more than 25 years, Trawick International has been a trusted provider of international insurance, administration, and assistance services.  Trawick International provides personalized service and trusted guidance.  With 24/7 customer support and worldwide protection, you’ll have everything you need for everywhere you’ll go. 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.

Comprehensive Travel Protection and Travel Medical Insurance Plans may provide coverage for:

·       Trip Cancellation

·       Trip Interruption 

·       Trip Delay 

·       Missed Connection

·       Baggage Benefits

·       Baggage and Personal Effects 

·       Baggage Delay 

·       Emergency Accident and Sickness

·       Medical Expense 

·       Dental Expenses 

·       Emergency Evacuation 

·       Repatriation of Remains  

·       Accidental Death & Dismemberment

*Please make sure to read your specific plan document as coverage may vary depending on state and policy purchased. 

For policy questions please call Trawick International’s 24/7 customer service team at 888-301-9289.

Worldwide Travel Assistance is available 24 hours a/ day, 7 days a week. Trawick International offers immediate online policy confirmation of coverage, personalized ID cards and plan documents. Our Global Response Center (GRC) is staffed by a diverse team of bilingual and multilingual professionals.  Trawick Internationals Assistance Provider OnCall International can arrange access to over 180 written and spoken languages to ensure we can deliver clear, accurate, and culturally sensitive emergency response and assistance to travelers anywhere in the world, at any time.

Please Note: Full coverage terms and details, including exclusions and limitations, are contained in the insurance policy. Product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. Plan sold by Trawick International. Insurance is provided by either Technology Insurance Company or Wesco Insurance Company, an AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. company and non-insurance services by Trawick International. Limitations and exclusions apply. Trip cancelation plans are only valid for residents of the United States.