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
arrive on June 11th with our direct (one stop in Seoul) flight
from LAX. The next 2 days we will
plan a a couple of half day tours to include 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 and even 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 now 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 hors dourves! Read more below.
After our 3 nights in Bangkok we will depart
for the amazing coastline with our visit to Krabi. When the group
went here in 2007 I was blown away with the beauty and the islands
off-shore that are 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.. Check out this
website for a look at some of our tour choices. . Plus there
are the gorgeous beaches and excellent scuba diving.
Our hotel is the 4-star Aonang Cliff Beach
Resort 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 
oceanview
rooms and
On Saturday, June 6th we head back to Bangkok
where the trip all began for one more night before we fly back
to LAX
.
Cost, for the international air, domestic
air and 10-nights accommodations with daily breakfast at these
two 4-star hotels is just $2,750. Don't miss what we certainly
be another wonderful trip to paradise.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
(your own room) is $750
INCLUDES:
- International and domestic air (Deduct
$950 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 $581.85
(subject to change until ticketing)
- Tips and gratuities
Click
here to see photos from a past trip of ours to
Thailand
OUR AIR: Deduct
$1,250 with your own air. You would also need to get your round
trip ticket from Bangkok to Krabi.
Flight:Thai
Airways 693 Departure: Los Angeles 10JUN/125A, stops in Seoul,
Arrival:Bangkok 11JUN/1115A
Flight: Thai
Airways 251 Departure:Bangkok 14JUN/100P Arrival:Krabi 14JUN/220P
Flight: Thai
Airways 242 Departure:Krabi 21JUN/1010A Arrival:Bangkok 21JUN/1130A
Flight: Thai
Airways 692 Departure:Bangkok 21JUN/140P Arrival:Los Angeles 21JUN/555P
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 now 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. 
Aonang
Beach Resort, Krabi
Hotel
Website Tripadvisor
Review
Aonang
Cliff Beach Resort is Krabi's 4 star boutique resort with spectacular
views of the cliff and Andaman Sea. Located in the center of Aonang,
with easy access to the beach, shopping, Dining and night life.
97 Newly refurbished, spacious guest rooms offer comfortable accommodation
in Superior , Deluxe and Ocean View categories. The Ocean wing
features sunset balcony for romantics and honeymooners. The resort
offers a unique Thai restaurant and a boulevard cafe in Aonang's
most versatile and lively shopping plaza. Around the resort pool
you will find a Bar & Bistro, wellness center complete with Thai
Spa, Gym, Muay Thai, Yoga and Tai Chi classes. Social and business
events are celebrated in style for up to 180 guests in the new
event center and on the Cliff Panorama Terrace. Coupled with grace
of our Thai service memories are made of this.
Sign up for this Trip!
