10-Day Tour of Thailand’s Bangkok and Koh Samui

Bustling Bangkok often ranks as a top travel destination, and for good reason: its frenetic energy and unique blend of past and present is enthralling. But there’s more to Thailand than its capital city. On this tour, you’ll see Bangkok’s most famous sites before heading to the island of Koh Samui, which is home to beautiful beaches and charming fishing villages. An orientation tour in both destinations will help you get your bearings, but the rest of the time is yours to explore or fill with optional sightseeing tours. This vacation includes:

• Round-trip airfare from Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Houston (IAH), or New York (JFK)
• Thailand domestic airfare: Bangkok to Koh Samui
• 4 nights of standard accommodations at Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok or similar hotel in Bangkok
• 4 nights of standard accommodations at Nora Beach Resort & Spa or similar hotel in Koh Samui
• Daily breakfast
• Professional English-speaking tour guide
• Fuel surcharge and tax
• Round-trip airport transfers in each city
• Orientation tour in each city

Days 1–2: Journey to Bangkok

You’ll spend Day 1 traveling from the United States to Bangkok. The Thai capital is rife with dazzling contradictions: ancient Buddhist temples root it in the past as modern skyscrapers and shopping malls propel it forward. After checking into your hotel, you’ll have the rest of Day 2 to spend as you wish—there’s no set itinerary.

Days 3–5: Exploring Bangkok

A city tour on the morning of Day 3 will help you get a lay of the land. First stop: the Temple of Golden Buddha. Here, you’ll see what approximately $14 million in solid gold looks like in the form of a 10-foot-tall Buddha weighing more than five tons. Then you’ll head to the Paklong Talat flower market and Wat Pho (known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha) before seeing how Thai silk is made. For the next 2 days, you can explore the city at your leisure or take part in some of the optional tours detailed below.

• Shop till you drop in open-air malls, which are outdoor mazes of produce, clothing, jewelry, and technology. The Chatuchak Weekend Market is the world’s largest—its 15,000 stalls cover more than 35 acres.
• Ride an elephant through the forests and meet some baby elephants up close on Day 5’s optional tour. You’ll also take a boat ride through the Damnoen Saduak floating market and take a bamboo raft along the Kwai River ($75/person).
• Other optional tours: Indulge in a tasty Thai dinner while watching a traditional Thai dance performance at Asiatique, a riverfront mall ($40/person; Day 3). You can also see the Grand Palace, Emerald Buddha Temple, and Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall during the Landmark of Bangkok tour ($60/person; Day 4).

Days 6–10: Koh Samui

You’ll spend the second half of the trip on the island of Koh Samui, known for its postcard-worthy beaches and lush tropical forests. The speed here isn’t quite as breakneck as in Bangkok—some of the most popular activities are beach-bumming, drinking, and exploring nature. Most of your time in Koh Samui is free, and an orientation tour on Day 7 will give you some good starting points for independent exploration.

• Orientation tour: Step into the Big Buddha Temple to see its 40-foot, solid-gold Buddha. Next, climb over the massive Grandmother and Grandfather rocks at quiet Lamai Beach and see the purple rocks behind the cascading Na Muang waterfall.
• Get a tan or splash in the clear waters at Chaweng, Ko Samui’s longest beach.
• See a fishing village: Bophut, on the north coast of the island, offers quiet beaches, historical Chinese-Thai wooden homes, and a pedestrian-only entertainment and dining district.
• Go kayaking and explore a cave at Ang Thong Marine Park during Day 8’s optional tour. Its 42 islands served as the setting of the film The Beach and are home to numerous caves, mangrove forests, and a narrow coral reef.
• Return home: After almost a full day of exploring on Day 10, you’ll head to the airport for your flight back to the United States.

Know Before You Go

• Official language: Thai
• Currency: Thai baht
• Drive on the left side of the road.
• Entrance requirements for US citizens: a passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of departure

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much would it cost to fly from an airport not listed as part of this deal? Alternate departure gateways available based on airline availability, surcharge may apply. Please call Affordable Asia Tours at 888-737-2742 to find out the exact price.

2. Can we extend our trip before or after the promotional dates for the deal? Yes, you have the option to extend your trip.

3. How do I find out if the dates I want to travel are available? As long as the Groupon shows the particular date can be purchased, then it is available.

4. What happens if I buy the Groupon and my travel dates are not available? After you purchase the Groupon, please redeem by making the reservation as soon as possible.

5. Does my child need a Groupon, and can they stay in my room? The maximum number of people that can stay in one room is three. One child can stay with two parents in the same room. Children will require a Groupon in order to travel with parents. Discounts apply during the booking process. Children must be under 12 years old at time of travel. Please contact Affordable Asia for details.

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