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ABTA and ATOL Protected
Escorted Tours

Classic Thailand


Route:
  • London
  • Bangkok
  • Ayuttaya
  • Phitsanulok
  • Lampang
  • Chaing Mai
  • Chaing Rai
  • Bangkok
  • London
Tour Pace:

11 DAYS from £2199pp

Tour Highlights
  • Embark on a full-day city tour of Bangkok, exploring colourful markets and ancient Buddhist architecture
  • Visit Thailand's most important landmark, the opulent Grand Palace
  • Meander from stall to stall at the famous floating market of Damnoen Saduak
  • Experience the beautiful grounds and ancient ruins of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai Historical Parks
  • Marvel at the infamous Bridge on the River Kwai
  • Witness the stunning Wat Rongkhun, an art installation in the form of a temple
  • Meet the residents of the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre

or call us on 0330 818 8907

Classic Thailand

Setting off from the neon lights of bustling Bangkok, this comprehensive, eleven-day tour travels up through the ancient Siamese Kingdoms of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, to the mountainous jungle landscapes of northern Thailand.

Tour Itinerary

1
UK to Bangkok

Depart London on your indirect overnight flight to Bangkok International Airport.

2
Bangkok

On arrival into Bangkok you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. The day will be at leisure to settle in and explore your new surroundings. Originally a small harbour village, Thailand's vibrant capital infuses grand Buddhist architecture within an ultramodern metropolis interspersed by aromatic food markets and waterways that unite this Venice of the East. In the evening, Take a great experience with an enchanting dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River on Grand Pearl. You will enjoy various Thai classical dances and live music band on board with sumptuous Buffet dinner of Thai and International Cuisine.

  • Dinner
3
Bangkok

Today's full day city tour takes you through Chinatown to the city's colourful flower market where beautifully scented jasmine buds are hand made for temple offerings. Visit Wat Pho, home to one of the country's longest and most impressive reclining Buddha images, before visiting Thailand's most important landmark, The Grand Palace. The royal complex displays European-inspired halls partitioned by tranquil gardens, ornate pavilions representing 200 years of successive Kings and the magnificent golden chedi of Thailand's most sacred temple - Wat Phra Kaew. In the afternoon board a traditional long-tail boat to navigate Bangkok's khlongs, where local wooden-stilted houses line the banks. Pass the domineering Wat Arun temple, encrusted with porcelain mosaics that reflect the sunlight with a lustrous glow, before returning to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

  • Breakfast & Lunch
4
Bangkok to Ayutthaya

This morning, leave Bangkok to visit the famous floating market of Damnoen Saduak, a man-made river network populated by wooden canoes piled high with colourful produce. En-route, pass mango and lychee plantations and make a brief stop at a coconut farm to learn how the nuts are harvested and manufactured into a variety of products by hand. On arrival at the floating market, observe local traders paddling their fragile boats whilst preparing fragrant dishes within teetering woks. Continue west to the historical jungle town of Kanchanaburi to visit the humbling war cemetery and nearby Thailand-Burma railway museum which documents the brutal Japanese occupation and harrowing conditions faced by prisoners during World War II. Enjoy lunch at a floating restaurant near the infamous railway bridge that inspired Pierre Boulle's novel and the film - the Bridge Over the River Kwai. Transfer to the city of Ayutthaya for dinner and a well-deserved rest.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
5
Ayutthaya to Phitsanulok

Start the day at Ayutthaya's UNESCO historical park, an ancient royal capital that was once considered one of the region's most illustrious cities. Wander the Summer Palace, surrounded by rivers and lakes, the beautifully landscaped grounds boast romantic European style architecture, commissioned by the Royal family and still used on special occasions. After your guided tour, visit the ancient royal monastery of Wat Yai Chaimongkhol to see impressive constructions built after King Naresuan's victory over the Burmese in 1592. Departing Ayutthaya, journey through rural Thailand past typical Thai houses, peanut plantations and farmers working on the verdant rice paddies. A lunch stop will be made before continuing on to Phitsanulok for your overnight stay.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
6
Phitsanulok to Lampang

One of Thailand's most impressive UNESCO sites awaits this morning - the ancient Sukothai Historical Park. The peaceful surroundings contain ancient ruins hidden amongst lakes of lotus flowers, a stunning setting crafted during the country's golden era of religious architecture that formed the blueprint of quintessential Thai style. Continue to Si Satchanalai and cross the river to a local fishing village where women can be seen weaving cotton and men cast nets for the day's catch. Following lunch, journey into the jungle area, stopping at a local hill tribe to learn how native plants are used in traditional cooking. Arrive into Lampang late this afternoon.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
7
Lampang to Chiang Mai

After breakfast, drive to the Elephant Hospital and nearby Conservation Centre. Here you can observe these majestic creatures playing in the water with their mahout keepers. Arriving into Chiang Mai, visit a gem and silk factory to see how these local handicrafts are produced before making a stop at Bo Sang's craft market, known as the 'umbrella village' after its ornate and vivid oil paper creations. This evening you can enjoy some free time to relax or experience a local tuk tuk ride to the nearby famous night market - head out after 7pm to explore the many stalls, restaurants and bars with live music and delicious street food.

  • Breakfast & Lunch
8
Chiang Mai

Roll up your sleeves and try your hand at cooking the most famous food and desserts in the country at The Best Cooking School this morning. After being collected from your hotel this morning, you will visit a local market to learn how to choose fish, meat and vegetables whilst at the same time learning about the herbs and spices that are needed and used in Thai cooking. From the market you will proceed to the cooking school for your class followed by lunch before returning to your hotel. Late this afternoon, your guide will take you to Doi Suthep, a nearby mountain, for panoramic views at sunset over the city's vast tropical plains. Near the summit discover Wat Phra That, Northern Thailand's holiest shrine, where kneeling worshipers gather around the dazzling golden dome to light aromatic incense and lay lotus flowers before immaculate icons of the Buddha. As night falls, return to the city to sample a traditional Khantoke dinner and show, where food is served on large platters at low tables as you enjoy a performance by local Lanna dancers.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
9
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Today, begin your assent of northern Thailand's mountainous regions, through mist-coated fern forests to the charming town of Thaton. After lunch, board a traditional long-tail boat for a tranquil cruise along the Kok River; traverse slow moving waters to a chorus of cicadas to observe the thatched bamboo huts of the northern hill tribes dotted throughout the picturesque countryside. Disembark and drive to the infamous Golden Triangle, a mountainous range where Thailand, Laos and Burma converge which was once a prolific area for opium production. Continue to your hotel for a night in the laidback city of Chiang Rai.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
10
Chiang Rai to Bangkok

This morning visit the stunning Wat Rongkhun, an art instillation in the form of a temple. Designed by visual artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, its striking white exterior is mixed with mirror fragments to create a mesmerising effect symbolising the Buddha's purity. Wander to the temples entrance over a sea of sculpted hands reaching out in desperation and admire the interior murals, an incongruous mix of traditional Buddhist images with modern icons including Superman, the international space station and George Bush. After lunch head to Chiang Mai Airport for your flight to Bangkok, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for a farewell dinner.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
11
Bangkok to UK

Transfer to Bangkok airport in the morning for your direct flight back to the UK.

  • Breakfast

Your Meals

Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Lunch and dinner will be taken at local restaurants or at your hotel. Meals will generally be Thai cuisine in local restaurants and international buffet style or set meals at the hotels.

Important Information

Visas

A visa is not required before you travel to Thailand; you will be issued with a tourist visa valid for 30 days on arrival into the country. Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. We strongly advise you check your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding visas and passport validity.

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 4237 and quote 'WK830' for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24-hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.

Payment

If booking more than 10 weeks before departure a deposit of £250pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 10 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 10 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.

Flight Information

Departures up to the end of April 2023, your flight to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport is with Qatar Airways via Doha, departing from London Heathrow. Departures from the end of April 2023, your flight will be from London Heathrow, with Emirates via Dubai.
Each passenger is entitled to hold luggage. There is also an allowance of one cabin bag not exceeding 25cm x 45cm x 56cm in size and one personal bag not exceeding 45 cm x 36 cm x 20 cm that you can take on the aircraft as hand luggage. Weight restrictions will be finalized on your final documents. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay an additional fee for this at check-in. Heathrow Airport advises that you should arrive at the airport at least three hours prior to your flight time for international departures.
IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you.

Health and Vaccinations

It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.

Physical Accessibility

This tour is accessible to most people with a good level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves climbing of steep stairs and getting on and off coaches and boats. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.

Group Size

The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 11, and the maximum will be 30. If in the unlikely event there are less than 11 people booked on your tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are not able to operate your departure date then you may be asked to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.

Tour Guide

This is a fully escorted tour meaning that you will be met on arrival and will have a guide with you throughout your stay until you depart Chiang Mai, ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.

Currency Information

The currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB). We recommend that you exchange you currency before you leave the UK, however cash machines are available in all the major cities to withdraw money in the local currency.

Personal Expenses

You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any dinners where these are not mentioned on your itinerary and personal purchases, such as souvenirs, extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £200-£300 per person should be sufficient for the duration of your tour.

Tour Dates & Prices

Depart UKArrive UKPrice
2024 Dates
15 Apr 202425 Apr 2024SOLD OUT
06 May 202416 May 2024£2199.00
03 Jun 202413 Jun 2024£2299.00
29 Jul 202408 Aug 2024£2799.00
23 Sep 202403 Oct 2024£2399.00
21 Oct 202431 Oct 2024£2399.00
04 Nov 202414 Nov 2024£2499.00
18 Nov 202428 Nov 2024£2499.00

Included in the Price

  • Local English-speaking Guides
  • Scheduled Flights from the UK.
  • All internal travel including air-conditioned/heated transportation.
  • Accommodation, meals as specified and entry fees to all sights.
  • All airport taxes and security charges.

Additional Expenses

  • Visas
  • Insurance
  • Tips
  • Any meals not specified in your itinerary
Travelling alone?

Unfortunately, we do not have any places with no single supplements on this tour. However, if you are happy to share with another passenger of the same gender, then let us know at the time of booking and we will endeavour to find you a travelling partner. Alternatively, please ask about our single supplement prices in order to book your own room.

What to expect

Fact File
Currency

Thai Baht

Average Flying time

12 hours

Min/Max temperature

28 °C / 38 °C

Spoken languages

Thai, English

When to go

Please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below.

Bangkok

Ayutthaya

Phitsanulok

Lampang

Chiang Mai

Chiang Rai

What to pack
  • Insect repellent
  • Suncream and a hat with a big brim for sunny days
  • Comfortable walking shoes such as trainers
  • Sunglasses
  • Ruck sack or light bag per person
  • Personal toiletries and first aid kit
  • Travel plug adapter - the electricity supply on board the boat is 220V. You will need a 2 pin round plug adapter.
Customer Rating:
7.5/10
Raymond Kane
30th Mar 2020

All good except one which had no swimming pool

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Linda Durno
26th Mar 2020

All hotels were excellent

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Thomas Kerr
22nd Mar 2020

Some hotels better than others but all were very clean and comfortable.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Peter Buderath
20th Mar 2020

very nice hotels

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Janet Castle
16th Mar 2020

Hotels good, hotel in Hua Hin
Especially good.
The rest of the holiday was superb and we hope to travel with Mercury again

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
K Barker
24th Feb 2020

Vanda our guide went above and beyond expectations, she made sure all the guests in the group had a great holiday.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
7.5/10
Georgina Dymond
20th Feb 2020

very comfortable hotels. Very clean, good location.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Gareth Davies
19th Feb 2020

Excellent choice of hotels at all places visited. The 5 star Hua Hin was particularly impressive.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Robert Barton
18th Feb 2020

All the hotels in the tour were of very high quality always well organised with all checking ins pre organised and ready for us to go straight to our room . All the food was of high quality.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
8.8/10
Mark Rathe
4th Dec 2019

All ok

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Margaret Maw
21st Jun 2019

No comments

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
7.5/10
M Green
22nd May 2019

The driver on the tour was also exceptional going above and beyond.
Please advise customers that when they arrive in Phuket they will have to pay a deposit on arrival at the hotel. There was no mention of this on the itinerary and no mention from the tour guide in Bangkok when we left.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Wayne Sherratt
29th Mar 2019

I can't fault any of them. The Imperial Hotel in Chiang Rai was my favourite, but coming a close second was the Kata Palm in Phutket, although I didn't think much of Kata Beach Resort - not my cup-of-tea!

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
8.8/10
C Jones
12th Mar 2019

We enjoyed the tour sometimes it was a bit hectic for example very early starts and tight schedule. We understand that's necessary to see everything.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
D Leech
14th Feb 2019

The rep Chan was good. Kata paim resort was 100% good.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Sue Hall
27th Nov 2018

Some hotels better than others, but all were good.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
J Needle
16th Nov 2018

Eddy the guide was superb, attentive, efficient, knowledgeable, polite and eloquent.
The driver was excellent.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Pat Ramage
15th Jun 2018

I really enjoyed this tour and our guide Eddie is certainly one of the best.

Our flight from London to Bangkok was uncomfortably cold which was a shame as it was otherwise a good flight.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Frances Stunell
24th Nov 2017

most hotels were lovely but some better than others

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Ashleigh Ulrich
15th Jul 2017

Excellent choices of hotels all very clean and comfortable, friendly staff, great service, lovely food, very happy with all the hotels.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
7.5/10
Vijaykumar Kara
19th May 2017

All Hotels were excellent & had no Issues at all.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
8.8/10
Terry Thomas
31st Oct 2016

The guide was excellent and knowledgeable. We picked the tour because we've had a good experience with Mercury Holidays before and the price was great.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
7.5/10
Kim Johns
31st Oct 2016

We had a really good time.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Tour Map
Classic Thailand Route Map
Tour Dossiers
Extensions
  • Thailand
    Phuket Beach Stay

    4 nights from £299pp

    View
  • Thailand
    Hua Hin Beach Stay

    4 nights from £329pp

    View
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Hotels & Accommodation

Extensions

Phuket Beach Stay
Tour Route
  • London
  • Bangkok
  • Ayuttaya
  • Phitsanulok
  • Lampang
  • Chaing Mai
  • Chaing Rai
  • Bangkok
  • Phuket
  • London

Following your 11 day adventure across Thailand, extend your stay with a 4 night extension on the exotic island of Phuket. Framed by turquoise waters, golden sand and verdant jungles, the 'pearl of the Andaman' boasts vibrant towns brimming with quirky bars and luxurious spas to relax within.

4 nights
from £299pp
View Tour + Extension
View Tour + Extension
Hua Hin Beach Stay
Tour Route
  • London
  • Bangkok
  • Ayuttaya
  • Phitsanulok
  • Lampang
  • Chaing Mai
  • Chaing Rai
  • Bangkok
  • Hua Hin
  • London

Extend your trip with a 4 night stay to the pristine coastline of southern Thailand. This popular resort is made up of a vibrant cosmopolitan city brimming with character and, a serene stretch of beach that is perfect for unwinding.

4 nights
from £329pp
View Tour + Extension
View Tour + Extension