Thailand FAM Trip – November 10-16, 2022

Upon arrival at Bangkok Airport, you will be met by an English-speaking guide who will transfer you to your hotel. | Overnight in Bangkok

Breakfast at the hotel.

We will start off our day with a destination presentation this morning to learn more about what Thailand has to offer apart from the sites we will be visiting on this FAM trip.

Afterward, we will visit the Grand Palace which is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Bangkok. This sprawling complex is a sight to behold and is one of the most beautiful examples of an ancient Siamese court. Previously the residence of royalty, there are a host of different venues for different occasions. These include the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House, and the beautiful Emerald Buddha Temple. Admiring and exploring this gleaming palace that is adorned with exquisite artwork that has been perfectly executed by skilled craftsmen will easily occupy many hours of our day.

Lunch at a local restaurant. This exploration of Bangkok takes us on a waterway adventure on the Chao Phraya River. Our first stop is the Chinese Shrine near Wat Anongkharam. This was built when Thonburi was the capital. We then continue to the former home of the Queen Mother. This pretty and tranquil park is now a memorial museum. Next, we head to the Portuguese Catholic Church of Santa Cruz that sits on the river bank before soaking up the atmosphere in the small sois of nearby Kudi Chin village where we also stop at a local bakery to sample European-influenced cakes. We then journey onto Wat Rakang, also known as the Temple of Bells, whose large bell is thought to bring good luck and fortune to anyone who rings it. After, we will return to the hotel around 4:00 PM and free at leisure. 5:00 PM – Participate in hotels inspection of Anantara Riverside Bangkok and Avani+ Riverside Bangkok. Finish the inspection tour with 1 complimentary Sunset drink per person at SEEN Restaurant and Bar.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Today, we will visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Thailand’s floating markets hold cultural significance in the country with many tourists wanting to experience this tradition. Damnoen Saduak is dubbed as the ‘real floating market’ and is around 110 km west of Bangkok. A trip to this Thai phenomenon is like traveling back to the ancient times of the Siam Kingdom where colorfully clad merchants paddle along the narrow canals. Here we witness the traditional ways of trading fruit, vegetables, and other small items from small boats. There are also traditional Thai houses to view and we learn how boats are a vital mode of transport for locals in their everyday lives. This tour includes a visit to the famed Maeklong Railway where stalls are located trackside and hastily moved as trains arrive. Return to Bangkok to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we will visit two additional Bangkok hotels for hotel inspections and return to the hotel around 5:00 PM.
| Overnight in Bangkok | Breakfast, Lunch

Morning at leisure until time for transfer to Bangkok airport for your internal flight to Phuket (flight is not included, to be booked by agent). Upon arrival at Phuket Airport, you will meet an English-speaking guide and be transferred to your hotel. Check-in and enjoy free time at leisure. In the afternoon, participate in the hotel inspection of Amari Phuket Patong Beach.
| Overnight in Phuket | Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Today, we will explore Phuket. This tour takes us on a cultural and scenic exploration of Phuket, otherwise known as the ‘Pearl of the Andaman’. We take in the natural beauty of the island as we drive along scenic beach roads passing through Patong, Karon, Kata, and Rawai. Away from Phuket’s famous beaches, we are taken to the lesser-known eastern side of the island where normal life away continues and where ancient cultural traditions are kept alive. We complete this island exploration with a visit to Phuket Old Town which is brimming with Sino-Portuguese architecture. Rich cultural heritage and quaint colonial mansions take us back to yesteryear when Phuket was in the midst of a tin boom that initially brought its wealth and the finance to build such beautiful buildings. This historic corner of Phuket completes this island adventure nicely as we admire the detail in the design of the surrounding buildings. After the tour, we will stop for a hotel inspection in the Karon beach/Kata beach area (hotels TBD).

| Overnight in Phuket | Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Today, we are headed to the Phi Phi Islands. Koh Phi Phi shot to fame thanks to Leonardo DiCaprio’s film The Beach. Consisting of Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Ley, these dual spectacular limestone rocky islands are best enjoyed first thing in the morning before the day-tripper crowds arrive. Starting early, we board a speedboat to explore this world-famous destination. We visit Pileh Lagoon which is a spectacular emerald green lagoon surrounded by high limestone cliffs – qualities that have earned it the reputation as one of the world’s most gorgeous natural swimming pools. Koh Phi Phi is home to some of the nicest secluded bays for us to relax, swim or snorkel in the crystal clear water.

| Overnight in Phuket | Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning is free at leisure until the check-out time (noon – standard hotel policy). At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the Phuket International Airport for your departing flight.

| Breakfast