BANGKOK • PHUKET
1 – 9 November 2024
SHOPPING • SPAS • ROOFTOP BARS
And maybe some dental work!
Yes, I’m hosting this lovely tour of Thailand this year! A good excuse for some Christmas shopping, while experiencing some of the very best of Bangkok and then off to Phuket to relax before the end of the year.
We’ll stay 4 nights at the wonderful Shangri La Hotel for four nights in Bangkok, right on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, so we can easily get out and about without needing taxis through the immovable traffic.
Then we’ll fly to Phuket for 4 nights and stay at Outrigger Surin Beach Resort on lovely Surin Beach for relaxation and spa treatments.
As an aside, I’ve been looking into some reputable dental clinics with a view to getting a crown. Message me if you’d like to know more.
DAY 1
Friday 1 November
Arrive in Bangkok and check in to the Shangri La on the edge of the famous Chao Phraya River. We’ll meet at the riverside for dinner and a drink and a meet and greet, before retiring to our luxurious rooms.
I’ve been to Bangkok a few times now, and wrote this post on the best things to do there, if you’re looking for some ideas.
DAY 2
Saturday 2 November
Today we are going to visit the biggest outdoor market in the world! Pack your breadcrumbs to find your way out, because Chatuchak Market has 15,000 stalls filled with everything you could want. We’ll leave the pets and plants, but if you’re after clothes, shoes, jewellery, toys, luggage and bags – it’s all here.
We’ll go by train, which is a fun experience itself on the Bangkok transport system, BTS Sky Train.
Tonight we’ll go out on a dinner cruise along the river. We’ll enjoy a gourmet buffet dinner of international dishes, set up in various locations around the river boat, while we glide past the city’s monuments illuminated at night.
If the weather is good, we’ll nab a rooftop table and be entertained by a live band – hopefully performing the hits of the 80s!
Day 3
Sunday 3 November
Today we’ll go to best mall in Bangkok, which is just across the river from our hotel and accessed by water taxi. We’ll take an easy ride across to ICONSIAM, where there are hundreds of great shops and the best thing is the floating market food hall. It’s designed to replicate the canals with boats, as well as lots of delicious food vendors all in one place.
This is a free morning really, so stay as long as you like, or enjoy some other things to do in Bangkok. I will give a bunch of ideas for tours.
Later this afternoon/evening we’ll go on a Michelin-star Street Food Tour by tuk tuk.
This is such a fun way see Bangkok by night from the back of noisy a 2-stroke tuk tuk! Plus we’ll try yummy foods, and some that we might have to be brave for 😉
Day 4
Monday 4 November
This is our cultural day! We’ll head out of the city to the famous Floating Market and Railway Market. These are such wonderful spots for taking photos, as well as trying some delicacies and picking up souvenirs.
Then this afternoon we’ll take a long boat tour through the klongs (canals) which run off the river. This is a fascinating look at the locals live in houses on the very edge of the canals. Some even hanging OVER the canals.
We’ll also tour the Grand Palace and see the giant Buddha.
Day 5
Tuesday 5 November
Today we take a private transfer to the airport to fly to Phuket for four days of relaxation.
The is little or lots to do down here, so if you love the idea of day trips to islands or jet skiing, cooking classes or visiting elephant sanctuaries, it’s all here.
But if the idea of daily spa treatments, swimming, sunning and drinking cocktails with a book by the pool sounds like you, that’s here too!
We will check in to the Outrigger Surin Beach in a deluxe pool view room. (Upgrade to plunge pool room – subject to availability).
Day 6
Wednesday 6 November
Free day. There are lots of things to do in Phuket and we will work with you on any requests, or you might like to just enjoy the day and make any bookings once you get there.
Suggestions for Phuket over the next three days include:
- Spa day/s (Just $200 will get you a 3-hour treatment at a luxurious spa nearby, or a lot less at smaller places)
- Cooking class
- Foodie tour
- Phi Phi islands day trip
- Sea cave canoeing at James Bond island
- A half-day private temple tour
- Shopping trip to Patong
- Visit the Big Buddha
- Visit an elephant sanctuary
- Jet skiiing and other water sports and activities
- Shop at Jungceylon Mall in Patong
- Visit Anamanda water theme park
- Or just enjoy the beach and our resort
Day 7
Thursday 7 November
Free day. My thought is to taxi to nearby, busy and bustling Patong for some shopping and lunch. Dinners are at our costs, but we will make a plan as to where we’d like to eat with plenty of notice.
Day 8
Friday 8 November
Free day. I’m probably going to head to the spa – again!
Day 9
Saturday 10 November
Check out and depart on our flights back to New Zealand – or wherever you’ve come from. If you have a lay over in Singapore, you must go land side and check out Changi Airport’s incredible dining and shopping precinct.
Costs
As with all my tours, I base them on single person per room. If you bring a friend/partner they come for about half price.
Own room : NZ$5,950
Second person room sharing : NZ$2,950
*Upgrade to Plunge Pool Room for additional NZ$600
What’s included:
- 8 nights luxury accommodation
- 8 breakfasts
- Flights Bangkok to Phuket
- Transfers to and from airports to hotels
- Dinner cruise
- Tours as per itinerary
- Your host Megan Singleton
What’s not included:
- International flights to Bangkok and out of Phuket
- Travel insurance (required)
- Some meals
- Spending money!
This tour requires 6 people to go ahead. Flights from Auckland return are approx $2000, but we will book them individuallywith you so you have the flexibility of choosing your airline, maybe use airpoints, come from different places.
If this tour sounds like you, please email me for the registration form and you can secure your spot with $1000 deposit. Balance due as soon as airfares are booked.
Contact: [email protected]
“Wow, what a fabulous time I had on the tour that took in Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans. Megan made sure that we were well taken care of with a well thought out itinerary that allowed our small group to do as much or as little as we wanted and the accommodation was fantastic too. I highly recommend Megan’s Blogger at Large Tours, you will come home with not only wonderful memories but also lots of new friends.” – Andrea (3rd time guest)