Friday 20 July - Sunday 5 August 2012

Cost of 17 day tour to Thailand - AUD $4,995 twin share
(*Prices are based on departure from Brisbane)

Inclusions of Tour:

  • Economy class flights with Thai Airways International, including taxes and fees (* as per current prices and subject to change):

Bangkok

Since its inception as the capital of Siam, over a two hundred year span, Bangkok has grown to become the political, social and economic centre of Thailand. Numerous multinational corporations base their regional headquarters in Bangkok and the city has become a regional force in finance, business, politics, culture, fashion and entertainment.

The city's wealth of cultural landmarks and attractions in addition to its notorious entertainment venues has made it synonymous with exoticism. Its historic wealth coincides with its rapid modernisation, which is reflected in the cityscape and urban society. Its Grand Palace, Vimanmek Palace Complex, its thousands of temples, shopping outlets and entertainment combine to draw in 11 million international visitors each year, trailing Paris & London.

  • Brisbane/Bangkok with Thai Airways International
  • Arrival and departure transfers in Bangkok to Sofitel Bangkok Silom Hotel
  • 2 nights' accommodation - standard Luxury Room on twin share basis
  • 2 full breakfasts
  • Early morning tour including boat tour of the Bang Kju Wiang Floating markets and visit to Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). Afternoon visit to the Grand Palace.

Chiang Mai

One of the many questions Thais may ask a foreigner visiting Thailand is 'Have you been to Chiang Mai yet?', underscoring the feeling that Chiang Mai is a keystone of any journey to Thailand. Located more than 700km northwest of Bangkok, Chiang Mai has in excess of 300 temples (121 within the thêtsàbaan or municipal limits) - almost as many as in Bangkok - a circumstance that makes the old city centre visually striking. Chiang Mai is a dynamic and modern city, which has successfully managed to combine its rich history and traditions with its increasingly modern side. Chiang Mai has always had many strings to its bow with its cultural riches, relative peacefulness, fantastic handicraft shopping, delicious food and proximity to many natural treasures.

  • Transfers from Bangkok hotel to airport
  • Transfers on arrival in Chiang Mai to Dusit D2 Hotel, Chiang Mai - Deluxe Room, twin share
  • 6 nights accommendation
  • Full buffet breakfasts daily
  • 4 days at Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School
  • Daily return transfers between the Dusit D2 Hotel and the venue


Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School - The First and Best Thai Cooking School in Chiang Mai. The internationally renowned Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School was established in 1993 and was the first Thai cooking school to open in Chiang Mai. It is owned and run by Sompon Nabnian Thailand's international TV chef. With over 15 years experience of teaching over 100,000 people from all over the world, it is the leading Thai cooking school in Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai sightseeing:

  • Morning visit to elephant camp and elephant ride
  • Afternoon city tour with excursion to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep plus visit to the camp of the "long neck women" from Burma
  • Return transfers and dinner at the 'Whole Earth Restaurant'

Phuket

Phuket is Thailand's largest island, approximately the size of Singapore. Phuket nestles in Andaman Sea waters on Thailand's Indian Ocean coastline, located 867 kilometers south of Bangkok. Phuket is blessed with magnificent coves and bays, powdery, palm-fringed white beaches, smaller surrounding islands, hospitable people and seafood, delightful turn-of-the-century Sino-Portuguese architecture; numerous sporting and leisure opportunities; a lush tropical landscape - all of which combine to create a delightful ambience for truly memorable holidays.

  • Transfer from Dusit D2 hotel to airport
  • Internal flight from Chaing Mai with Thai Airways to Phuket
  • Transfer from Phuket airport to Duanjitt Resort & Spa, Patong Beach, Phuket
  • 8 nights' accommodation - Deluxe Pool View Room - twin share
  • Full American buffet breakfast daily
  • 1 hour welcome cocktails around the lagoon pool upon arrival
  • Return transfers to Jatujak Market in Phuket Town. Join the thousands of locals as they make their way to the famous weekend markets of Phuket Town. Alison will take you through the food section of the market where you will want to eat everything you see, smell and touch. Indulge in the madness and then be unleashed to shop for your lives with some of the best bargains you will see in your life! You want Gucci? We'll show you! You want Ed Hardy? They have it! And if it's Prada you're after, then look no further!
  • Return transfers to Baanzan fresh food markets on Nanai Road, Patong Beach. Meander through the hectic delightful fresh food local produce market of Patong Beach with Alison as your guide. She will select and purchase ingredients which will be transformed into some of her famous Thai dishes later that day. Make sure your camera is pumped and ready to go as you will see an abundance of spices, Thai curry pastes to die for; aromatic bundles of Tom Yam ingredients all ready to go and watch as they make coconut milk before your very eyes!
  • "Masterclass in Thai cuisine by Masterchef Alison Taafe". Join Alison on the white sandy beach of the Thavorn Village Resort with the Andaman Sea as your picturesque backdrop. She will re-invent some of her favourite Thai dishes using some of the fresh produce that you would have gathered at the market that morning. Watch as Alison, creates fun, fast and fabulous dishes and then indulge in the delights with her afterwards.


Phuket sightseeing:

  • Full day Phi Phi Island excursion by speedboat including lunch and a visit to Monkey Beach
  • Return transfers into Patong for dinner and show
  • Dinner at a local restaurant in Patong prior to visiting the famous and mind blowing Simone Cabaret
  • VIP seats to the 9:30pm performance of the Simone Cabaret in Patong including return transfers
  • Transfer to Phuket Airport with connect flights to Bangkok and then sadly home to Brisbane.

Non Inclusions:

  • Items of a personal nature, including laundry, drinks or meals additional to those listed as included
  • Souvenirs and personal shopping
  • Sightseeing, unless listed as included above

Deposits, Details and Final Payments:

Refer to: Ken Oberhardt of VLTravel, Shop 6, 195 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes, Qld 4227.
P: (07) 5657 3661
E: ken@vlt.com.au W: www.vlt.com.au/Groups/Cooking