Passions of Thailand
New Years 2019/20
40's - 50's and 60's+ Singles Vacations
December 28, 2019 - January 6, 2020
$3095*
Celebrate New Years in "The Land of Smiles" and you will visit ancient temples, bustling markets, a giant buddha and of course see amazing fireworks, Be surrounded by stunning beaches, speedboat to the famous James Bond Island, taste mouth-watering food and most importantly travel with a group of singles who will help you appreciate it all. On this singles vacation, you will be immersed into the glorious past of Thailand and the beautiful beaches of its present.
Passions of Thailand Singles Vacation Itinerary
Vacation Day 1: Arrive Bangkok, Thailand
On arrival at the Bangkok Airport, you will be met by our guide and transferred to the Sheraton Orchard Hotel. To give everyone a chance to arrive, no activities are planned today, however our guide is available to advise on available activities. We will meet for an optional dinner at 7:00pm.
Vacation Day 2: Bangkok
The long tail boat trip is a perfect way to start our exploration of Bangkok. Navigate along the Chao Phraya River and venture into the many lively inner canals which offer some fantastic views of the local Thai life close up. Along the way we make a stopover at Wat Arum, the temple of Dawn, before continuing to the Grand Palace, dedicated to the Thai Royal Family’s ceremony. Nearby are the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew, which is famous for the Emerald Buddha Image and the Vimarnmek Museum, the world's largest building entirely made of golden teak. After a stop for lunch, we visit this complex and drive through the many vibrant streets of China Town to one of the most significant temples in Bangkok. The Wat Pho houses a gigantic gold plated Reclining Buddha.
Tonight we take the elevator to the 76th floor to the Highest International Buffet in Thailand for our Welcome Dinner.
Vacation Day 3: Bangkok - Floating Market - Floating Hotel
Heading out of town we make our way to Kanchanaburi with a stopover at the picturesque floating market of Damnern Saduak, which opens early in the morning till noon. Here we will have a chance to go around by boat, exploring the bustling trade of local villagers.
We continue our journey to Kanchanaburi, stopping en route to visit Nakorn Pathom, the country’s largest pagoda. Kanchanaburi is an enchanting town with plenty to see including the famous bridge over the River Kwai. Enjoy lunch by the River Kwai before we make our way though the beautiful countryside to Sai Yoke national park.
Check into our Floating Jungle Rafts, the magnificent close-to-nature floating lodge, no electricity, no wifi, no hot water, but such an amazing location. Enjoy the nature surroundings of the tropical forest, a unique blend of the culture and tradition of Mon people, and the history of World War II. Take a ‘River Jump’. Put on a life jacket and then jump into the river. You will be floating along the hotel in the Kwai river. The beautiful scenery surrounded will look even more remarkable when you view it from the water. Dine under the clear blue sky and see the river flowing at its own pace.
Vacation Day 4: Kanchanaburi - Bangkok (New Year's Eve)
Become one with nature this morning at the Floating Hotel. Jump into the river, take an optional rafting trip, feed an elephant or just watch the elephants take a bath. Stroll just a short distance to the Mon village, an ethnic group originally from Mongolia. They are the earliest people to reside in Southeast Asia, bringing civilization to central and northern Thailand and central Laos more than 1200 years ago.
Then we drive back to Bangkok to get ready for our gala New Year's eve party onboard the Chaophraya Princess cruise ship.
Countdown to 2020 onboard our luxury river cruise and view the historical landmarks lit up at night along the Chao Phraya River. Indulge yourself with the international buffet dinner, music and live entertainment. Of course the highlight of the evening is the spectacular fireworks display above us on the Chao Phraya River.
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| Katathani Phuket Beach Resort | |
Vacation Day 5: Bangkok - Phuket
This morning we transfer to the airport for a short flight to Phuket, a rainforested, mountainous island in the Andaman Sea, that has some of Thailand’s most popular beaches. Upon arrival we will drive to the Katathani Phuket Beach Resort, located on the beautiful beach of Kata Noi Bay. Kata Noi beach is a great place to relax and soak up the sun. At nearly half a mile it's one of Phuket's smaller beaches but has soft sand, crystal clear water and a lush green jungle backdrop.
We have free time to relax before enjoying our half day tour of the island. See famous beaches, Phuket’s largest and most revered temple, Chalong, search for stunning gemstones, and tour a local cashew factory. We will follow our guide through city streets, back alleys, and along the coast of Phromthep Cape as we enjoy the best of Phuket in a single afternoon.
Vacation Day 6: Phuket - Day at Leisure
Enjoy a day at our resort which commands an entire 1/2 mile of crystal clear waters in stunning Kata Noi Beach. The sea off Kata Noi Beach is clear and inviting, providing peaceful swimming. The rocky headlands at either end of the bay make for good places to go snorkelling, while the rest of the bay is virtually rock-free, meaning there’s nothing to stub our toew on while we’re taking a dip.
Take a dip in one of the resort's six swimming pools, relax in one of the three jacuzzis, two bubbly water springs or have fun on the mini water slide. Try the massage, pedicure and manicure by local massage therapists and beauticians in the garden - great value for the Baht!
Prefer to be more active today then take a look at all the optional activities.
Simon Cabaret, Ladyboy Show is an evening of glamorous entertainment one of the most popular shows in Phuket. From the moment we enter the stylish and luxurious venue, you realize that this is going to be a very different and special night. Come along and enjoy this unique show, be amazed at the professional approach to each musical theme, laugh along at the comedy and fun, it is a visual spectacular that will have you leaving wishing there was more to see. There will be opportunities to meet the stars of the show for those unforgettable photo moments, and to see just how really beautiful they are.
Vacation Day 7: Phuket - James Bond Islands Speed-Boat Tour
Our day begins with a transfer to the pier. Set sail aboard a speedboat and gaze out across the Andaman Sea as we cruise out around Phang Nga Bay. Stop to snap photos of the dramatic sea cliffs as we cruise past Koh Panak Island, then continue to Hong Island for a thrilling sea canoeing tour. Accompanied by our guide, paddle your way around the island’s unusual rock formations, limestone caves and hidden lagoons or just relax on the boat and enjoy the scenery.
Back on the speedboat, it’s time for our day’s star attraction – a cruise around Khao Ping Gan 
(Leaning Rock), better known as ‘James Bond Island’. Get your camera ready as we spot the famous Ko Tapu, the 66-foot limestone rock that was featured in ‘The Man With the Golden Gun’.
Stop for a delicious buffet lunch in the fishing village of Ko Panyi, then take a tour of the traditional island, with its stilted houses and colorful fishing boats. Stop to take a peek inside the Ice Cream and Diamond caves, en-route to the final stop of the day, Naka Noi island. Enjoy free time to swim and sunbathe on the beach, or try fun activities such as Jet Skiing or banana boating (extra cost), before setting sail back to Phuket.
Vacation Day 8: Phuket - Day at Leisure
Kata Noi Beach is often touted "most beautiful beach on the island!" and Katathani hotel commands an entire 1/2 mile of crystal clear waters in stunning Kata Noi Beach. The sand is of the highest quality in the world - soft, golden and fine and Kata Noi Beach enjoys a daily viewing of the orange sun as it sets into the clear blue sea. To preserve the pristine setting in nature, the beachfront resort of Phuket supports daily beach cleaning conducted by our staff. Diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking, surfing (Kata beach is the best), jet-ski, parasailing, windsurfing and stand up paddle board can all be arranged at the hotel.
Take the hotel shuttle (about $5) to Phuket Town in the afternoon. The ride is about 1/2 hour each way but definitely worth it. In the Old Town, Thalang Road is lined with colorful 19th-century shophouses and Sino-Portuguese buildings. Built in 1903 by a wealthy tin merchant, Baan Chinpracha mansion has Italian floor tiles, shuttered windows and antique furniture. Set in a 1930s manor, the Thai Hua Museum has exhibits on Phuket’s culture and history.
On the hillside road behind the beach, we’ll find some of the best sunset bars available, with stunning views over the sand and out to the horizon, which we can enjoy with a tasty dinner and a refreshing drink.
Vacation Day 10: Phuket - Elephant Trekking & Bathing
Elephants are a national symbol in Thailand and their importance as working animals and in warfare is part of the country's history. However, since logging was banned in 1989 the only demand for these domesticated elephants has been in the tourism industry. Today there are a couple of hundred elephants living on Phuket working in tourism. Although it would be much better if elephants were able to roam wild this is simply not possible in modern Thailand. It costs approximately US$500 per month to feed and care for an elephant in captivity. Elephant trekking is a memorable experience and helps keep these animals employed, fed and out of the cities.
On our elephant trekking and bathing tour, we will get the chance to get even closer to the elephants and we all can give them a good ol'back rub with brushes and water. We get to spend time playing in the water together with them. You can see the elephants splash everybody with water spurting out from their trunks whilst also letting people climb aboard their backs.
Tonight enjoy our final meal together at our Farewell Thai Dinner.
Vacation Day 10 - Phuket - Departure
After our final breakfast together our Thailand adventure ends with our transfer to the airport. It is time to say goodbye to all your new single travel friends as we depart for home.
| Thailand Hotels | |
| Bangkok - Ramada Plaza Hotel Menam Riverside | River Kwai - River Kwai Village Hotel |
| Phuket - Katathani Phuket Beach Resort | |
| Passions of Thailand Trip | |
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Date: December 28 - January 6, 2019 Price: $3095*
*The price per person is for a double room. Best Single Travel provides free roommate matching on all our vacations, so there is never a need to pay a "single supplement". If you wish to room alone it is an additional $1350 Not Included * International Airfare |
Deposit $400 Balance Due October 28, 2019 After Oct 28 Full Payment is Due Upon Booking   FAQ and Cancellation Policy |