2016 - Vegan Travel€¦ · Wat Phra Kaew, which is situated inside the palace, is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. The Emerald Buddha is enshrined inside

VEGAN

TRAVEL

2016

THAILANDA food lovers haven July+August ‘16 Thailand off the beaten track

14 days in paradise

VEGAN RIVER CRUISES & TOURS

overnight

vegan-travel.eu veganrivercruises.com

17 - 30 JUNE 201601 - 14 AUGUST 2016

dinner

LUNCH

BREAKFAST

BANGKOK

RESTAURANT(Thai vegan food)

NONE

NONE

Upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport, our staff will welcome you with a smile. Please look for our welcome sign with your name on it. We will be waiting for you at

Meeting Point: Gate 3, which is situated on the same floor as your arrival. It’s also not necessary to worry about delays, unless you’re arriving in a totally different flight or airport, as we will always be monitoring your flight for the whole day.

Our driver will pick you up over there, and take you to the heart of Bangkok.

Check-in to the hotel after arriving. The rest of the day is free for you to recover from jet lag or start exploring the city.

In the evening, we meet again at the lobby of your hotel. Our guide will take you to a nice restaurant, and welcome you with a delicious Thai vegan dinner.

Arrival - Bangkok

DAY ONE

http://vegan-travel.eu

http://veganrivercruises.com

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

dinner

overnight


17 - 30 JUNE 201601 - 14 AUGUST 2016


17 - 30 JUNE 201601 - 14 AUGUST 2016

BANGKOK

NONE

RESTAURANT

HOTEL

The city, which its name literally means “City of Angels”, is not only the central of political and economic but also the spiritual capital of Thailand. Our first journey starts with a memorable morning walk at Pak Khlong Talat, the primary flower market in Bangkok. This market has a long history dated back to the reign of King Rama I in 1782.

After that, we travel to Wat Pho, which regarded as the first university of Thailand. The temple enshrines the most beautiful gilded reclining Buddha image, 46 meters long. It is also home to the Four Great Stupas, which represents the first four kings of the Rattanakosin era.

Then we transfer you to the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. This palace is the official residence of the King of Thailand. Even today it is still a center of several royal ceremonies and state

functions. Wat Phra Kaew, which is situated inside the palace, is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. The Emerald Buddha is enshrined inside the ordination hall of this temple. Nearby the Grand Palace, we also visit Tha Phrachan’s Amulet Market. The market, which is situated adjacent to Wat Mahathat or the Front Palace, and is one of the largest and most important amulet market in Thailand.

Our group will enjoy a lovely vegan lunch at a restaurant before we continue to the Chinatown for a visit to Wat Traimit. This temple is located at the entrance of Bangkok’s Chinatown which nowadays has already turned into one of the liveliest parts of Bangkok. It is home to the Golden Buddha, the world’s largest solid gold statue (it weighs 5.5 tonnes), was cast in Thailand in the 13th century or 700 years ago.

Bangkok, City of Angels

DAY Two





BREAKFAST

LUNCH

dinner

overnight


17 - 30 JUNE 201601 - 14 AUGUST 2016


17 - 30 JUNE 201601 - 14 AUGUST 2016

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

DAY three

Our journey begins in the province of Samut Songkhram, 90 km away from Bangkok. After passing through hundreds of rice paddy and salt fields, we will arrive at one of Thailand’s most unique markets, situated on both sides of the Maeklong Railway, well known as the Umbrella pull-down Market or the Railway Market. Whenever trains approach this market, shopkeepers move their goods and umbrellas away from the rails, and immediately push everything back as soon as the train has passed.

Then we head to Ratchaburi Province. Once we arrive in Ratchaburi, we board a traditional boat to explore its canal and floating market.

This notable man-made canal is known as Damnoen Saduak, which literally means the Convenience Passageway, and was dug in the reign of King Mongkut more than 150

years ago, to connect the Tha Chin River in Nakhon Pathom with the Mae Klong River in Ratchaburi.

Its floating market, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, offers a variety of products and souvenirs, and still provides a unique way of buying and selling goods. Many local products are available everyday from morning until afternoon, including Thai snacks, desserts, handicraft items, and souvenirs.

Nearby this floating market, we also travel to a Coconut Sugar Farm, a place where you can try and taste sweet coconut sugar juice. They also have many products made from coconut sugar created by people from the KANCHANABURI

HOTEL

RESTAURANT

HOTEL





local communities. After a delicious lunch, we will continue our 100-km journey to Kanchanaburi.

After arrival, we will visit the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, which is dedicated to victims of Japanese imprisonment during the construction of the Death Railway in World War II. More than 6,000 prisoners of war from various European countries are buried here, including those who were cremated due to the local beliefs.

After that we travel to Bridge over the River Khwae, which was built by the Empire of Japan and its forced labor in 1943. It is one of the most important historical attractions in Kanchanaburi, and part of the notorious Death Railway or the Burmese Railway, which once had partially been destroyed by some Allied air raids, but was reconstructed later and used as a passenger rail.

After visiting the bridge, we will take you to your resort. Check-in, and enjoy your leisure time at the s w i m m i n g pool.

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

dinner

overnight


17 - 30 JUNE 201601 - 14 AUGUST 2016


17 - 30 JUNE 201601 - 14 AUGUST 2016

HOTEL(Thai vegan dinner at River Kwai Jungle)

HOTEL (Welcome lunch at Jungle Rafts)

HOTEL(Home Phutoey River Kwai)

KANCHANABURI

Jungle Rafts River Kwai

DAY FOUR

Our eco-adventure at the Treetop Adventure Park begins soon after breakfast. This zipline base is situated in the same area as your resort (Home Phutoey), stretching over the whole length of the lake with stunning views over the evergreen forest, and consisting of more than 30 stations of adventurous climbing, sky biking, and ziplining.

After checkout from your resort, we will board a floating raft from a nearby pier, cruising the river to our floating resort, River Kwai Jungle Rafts.

This resort is actually floating right on a fast flowing historic river, the Khwae Yai River, and well decorated with the concept of Mon traditional housing. While staying at the floating wooden raft, you will not only support the community of Mon in this area,

but also feel closer to the nature and abandon all the busy things behind.

In the afternoon, you will enjoy River Jump, a term Thais call the activity where you jump into the river. Put on a life jacket and float along the hotel in the Khwae river.

There is no electricity! We will use wick lamps during the night for lighting to conserve the natural surroundings and concept. Also, the water flowing underneath is already a great eco-cooling system run by the river.

Around 7 pm, we will meet again at the lobby for a tasty Thai vegan dinner.





BREAKFAST

LUNCH

dinner

overnight


17 - 30 JUNE 201601 - 14 AUGUST 2016

Kanchanaburi - Ayutthaya

DAY FIVE

After enjoying our American-style breakfast, we can spend a bit more time at leisure, enjoy the nature surroundings, or walk together to a nearby Mon Village and their local temple.

Our group will leave from the floating resort with a long-tail boat to the pier, and switch back to our coach. We will travel further north to the Hellfire Pass.

The Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum is dedicated to all who suffered and died during World War II. This part of the railway was the largest rock cutting, and arguably the most difficult section to build. The lack of modern equipment and tools resulted to many deaths of both Asian and forced laborers.

It is possible to trek down five-hundred meters (around one hour) through the walking trails,

to the famous cutting of the pass, depending on your physical capabilities.

After lunch in Kanchanaburi, we will transfer you to Ayutthaya. It will be a fascinating journey of about 237 km, through jungles, suburbs, and green rice paddy fields.

Upon arrival in Ayutthaya, we stop at, or the Victory Temple, which is located outside the moat, and famous for its giant stupa which can be seen from a good distance. Although the year the temple was built is still unknown, the temple is probably existed long before the beginning of the Ayutthaya Kingdom.

Check-in to your hotel in Ayutthaya after a wonderful dinner.

RESTAURANT(Ayutthaya)

RESTAURANT (Kanchanaburi)

HOTEL(American Vegan Breakfast at Jungle Rafts)

AYUTTHAYA



BREAKFAST

LUNCH

dinner

overnight


17 - 30 JUNE 201601 - 14 AUGUST 2016

SLEEPER TRAIN

DINNER BOX(served on the train)

RESTAURANT

HOTEL

Ayutthaya Kingdom - Sleeper Train

DAY SIX

Today, after breakfast at your hotel, we travel back in time with an exclusive journey around the ancient kingdom of Ayutthaya. This UNESCO World Heritage City was once the largest and most impressive city in the world.

It had been a flourishing and prosperous capital for more than 400 years before it was completely destroyed.

We begin our journey with a visit to Wihan Phramongkhon Bophit and Wat Phra Sri Sanphet. These structures are two most visited and important places in Ayutthaya, especially the latter which located in the ancient palace compound, very similar to the way that the Emerald Buddha Temple is situated inside of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

Our group will return to the coach after we finished sightseeing around the area of the old palace, and continue to Wat Mahathat. This temple was built in early Ayutthaya era, and it’s also the place where the famous sandstone Buddha head entangled in tree roots.

After our delicious lunch, we will take you to a hotel in Bangkok where you can enjoy some short rest and take a shower, during this afternoon, in order to prepare yourselves for a long night on the train.

We will transfer you to the Bangkok Railway Station in the late afternoon. Enjoy boarding a modern sleeper train which will depart from the station on 06:10 pm or 07:35 pm.



BREAKFAST

LUNCH

dinner

overnight


17 - 30 JUNE 201601 - 14 AUGUST 2016

CHIANG MAI

AUTHENTIC LANNA DINING

HOTEL

BREAKFAST BOX (served on the train)

Chiang Mai

DAY SEVEN

Around dawn, our train will pass through scenic landscapes, mountainous areas, and a lengthy cave between Lampang and Chiang Mai.

It is difficult to predict the exact time of arrival in Chiang Mai, so our breakfast will be served in the train.

Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, we will transfer you from Chiang Mai Station to your hotel. Check-in and relax at your own leisure at the morning (room prebooked, early check-in).

We meet in the hotel’s restaurant for a great lunch, and prepare for our first excursion in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai has been the center of Lanna culture since it was established in the late 13th century by King Mangrai. Even today, the city still represents a perfect blend of old charm and contemporary society.

Our first memorable experience in the capital of Lanna will be our experience with a local truck taxi, or the “Red Car”, as the locals call it. A Red Car taxi is the most convenient way to get around in Chiang Mai. We will go west and up to the mountains behind the city.

Close to the top of the mountains, we stop and continue by foot. We will take an elevator that will lead us to Chiang Mai’s holiest temple: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. It is located near the top of Mount Suthep, and probably the most well-known monastery in Chiang Mai, due to the fact that the temple itself can be seen from almost anywhere from the city of Chiang Mai.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. At night the next highlight: An authentic Lanna Dining experience..



BREAKFAST

LUNCH

dinner

overnight


17 - 30 JUNE 201601 - 14 AUGUST 2016

CHIANG MAI

NONE

VEGAN BUFFET

HOTEL

Learning and sharing

DAY EIGHT

Today is the day of learning and sharing. Thais believe that sharing isn’t a loss but a gain. So after breakfast at your hotel, we will travel to the Mae Taeng District which is situated 70 km north of Chiang Mai. After arrival in Mae Taeng, we will visit the Pa Pae Meditation Retreat and begin our meditation session.

Meditation is an ancient knowledge in the east. It’s neither difficult nor something boring, but a practice of doing nothing which anyone can do. After some guidance by an English speaking Buddhist monk, gently close your eyes and clear your mind. When you attain true bliss and happiness inside yourself through meditation, you will feel so overwhelmed with joy that you will not be able to adequately find words to describe it.

As we believe that travel is all about sharing, we will travel around the local community in Mae

Taeng, visiting both its village and school.

Before noon, we visit the amazing Elephant Nature Park, where you will first enjoy a healthy vegetarian buffet (many vegan options) with a large selection of Asian and international dishes. Then walk with the staff members and the elephants to the river that skirts the park. Unlike other elephant camps, this one is actually a sanctuary, and there will be no harmful activities to the elephants. Thus, the best way to make the most of your visit is to relax, watch, and learn from the elephants. Return to the hotel in Chiang Mai, and enjoy your leisure time.

Evening is your free time to relax or enjoy a traditional Thai Massage. Or how about bargain shopping at the Night Bazaar (Mon-Sat) or Sunday Walking Street (Sun), the largest walking street in Thailand? The choice is yours.



overnight


17 - 30 JUNE 201601 - 14 AUGUST 2016

dinner

LUNCH

BREAKFAST


17 - 30 JUNE 201601 - 14 AUGUST 2016

KOH PHANGAN

HOTEL / RESTAURANT

RESTAURANT / ON BOARD / HOTEL (depends on flight time)

HOTEL

Spend the morning in Chiang Mai before your flight to Surat Thani. After arrival in Surat Thani, we will transfer you to Koh Phangan by coach and ferry.

Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon. After checking-in, you’ll have free time to take a swim in the sea, stroll along the beach, or just chill before we meet for dinner.

Chiang Mai - Koh Phangan

DAY nine





overnight


17 - 30 JUNE 201601 - 14 AUGUST 2016

dinner

LUNCH

BREAKFAST


17 - 30 JUNE 201601 - 14 AUGUST 2016

KOH PHANGAN

NONE

COOKING SCHOOL

HOTEL

Enjoy a Thai cooking class at a local cooking school. A great opportunity to learn to cook real Thai vegan food, as we meet up with one of the island’s best chefs who’ll teach us

how to make a truly delectable local vegan meal.

After return to your hotel, the rest of the day is free at your own leisure.

Koh Phangan

DAY TEN





overnight


17 - 30 JUNE 201601 - 14 AUGUST 2016

dinner

LUNCH

BREAKFAST


17 - 30 JUNE 201601 - 14 AUGUST 2016

KOH PHANGAN

THAI VEGAN BBQ

NONE

HOTEL

After busy days on our Thailand adventure, it’s finally time to relax and rejuvenate and enjoy life on Koh Phangan – and what a better way to do that than with a traditional

Thai massage. At night, we’ll catch the sunset while enjoying a mouth-watering Thai vegan BBQ.

Koh Phangan

DAY ELEVEN





overnight


17 - 30 JUNE 201601 - 14 AUGUST 2016

dinner

LUNCH

BREAKFAST


KOH PHANGAN

THAI FARE-WELL DINNER

NONE

HOTEL

Today, you have free time to explore the charming island at your own pace. Or simply enjoy the beach or the amenities of your eco-resort.

We meet up in the early evening for our great farewell party where we enjoy a fun night of live music, refreshing cocktails, vegan snacks and a tasty Thai dinner. Make sure you bring your party shirt, dancing shoes (or simply skip them) and definitely your appetite and thirst!

Koh Phangan

DAY TWELVE





overnight


17 - 30 JUNE 201601 - 14 AUGUST 2016

dinner

LUNCH

BREAKFAST


BANGKOK(hotel near airport)

RESTAURANT/ HOTEL

RESTAURANT

HOTEL

Enjoy the last hours on the island. You are free until we transfer you via coach and ferry to Surat Thani Airport for your short flight to Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok.

After arrival, coach transfer to your hotel near Suvarnabhumi International Airport or, depending on your flights the next day, to Bangkok downtown for your last night in the City of Angels.

Koh Phangan / Bangkok

DAY THIRTEEN





overnight


17 - 30 JUNE 201601 - 14 AUGUST 2016

dinner

LUNCH

BREAKFAST


NONE

NONE

NONE

HOTEL

After breakfast or at around lunch time, we will transfer you to Suvarnabhumi International Airport for your international departure.

Departure

DAY FOURTEEN






17 - 30 JUNE 201601 - 14 AUGUST 2016

12 nights accommodation in 4* hotels (+ 1night in a 1st class / 2nd class sleeper train compartment)

Vegan meals as described in the travel plan

Licensed English speaking tour guides

All transportation (Private air-conditioned vans or coaches, longtail boats, ferries)

Admission and activity fees

Airport transfers and domestic FlightsChiang Mai (CNX) to Surat Thani (URT)Surat Thani (URT) to Bangkok (DMK)

Train Ticket (Air-conditioned Sleeper Train: Bangkok to Chiang Mai)

Various activities and entertainment as per the itinerary

Accident insurance cover

Stina Spiegelberg, Vegan Chef & Author

Dirk Bocklage (Founder Vegan Travel)

Personal expenses

Optional activities

International flight tickets

Inclusions of Your Vegan Thailand Adventure:

VEGAN TRAVEL HOSTS:

exclusions: tour operator:




17 - 30 JUNE 201601 - 14 AUGUST 2016

Vegan Travel Ltd.Von-Grueter-Weg 7148167 Münster, Germany

Ph: +49 (0) 2506-3047481Fax: +49 (0) [email protected]

If you are a U.S. or UK or German citizen tourist staying in Thailand for fewer than 30 days, you do not require a visa to enter the country, but your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your entry into Thailand.

ACCOMMODATION + TRAVEL DATESLOCATION HOTEL NIGHTS RATING

Bangkok Furama Xclusive 2Kanchanaburi Home Phutoey 1Kanchanaburi River Kwai Jungle Rafts 1Ayutthaya Classic Kameo Ayutthaya 1Chiang Mai Kantary Hills Chiang Mai 2Koh Phangan Loyfa Natural Resort 4

Bangkok Vismaya Suvarnabhumi Airport or similar 1

FOR TRAVEL TERMS & CONDITIONS, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE: VEGAN-TRAVEL.EU

JOIN OUR THAILAND DISCOVERY. JUNE OR AUGUST.

BOOKING AND ENQUIRIES:



Documents

2016 - Vegan Travel€¦ · Wat Phra Kaew, which is situated inside the palace, is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. The Emerald Buddha is enshrined inside