Destination Training and Updates: Thailand - Buffalo Tours

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secluded charm. Powdered white sand, turquoise seas and swaying palms all make the southern coast of Thailand one of the
Destination Training and Updates: Thailand February 2016

Thailand An overview

Population : 67.2 million

People : Thai, ethnic Chinese, Thai-Chinese, Karen and Hmong tribes

Language : Thai

Currency : Thai baht (THB)

Time zone : GMT +7 Hours

Thailand From north to south, Thailand is so vast and diverse that exploring its length is a study in contrasts. Its fascinating northern cultures and heritage are framed by stunning mountain scenery, while its breezy southern beaches seem worlds away from its frenetic capital city. But throughout this dynamic nation is its most central cultural element – its steadfastly kind and distinctly careful locals. The Land of Smiles has a little something for every kind of traveller looking to soak up the charm of Asia’s exotic gem.

Thailand A mesmerizing blend of pulsating cities, mysterious mountain territories and idyllic island getaways, Thailand is one of Asia’s most diverse and vibrant destinations. Thailand’s fascinating cultures and heritage are framed by stunning natural scenery, and its modern energy juxtaposed with a rich, dynamic history. But perhaps the most charming element of Thai culture are the fiercely independent yet distinctly carefree Thai people, which have earned Thailand the nickname “The Land of Smiles”.

Thailand Highlights • Green Lung of Bangkok, Bangkok’s Parks • Discover Historical City, Ayutthaya the UNESCO World Heritage Site • World War II Memorial at Kanchanaburi • Throw Back Time in Chiang Mai, the Ancient City • Traditional Thai Cooking class in Chiang Mai • Scuba-diving & Snorkelling in Phang-nga • Amazing Street Food in Phuket • Spectacular Sunset in Samui 5

Northern Thailand Northern Thailand is a charming collection of ancient cities, ethnic minority villages and beautiful mountain scenery. Home to Chiang Mai, the ancient capital of the Lanna Thai Kingdom and a charming centre for culture, the moat-surrounded city is the gateway to the region’s lush and hilly landscape and secluded rural villages.

Northern Thailand Chiang Rai 4hrs by bus

Pai

3hrs by bus

Chiang Mai

Fly from Chiang Mai to: Bangkok – 1h15m Phuket – 2h5m Koh Samui – 1h45m

5hrs by bus

Sukkothai

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Central Thailand A fascinating combination of metropolitan culture and ancient history, Bangkok earns its reputation as Southeast Asia’s most colourful and vibrant capital city. Exploring its bustling streets and quieter outer limits will unveil a city with world-class shopping alongside ancient temples, delicious street food and some of the friendliest locals in all of Southeast Asia.

Central Thailand Fly from Bangkok to: Chiang Mai – 1h10m 1hr by minivan

Ayutthaya 2-3hrs by minivan 2hrs by bus

Khao Yai

Kanchanaburi

Bangkok 2hrs by bus

Pattaya

Fly from Bangkok to: Phuket – 1h20m Ko Samui – 1h10m

3hrs by bus

Hua Hin

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Southern Thailand Thailand’s southern beaches are renowned for their natural beauty and secluded charm. Powdered white sand, turquoise seas and swaying palms all make the southern coast of Thailand one of the most popular destinations for snorkeling, diving and relaxation. From the larger beaches to the quiet and isolated islands, there’s a little something in Thailand’s southern region for everyone.

Southern Thailand Fly from Phuket to: Bangkok – 1h20m Chiang Mai – 2hrs

Ko Tao

Ko Phangan

1h30m by ferry

30m by ferry

Ko Samui 4hrs by bus

Phuket

Krabi

Ko Phi Phi

Fly from Ko Samui to: Bangkok – 1h10m Chiang Mai – 1h50m

2hrs by ferry

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What’s happening? Hotels, restaurants, events

Hotels

Rati Lanna – Chiang Mai

Sofitel So – Bangkok

Le Meridien – Phuket

Ozo Chaweng – Koh Samui 13

Restaurants

Sala Rattanakosin – Bangkok

The Gallery – Chiang Mai

The Baba Restaurant – Phuket

Sala Rim Naam – Bangkok 14

What’s new? Yodpiman River Walk The most beautiful river bend of the Chaophraya River is not only a beautiful backdrop, but the first landmark on which old Bangkok was built.

Canopy Walk Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden is located in Mae Rim district of Chiang Mai. Hailed as one of the most beautiful walkways in Thailand, visitors can get a bird’seye view of the garden from the tree tops.

Tha Maharaj Located on the bank of the Chao Phraya river, Tha Maharaj is surrounded by rich cultural heritage and tourist attractions of Thai arts, museums, The Grand Palace, Wat Pho etc.

Guan Yu Shrine Koh Samui has had a lively Chinese population for a while but this new impressive shrine gives an insight into one of the key cultures on this island, and a focal point for the local community. 15

Our Tours Local Life and Essence Tours

Local Life Tours • Experiential, interactive, half or full day tour. • SIC for up to 10 PAX. • Connects travellers with authentic Asian people & culture. • Low environmental impact. • A percentage of our revenue goes directly back into local communities. • Help preserve and share local communities’ tradition & heritage.

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Local Life: Thailand Bangkok Street Eats by Tuk Tuk Discover Bangkok’s vibrant lifestyle on an evening tuk tuk ride and food tour. Enjoy the thrilling ride through the city’s lively night streets, stopping along the way to visit bustling night markets, sample fresh fruit and local delicacies, and explore some of Bangkok’s most famous landmarks beautifully illuminated after dark. • • • • •

Discover Bangkok by Tuk-Tuk with a guide Enjoy a selection of dishes from famous street food stalls around the city Visit the Bangkok’s old quarter and the see the splendour Wat Pho after dark Relax with a calming view of Wat Arun and Chao Phraya River Explore Bangkok’s bright and bustling flower & vegetable markets

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Local Life: Thailand Samui Street Eats Discover the unique tropical flavours of Koh Samui on an evening street eats excursion. Wander through the local's favourite culinary hubs for a taste of the area's best street treats, island delicacies and trendy beach bars with a local twist.

• See sunset over the water with island backdrops • Visit local market and try Thai snacks and street food • Relax at the beach bar with a glass of local beer or cocktail

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Local Life: Thailand Bangkok Dessert Island by Bike Escape the frenetic urban hub of Bangkok on this unique excursion to the historic manmade island of Koh Kret. Explore the island by bicycle and by boat on a journey sampling local flavours and culture well off of the tourist track.

• Get away from the busy city by joining the public boat to discover the fascinating scenery along the main river • Escape to hidden peace island in Chao Praya River with natural trail for relaxation and taste Thai Food • A good experience to bicycle around the island to see the real local life and culture • Challenge yourself for a short snap to make your own design limited edition “Pottery” • See Thai Sweet Dessert making and try to make on your own dessert and taste 20

Local Life: Thailand Bangkok Taste of Chinatown For centuries, Chinese immigrants to Thailand have made Yaowarat Road their home. Discover the rich history behind Bangkok’s vibrant Chinatown neighbourhoods, and get a taste of this history for yourself on a morning tour sampling mouth-watering ThaiChinese foods. Sample hot congee, moon cake, herbal drinks and more; and discover traditional local stops and must-see historic sites and temples along the way. • • • •

Opportunity to try authentic Thai food in a traditional neighborhood A change of pace from frantic, modern Bangkok Diverse mix of cultures and cuisines from all over Thailand Family run restaurants with recipes handed down from generation to generation • Side streets and local markets for an off-the-beaten-track experience

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Local Life: Thailand Bangrak Cultural Foodie Walk Journey through Bangkok’s fascinating history on a guided wander along colourful soi, or side streets, to the city’s most charming hidden gems. Discover how local Bangkokians lived decades ago in the Bangrak area that still pulses with heritage and history. Sample tasty family recipes, meander through quiet residential blocks and explore a unique side of local life in Bangkok.

• Explore Yaowarat Road, the riverside district where Chinese immigrants settled • Witness the fusion of cultures as traditions are maintained in modern Bangkok • Try many Chinese-Thai fusion dishes; daily fare for locals • Visit the famous Golden Buddha and Wat Traimit museum • Traditional rituals such as traditional tea house 22

Local Life: Thailand Chiang Mai Lanna Bike & Boat Cycle through the ancient city of Wiang Kum Kam and sail down the majestic Ping River on this exciting half-day tour of Chiang Mai. Explore ancient heritage, local lifestyles and the charm of Chiang Mai's hidden historical gems among the city's most beautiful scenery.

• • • • •

Cycle to old ruins in Wat Pu Pia, a settlement before Chiang Mai itself Cycle through rice paddies and local village houses See rural Thai life first hand Enjoy a boat trip down the River Ping Take in riverbank life in comfort

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Local Life: Thailand Chiang Mai Street Eats Get a taste of northern Thailand’s unique flavour on an evening journey blending culture and culinary discovery. Set off to discover the city's lesser-explored historic landmarks while experiencing the flurry of local culture and colour among them under the cover of night.

• Fun & Full walking Tour • Follow Taste - famous delicious food stall of the town you should not miss • See another side of Chiang Mai at night time • Local truck riding • Chic spot for drink and chill by the river

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Local Life: Thailand Chiang Mai Rickshaw Explorer Whiz your way through the charming streets of downtown Chiang Mai on one of the city's most iconic vehicles: the rickshaw. Visit the city's mustsee cultural landmarks, lesservisited sights and out-of-theordinary hidden gems on a city highlights tour with a local twist.

• • • •

Rickshaw riding Visit to local restaurant to support women prisoners Visit a temple to see local handicraft brass ornament making Visit local market and fruit tasting

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Local Life: Thailand Phuket Sino Heritage Walk Explore Phuket's past life as a major trading port for merchants, when the island was lovingly called the "pearl of the Andaman". By foot, get an in-depth and hands on look at the history of the island, and discover how the discovery of tin here would forever change Phuket and the people who call it home.

• • • • •

Start the day just like a local with a visit to the wet market Hear the story of Phuket Town as you explore the quaint streets Watch in wonder as tea vendors prepare original Malay tea Walking to visit the old Post Office and Phuket’s first hotel built in 1929 Local blue bus back to your hotel

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Local Life: Thailand Phuket Street Eats Get a taste of Phuket's best street snack gems on a culinary excursion to local foodie haunts famous with the locals. Meander through local markets dense with aromas of chili and garlic, sample Phuket's unique twist on the French macaroon and taste street delicacies so famous that they're worth the queue.

• • • • •

Beautiful hilltop view restaurant at night Local famous restaurants Chance to try to make Thai dessert Local market walking and eating Beautiful Historical Sino Portuguese buildings at Talang Road at night

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Essence Tours • Highlight experiences with a twist • Private guided tours • See Asia’s best sights with a charming surprise and delight element • Interact with interesting locals along unique routes just off the tourist track • Discover local culture with your taste buds • Carefully selected boutique eateries and top-notch local restaurants • All of this in first class style and comfort

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Essence Tours: Thailand Essence of Bangkok: Relics of Siam Explore the highlights of Bangkok while delving into the layers of local culture on this full day tour. From a colourful flower market to the feet of the gigantic Reclining Buddha, take in the history and the wonder of Bangkok and finish things off with a relaxing traditional foot massage.

• • • • •

Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Pho; homes of the Emerald Buddha and Reclining Buddha. Learn to fold a lotus flower to give as an offering. Enjoy world-famous Bangkok food in a riverside restaurant Visit a local alms-bowl artisan and learn his craft Enjoy a traditional Thai foot massage in a relaxing spa 29

Essence Tours: Thailand Essence of Bangkok: Boutique Chinatown Delve deep into the local culture of Bangkok’s bustling Chinatown on this in-depth day tour. Arrive in the flurry of sights, smells and sounds as you taste local concoctions, visit its major temples, explore the winding alleys, savour scrumptious dim sum and learn about the artisanal customs of this established community.

• • • • •

Seeing more real life and visiting many interesting places and stuff on the route Visit Wat Traimit & museum (massive Golden Buddha – must see in BKK) Dim sum set lunch at boutique Chinese atmosphere restaurant (shanghai 1940’s decoration) Visit the private’s collection of gold making museum hiding on the 6th floor of a more than 100 years gold shop (surprise and delight) Try local herbal drink 30

Essence Tours: Thailand Essence of Bangkok: Canals of Krung Thep Discover the canal culture at the heart of Bangkok on this half day tour of the city’s klongs, or small waterways. Be entranced by local life on the river banks, dining on a traditional meal, cruising through the city to the Royal Barge Museum, the Temple of Dawn and a local artisanal village where klong culture comes to life. • •

• •

Visit Royal Barge Museum, Artist Village, Wat Arun, travel along the river by long-tailed boat also enjoy lunch with scenic Chaophraya River view Thai set lunch at Supattra River House Restaurant, from home of successful woman to magnificent restaurant for serving health and happiness dishes in living and dining the traditional Thai way. Enjoy Puppet show at Artist Village originally show available in the royal court only. Chit chat or make friends with local people at Artist Village and learn about people ways of life by the river. 31

Essence Tours: Thailand Essence of Chiang Mai: Coffee & Jungle Trail Get a taste of Northern Thai culture in the hills just beyond Chiang Mai. Set off to a Hmong community who will show you the art of coffee making before a light trek to the beautiful Pha Dok Seaw waterfall for a refreshing dip to finish your adventure.

• Less crowded but still has many beautiful greenery surrounding to see • Visit famous Doi Inthanon , highlight of Chiang Mai and try your hand roasting coffee the way local hill tribe do • Lunch at the royal project with fresh fish and hydro vegetable • Visit Mae Ya waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfall in Thailand. • Talk and learn the way of life with Hmong hill tribe 32

Essence Tours: Thailand Essence of Chiang Mai: Lanna Temple Relics Explore the cultural and spiritual highlights of charming Chiang Mai on this in-depth private excursion to temples and off-the-beatentrack gems. Your tour connects the dots between Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Waroros Market, Wat Srisuphan and Wat Chedi Luang – and even swaps your car for a traditional Thai rickshaw along the way! • Enjoy breathtaking views from the top of the 300 steps to the summit of Doi Suthep (or ride a train to the top!) • Visit some of the most famous temples in the capital of Northern Thailand, famous for its culture. • Enjoy lunch at a peaceful riverside boutique restaurant • Explore the old town and markets by rickshaw 33

Essence Tours: Thailand Essence of Phuket: Heritage Walk Set off on an excursion by foot through Phuket and experience firsthand its unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese influence. Explore a local market, walk by stunning examples of Sino-colonial architecture and delve into the history of the Chinese communities of the area at local homes, temples and a museum.

• Walk in the Phuket old town in a more relaxing way and learn small things about local culture through our tour only. • Visit Phuket old town with sino-portuguese style building • Lunch at Sino Portuguese building style restaurant, snack at a local shop on the beautiful Thalang Road. • Client will get a cashew nut souvenir in the box of sino-portuguese building 34

Who are they for? Local Life • Families and travellers looking for something different • Travellers looking for cultural experiences • People who want to connect with the destination a little more • Clients who might not want a full private guided tour Essence • Four or five star FIT clients • People used to travelling in comfort and style • Foodies looking for authentic cuisine • Travellers who want to see the highlights but in a special way 35

Bringing it all together A truly unique journey

Romantic Luxury Escape | 12D Set off on an unforgettable journey to Thailand’s most romantic locales on this luxurious honeymoon getaway. From enchanting, modern cityscapes to lush wilderness to expansive white sand beaches, Thailand offers the ultimate blend of romance, discovery and relaxation. Explore cities, islands and magical beach escapes on a highlights journey with a romantic touch.

• • • • • •

Enjoy a romantic evening high above Bangkok’s sparkling skyline Discover Bangkok’s lively culture on a day tour on a private longtail boat. Take part in a high-end cooking class Enjoy a river cruise along the illuminated Ping River Float up on an unforgettable hot air balloon ride above Chiang Rai’s countryside. Relax and find bliss on the white sands of the stunning tropical islands 37

Why work with us? Buffalo Tours and our partners

Why partner with us?

Hotel partnership

Competitive pricing

Unique product

Own vehicles and boats

Buffalo tours own operations

Professional reservation staff

Sales & marketing support

IT resources

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“Changing Lives through Travel”

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