Posts tagged CADIZ
HOW TO PLAN AN ULTIMATE THAILAND ITINERARY
 

HOW TO PLAN AN ULTIMATE THAILAND ITINERARY

www.thatblondetravels.com

Written by: Lauren Bailey

If you have any suggestions for can’t miss places to see or places to eat, please leave them in the comments below!


Bangkok, Thailand-traveling-luxury travel-travel agent-thailand-southeast asia

When I was in school, I spent an amazing 5 weeks in Thailand learning about their hospital system and pharmacy practices. It was such an amazing 5 weeks that I have been dying to go back ever since I left. The people, the food, the scenery were all so amazing and all came together to make an ever-lasting impression on my mind and heart.

Outlined below is my version of the ultimate Thailand itinerary with some can’t miss stops along the way.

Phuket, Thailand-traveling-luxury travel-travel agent-thailand-southeast asia
Phuket, Thailand-traveling-luxury travel-travel agent-thailand-southeast asia

PROPOSED 11 DAY/10 NIGHT ITINERARY

Here’s what a typical 11 day Thailand itinerary looks like:

Bangkok (2 nights)

Chiang Mai (3 nights)

Chiang Rai (1 night)

Phuket (4 nights)

Total days: 11

Phuket-Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai-Bangkok, Thailand-traveling-luxury travel-travel agent-thailand-southeast asia

BANGKOK

Where to stay:

Riva Surya Bangkok

Anantara Riverside Bangkok

Grand Hyatt Erawan

What to do:

Bangkok Highlights: City, Temples and Klong Tour:
In the morning, visit two of the most impressive sights in the city. The Reclining Buddha at Wat Po is an enormous Buddha covered in gold leaf, lying majestically on its side. The Grand Palace has no equal and is a must-see for every visitor to Bangkok. Built by King Rama I in 1782, it was the centre of power for more than 150 years; today it is Bangkok's most celebrated landmark. Within the compound is the Temple of The Emerald Buddha - Wat Pra Kaew - which houses Thailand's most precious image of the Lord Buddha.

In the afternoon, travel along the picturesque Chao Phraya River through the klongs (canals) of Thonburi. Observe and photograph the serene family homes and temples along the waterways which gave the city the name Venice of the East. Finally, pay a visit to one of the city's most photographed sites, the shimmering Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). The majestic shrine has a pagoda of 79m high. It is decorated with glazed ceramic pieces that reflect the sun's rays and give the temple its name.

Phuket-Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai-Bangkok, Thailand-traveling-luxury travel-travel agent-thailand-southeast asia
Phuket-Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai-Bangkok, Thailand-traveling-luxury travel-travel agent-thailand-southeast asia

CHIANG MAI

Where to stay:

Akyra Manor

Siripanna Villa Resort and Spa

Anantara Chiang Mai Resort

What to do:

Chiang Mai City Tour:

Your afternoon tour takes you around the famous city for an up-close and personal look at some of its most notable temples, as well as stops at its old city walls, gates, and moat. The highlight of this trip is Wat Pan Tao, built in the typical wooden northern-Thailand architecture, with exquisite fine carving on the eaves and door. Proceed to Wat Jet Yod with its seven spires and incredible architecture commemorating the year 2000 of the Buddha era. Then drive up to Doi Suthep to visit Wat Phra Dhat Doi Suthep (built in A.D. 1384). Wat Doi Suthep is the most sacred temple in northern Thailand, containing a holy relic of Lord Buddha.

Elephant Nature Park:

This tour begins by picking you up at your hotel in a private vehicle. Once you arrive, you will have a quick safety briefing and then you will be taken across the river to meet the magnificent elephants. These elephants have been rescued from distressing situations all over Thailand. The team at the park have worked hard towards building trust with the animals by showing them love, respect and care as many of the elephants have experienced harsh mistreatment from humans in the past. Because of this, riding the elephants is not allowed at the sanctuary.
As you meet the elephants, you will be taught basic language and signals to help to communicate and interact with the elephants throughout the day. After the group takes a break for lunch, continue practicing your elephant communication skills and walk them to the nearby river.
If time remains, you will go the Elephant Kitchen before departing from the Elephant Nature Park. In this kitchen food is prepared for the elephants. Many of the elephants that live here don't have strong digestive systems, so special food must be prepared for them.

Streetfood-Phuket-Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai-Bangkok, Thailand-traveling-luxury travel-travel agent-thailand-southeast asia
Phuket-Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai-Bangkok, Thailand-traveling-luxury travel-travel agent-thailand-southeast asia

CHIANG RAI

Where to stay:

The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa

Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort

Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort

What to do:

Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai: On the way, visit Hot Spring Baan Pong Nam Ron. Visit Wat Rong Khun or the "White Temple". This temple is unique from other temples in that it has been constructed entirely in a radiant white color with sparking reflections from mirrored glass mosaics embedded in the white plaster. Continue on to take a long-tailed boat cruise approximately 1 hour to visit Karen hill tribe village.

Chiang Rai to Phuket: Drive through the Golden Triangle area where the mighty Mae Khong and Ruakrivers meet, forming a natural boundary between Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. Visit the Opium Museum before moving on to the old city of Chiang Saen (A.D.1260), where you can marvel at the magnificent ancient ruins and temples. Drop off at Chiang Rai Airport for flight to Phuket

Elephant-Phuket-Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai-Bangkok, Thailand-traveling-luxury travel-travel agent-thailand-southeast asia
Phuket-Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai-Bangkok, Thailand-traveling-luxury travel-travel agent-thailand-southeast asia

PHUKET

Where to stay:

Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas

Paresa Resort Phuket

Angsana Villas Resort

What to do:

Phi Phi Island Tour by Join Speedboat:

Take a speed boat to Phi Phi island. Enjoy a swim/snorkel stop at its beach. Drive to Phi Phi Ley, famous for its birds nests.

Depart for Maya Bay and Phi Phi Island. Relax at Maya Bay (where The Beach was partially filmed). Snorkel and swim in clear water at Loh Samah and Pileh Cove. Visit the Viking Cave, now home to nest producing swallows. Feed the local inhabitants at The Monkey Beach. Appreciate the magnificent marine life at the Hin Klang (Great Coral Reef). Lunch will be served at Phi Phi Natural Resort (Private beach). After lunch, explore Bamboo Island, a flat beautiful island blending white sand and very clear water. Relax on the beach or swim and snorkel. There is also a nice coral reef near the beach.

Thai Cookery School from Phuket:

Learn how to prepare your ingredients, how to portion the herbs and even a little about the effects of certain herbs.

Phang Nga Bay and Khai Island from Phuket by Speedboat:

This special full day trip offers you the excursion for exploring Phang Nga Bay and visit Khai Nai Islandby speedboat. The discovery of Phang Nga Bay will make you excited with lot of fascinating islands and limestone outcrops.

Along the bay you will enjoy with the scenic views of fauna and flora at Panak Island and and visit the amazing limestone mountains at Hong Island by canoes. This trip also offer you the visit to Tapu Island also known as James Bond Island. Afterwards go to through Mangrove swamp and pass Tham Lod Noi and Lod Yai.

Phuket, Thailand-traveling-luxury travel-travel agent-thailand-southeast asia

FAQS

What time of year is best to visit Thailand?
Dry season is typically between the end of November and the end of April. While Thailand's rainy season typically begins after July and runs through October, it isn’t unlikely for major storms to arrive as early as May. April and early May are considered the “hottest” season in the hot, hotter, and hottest classification of Thai climate. Temperatures can surpass 104 degrees, so if you can’t handle the heat, plan your trip for a few months earlier. [T+L]

What was your favorite city in Thailand?
My favorite city in Thailand was Chiang Mai! I loved all the night markets and delicious food. Also, it helped that it was one of the cheaper cities amid the tourist destinations in Thailand.

How long do I need for a trip to Thailand?
If you really want to experience Thailand and the culture, then I wouldn’t go for less than 10 nights. You can definitely fit in a lot in a short amount of time but you will need a vacation from your vacation when you get home!

What’s the best way to get around in Thailand?
In the city, the best way to get around is either walking or getting a Tuk-tuk to take you form A to B.

From city to city, you can take an overnight bus for very cheap. We did this to go from Chiang Mai to Bangkok for the weekend and it was super cheap! We even upgraded to first class and watched Bridesmaids in Thai.

Otherwise, flying is also available for a very reasonable price via local airlines!


This is just one example of an ultimate adventure to Thailand! There are so many places to see and so many foods to try that it is hard to put everything on a list in one place!

If you’ve been to Thailand before, leave a comment below about what your favorite thing that you did was and why!


About me:

I'm a full-time pharmacist that loves to travel whenever I get the chance.

Follow me: @thatblondetravels


Need help planning and booking your own Thailand Adventure? Send me an email!


 
HOW TO PLAN YOUR OWN ANDALUSIA SPAIN TRIP
 

HOW TO PLAN YOUR OWN ANDALUSIA SPAIN TRIP

www.thatblondetravels.com

Written by: Lauren Bailey

If you have any suggestions for can’t miss places to see or places to eat, please leave them in the comments below!


Andalusia Spain-SPAIN-SOUTHERN SPAIN ITINERARY-ITINERARY-CUSTOM ITINERARY-SOUTHERN SPAIN-TRAVELING-LUXURY TRAVEL-MALLORCA-SEVILLE-RHONDA-CAMINTO DEL RAY-GRANADA-ALAHAMBRA-TRAVEL ADVISOR-TRAVEL AGENT-COUPLES TRAVEL-VACATION-EUROPE-ANDALUSIA-FLAMANCO-…

When you think of Spain, what is the first place that you imagine? Is it Barcelona? Is it Madrid? Or could it be an island such as Ibiza?

All of these places came to mind when I was working on our 9 day/8 night Spain itinerary. I ultimately thought about what I value when I travel, beautiful scenery, less crowds, adventure, and good weather, to determine the locations that we would travel to. In this post, I am going to share my planned itinerary for our trip to Spain and some of the resources that I used while planning it!

Andalusia Spain-SPAIN-SOUTHERN SPAIN ITINERARY-ITINERARY-CUSTOM ITINERARY-SOUTHERN SPAIN-TRAVELING-LUXURY TRAVEL-MALLORCA-SEVILLE-RHONDA-CAMINTO DEL RAY-GRANADA-ALAHAMBRA-TRAVEL ADVISOR-TRAVEL AGENT-COUPLES TRAVEL-VACATION-EUROPE-ANDALUSIA-FLAMANCO-…
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PROPOSED 9 DAY/8 NIGHT ITINERARY

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Here’s what our 9 day Southern Spain itinerary looks like:

Mallorca (3 nights)

Seville (2 nights)

Granada (2 nights)

Madrid (1 night)

Total days: 9


MALLORCA

Mallorca (pronouced "Mah-YOR-ka") is the largest of three tiny islands off the coast of Spain known as the Balearic Islands.

How to get here: Direct flights are available from Madrid International Airport into Palma at multiple times per day for very cheap! I think our flight was ~30 euro on Ryanair.

What we’re doing: This is still tbd but I would love to eat at some local restaurants that feature Michelin Star chefs and do plenty of hiking and relaxing!

Andalusia Spain-SPAIN-SOUTHERN SPAIN ITINERARY-ITINERARY-CUSTOM ITINERARY-SOUTHERN SPAIN-TRAVELING-LUXURY TRAVEL-MALLORCA-SEVILLE-RHONDA-CAMINTO DEL RAY-GRANADA-ALAHAMBRA-TRAVEL ADVISOR-TRAVEL AGENT-COUPLES TRAVEL-VACATION-EUROPE-ANDALUSIA-FLAMANCO-…
Andalusia Spain-SPAIN-SOUTHERN SPAIN ITINERARY-ITINERARY-CUSTOM ITINERARY-SOUTHERN SPAIN-TRAVELING-LUXURY TRAVEL-MALLORCA-SEVILLE-RHONDA-CAMINTO DEL RAY-GRANADA-ALAHAMBRA-TRAVEL ADVISOR-TRAVEL AGENT-COUPLES TRAVEL-VACATION-EUROPE-ANDALUSIA-FLAMANCO-…

SEVILLE

Seville is the capital of southern Spain’s Andalusia region. It is well-known for flamenco dancing and the Alcázar castle that was built during the Moorish Almohad dynasty.

Where we’re staying: Hotel Rey Alfonso X

What we’re doing: Once we get into Seville from Mallorca, we are doing a free walking tour of Seville with Hello Sevilla Tours.

After lunch, we will make our way to The Real Alcázar de Sevilla.

Dinner at sunset at the Metropol Parasol, followed later in the evening by the Flamenco Show at Casa de la Memoria.

The next day we plan to do a day trip to either Cadiz or Arcos de la Frontera. - Will keep you updated on our decision! :)

Andalusia Spain-SPAIN-SOUTHERN SPAIN ITINERARY-ITINERARY-CUSTOM ITINERARY-SOUTHERN SPAIN-TRAVELING-LUXURY TRAVEL-MALLORCA-SEVILLE-RHONDA-CAMINTO DEL RAY-GRANADA-ALAHAMBRA-TRAVEL ADVISOR-TRAVEL AGENT-COUPLES TRAVEL-VACATION-EUROPE-ANDALUSIA-FLAMANCO-…
Andalusia Spain-SPAIN-SOUTHERN SPAIN ITINERARY-ITINERARY-CUSTOM ITINERARY-SOUTHERN SPAIN-TRAVELING-LUXURY TRAVEL-MALLORCA-SEVILLE-RHONDA-CAMINTO DEL RAY-GRANADA-ALAHAMBRA-TRAVEL ADVISOR-TRAVEL AGENT-COUPLES TRAVEL-VACATION-EUROPE-ANDALUSIA-FLAMANCO-…

GRANADA

Granada is a city in southern Spain’s Andalusia region, located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It's most famous landmark is the Alhambra that dates back to the Moorish occupation.

Where we’re staying: Hotel Hospes Palacio de Los Patos

What we’re doing: When driving from Seville to Granada, we plan on driving through the Sierra Nevada mountains and stopping in Rhonda and then proceding to do the Caminito Del Rey hike.

We plan to visit the Alhambra of course and then a couple free walking tours as well.

Mostly I’m excited about our hike in Caminito Del Rey (It looks magical!).

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MADRID

Where we’re staying: Catalonia Plaza Mayor

What we’re doing: While in Madrid, we will be doing two city walking tours and possibly a tapas tour. If you have any suggestions, please leave them in the comments below!

madrid-spain-travel-tour-Andalusia Spain-SPAIN-SOUTHERN SPAIN ITINERARY-ITINERARY-CUSTOM ITINERARY-SOUTHERN SPAIN-TRAVELING-LUXURY TRAVEL-MALLORCA-SEVILLE-RHONDA-CAMINTO DEL RAY-GRANADA-ALAHAMBRA-TRAVEL ADVISOR-TRAVEL AGENT-COUPLES TRAVEL-VACATION-E…

FAQS

What time of year is best to visit Southern Spain?
The best time to visit Spain is typically in the spring (March to May) or during the fall (September to November). At these times, you'll likely find fewer crowds, cheaper accommodations, and the best weather (even for hitting the beach!). [Trip Savvy]

What was your favorite city in Southern Spain?
TBD! Come back in November for the answer to this question!

How long do I need for a trip to Southern Spain?
Well this question is pretty subjective. We have 9 total days (including travel) and I had a VERY hard time deciding between the cities that I wanted to visit and stay in vs doing day trips to. In the end, I decided to go to Mallorca, Seville, Granada, and Madrid. When driving from Seville to Granada, we plan on driving through the Sierra Nevada mountains and stopping in Rhonda and doing the Caminito Del Rey hike. I feel like if you wanted to see the whole Andalusia coast, then you would probably need around 14 days. I will report back once we return!

What’s the best way to get around in Southern Spain?
This questions depends on the time and money that you have at your disposal. We are flying from Mallorca to Seville and then renting a car for day trips and to drive to Granada. We were going to take the bus back from Granada to Madrid, but the flights were so cheap that we booked one of those instead.


About me:

I'm a full-time pharmacist that loves to travel whenever I get the chance.

Follow me: @thatblondetravels


Need help planning and booking your own Southern Spain trip? Send me an email!