Golf and Culture Trail - Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand

Venture beyond the bustling city for a day of exploration tailored for discerning travelers. Discover the enchanting royal gardens of Bang Pa-In via golf cart, visit historic riverside temples, and interact with elephants in the serene landscapes of Ayutthaya. Your return to Bangkok is equally luxurious, aboard a private Sea Ray speedboat, ensuring a memorable end to your day.

This comprehensive experience includes VIP airport services, luxury transfers, a multilingual private guide, all entry fees, a rejuvenating massage, exquisite meals, and private boat rides. Please note that modest attire is required for temple visits, and guests should be prepared for light walking and occasional steps for boat access.

Under the expert guidance of skilled chefs, you will learn the intricacies of royal Thai recipes, transforming fresh ingredients into authentic dishes. The inviting kitchen atmosphere ensures a comfortable and engaging experience, perfect for both seasoned cooks and beginners alike. After your cooking session, savor the fruits of your labor with a sumptuous sit-down meal at the renowned Blue Elephant restaurant, where each dish reflects the artistry of Thai culinary traditions.

Your experience is enhanced with welcome herbal drinks, refreshing towels, and all necessary ingredients and recipes. You’ll also receive a Blue Elephant apron, a certificate of completion, and a shopping bag filled with exclusive products. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and bring your camera to capture the delightful moments of this enriching culinary adventure, perfectly complementing your golf holiday.

Your tour commences at the hotel pier, where you'll board an express boat to Pak Klong Talad, a lively market teeming with fresh produce and fragrant flowers. A short stroll through this bustling market is followed by a tuk-tuk ride through the city's historic quarters, leading you to the Grand Palace. Here, the Emerald Buddha Temple awaits, offering a glimpse into Thailand's rich spiritual heritage. The palace itself, with its majestic architecture, still plays a pivotal role in royal ceremonies, adding a touch of regality to your visit.

Continue to Wat Po, home to the impressive Reclining Buddha and a hub of traditional Thai medicine and massage. Conclude your excursion with a scenic boat ride through Thonburi's canals, where the serene waters and charming riverside life remind you why Bangkok was once dubbed the 'Venice of the East.' This thoughtfully curated experience complements your golf holiday, blending relaxation with cultural discovery.

Visit the iconic Wat Arun, or the Temple of Dawn, renowned for its stunning 79-meter central pagoda adorned with intricate porcelain designs. This landmark is a testament to Thailand's rich cultural heritage and offers a moment of peace and reflection amid your golfing holiday.

Your journey continues to the Royal Barge Museum, where you can admire the ornately carved and decorated royal barges. These magnificent vessels, used in grand royal processions, showcase Thailand's exquisite craftsmanship and historical grandeur. The museum visit offers an enriching cultural experience, enhancing the depth of your trip.

Relax as you glide back to your hotel, reflecting on a day that beautifully balances cultural exploration with the leisure of your golf getaway. This excursion promises a harmonious blend of scenic beauty and historical intrigue, perfect for the discerning golf traveler.

The cruise features an exquisite Thai set menu, crafted to showcase the rich culinary heritage of the region. Each dish is a testament to the vibrant flavors and traditions of Thai cuisine, ensuring a memorable dining experience. To enhance your enjoyment, the cruise includes free-flowing soft drinks, with an option to upgrade to local beer and house wine for an additional fee, allowing you to toast to a successful round of golf in style.

This dining cruise not only offers a delightful culinary journey but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the cultural tapestry of Bangkok from the comfort of a beautifully restored rice barge. With its relaxed pace and attentive service, the Manohra Dining Cruise is the perfect way to cap off your day, combining the pleasures of fine dining with the tranquility of a river voyage. Accessible and thoughtfully curated, this excursion promises a harmonious blend of relaxation and cultural enrichment.

After the performance, indulge in a lavish international buffet dinner featuring an array of premium seafood, authentic Thai delicacies, and beloved global dishes. The culinary experience is designed to satisfy discerning palates, with free-flowing soft drinks enhancing your evening. This delightful meal not only nourishes the body but also provides a perfect setting for relaxation and conversation, allowing you to reflect on your day on the greens.

Available daily from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, this excursion is ideal for unwinding after a day of golf. Please note that it is not available on select festive occasions, ensuring a serene atmosphere for your evening. Embrace this cultural gem as a memorable addition to your golf holiday, blending leisure with the rich tapestry of Thai culture.

After returning to Saigon, the afternoon is dedicated to discovering the city's architectural and cultural highlights. Visit the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, a majestic red-brick structure with its French colonial influence, and the Central Post Office, showcasing stunning Renaissance architecture. Conclude your tour at the Reunification Palace, a symbol of Vietnam's turbulent past, and explore the bustling Ben Thanh Market, where you can immerse yourself in local life and perhaps pick up a unique souvenir.

This excursion includes a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, ensuring a seamless experience with convenient transfers, entrance fees, and a set lunch at a local restaurant, all designed to enhance your stay. Enjoy the comfort of this well-rounded tour as a perfect complement to a relaxing golf retreat.

The Cu Chi Tunnels, an intricate network of underground passages pivotal during the Vietnam War, offer an insightful historical experience. As you explore, gain a deeper understanding of the strategic significance of these tunnels during the 1968 Tet Offensive. While the tales of war might be intense, they provide a profound appreciation of resilience and ingenuity.

After exploring the tunnels, enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch by the river, featuring authentic dishes like fried spring rolls and savory soups, offering a delightful culinary interlude. This excursion is thoughtfully timed to ensure a leisurely return to the city, allowing ample time to unwind and reflect on your discoveries before your next round of golf.

With convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, and all necessary amenities provided, this excursion complements your golf holiday with cultural enrichment and a touch of adventure, all within a comfortable half-day experience.

Continue your exploration with a visit to the former Presidential Palace, a significant site during the Vietnam War, offering insights into the country's complex history. The War Remnants Museum further enriches your understanding with its poignant exhibits. A short drive takes you to the vibrant China Town, where you can wander through the bustling Binh Tay Market and admire the serene beauty of Thien Hau Temple, dedicated to the goddess of the sea.

Throughout the tour, enjoy the convenience of a private guide and comfortable transfers. Indulge in a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, savoring authentic Vietnamese flavors. This excursion is thoughtfully designed to complement your golf holiday, offering a relaxing and enriching experience amidst the cultural wonders of Saigon.

Continue to the former Presidential Palace, a significant site during the Vietnam War, offering insights into the country's complex history. The War Remnants Museum provides a deeper understanding of Vietnam's past, making it a compelling stop for those interested in historical context.

If time allows, explore the bustling Ben Thanh Market, where you can immerse yourself in local culture and perhaps pick up a unique souvenir. This tour includes the convenience of an English-speaking guide, comfortable transfers, and entrance fees, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience. Enjoy the comfort of a leisurely exploration of Saigon's highlights, perfectly complementing your relaxing golf vacation.

Your journey continues as you glide through Saigon's vibrant markets, including a fresh flower market that bursts with color and a fabric market rich in textures, offering a sensory delight. The Vespa ride offers a comfortable and stylish way to navigate the city, leading you to the captivating Chinese district. Here, discover traditional medicine shops, an ancient Buddhist temple, and a hidden Chinese pagoda, each revealing layers of local culture.

Conclude your exploration with a visit to iconic landmarks like the Saigon Post Office and the Notre Dame Cathedral, showcasing French architectural influences. A brief history lesson outside the Independence Palace rounds off your cultural experience. With experienced drivers, private guides, and all amenities included, this excursion complements a relaxing golf holiday, offering a seamless blend of leisure and discovery.

Your knowledgeable driver will navigate through the lively streets, offering glimpses of Saigon's iconic landmarks. This journey allows you to appreciate the city’s dynamic atmosphere from a unique perspective. Enjoy the local culinary scene by savoring fresh seafood, followed by the delightful Banh Xeo, a traditional Vietnamese pancake, all served street-side for an authentic experience.

The tour continues with a visit to a live music venue, where you can immerse yourself in the contemporary sounds of Vietnam’s new generation. This musical interlude provides a perfect cultural complement to your golf holiday, offering insight into the local lifestyle and artistic expression.

With all logistics handled, including an English-speaking guide, Vespa with driver, and hotel transfers, this excursion ensures a seamless and enriching experience that beautifully complements your golf retreat.

As you traverse the lush rice fields, the tour culminates with a breathtaking view of the sunset, painting the sky in vibrant hues as it descends over the landscape. This soft adventure is perfect for unwinding and enjoying the natural beauty of the area, making it an ideal addition to your golf itinerary. After the tour, you'll be conveniently transferred back to your hotel or a local restaurant to savor a delightful dinner. Remember to adhere to safety guidelines, including wearing a helmet, to ensure a comfortable and secure experience.

Following this cultural immersion, enjoy a delightful lunch at Khmer House in Banteay Srei Village, where you can savor authentic local cuisine. In the afternoon, visit the exquisite Banteay Srei Temple, renowned for its stunning pink sandstone and intricate carvings. Built in the 10th century and dedicated to Shiva, the temple's delicate sculptures and detailed friezes are a marvel to behold. The craftsmanship is so refined that legend attributes the work to women, lending the temple its name, Fortress of the Women. Conclude your day with a visit to the mountain-temple of Pre Rup, where you can unwind and take in the breathtaking sunset views before returning to your hotel.

Following this breathtaking spectacle, enjoy a guided tour through Angkor's fascinating history and culture. Afterward, indulge in a delightful breakfast—either back at your hotel or savoring local flavors at a nearby restaurant. Continue your adventure to the South Gate of Angkor Thom, where the majestic Bayon Temple awaits, adorned with 216 serene faces that reflect the artistic brilliance of the Khmer Empire.

As you traverse the site, marvel at the Terrace of Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, two awe-inspiring royal monuments. Visit Ta Prohm, the 'jungle temple,' where nature intertwines with ancient architecture. Refresh with coconut juice and local snacks, offering a taste of Cambodian hospitality.

Your knowledgeable guide will enrich your experience with stories of the Khmer Empire, enhancing your appreciation of the intricate architectural masterpieces. Conclude your tour with a scenic drive through a local village, observing traditional wooden carvings before returning to your hotel. This excursion is an enriching addition to any golf holiday, offering cultural depth and relaxation in equal measure.

After exploring Angkor Wat, continue to the atmospheric Ta Prohm, known for its impressive intertwining of nature and architecture. As you pass through the Victory Gate into Angkor Thom, take a moment to appreciate the historical significance and the captivating beauty of the Bayon Temple, with its enigmatic stone faces. Enjoy a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, savoring authentic Cambodian flavors that enrich your cultural journey.

In the afternoon, venture to Kampong Phluk, a traditional village on the Tonle Sap Lake, just a short drive from Siem Reap. Accessible by boat, this excursion offers a glimpse into the timeless lifestyle of the stilt-house community. Witness the serene landscapes and the simplicity of life on Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake, an experience that beautifully balances the active pace of a golf holiday with moments of reflection and discovery. Return to town with a deeper appreciation of Cambodia's rich heritage and natural beauty.

Come and experience the daily life of our elephants. 

11:30 AM Pick up from your hotel and transfer to Kulen Elephant Project meeting point (Siem Reap down town). Depart from Kulen Elephant Forest meeting point at 12:00 noon. 13:00 AM, estimated arrival at Kulen Elephant Project base camp.  Spend your time observing them as they enjoy their natural surroundings. Walk with them into the forest, and witness how they choose to spend their time. At noon, retire to base camp and enjoy a traditional meal before heading back to Siem Reap. Return to your hotel at around 17:30 PM.

Note: Feeding Elephants personally is not allowed.

Recommended Items: Sports shoes, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, mosquito spray, and an outfit that can get dirty.

Your excursion continues to the iconic Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious monument. This architectural masterpiece, with its intricate bas-reliefs and grand design, stands as a testament to the ingenuity of the Khmer Empire. A visit here not only enriches your understanding of Cambodia's history but provides a serene backdrop for reflection after a day of golf. The temple's grandeur and intricate details offer countless photo opportunities, ensuring your memories are beautifully captured. After absorbing the majesty of Angkor Wat, you'll be comfortably returned to your hotel, ready to unwind and perhaps plan your next round on the course.