Vacationers Get a Nine-Day Taste of Thailand for Just $899 with Friendly Planet Travel

Amazing deal includes Bangkok, Ayutthaya, and Kanchanaburi with optional extension to Phuket and Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Jenkintown, Pa.-July 23, 2009-It's hard to determine what most is alluring about Thailand. The splendid white sand beaches, exotic architecture, fascinating culture, and ancient ruins leave travelers breathless. But the distance to Thailand from the U.S. (almost 9,000 miles), coupled with the high cost of long distance international travel, has made this golden land of Asia accessible to only a fortunate few compared with the many who would love to take the trip. That ends today, because Friendly Planet Travel, one of the Internet's leading group travel providers, has just unveiled a breakthrough low price on a group tour to Thailand. Friendly Planet's Taste of Thailand starts at an astounding $899, and takes travelers to three of Thailand's most fascinating and awe-inspiring cities: Bangkok, Ayutthaya, and Kanchanaburi.

            "There's good reason why Thailand is called the golden land," says Peggy Goldman, President of Friendly Planet Travel. "The scenery is breathtaking; the culture is ancient and deeply moving; and the people are charming, friendly, and gracious. The country's history, religion, and architecture will fascinate even the most experienced explorer as well as the novice traveler. We're very excited about this new tour to Thailand, which we believe gives the term 'affordable' a whole new meaning. Taste of Thailand offers the chance to visit at a price we haven't seen in years, without sacrificing quality and comfort, while experiencing some of Thailand's best places at a value that's simply unprecedented."

Thailand has emerged as one of Asia's most cosmopolitan destinations in the world. At the same time, it remains deeply traditional in many ways. It's this juxtaposition of old and new that gives the country its remarkable appeal. The Taste of Thailand tour, conducted by English-speaking and licensed guides, immerses vacationers in the country's intense beauty and rich culture, starting with Bangkok, Thailand's sprawling capital city, also known as "Venice of the East." In Bangkok, even the most frugal shopper can find treasures at unbeatable prices. But to truly understand the country, travelers must experience the fabric that binds together the national identity that is Thailand, its temples. Vacationers will visit some of the country's most important temple sites in Bangkok itself, including Wat Trimitr, where they'll find the 700-year-old, five-ton Golden Buddha, the largest in the world.

After touring in Bangkok, travelers continue to Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site best known for its archaeological ruins from the King U-Thong kingdom in 1350, when the Ayutthaya was declared capital of the country. It is this place that is referred to when the ancient name for Thailand, Siam, is used.

Then it's on to Kanchanaburi, where the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai rivers converge into the Mae Klong river and where, in 1942, under Japanese control, the famous Bridge on the River Kwai was built by prisoners of war (POWs). Travelers will view the bridge and will also have an optional opportunity to ride an elephant through the lush jungle and enjoy a bamboo raft ride down the gently flowing River Kwai.

Travelers can take advantage of their already-included international airfare with a three-night visit to Phuket Island, known as "the Pearl of the Andaman Sea." This optional extension includes a relaxing stay at the beautiful Novotel Resort, situated on eight acres of breathtaking tropical gardens overlooking the pristine waters of Kalim Bay. There's also an optional tour to the astonishing Angkor Wat in Cambodia for travelers looking to explore one of the most magnificent archaeological sites in the world. For travelers who can't decide between the two options, it's possible to have them both.

And for travelers with more time, Friendly Planet Travel also offers a 12-day Treasures of Thailand trip for the low price of $1,499, with optional extensions to Angkor Wat in Cambodia or Phuket Island. The 12-day, fully escorted tour takes tourists from north to south-with stops in Chiang Mai, Golden Triangle & Chiang Rai, and Bangkok. The trip includes a savings of up to $600 per couple if reserved by Aug. 14.

For more information about Friendly Planet Travel's Taste of Thailand or Treasures of Thailand trips, please visit the company's Web site at www.FriendlyPlanetTravel.com; the blog at http://friendlyplanettravel.com/blog; or contact Jackie Zima at 610-228-2138 (office), 215-534-2973 (mobile), or write to Jackie@GregoryFCA.com.

ABOUT FRIENDLY PLANET TRAVEL

Friendly Planet Travel (http://www.FriendlyPlanetTravel.com) makes high-quality exotic travel affordable for everyone. Since 1981, Friendly Planet Travel has been arranging all-inclusive escorted discount vacation packages and cruises to the most exciting destinations in the world at the lowest possible prices.

Each year, Friendly Planet Travel offers more than 30 different group travel packages to Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and South America-at discounts of hundreds of dollars off similar vacations. With no hidden charges, add-ons or surprises, Friendly Planet Travel vacations include convenient flights and airfare, carefully-selected first-class and superior hotels, knowledgeable English-speaking guides, many meals and itineraries as well as friendships and memories that last a lifetime.

Friendly Planet Travel offers its extensive, economical travel services to private groups including universities, religious institutions, alumni associations and families. Groups who wish to travel together can count on Friendly Planet Travel's three decades of experience to operate their group travel program expertly and always at the very best possible prices. Visit us at www.FriendlyPlanetTravel.com.
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