Pictured left to right outside the new store are: Paul Hardwick, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents Director of Retail; Emma Bailey, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents; Tutti Taylor, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents; Councillor Candy Vaughan, Mayor of Eastbourne; Trevor Ridler, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents Business Development Manager; and Shirley Waters, Fred. Olsen Travel Agents..
Tom Holland, Assistant Manager of our Christchurch travel agents, had the chance to experience a sustainable tour to Thailand with Intrepid. Here are the highlights of a memorable trip.
Destination: Northern Thailand
Operator/Host: Intrepid
Airline: Emirates
Accommodation
(Hotel names/Ship name): Nouvo Bangkok, Le Charm, Home Stay, People place Chiang Mai
Duration: 8 days
I had never flown Emirates before and, as many of my customers fly with them, I found it helpful to fly with them myself. The entertainment and food menu were both really good and the flight attendants were very friendly.
The Nuevo in Bangkok was just a typical city hotel on first impressions. However, the rooms were very spacious with a large shower in the bathroom and the hotel had two rooftop pools, which was an added benefit during some free time. It is a very central hotel and we were able to walk to major attractions and to the river.
The Le Charm in Sukothai was very luxurious and set in beautiful surroundings with its own large lake adding to the scenery. We could dine al fresco and there was a large pool surrounded by vegetation as if we were in the forest. We could also get massages here and the breakfast and dinner menu had plenty of options.
We had the pleasure of experiencing a home stay in a small village. There was barely any electric, but everyone agreed it was their favourite. We were able to cook with the family and make our own entertainment. The showers were outside and we slept on thin mattresses on the floor with mosquito nets.
We were able to experience trips such as cycling around the historic parks and rice fields. We attended two cooking classes and got to pick the food from the markets. We saw an elephant hospital and sanctuary, and got to learn about the Intrepid charity foundation.
We had excursions to many temples and also a boat tour around Bangkok. We also got to travel on an overnight sleeper train, which was better than expected thanks to the proper beds, blankets and pillows provided.
My highlight has to be the cooking classes and visiting the elephant sanctuary. It was so amazing to see my favourite animal wandering around with no chains or fences.
I would absolutely recommend this trip. I would especially suggest the homestay; it was a great experience and made me realise how we take things like hot water and electric for granted.
I would massively recommend Intrepid as a tour company. They are very proud to represent sustainable travel, as well as highlight the importance of helping charities and recycling goods such as plastic and other materials.
Must see? The elephant sanctuary
Must do? A Thai cooking class
Must try? The street food
If you would like to know more about Intrepid’s sustainable tour options, speak to the team at your local branch. We have travel agents in Colchester, Felixstowe, Norwich, Bury St. Edmunds and Ipswich.
