Destination: The Land of Smiles
The latest offering from IRCTC is a five-night, six-day excursion to Thailand, a country renowned for its beautiful beaches, ornate temples, and vibrant street life. The tour is designed to give travellers a comprehensive taste of two of its most popular
cities: Bangkok and Pattaya. This package is particularly appealing for first-time international travellers or families seeking a well-structured holiday, as it combines city exploration with coastal relaxation. The journey begins at Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, with a direct flight to Bangkok.
A Packed Itinerary
The tour, scheduled to run from November 12th to November 17th, features a busy schedule of sightseeing and activities. In Pattaya, travellers will enjoy a trip to Coral Island via speedboat, offering opportunities for water sports. The itinerary also includes visits to the popular Tiger Park, the dazzling Alcazar Show, and the world-famous Gems Gallery. Upon returning to Bangkok, the tour includes a half-day city tour covering the magnificent Golden Buddha and Marble Buddha temples. Other highlights are an evening dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River, a full day at Safari World and Marine Park, and a visit to the Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World aquarium.
Package Inclusions and Cost
IRCTC has structured this as an all-inclusive package to ensure a hassle-free experience. The cost covers return airfare on Thai Lion from Kolkata to Bangkok, accommodation in 3-star hotels, and most meals (specifically five breakfasts, four lunches, and four dinners). All the specified tours, entry tickets for attractions like the Alcazar Show and Safari World, and guide services are also part of the deal. The pricing is tiered based on occupancy. On a triple-sharing basis, the cost is ₹49,500 per person. For double sharing, the price is ₹61,300, and for single occupancy, it is ₹57,000. There is also a set price for children travelling with their parents.
What's Not Included?
While the package is comprehensive, prospective travellers should note a few exclusions. The cost does not cover visa fees, which must be arranged separately. Any personal expenses, such as laundry, tips for guides and drivers, and food or drinks consumed outside of the provided meals, are also not included. The package is built around a pre-set menu for meals, so à la carte choices will incur extra charges. Additionally, an extra 2% TCS (Tax Collected at Source) is applicable at the time of booking, for which a PAN card and declaration form are required.
How to Book Your Trip
Booking for this popular international tour can be done directly through the IRCTC Tourism official website. The platform provides detailed information about the itinerary, inclusions, and terms and conditions. Given that IRCTC packages, especially those to popular destinations like Thailand, tend to fill up quickly, interested parties are advised to book in advance to secure their spot. Partial payment options are often available for online bookings, typically requiring an initial deposit to confirm the reservation, with the balance due closer to the departure date.
