SHANGHAI, CHINA – JUNE 16, 2014: Neon signs lit on Nanjing Road. The area is the main shopping district of the city and one of the world’s busiest shopping streets.
If you’re looking for more than just a holiday—if you’re craving an experience—this journey is for you. Imagine standing at the foot of futuristic skyscrapers in Shanghai one day, then floating through Thailand’s timeless canals the next. Our 13-day guided tour through China and Thailand is an invitation to explore, to taste, to feel the pulse of two of Asia’s most iconic cities.
Your adventure begins in Cape Town, where you’ll board an international flight with Emirates, touching down first in dazzling Dubai, and then continuing to Shanghai—a city where tradition and innovation collide in the most captivating way.
Shanghai: Where the Past Meets the Future
In Shanghai, your home for six nights will be the elegant Radisson Collection Hyland Hotel—a refined oasis in the heart of Nanjing Road, the city’s famous shopping and entertainment boulevard. From here, each day unfolds with rich experiences: take in panoramic views from the iconic Pearl Tower, wander the lantern-lit pathways of the Old Town Bazaar, and step into the serenity of the Yu Gardens, where koi ponds and classical Chinese architecture transport you centuries back in time.
Evenings bring their own magic, with dinners that introduce you to local flavors and textures you won’t soon forget. And for families or the young at heart, a day at Haichang Ocean Park offers marine wonders and interactive exhibits that delight.
On 22 October, you’ll trade the modern rhythms of Shanghai for the warm, golden glow of Thailand’s capital. A short flight with Spring Airlines whisks you to Bangkok, where the real heart of Southeast Asia begins to unfold.
Shanghai skyline at night
Bangkok: A Symphony of Sights, Sounds & Flavours
Your Bangkok base is the stunning Chatrium Hotel Riverside—a 5-star gem that hugs the banks of the Chao Phraya River. With sweeping views of the city skyline and boats drifting by at dawn, it’s the perfect setting to unwind and reflect.
From here, you’ll dive into Bangkok’s cultural heart: ride a longtail boat through the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, feel the thrill of the Amphawa Railway Market as trains pass mere inches from stalls, and take a contemplative journey on the Bridge over the River Kwai—a moving chapter of World War II history told through sights and stories. Along the way, you’ll visit revered temples, sample street food that makes your tastebuds dance, and enjoy a candlelit dinner cruise on the river as the city lights twinkle around you.
Wat Arun, The Temple of Dawn, at twilight, view across river. Bangkok, Thailand
Over the course of your journey, you’ll be guided by experienced English-speaking tour leaders who’ll bring context and depth to each location. With airport transfers, all tours, daily breakfasts, selected lunches and dinners, and travel insurance (for travelers under 70) included, all you need to do is show up—and say yes to adventure.
The Essentials
- International and domestic flights, all in economy class
- 6 nights in Shanghai at the Radisson Collection Hyland Hotel
- 6 nights in Bangkok at the Chatrium Hotel Riverside
- All tours and airport transfers included
- Guided tours with local experts
- 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
- Starting from R63,500 per person (sharing)
Want More? Add Even Deeper Discovery
Looking to personalise your journey even further? We offer optional pre-bookable experiences—from canal cruises and cooking classes in Bangkok to ancient water towns and foodie walking tours in Shanghai. Or extend your stay with post-tour escapes to the serene beaches of Hua Hin or the mountain temples of Chiang Mai. Whether it’s floating markets or mountain tribes, we’ll make it happen.
Extend the Journey: Unwind in Hua Hin
After the vibrant rush of Bangkok, why not slow down and breathe in the salty air of Thailand’s serene seaside escape?
Just a few hours from the city by scenic morning train, Hua Hin is where elegance meets tranquillity. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a relaxed city tour before settling into the luxurious Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa, your home for the next five nights. With the beach at your doorstep and the town’s night markets just a short stroll away, Hua Hin invites you to unwind, explore, and soak in the slower pace of Thai coastal life.
But don’t mistake slow for dull—your time in Hua Hin is filled with nature and culture. Hike through Sam Roi Yot National Park to the mystical Phraya Nakhon Cave, where golden sunlight pours through a collapsed roof, spotlighting a hidden royal pavilion. Then, get up close with Thailand’s majestic wildlife during a safari-style trip to Kui Buri National Park, home to elephants and exotic creatures roaming freely.
Evenings are yours to enjoy at the local night market, where delicious street food and handmade crafts tempt at every turn. Breakfasts are included daily, and we take care of all your transfers—so all that’s left for you is to relax, recharge, and fall in love with a different side of Thailand.
From R16, 845 per person (sharing) – subject to availability and change.
Go North: Culture, Mountains & Magic in Chiang Mai
If you’re drawn to misty mountains, ancient temples, and heartwarming cultural encounters, then Chiang Mai is calling your name.
Your journey begins aboard a classic overnight sleeper train, gently rocking you north through the countryside under a blanket of stars. Upon arrival, you’ll get a taste of Chiang Mai’s charm with a guided city tour, before checking in to the sophisticated Meliá Chiang Mai—a tranquil retreat with a touch of Spanish elegance right in the heart of the city.
For five nights, this vibrant northern hub becomes your launchpad for unforgettable adventures. Journey into the hills to Chiang Rai, where the White Temple, Blue Temple, and Black House paint a surreal and spiritual portrait of Thai artistry. Visit the Golden Triangle, where three nations meet, and connect with the Long Neck Karen tribe, whose traditions are as rich as their history.
Back in Chiang Mai, roll up your sleeves for a Thai cooking class on a local farm, visit bustling morning markets, and take a nature-filled trek through Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest peak—complete with an ethical elephant sanctuary experience.
And when the sun dips behind the mountains, hop onto a nostalgic tri-shaw for an evening street food tour—sampling everything from coconut pancakes to sizzling grilled skewers. Breakfasts are included, and all transfers are taken care of.
This is Thailand through a different lens. It’s authentic. It’s intimate. It’s unforgettable.
From R18, 925 per person (sharing) – subject to availability and change.
It’s a chance to write your own story—not just in two of Asia’s most fascinating cities, but across rivers, mountains, markets, and temples. From the electric energy of Shanghai and Bangkok to the coastal calm of Hua Hin and the soulful charm of Chiang Mai, this is your journey—shaped by curiosity, coloured by culture, and remembered forever.
Let’s start planning.
Roger @ MyTours: 078 675 7672
Nadia @ Selena Travel and Tours: 072 071 3452
[email protected] | [email protected]
www.selenatravel.co.za
Rates are subject to change without notice due to fluctuations in the Rand. Terms and conditions apply.
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