Gemstone Tours Thailand Vietnam

Wholesale Gemstones Thailand and Vietnam | 2026 Immersive Gem Buying Tours

Experience an unparalleled insider’s journey into the heart of the global gemstone trade. Led by expert gem merchant and consultant Andy Turkington, our boutique tours offer a rare, behind-the-scenes opportunity to source high-quality minerals and investment-grade stones directly from the world’s most famous mining hubs and trading floors.

Exclusive 15-Night Immersive Gemstone Tours for 2026

Since 2018, we have been refining our gem-themed tours to Thailand and Vietnam, evolving them into the premier experience for enthusiasts and professionals alike. We understand that both Thailand and Vietnam are expansive countries; therefore, our itinerary includes internal airfares to ensure we maximize your time at the source rather than in transit.

Each tour is strictly limited to a maximum of 8 guests. This small group size ensures a highly personalized experience where you receive direct mentorship from Andy and his sister. You aren’t just a tourist; you are a guest in the private offices of the gemstone dealers we have worked with for decades. This direct access ensures you receive the best possible price on gemstones, bypassing the multiple layers of markups found in traditional retail environments.

• Thailand Gem Tour: Starts and finishes in the vibrant city of Bangkok. This itinerary focuses on the world-class sapphire and ruby trading hubs of Chanthaburi and the Burmese gateway of Mae Sod.

• Vietnam Gem Tour: Starts and finishes in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). This journey ventures into the legendary Luc Yen Gem Market in Yen Bai Province, the home of the world’s finest spinels.

• Comprehensive Luxury & Logistics: Your tour cost includes all premium hotel accommodations, private ground transfers, and internal flights.

Buy Direct from the Source: Navigating Chanthaburi and Luc Yen

The traditional gemstone supply chain is notoriously opaque. Most stones pass through five or six hands before reaching a jewelry store. Our mission is to dismantle this model. By joining us on the ground, you gain the “street-smart” intuition required to trade in Southeast Asia’s most competitive markets.

The Chanthaburi Gem Market (The City of Gems)

Chanthaburi is the beating heart of the Thai gem industry. As a 20-year veteran of these trading floors, Andy Turkington guides you through the bustling “Gem Street,” where thousands of carats change hands daily. We focus on:

• Natural Blue and Fancy Sapphires: Sourcing directly from the burners and cutters who define the global market.

• Investment-Grade Rubies: Finding the rare “pigeon blood” hues that hold their value through economic volatility.

• Market Fluctuations: Andy provides a macro-view of the gemstone economy, helping you understand when to buy and when to negotiate.

The Luc Yen Gemstone Market (Yen Bai Province)

Vietnam is the “new frontier” of high-end colored stones. As an early Western pioneer in the Yen Bai Province, Andy’s local connections allow our guests to see stones that never reach the open international market.

• Jedi Red Spinel: Named for its “light-saber” glow, these stones are among the most sought-after by modern collectors.

• Cobalt Blue Spinel: We specialize in these ultra-rare minerals, known for their intense electric blue saturation.

• Field Identification: Learn to identify these treasures in their rough form, directly from the artisanal miners.

Expert Gemological Knowledge and Technical Precision

With over 20 years of professional experience, Andy Turkington combines rigorous scientific discipline with decades of “on-the-ground” procurement. Our tours serve as a masterclass in gemology. Guests are taught to use a loupe and torch to identify field inclusions and distinguish natural, untreated color from lab-enhanced or synthetic stones.

We focus heavily on Type II and Type III gemstones. Understanding these classifications is essential for evaluating investment potential, as rarity is often determined by how “clean” a stone is relative to its species. Whether you are looking for a 10-carat Aquamarine or a color-shifting Zultanite, every selection follows a strict “quality-first” protocol.

A Deep Dive into Culture, Cuisine, and Adventure

While the gemstones are the primary focus, these are fully immersive cultural tours. We believe that to understand a stone, you must understand the land it came from.

• Culinary Exploration: We visit numerous Night Markets specifically for authentic street food, offering a taste of the real Thailand and Vietnam.

• Historical Landmarks: Between gem activities, we visit ancient temples, historic monuments, and local museums.

• Optional Personalization: We cater to your specific interests. Whether you want to take a traditional cooking class, go on a fishing trip, or explore specialist hobbies, we can accommodate your wishes. Just let us know your interests, and we will tailor the experience.

Ethical Sourcing and the “Source to Market” Philosophy

In an era where transparency is paramount, Andy Turkington stands for authenticity. We verify our stones at the point of origin to ensure fair labor practices and ensure that local mining communities benefit directly from the trade. By cutting out the intermediaries, we pass “mine-gate” savings directly to Australian collectors and designers. This “Source to Market” approach provides a level of transparency and ethical certainty that international trade shows simply cannot match.

2026 Tour Dates and Pricing

Join the 2026 cohort and secure your place in the global gem trade.

• Thailand Tour: $2700 per person.

• Vietnam Tour: $2900 per person.

• Extensions: If you wish to stay on in Bangkok or Saigon to explore further, we offer tour extensions at $150 per day and can provide expert advice on visiting other regional destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are “No-Heat” untreated gemstones better for investors?

Most gemstones on the market today undergo heat treatment to artificially enhance their color. Untreated (No-Heat) stones are significantly rarer, representing less than 1% of total production. For investors, these stones hold their value better because their beauty is entirely organic.

What is the difference between Type II and Type III gemstones?

In gemology, these refer to inclusion patterns. Type II stones (like Ruby) typically have some inclusions, while Type III (like Emerald) are almost always included. Learning to judge clarity within these categories is vital for securing investment-grade minerals.

Where can I meet Andy Turkington in Australia?

Based in Brisbane, Andy is a regular fixture at the Australian Gem Show circuit. You can find us exhibiting at:

• Gatton (February)

• Glen Innes (March)

• Lismore (May)

• Rockhampton (August)

• Bundaberg (November)

Connect with Andy Turkington for Private Consultations

Whether you are a jewelry designer seeking a specific parcel of Cobalt Spinel, a private collector looking for a rare Ruby, or an adventurer ready to join the 2026 Gemstone Tours, Andy is available for expert guidance and private consultations.

Contact Information:

• Phone: 0448 190 538

• Location: Brisbane, QLD (Available for coffee meetings)

• Online: Follow the links below for full itineraries and dates.

[View the 2026 Tour Itinerary] | [Request a Private Consultation] | [Shop Wholesale Gemstones]

Please follow the links for more details including itinerary, dates and important information. If you would like to meet and chat about the tours if you are in Brisbane or going to any of the Gem Shows we attend. Otherwise, we can chat by phone on 0448 190 538.