Thailand is a country seeped in ancient traditions, exotic hill tribes nestled among the mountains, tranquil temples, traditional crafts, and modern urban excitement. The variety of cultural influences have blended into something uniquely and memorably Thai.
From your cozy eco-lodges and nature resorts set amidst the gentle backdrop of traditional Thailand, you will find the ruins of ancient Thai capitals and, in Bangkok, a city bustling with energy and excitement. In Chiang Mai, you will participate in the making of traditional crafts, as well as Thai cooking classes that reflect generations of tradition. Experience visits to a variety of hill tribe villages, hike among the mountains and delight in the wonder and amazement of the elephants at Maesa Elephant Camp.
Thailand awaits your family’s arrival and will greet you with a smile!!
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Bangkok
Your arrival in Bangkok is a shock and a thrill. The bustling city will excite your senses no matter what time you arrive. Bangkok is an enormous, modern city that seamlessly combines the old and the new. You will experience Thailand’s gentle culture amidst a booming metropolis. Your guide will greet you and be sure you are comfortable at your hotel.
Day 2: Bangkok
This morning, enjoy a tour of the enormous bejeweled Grand Palace, one of the most famous sites in Thailand. Every visitor should see the magnificent buildings within the Grand Palace to get a feeling of the grand architecture. It has been the major architectural symbol of the Thai Royal Family since the founding of Bangkok as the nation’s capital. This afternoon, with the help of your guide, you can explore Bangkok on your own. It’s easy to get on and off the riverboats, so there are many activities available to you. Return to the hotel for your overnight. Meals: (B).
Day 3: Chiang Rai, Golden Triangle
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Rai. Upon your arrival, you will be met and driven to the Chiang Saen harbor along the Mekong River. This is the heart of the famous Golden Triangle where commerce flows between Laos, Burma, China and Thailand. As you float along on the Mekong, marvel at the vigorous and colorful exchanges of boatloads and truckloads of fruit, dry goods, grain and hardware. Your lodge is beautifully situated above the Mekong and Ruak Rivers. Meals: (B).
Days 4 - 5: Mae Kok River Village
From Chiang Saen, travel to Mae Sai, the northernmost point of Thailand. Continue to an Akha hill tribe village before heading on to the Mae Kok River Village, which will be your base for the next two days. Your room is surrounded by a lovely swimming pool and garden area. You can choose from a variety of activities here (which you’ll pay at local cost). Below are just some of the options available to you:
* Trek around Baan Thaton Village and Wat Thaton, where impressive
Buddha images spread over five hilltops.
* Trek to the waterfalls and hot springs in Fang National Park.
* Take a 4WD vehicle tour into the Wawee region, which is home to nine
different ethnic groups.
* Go mountain biking in the Fang Valley.
* Travel by riverboat to a variety of nearby villages.
* Learn about community development by visiting a local hospital, orphanage or an organic farming project.
* Join a three or six dish Thai cooking class.
* Or, try an herbal steam bath and Thai massage.
The possibilities are endless and completely up to you!
Meals: (B, L).
Day 6: Thaton to Chiang Mai/Night Market
Travel from Thathon, visiting a Hmong hill tribe village and market en route to Chiang Mai, northern Thailand’s ancient capital. From this center of power, wealth, tradition and art, the Lanna Kingdom extended influence into present day Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam. In the evening, enjoy the color and activities of the local night market, where you can purchase handmade products and souvenirs from the many Chiang Mai villages and hill tribes. Everything is a bargain and everyone will enjoy the hustle and bustle of the market.
Meals: (B, L).
Day 7: Craft Village & Elephant Camp
Visit the Maesa Elephant camp for a visit to the elephant nursery. The elephants will amaze you with their incredible talents, as they show you how they can dance, play soccer, and even paint pictures! See the amazing relationship between the elephant and his mahout, who is responsible for his care and training. The visit is sure to delight animal lovers of all ages! You’ll also spend time at the beautifully landscaped Mae Sa Craft Village, which focuses on traditional arts and crafts. Here, you’ll be able to choose from one of the following activities:
* Steam room and Thai massage
* Parasol and fan painting
* Ceramic painting
* Batik fabric dying
* Saa paper-making (pressing dried flowers into liquid paper)
* Thai cooking class
Meals: (B, L).
Day 8: Chiang Mai Temples/Mae Hong Son
Be among the the first visitors at Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, a sacred temple flanked by Naga Serpents. Afterwards, you’ll visit the remnants of the massive pagoda at Wat Chedi Luang, and then, you’ll board your flight for Mae Hong Son. The next two nights will be spent at the Fern Resort, specifically designed to attract wildlife and provide easy access to the adjacent national parks and forest. Meals: (B, L).
Day 9: Mae Hong Son
The area around Mae Hong Son is mountainous and completely forested. Tribal villages here are strongly influenced by Burmese traditions that are evident in the architecture and monuments. Enjoy an elephant ride today through the jungle, then later visit the village of the Padong women, who from an early age put increasing numbers of brass rings around their necks. Meals: (B, L).
Day 10: Mae Hong Son/Bangkok
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai, then onto Bangkok, where you’ll overnight. Meals: (B).
Day 11: Bangkok/Onward
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight home, or extend your trip with a visit to some of Thailand's beautiful beaches.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
$2,295 - adults
$1,995 - Children ages 12-15
$1,495 - Children 12 & under
*Child prices apply when sharing a room with 2 adults*
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Thailand
Local Culture
Cultural Journey
Ecotourism
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
