DAY 1:ARRIVAL - BANGKOK
On arrival at Don Muang Airport, you are met and transferred to
hotel. The glorious history of Thai Capital, Bangkok is much
interwoven with the Chakri dynasty which still reigns but no
longer rules Thailand. In the midst of dynamic modern growth,
this bustling metropolis still preserves plenty of cultural
heritages making it the national treasure house. No activities
planned for this afternoon , however our guide is on hand to
advise some available options. O/N in Bangkok.
DAY 2: BANGKOK
Today we commence our tour of Bangkok with a longtail boat for
along the Chao Phraya River and the many lively inner canals
which offer some fantastic views of the local life close up.
Along the way we make stopover at Wat Arum, the temple of Dawn,
before continuing to the Grand Palace, dedicated to the Thai
Royal Family’s ceremony. Nearby is the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew,
which is famous for the Emerald Buddha Image. After seeing this
complex we drive through the many vibrant streets of China Town
to some of the most significant temples in Bangkok. The landmark
of Wat Traimit is well known as the Golden Buddha Temple while
Wat Po houses a gigantic Reclining Buddha. We visit these sights
as well as the magnificent Marble Temple. O/N in Bangkok. (B,L)
DAY 3: BANGKOK - AYUTHAYA -
CHIANG MAI
Heading out of the town, we drive to Ayuthaya, , the ancient
capital of Siam from 1350 to 1767 AD. This glamorous city was
all but ultimately destroyed by the hands of Burmese, however it
is still fascinating to explore the ruined temples. Among these
is Wat Phra Sisanphet, an impressive monument that was used as
the royal temple by several kings. The following sight is Wat
Chai Wattanaram whose the constructing patterns are very
interesting. We continue on to Bang Pa In which was served as
the summer palace for many Thai monarchs from the 17th century.
This structure has a captivating collection of marvelous
pavilions in a variety of Thai, Chinese, Italian and Victorian
architectural styles. In the early evening we board a night
train to Chiang Mai. The train conditions are basic; we travel
on soft sleeper class. O/N on board. (B)
DAY 4: CHIANG MAI
This
morning our train journey arrives in Chiang Mai. After checking
into hotel we drive west towards the famous Doi Suthep Mountain
and embark on a walk leading us to Wat Prathat Temple near the
summit. At an elevation of over 1,000 m , the temple grounds
affords a panoramic view over the surrounding countryside. We
follow this with a visit to the old and new parts of the town
featuring the great diversity. The “Rose of the North”, Chiang
Mai has been always noted for exquisite handicrafts whose the
combination with the traditional wares of the hill tribe people
offers fantastic shopping opportunities. Heading out of town we
drive to the neighbouring villages of Sankampaeng and Borsarng
to see the various cottages industries including silk weaving,
wood carving, silver ware and umbrellas making. O/N in Chiang
Mai. (B)
DAY 5: CHIANG MAI - PAI - MAE
HONG SON
The exciting adventure begins as we depart the town and drive
through the breathtaking mountain landscape to Mae Hong Son.
Along the way we make stop over at a hot stream nearby Ban Papae
before we head towards Pai. There is plenty to see in this
beautiful area , some of which are the Lisu Hilltribe Village,
the Tam Lod Cave, the Lahu Hilltribe Village. We follow this
with a trip to the Fish Cave, where thousands of carps live an
undisturbed life. On arrival in Mae Hong Son we stroll around
the town to soak up the pleasant climate and catch our first
glimpse. The Burmese influence is prevalent as this town is
bordered by the Union of Myanmar to the north and the west. O/N
in Mae Hong Son. (B)
DAY 6: MAE HONG SON
Upon leaving the town we set off on a rough drive by pick-up
truck to the Karen hill tribe village of Baan Nai Soi. At this
small village we change our transport when we take a short but
exciting elephant ride through the unspoiled forest to the
Padong hilltribe village. This ethnic group still retains their
old age cultural traditions as most of women attempt to have
long neck by wearing numerous brass rings around their neck from
an early age. We embark on our truck again for a short drive to
Sop Soi and enjoy a longtail boat for a leisurely trip
downstream on the Pai River which also provides us a taste of
the tranquil countryside and an interesting view of rural life
close up. O/N in Mae Hong Son. (B,L)
DAY 7: MAE HONG SON - CHIANG MAI
The sightseeing tour of Mae Hong Son would not be complete
without a visit to Wat Jong Kham and Wat Jong Klang, just some
of the town's most famous Burmese style monastaries. The first
structure was constructed around 200 year ago by the Shan people
whilst Wat Jong Klang houses an old glass painting and many wood
carvings which depict the various lives of Buddha. A next stop
is Doi Kong Moo, which dominates the town and therefore affords
a wonderful view of surrounding areas. We then spend the time
on our own, until transferring to the airport for a flight to
Chiang Mai, our final destination. O/N in Chiang Mai. (B)
DAY 8: CHIANG MAI - CHIANG RAI
An early morning departure to Chiang Rai. The drive is long but
views are fantastic. On arrival we embark on a longtail boat for
a thrilling trip upstream on the Mae Kok River, passing through
many breathtaking mountain landscape to a Karen hilltribe
village. This ethnic group originated from Burma, but had
settled there long time ago, forming the largest tribal
population in northern Thailand. After seeing a traditional
house we enjoy take a walk back through the jungle to the Yao
and Akha Hilltribes, who still retain their age old cultural
traditions and are recognisably distinct from each other by
their dress. O/N in Chiang Rai. (B)
DAY 9: CHIANG RAI - GOLDEN
TRIANGLE - BANGKOK
The royal capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Saen is
nestled on the Mekong riverbank which is now the border between
Thailand and Laos. Today we travel by roads to Chiang Saen with
a stopover at Ban Kiu Kaan , a white Hmong ethnic minority
village close to Chieng Khong. Arriving in Chiang Saen we visit
the town’s major sights including Wat Phrathat Jom Kitti, Wat
Chedi Luang and a nearby museum. Heading out of the town we
drive through some verdant and rugged mountain scenery to the
famous Golden Triangle in which powerful warlords have fought
for control the opium trade. After exploring the border town of
Mae Sai we return to Chiang Rai for flying back to the capital
city. O/N in Bangkok. (B)
DAY 10: BANGKOK - DEPARTURE
There is a free time for your own exploration of the town and
catching up on some shopping areas. The trip ends after transfer
to airport for departure. (B)
TRIP NOTE:
- THE ITINERARY IS CORRECTED AT
THE TIME OF VIEWING. OCCASIONALLY, OUR ITINERARIES CHANGE AS WE
MAKE IMPROVEMENT THAT STEM FROM OUR PAST TRAVELLERS' COMMENTS
AND OUR OWN RESEARCH OR DUE TO LOCAL CONDITIONS OR CIRCUMSTANCES
BEYOND OUR CONTROL. THIS INCLUDES FESTIVAL, PUBLIC HOLIDAYS,
WEATHER AND FLIGHT DELAY,.. THAT MAY EFFECT THE ITINERARY.
- THAILAND IS A DEVELOPING COUNTRY WHOSE INFRASTRUCTURE, VALUES,
CUSTOMS, STANDARD MAY DIFFERENT FROM WHAT YOU EXPECT IN YOUR
HOMELAND. ROAD CONDITIONS ARE POOR, ACCOMMODATION AND
TRANSPORTATION MAY BE BASIC IN REMOTE AREA.
- DAILY BREAKFAST( B) IS INCLUDED ON THIS TRIP. OTHER MEALS ARE
AT CLIENT'S EXPENSES HOWEVER OUR GUIDE WILL BE ON HAND TO ADVISE
YOU AS FAR THE AVAILABLE RESTAURANTS WHERE YOU CAN ENJOY LOCAL
FOOD. THE TRIP WITH FULL BOARD MEAL IS ARRANGED UPON REQUEST .
- THE DRESS STANDARDS ARE CONSERVATIVE THROUGHOUT ASIA. LOOSE ,
LIGHTWEIGHT, LONG CLOTHING ARE ALL RESPECTFUL AND COOL IN ASIAN
HOT CLIMATE. IN ADDITION TO YOUR ITEMS OF PERSONAL CLOTHING, WE
SUGGEST YOU TO BRING TRAINER OR SNEAKER SHOES, JACKET FOR COLD
WEATHER, TORCH/FLASH LIGHT, HAT, RAIN COAT FOR WET SEASON, SUN
CREAM, SUNGLASSES, DAYPACK, TOILETRIES AND SMALL TOWER, INSECT
REPELLENT.
TRIP PRICE IN US$ PER PERSON
|
Group Size |
Standard Class |
First Class |
Superior Class |
|
2 pax |
US$ 875 |
US$ 917 |
US$ 993 |
|
3 - 5 pax |
US$ 716 |
US$ 759 |
US$ 832 |
|
6 - 9 pax |
US$ 586 |
US$ 632 |
US$ 703 |
|
10 - 14 pax |
US$ 552 |
US$ 594 |
US$ 670 |
|
15 - 19 pax |
US$ 529 |
US$ 571 |
US$ 647 |
|
20 pax & up |
US$ 505 |
US$ 546 |
US$ 621 |
|
Single room sup. |
US$ 113/pers. |
US$ 151/pers. |
US$ 224/pers. |
|
Full board sup. |
US$ /pers. |
US$ /pers. |
US$ /pers. |
