Temples, Jungles, Northern Mountains and Beaches Tour
Thailand could easily be called the magical kingdom. It is a country of mythical and contrasting experiences. Timeless and elegant, lustrous, bold and brash. Thailand will stir your fantasy and soothe your soul. From the Northern mountains with lush forests and hill tribes to the pristine white sandy beaches in the south. Exploring the ancient ruins in Ayutthaya and Sukhothai to the chaotic and crazy streets of the capital Bangkok. You’ll find a plethora of different opportunities and adventures that will present themselves. Thailand is quickly becoming more westernized but you’ll still be able to find areas in the country that still maintain their culture and heritage. Buddhist Monks in bright orange robes can be seen everywhere riding the water taxis in cities like Bangkok or in the northern regions of Mae Hong Song and Chang Mai. You’ll find enlightenment as you rub shoulders with ancient spirits and old world wisdom. Experiencing buddhist rituals and ceremonies you’ll find enlightenment as you rub shoulders with ancient spirits and old world wisdom.
As soon as you take your first spoonful or chopstick to a Thai dish you will think you’re in heaven. Thai food around the world is fantastic but having them cook it right in front of you on the streets of Bangkok and enjoying a Singha while you people watch…you’ve now hit a whole new level of food enjoyment and spices. Sitting there enjoying all the entertainment around you and the incredible Pad Thai you’d think you would have spent a fortune but are amazed that all this cost you was a few dollars. You’ll also quickly discover sitting there why Thailand has such a youthful exuberance and is known as the “Land of Smiles”. The next realization you’ll have is I need to learn how to cook this myself. So of course taking a Thai cooking course is a must while visiting this wonderful country.
No Thailand trip wouldn’t be complete with some serious beach and island time. Thailand is known for it’s incredible crystal clear blue waters and pristine white beaches.
Here’s an excellent video from the Tourism Authority Board of Thailand introducing you to one of the most incredible countries in the world.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Bangkok
Thailand’s capital city, known to Thais as “Krung Thep” (the City of Angels) is one of the world’s most exciting cities. It holds the essence of the Thai spirit, and is very much the heart of the country. Without doubt, this fast-growing metropolis of roughly 10 million people has something to offer everyone. Its lively collection of nightlife venues, markets, shops, restaurants, magnificent “wats” (temples), museums, palaces and parks will assure that you never get bored.
Day 2: Bangkok
Explore the klongs (canals) of Bangkok’s Thonburi side on a private chartered river taxi boat with comfortable seats. Cruise up the Chao Phraya River and through a network of canals which lace the city. This afternoon visit the Grand Palace. The Grand Palace is one of the most beautiful samples of an ancient Siamese court
Day 3: Ayutthaya to Bang Pa In by bicycle/ Overnight train to Chiang Mai
Bike ride through the towering chedis amidst crumbling ruins create the ancient city of Ayutthaya. Situated just north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya once claimed Thailand’s capital, but that governance ended abruptly in 1767 when the city was sacked by Burmese invaders. Despite destruction, the ruins emanate the city’s prior dominance, beauty, and rich history.
Day 4: Chiang Mai
Early this morning we arrive at Chiang Mai Rail. Pick up by our guide and transfered to your hotel for breakfast and morning free at leisure. Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai show off a mixture of architectural styles that reflect the varied heritage of Northern Thailand.
Settle in and enjoy the remainder of day free at your leisure or volunteer for 1 day.
Day 5: Chiang Mai (Trying to arrange some volunteer work this day)
After breakfast, you will visit Chiang Mai’s temples: Wat Phra Singh: The large chedi was built in 1345 by King Pha Yu to house the remains of his father King Kam Fu. A typical scripture repository is located at this temple as well. These repositories were designed to keep and protect the delicate sa or mullberry paper sheets used by monks to keep records and write down folklore. The high stucco-covered stone base of the repository protected the delicate scriptures from the rain, floods and pests. Wat Chedi
This afternoon enjoy The Chiang Mai Thai cookery school offering a choice of 5 different one-day courses, which run in circle day in any day out (7 days a week). The main emphasis of the courses is on quality. A recipe book in full color contains all the recipes from the 5 courses along with a photograph of each dish (each participant receives a free copy of the cook book). Afterward you get to enjoy what you’ve cooked for dinner.
Day 6: Chiang Mai / Hmong Hilltribe Lodge
Depart Chiang Mai to visit the hill-tribe museum at Mae Rim and a local market at Mae Malai. Then continue to Ban Mae Taman of Mae Tang. Take a one-hour elephant ride through the rainforest, which for most people is an exciting and unforgettable experience and ride on a typical northern ox-cart through rural landscape. After a picnic lunch, embark on inflatable rafts for an adventurous journey down the rapids in the white-water and scenic Mae Tang River for about an hour (if the water levels are too low the river-journey will be replaced by floating down the river on bamboo rafts).
Continue by 4-wheel drive to Baan Pang Hai, a simple village situated 850 metres above sea level. Check-in at the HMONG HILLTRIBE LODGE, B.B.Q. dinner at the lodge, followed by a presentation of the Hmong dances and songs and overnight.
Day 7: Hmong Hilltribe Lodge
After breakfast, drive to a small village of Baan Teen Doi where you take a short stroll to Baan Mae Pa. Get into action by mountain biking to Baan Palan. Visit a small village reservoir and continue biking to Baan Pong Kwaw, where there is an old temple with beautiful wall paintings. Picnic lunch. Drive by 4WD on mountain roads through Baan Pok, Baan Pang Kwai and Baan Nong Hoi Mai. Then get into action again by trekking or mountain biking from Nong Hoi Mai to Mae Khi village, where you can have coffee or tea in the Hmong’s kitchen. Return to HMONG HILLTRIBE LODGE for dinner and overnight.
Day 8: Hmong Lodge / Pai
After breakfast, depart on a full day excursion to Pai via Ban Wat Chan. The journey takes you through countless steep hills, forests and hilltribe villages. Short stop at Luang Mae Saab Cave. Lunch in a local restaurant at Wat Chan. Continue by car over rolling terrain to Pai and check in at Pai Hotspring Spa Resort. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to explore the town until dinner or after dinner. Time permitting; if you wish to see more temples, there are two temples worth visiting. Dinner and overnight at Pai Hotspring Spa Resort.
Day 9: Pai – Mae Hong Son / Chiang Mai
After breakfast, early this morning depart from Pai to Mae Hong Son. On the way, visit Lod Cave where a river runs through the cave to the other side of the mountain. Another stop is made at Phu Klon Country Club, famous for therapeutic mud treatments. Afterwards, drive to Mae Hong Son city to visit Wat Phra Thart Doi Kong Moo for a panoramic view of the valleys, Wat Jong Kham and Wat Jong Klang, Burmese-style ancient temples. Transfer to Mae Hong Son airport for a return flight to Chiang Mai.
Day 10: Chiang Mai / Krabi
Upon arrival at Krabi Airport, you will be welcomed by our guide and transfered to your beachside accommodations and enjoy the remainder of the day and evening at leisure.
Day 11: Phi Phi Island by Speed Boat
After breakfast, transfer to boat pier. A 45-minutes trip by speedboat whisks you to the clear, turquoise waters of Phi Phi Islands where you can enjoy several stops for swimming, snorkeling & sightseeing. The trip includes a stop at Maya Bay, where Leonardo Di Caprio famously enjoyed a dip, the stunning Bamboo Island and it’s spectacular snorkeling reef, and lunch served at a restaurant on the islands northern beaches. You will have time for swimming and snorkeling amongst the colorful fish and coral Phi Phi is so famous for or just taking a relaxing stroll.
Day 12: Crystal Pool Jungle & Elephant Safari
After breakfast, depart to Huay Tho Elephant camp, a 45-minute drive from Ao Nang. Embark on a 1-hour trek through the jungle on elephant back (2 persons per elephant). Next, drive to Wat Tham Sua (“Tiger Cave Temple”), one of the most famous monasteries of Southern Thailand. You can meet the monks and see how they live in the beautiful surroundings and natural serenity of the caves. After lunch will head to the tropical lowland rainforest of Kao Prak Bang National Park. Here you can stroll through the lush and fragrant jungle to an “Emerald Pool” where you can swim in crystal clear mineral enriched waters. Take a dip in the thermal Hot Springs, a naturally occurring volcanic spring.
Day 13: Depart Krabi for Bangkok
Transfer to the Krabi Airport in time for your flight to Bangkok. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey.
