Thailand Adventure

Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Bangkok

Bangkok is a great introduction to Thai culture and history. With your guide, you will explore Bangkok the way the locals do, from old Rattanakosin Island to the river walking tour, and from bustling Silom Road to Chinatown and the Indian Market. You’ll experience various modes of public transportation including tuk-tuks (motorized three-wheeled taxis), public buses, BTS Skytrain, public long-tailed boat, etc. Your guide will make sure the true Bangkok is discovered. Visit the fascinating Reclining Buddha and the splendid Grand Palace complex as well as the Royal Temple, which houses Thailand’s most sacred object, the Emerald Buddha. Overnight in Bangkok

This morning, get up for a two-wheeled adventure that will give you an insight into “Bangkok of old.” Begin in bustling Chinatown before seeing Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and the Royal Barge Museum, which houses eight royal barges, including the personal barge of the King. The route ventures off the beaten path to see some of the lesser-known sites, making this an interesting and insightful trip few visitors experience. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore Bangkok.

In the evening, experience the fun of riding around in a Tuk Tuk to discover Bangkok’s magical atmosphere at night. Visit famous local eateries around the city sampling the delicious street foods. Try some of Thailand’s favorite staples, such as Khao Man Gai (Chicken & Rice), a hearty helping of authentic Pad Thai (fried Rice Noodles) or the best kept-secret Guay Tiew Kua Gai (Rice noodles with chicken in a warm broth), and go behind the scenes to see how it’s made. Afterwards, explore the sprawling flower market with its vivid colors and overwhelming floral scent – this market really comes to life at night! Drop off back at your hotel. Overnight in Bangkok

Rise early for a flight to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. Upon arrival, a private guide will meet you for a half-day Chiang Mai City, Temples, and Doi Suthep tour. This fascinating journey culminates at Doi Suthep mountain, at the top of which (and after climbing a staircase of 306 steps) you will see a stunning temple with incomparable views over the city of Chiang Mai. Return to your hotel in the afternoon and the rest of the day is at your leisure to explore. Overnight in Chiang Mai

After breakfast at your hotel, you are picked up at your hotel for a full-day trip to the Elephant Nature Park. The Elephant Nature Park was created to inform visitors of the problems that elephants face in Southeast Asia, as well as the changes advocated by the Elephant Nature Foundation regarding the care, treatment, and “training” of domestic and wild elephants. You will have the chance to interact with these magical creatures, walking by their side and experiencing them up close. Drop off is back at your hotel after a long and fulfilling day. Overnight in Chiang Mai

This morning, you are transferred to Lisu Lodge for a one-night stay. Enjoy a welcome drink upon arrival followed by a briefing. Start your exciting day with an easy 8 miles of cycling to Muang Guert. Enroute, stop at a tea plantation to relax and enjoy a magnificent landscape, where you will be led by an experienced guide who will introduce you to the process of growing and harvesting tea, as well as vegetation propagation to produce tea seedlings at the nursery. You will also be taught how to pluck tea leaves and enjoy a cup of fresh-roasted tea.
Continue cycling to Rafting Station. After a healthy picnic lunch on the bank of the river, you will go on an exciting ride, about 45 minutes of white water rafting that takes you a traditional Thai country village. From there you return to Lisu Lodge by local truck. On the way back, you will stop at the traditional Akha village for a chat with the shaman (spirit doctor).

Once you are back at Lisu Lodge, enjoy a guided visit through rice paddies, visit a Himmapaan nursery and learn about the flora of northern Thailand, or see the variety of vegetables and fruits grown at the lodge. Enjoy a Thai dinner with a traditional Lisu dance show before retiring to your accommodation. Overnight at Lisu Lodge

After breakfast at Lisu Lodge, you will be transferred by private vehicle approximately 4 hours to the northern city of Chiang Rai. After drop off at your hotel, the afternoon is yours to enjoy and/or explore. We can book excursions for you on this day, if you would like. Overnight in Chiang Rai

This morning, visit the infamous Golden Triangle, which was once a hub for the opium trade. A hill top vantage point gives a view of the splendor of the mighty Mekong River joining forces with the Ruak River and forming the actual “Triangle” with Laos, Myanmar (Burma), and Thailand. Continue to Mae Sai, the northernmost point of Thailand. This is the perfect spot to observe border life as many Burmese traders come over daily from Thakhilek, hurrying back before sunset and the border’s closure. Burmese lacquerware, gems, jade, and other goods from Laos and Myanmar are sold in shops along the main street. Besides these excellent unique shopping opportunities, this is a great place to take some photographs of an exceptional destination where three countries meet. Drop off is back at your hotel and the rest of the day is yours to relax. Overnight in Chiang Rai

A fascinating cultural experience awaits you today in the Ban San Kong Community. You will be picked up early and driven approximately two hours to the Ban San Kong Community Learning Centre, which is home to some of the finest traditional Hmong fabric patterns with classical weaves and a modern color palate. The centre contributes to the economy of Ban San Kong village, giving elder artisans a chance to bequeath the art of their craft to the next generation. The teacher will train you on how to dye with natural colors and to sew the delicate patterns of Hmong embroidery. Lunch at the school.

In the afternoon, you will learn to apply basic techniques to create your own pattern. After the class, enjoy a bicycle tour through charming countryside around the village and a stroll in the rice fields. Dinner will be Thai country-style with the local villagers. Overnight in Ban San Kong

Early this morning, depart from the community. Visit Golden Horse Temple or Tham Pa Asha Thong temple located on the hillside of Mae Chan. The local villagers and monks ride on ponies to travel up to and from the temple. Don’t miss custom of giving alms to monks on horse back! Continue to a tea plantation in Mae Chan to try traditionally-brewed Choui Fong tea, known to be of the highest quality. The plantation is located 1,200 meters above sea level on a vast area of over 237 acres, spread across three districts. Enjoy a delicious Yunnan brunch at the plantation.

Return to Chiang Rai for your afternoon flight to Phuket. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your resort. Overnight in Phuket

Enjoy two days of pure relaxation in Phuket as you soak in the sun at your resort, located right on Kata Beach! Two beach-side pools are available, or for those who would enjoy the salty ocean water, simply step out the back of your resort and enjoy the hot sand. There are endless dining options on the property and in the area, including a poolside swim-up bar. If you want activities, you can book snorkeling trips or other excursions in the area. These days are yours! Overnight in Phuket

Experience sea canoeing around Phang Nga Bay Marine National Park, cruising through the mangrove forests and large rock formations protruding from the water. Visit “James Bond Island” and the sea gypsy island village of Koh Panyee by traditional longtail boat, before cruising to Naka Island for swimming and relaxation. Lunch will be provided. Overnight in Phuket

Early this morning, you are picked up from your hotel and transferred to Khao Sok National Park. Stop for a coffee break at a restaurant and enjoy the stunning Khao Sok view point. Then, continue to the Tsunami Memorial Park before arriving in Khao Sok for approximately one hour of elephant living observation, bathing in the nature canal, feeding or watching them playing with their mahouts. After, stop at Khao Sok scenic viewpoint and take some photos. Meet a group of polite monkeys in a well-known Monkey Cave Temple. After lunch, you will discover animals and limestone mountains by canoeing along a gentle river (approximately 0.45-1 hr). Arrive at the Boutique Tent Camp and enjoyed your free time amidst the green mountains and fresh air. Dinner and overnight in a Boutique Safari Tent with comfortable beds and reading lights, hot water and western style toilets. The tent doors and windows have mosquito netting as well as canvas flaps so insects and reptiles cannot enter. Overnight at Boutique Tent Camp

Wake up to the sounds of nature and birds calling from the jungle. After breakfast, transfer to Cheow Lan Lake by long-tailed boat for 90 minutes, passing through the scenery of Rajjaprabha Dam. After trekking in the rain forest and crossing the narrow part of the lake by boat, you will arrive at Coral Cave and you can marvel at the stalagmites which are surprisingly similar in shape to coral, hence the name! Afterwards, lunch at a floating restaurant on the lake where you can relax and do some swimming and canoeing. Return to mainland by long-tailed boat to the your camp. Free time at your leisure. Overnight at Boutique Tent Camp

After a goodnight rest, it’s time for a wholesome breakfast before exploring the jungle on foot in Khaosok National Park. Nothing compares to a walk in the jungle! This is an opportunity to explore the ecology of the rainforest and to see a great variety of exotic plants, tropical hardwood trees with huge roots, orchids, palms; the variety is unbelievable. Return to the camp for lunch before transfer back to Phuket at approximately 5:30 p.m. Enjoy one final night on the beach before your flight back to Bangkok tomorrow. Overnight in Phuket

After enjoying breakfast and one last morning on the beach, take a scheduled flight to Bangkok to connect with your international flight home.