Thailand is an ancient Buddhist kingdom of temples, tropical jungles and warm, gracious people. In the north, life proceeds quietly in hilltribe villages while in the south, the golden spires of the Grand Palace rise above manicured gardens and marble walkways in the capital city of Bangkok.
In Bangkok, we explore the Grand Palace and floating market. At the River Kwai, take a dip at a local waterfall and discover the infamous history of the area. Here, we stay on comfortable, floating bungalows on the river, set against a backdrop of jungle covered mountains.
At Khao Yai, we encounter one of the largest rainforests in mainland Asia. Here, we have our best opportunity to observe hornbills and elephants in the wild.
Traveling north, we visit the ancient capital of Sukhothai and discover the splendor of Thailand’s classical period by bicycle. Chiang Mai, a relaxing city renowned for its tradition of excellent handicrafts, is our base in the north. For those who like to trek, we offer an option of hilltribe hiking to a Karen village. For those who prefer something less active, we also visit hilltribe villages by road and river, as well as the delightful town of Mae Hong Son, set amongst the beautiful mountain scenery of the far northwest.
Our trip to ancient Siam concludes in Bangkok, with a farewell dinner and traditional Thai dance. |
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Day 2 Bangkok — Grand Palace, Wat Pra Keo, Canal Trip Day 3 Floating Market, Bridge over the River Kwai Day 4 Hike or Swim at Erawan Falls
Day 5 To Khao Yai National Park via Ancient Capital of Ayuthaya Day 6 Khao Yai National Park Day 7 Khmer Ruins, Khon Kaen
Day 8 Khon Kaen, Phitsanulok Day 9 Phu Hin Rongkla Park, to Sukhothai
Day 10 Sukhothai — ancient capital of Classical Siam Day 11 Chiang Mai — Kantoke dinner Day 12 Mae Sa — elephant camp Day 13 Ping River bicycle tour, Thai cooking lessons
Day 14 Scenic road to Pai — Mork Fah Waterfall, hot springs
Day 15 Tham Lod Cave, Mae Hong Son or trekking option
Day 16 Mae Hong Son — elephant safari, Pai River boat journey, Long Neck Village Day 17 Mae Hong Son, fly to Bangkok
Day 18 Bangkok — Suan Pakard and Ban Chiang Museums, Thai dance performance Accommodations
Comfortable hotels/lodges with private washrooms. Basic accommodation on hilltribe trekking option with shared facilities.
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