NORTHERN THAILAND EXPLORER

USD$1,300.00

This trip needs a little bit more energy as it takes a little bit of work to get to the local hill tribe villages amid spectacular scenery. But definitely a rewarding and memorable trip of a lifetime. See the historical beauty of a past kingdom and come face to face with the hill tribe people who have chosen a life of seclusion in their mountain homes. It also has northern Thailand culture and food as well as some Thai history and wonderful shopping, and maybe a local herb whiskey or two...

GROUP SIZE: Minimum one, maximum eight.

Guaranteed to depart.

English speaking tour coordinator.

VISITING:
BANGKOK - THE RIVER KWAI - SUKOTHAI - SUKOTHAI HISTORICAL PARK - CHIANG MAI - PAI - VARIOUS HILLTRIBE VILLAGES.

ACCOMMODATION:
Three star hotel, (2 nights).
One to two star guest houses and hotels, (5 nights).
Simple guest house, (4 nights).
Hill tribe villages, (2 nights).
Overnight sleeper train, (1 night).

TRANSPORT:
Bus, train, taxi.

DAY TRIPS:
The River Kwai, (full day).
Sukothai historical park, (half day).
Hill tribe trek, (three days, two nights).
Cooking course, (half day).
Thai massage, (one hour).

ENTRY FEES:
All included when part of the itinerary.

MEALS:
28 meals as per itinerary. B = Breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner.

DAY 1: BANGKOK - Your trip officially starts as soon as you check in to your Bangkok accommodation. A welcoming dinner will be had in the evening. D.

DAY 2: BANGKOK - A local operator will take you on a full days tour to the River Kwai with other attractions en route. B. L. D.

DAY 3: SUKOTHAI - We take a bus today to the first capital of Thailand, Sukothai. Rest of the day is free to relax or explore before dinner. B. D.

DAY 4: SUKOTHAI - Historical Park; A local operator will take you to explore the old ruins of Sukothai which is now a heritage listed historical park. B.

DAY 5: CHIANG MAI - A bus trip takes us to the northern capital of Thailand, Chiang Mai. The night bazaar is a must see for most visitors. Bargain hard but always with a smile. B. D.

DAY 6: CHIANG MAI - A free day to explore Chiang Mai with your tour coordinator on hand to advise you on places to see, shop and eat. B.

DAY 7: PAI - A local bus takes us to a very special town in Thailand. Situated in a valley surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery, Pai has an aura all of its own. B. D.

DAY 8: PAI - A local operator will show you around the district with the possibility of swimming under a cool mountain waterfall (seasonal). At night you will also meet your trekking guide who will brief you about your upcoming trek. B. D.

DAYS 9 and 10: HILLTRIBE VILLAGES - Pack just a day pack, (your main bag will be safely stored in Pai), for the three day trek to Lahu, Lisu and Karen hill tribe villages, where you will experience a totally different culture and way of life. You will sleep in the huts with your local hosts... but be prepared for some surprises. They usually have no gas or electricity and live a very simple subsistence life, but you will never meet more hospitable people. B. L. D. daily.

DAY 11: PAI - Your cultural trek will finish back in Pai after a fascinating three days. A traditional Thai dinner will be had with our hosts in the evening. B. L. D.

DAY 12: PAI - A day to relax in this amazing town of Pai including a complimentary Thai massage to ease any hard earned aches and pains. A half-day cooking course is also part of today's itinerary. At night we will devour what you have created as we bid farewell to our Pai hosts. B. D.

DAY 13: OVERNIGHT SLEEPER TRAIN - Departing Pai on a morning bus will see you back in Chiang Mai to connect with an overnight sleeper train to Bangkok. B.

Day 14: Arrive a.m. in Bangkok for a final night. Rest of the day is free. In the evening a farewell dinner will be had. D.

Day 15: Your tour is officially over after you check out of your hotel. An airport transfer is included also. B.

TOUR DATES;
2009: Jan 10, 24; Feb 14, 28; Mar 14, 28; April 11, 25; May 9, 23; June 13,27; July 11, 25; Aug 8, 22; Sept 12, 26; Oct 10, 24; Nov 14, 28; Dec 12, 26.

2010; Jan 9, 23; Feb 13, 27; Mar -; Apr -; May 8, 22; Jun 12, 26; Jul 10, 24; Aug 14, 28; Sep 11, 25; Oct 9, 23; Nov 13, 27; Dec 11.

Any other date on application. (Minimum two people).

PRICES:
P/P, Land only;
USD$1,300.00.
Single Suppliment: USD$350.00