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Whether
you’re exploring the beautiful countryside in Chiang
Mai, or discovering the colorful cityscapes in Bangkok,
you’re sure to find the eternal beauty of Thailand
simply awe-inspiring. It is a land of enchantment, with
a temple at every corner, colorful spirit houses, and
long-tail boats plying the canals and rivers. Throughout
the country, shopping is an art form, with wonderful
bargains to be had among the many local crafts and woven
goods. This exciting tour includes five nights at a
premier hotel in Bangkok and six nights in rural Chiang
Mai.
- Enjoy leisure time for
shopping at famous tailor shops, cottage industries, and the
Chiang Mai Night Market.
- Experience a dinner cruise on the Chao
Phraya River in Bangkok.
- Learn the history and art of Thai cooking
at a cooking demonstration and enjoy the delicious results.
- Breathe in the scent of paradise at a
visit to an orchid farm.
- Enjoy a Hill Tribe cultural show and
witness the traditions and dance of the Hill Tribes people.
Day 1 & 2: Overnight
Flight - Arrive Bangkok, Thailand - Tour Begins
Your tour begins with an overnight flight to Thailand.
Majestic palaces, ornate temples, quaint cities and
beautiful landscapes are sure to make your vacation a
memorable one. You arrive in one of the most fascinating
cities in the world, Bangkok.
Day 3: Bangkok
On your captivating city tour of Bangkok you will gain
insight into the religion of Thailand by visiting two of
Bangkok's famous temples: the Golden Buddha and the
Reclining Buddha. Visit the Grand Palace, an ornate
royal residence built in 1782. (B, D)
Day 4: Bangkok
Travel to the floating market of Damnoen Saduak and take
an exciting cruise through the legendary canals, known
as Klongs, in a traditional long-tailed boat. Later, you
travel to Kanchanaburi to visit the famous Bridge on the
River Kwai. (B, L)
Day 5: Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Bangkok
A trip through the countryside brings you to Ayutthaya,
the ancient capital of Thailand. At the peak of its
glory it was home to more than 1 million people. Today
you can see ruins dating from the 14th century. This
evening, enjoy dinner at an authentic Thai restaurant
featuring classic Thai dancing and music. (B, D)
Day 6: Bangkok
Your day is at leisure to explore the streets and
markets of Bangkok or relax by the pool. Optional tours
are also available. Tonight you will be treated to a
dinner cruise on a rice barge along the Chao Phraya
River. (B, D)
Day 7: Bangkok - Chiang Mai
A short flight brings you to the "Rose of the North,"
the old-world city of Chiang Mai. Tour the cottage
industries of this area and see local artisans at work.
You may shop for silk, teakwood and lacquer at bargain
prices. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B, D)
Day 8: Chiang Mai
A scenic drive to the hills of Chiang Mai brings you to
the heart of the Teak Forest where you will witness
elephants at work & play at Maesa Elephant Camp. Your
next stop is a beautiful orchid farm to see many
varieties of the national flower of Thailand. You will
then have the opportunity to shop for umbrellas, silver
and celadon. Tonight, enjoy a Hill Tribe cultural show
and witness the traditions and dance of the Hill Tribe
people. (B, D)
Day 9: Chiang Mai
Your morning is at leisure. Before lunch, enjoy a
chef-led walk through the local Chiang Mai market to
select native ingredients unique to Thai cuisine. Enjoy
a cooking demonstration where you learn more about the
history and flavors of Thai foods before enjoying the
expertly created lunch! Your afternoon is at leisure.
Tonight, enjoy strolling, shopping and bargaining at the
Chiang Mai night market. (B, L)
Day 10: Chiang Mai
Your entire day is at leisure. Your Tour Manager is on
hand to explain the many different optional tours
available this day, including hot air ballooning. (B, D)
Day 11: Chiang Mai
This morning you will visit some of the most interesting
temples in Chiang Mai, including Wat Dio Suthep, located
3,520 feet above sea level. Your next stop will be a
jade cutting factory. The remainder of your day is at
leisure to enjoy Chiang Mai. (B, D)
Day 12: Chiang Mai
You may wish to rise early this morning and participate
in an optional experience of bringing a food offering to
the local Buddhist monks, an important tradition in the
life of the Thai people. This morning you will explore
the Hill Tribe Museum and then visit the minority Hill
Tribe villages to see how they maintain the traditional
life that they cherish so much. (B, D)
Day 13: Chiang Mai - Bangkok
A short flight brings you back to Bangkok. Today you may
wish to take an optional tour of Jim Thompson's house, a
magnificent Thai-styled home containing an extensive
collection of art objects and antiques. This evening,
join your fellow passengers for a farewell dinner. (B,
D)
Day 14: Bangkok - Tour Ends
(B)
Stay Another Night -
Add a pre night stay in San Francisco or Bangkok or a
post night stay in Bangkok or San Francisco.
Prices start
at $50 per person, double.
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Uniquely For You
Maesa Elephant Camp |
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Welcome to
the Maesa, the largest elephant camp in Thailand. Visitors to
the Maesa help support the local community with many entire
families working at the camp tp train and tend to the world's
largest land animal. and work is what it takes to care for and
feed 75 elephants! Each adult elephant eats approximate 550
ponds of food a day, which is why they need to eat continuously.
Camps like Maesa cultivate "nepia" grass to offset the enormous
financial burden incurred by the huge amounts of food elephants
consume daily. Aside from eating, an elephant's morning ritual
begins with bath time followed by a talent showcase in which the
audience will see first-hand an elephants amazing feats of skill
and strength. A ride on an elephant "taxi" is not to be missed
nor is a visit to the camp's nursery where adorable baby
elephants will amaze you with their skills in painting, dancing
and instrument playing! The Maesa Elephant Camp is entertaining.
More impressive however is their goal of protecting the
endangered Thai Asian elephant though a breeding in captivity
program, which began in earnest in 1995.
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Base Rates Per Person
| Departure Date |
Tour Rate – Twin |
Tour and Air Rate |
| Jan 11 2006 |
$699 |
$1589 from LAX |
| Feb 15 2006 |
$749 |
$1639 from LAX |
| Feb 15 2006 |
$749 |
$1639 from LAX |
| Jun 14 2006 |
$699 |
$1649 from LAX |
| Sep 27 2006 |
$799 |
$1659 from LAX |
| Oct 11 2006 |
$799 |
$1659 from LAX |
| Oct 25 2006 |
$799 |
$1659 from LAX |
| Nov 08 2006 |
$749 |
$1559 from LAX |
| Dec 06 2006 |
$749 |
$1559 from LAX |
| Jan 10 2007 |
$749 |
$1559 from LAX |
| Feb 07 2007 |
$749 |
$1559 from LAX |
| Feb 21 2007 |
$749 |
$1559 from LAX |
| Mar 07 2007 |
$749 |
$1559 from LAX |
| Apr 11 2007 |
$749 |
$1609 from LAX |
*Tour and air prices are lead-in rates from a
specific gateway based on twin occupancy and are subject to change. Rates do not
include inter-air flights. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates.
Tours departing BEFORE 4/30/06 may follow a different itinerary than what is
listed here. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. For
tours that feature a cruise, port taxes are not included in the prices above.
Additional tour dates
may be available, please call us for information.
14 days, 23 meals
12 Breakfasts, 2 Lunch, 9 Dinners
Day 1 - Overnight Flight
Day 2 - 6 - Radisson Hotel, Bangkok
Day 7 - 12 - Chiang Mai Orchid Hotel, Chiang Mai
Day 13 - Radisson Hotel, Bangkok
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.
NOTES:
- Land rates do not include
inter-tour flights on days 7 & 13.
- Taxes/fees to be paid in local
currencies upon exiting the country are approximately $12 USD.
- This trip requires: passport.
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