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Itinerary
Thailand - 2009
Day
1 - Bangkok / Chiang Mai :
INFO :
your arrival at
Suvarnabhumi Bangkok International Airport should be scheduled around
07:00am in the morning
IAFL :
Intra-Asia flight Bangkok - Chiang Mai : AIR ASIA -
FD3238 - ETD 10:45am / ETA 11:55am
ALPG :
meet &
greet with your Private English Speaking Tourguide and his charming Thai
wife. You will be welcomed
with impressive, friendly and warm Thai hospitality by our attentive-
and experienced staff.
TRSP :
transfer by private chartered airconditioned vehicle to the city center.
INFO : check-in at your centrally located and well-appointed hotel.
TOUR :
Chiang Mai - afternoon visit to Doi
Suthep : tucked away in the mountains at 3,280 feet. The temple is
reached by a staircase with 290 steps, flanked by a naga balustrade on
either side. The monastery was built by King Gue-Na in 1383. The center
is a big Chedi (a spired pagoda), which contains partial relics of the
Lord Buddha. The panoramic view over Chiang Mai city is simply just
breathtaking.
TOUR :
Chiang Mai - visit the
city's biggest market, ' Talaad Warorot ', before to enjoy an entertaining
rickshaw-tour to three important city temples : Wat Chedi Luang & Wat
Phra Singh & Wat Chiang Man ;
Wat Phra Singh Temple : 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
mulberry 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 Luang : This temple was
originally constructed in 1401 by the orders of King Saeng Muang Ma. In
1454, reigning King Tilo-Garaj enlarged the chedi to a height of 86
meters. After an earthquake in 1545, the chedi lay in ruins until 1991,
when it was reconstructed at a cost of several million Baht. Wat
Chiang Man : is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai. King Mengrai
allegedly lived here while the city of Chiang Mai was being constructed.
On your rickshaw tour you will also have
the opportunity to see the Old City Walls around the moat : Thapae-,
Chiang Mai-, Chiang Phuak-, Suan Dok- & Sang Pung- gates.
OPTION
:
indulge royal Thai cuisine at THE GALLERY
RESTAURANT CHIANG MAI. This restaurant has become quite famous, as it
hosted on several occasions in the past, the former first lady of the
US : Hillary Rodham Clinton. This atmospheric eatery is located in a
classic setting along the banks of the famous Ping River and guarantees
you a superb evening with fine dining. Leasurely walk along the Ping
River and the famous nightbazaar of Chiang Mai
HTLS :
Overnight in Chiang Mai - based
on DBL / TWN room
- upgrade & single supplement on request.
Day
2
-
Chiang Mai / Chiang Dao :
ALPG :
Services of a
PRIVATE ENGLISH SPEAKING TOURGUIDE
( from
08:00am until 18:00pm )
TRSP :
Transfer Out - Express Bus - Chiang
Mai ( Hotel ) / Chiang Dao ( National Park )
INFO :
Chiang Dao National Park - Chiang Dao,
literally translated ' the City of Stars ', is North of Chiang Mai enroute to Fang and Tha Ton. There is more to Chiang Dao than just it's
famous caves.
Chiang Dao
town centre still has some charming old style wooden shops flanking the
highway. Many of the people around Chiang Dao are involved with
agriculture, and most are asleep by 8.00pm! They tend to rise very early
for work. The morning market starts at around 3.00am finishing at about
8.00am. It is interesting to see the locals shopping here. Every Tuesday
Chiang Dao has a bustling- and colourful market where people from the
surrounding area, including many different groups of mountain people (hilltribes)
come to buy and sell their wares. This market is not intended for
tourists and well worth experiencing. While the centre holds some
interest, the natural beauty is found away from the highway. The area
near and beyond the cave are regarded by many as the most beautiful in
Northern Thailand. Chiang Dao's most striking feature is Doi Chiang Dao,
Thailand's 3rd highest mountain at 2225m, which plays host to an
abundance of wildlife and nature. It is one of the lesser-visited, but
nonetheless interesting Thai birding sites. Chiang Dao is also an ideal
base for people touring the area, whether on foot, cycling, in rented
cars, or on motorbikes.
TOUR :
Chiang Dao - visit to Tang Dao
Elephant Training Center. The Elephant Training Center is located at Ta
Yaak Village, Chiang Dao District, about 35 miles north of
Chiang Mai City, on the road to Fang and Tha Ton. It is on the banks of
the Mae Ping River (where the elphants bathe before and after their
lessons), and is surrounded by rocky hills. It has a quite beautiful,
near idyllic location. The place has been constructed using mostly
natural materials which blend well with it's natural setting. The
elephant shows themselves are refreshingly un-circus like. The emphasis
is placed on the skills that elephants have traditionally been taught to
aid with the logging of trees (thankfully large scale illegal logging
is no longer an issue in Thailand, although neighbouring countries still
suffer). The strength of the elephant / mahoot relationship is also
highlighted. Chiang Dao Elephant Training Center also has a small ' Lisu
Market ' where colourful and intricate handicrafts made by the Lisu
hilltribe are available for sale. A one-and-half hour elephant ride
takes us along the spectacular river to a secluded village of the ethnic
minority Lisu.
INFO :
The Lisu people are a
Tibeto-Burman ethnic group who inhabit the mountainous regions of Burma
(Myanmar), Southwest China, Thailand, and the Indian state of Arunachal
Pradesh. Approximately 55,000 live in Thailand, where they are one of
the six main hill tribes. They mainly inhabit the remote country areas. -
TOUR :
Chiang Dao - we have plenty of
time to roam around the Lisu village and meet the friendly Lisu people
from closeby. We might even be invited into one of their houses, so we'll
surely get a better idea about how they've set up their housing. We
have plenty of opportunity to watch intricate weaving on hand-made
looms.
-
OPTION
:
lunch break - you can enjoy a quality
meal in Chiang Dao Nest Restaurant : with a stunning natural setting
and amazing cuisine. The menu at this little gem just beyond Chiang
Dao Cave changes daily but some favourites include pumpkin- and orange
soup with homemade bread, buffalo fillet served with cracked
peppercorn and red wine sauce, homemade pasta/lasagne dishes and hot
chocolate soufflé...
-
TOUR :
Chiang Dao - in the afternoon explore - at walking distance - picturesque Chiang Dao cave. Close to
its entry there is a remarkable and elegant Thai pavilion and a cave
with plenty of carp fish ; it's always nice to make some memorable
pictures of your travel journey out here.
-
TOUR :
Chiang Dao -
Chiang Dao Town is situated on the Ping river. The river is relatively
gentle most of the year and lends itself easily to safe and enjoyable
bamboo rafting. White water rafting it is not, but it is a relaxing
float down a beautiful river, with a few faster flowing sections
adding some spice. The playful pilots(!) ensure fun is had by all.
The river passes some impressive
stretches of jungle ; so we will enjoy the magnificent sounds of the forest.
-
INFO :
The Padaung ' long necks ' - the Padaung are a sub-group of the Karen
(Bwe Group) living in Kayah state of eastern Burma on the Thailand
border. They number less than 40,000 people in total. The Padaung call
themselves ' Lae Kur ' or ' Kayan '. They have their own language which
belongs to the Kenmic group in the Tibeto-Burman language family. The
Karen themseves are not one homogeneous group but rather a loose
confederation of heterogeneous and closely related tribes. Among the
smallest of the Karen tribes in Thailand are the Karen Padaung. In
Thailand, only a few families of Padaung have settled temporarily as
refugees in Muang District of Mae Hong Son Province, near Ban Tha Ton
in Chiang Rai Province, and as of June 2005 a small group near Chiang
Dao. Generally they live among other hilltribes groups, mostly Karen.
The Padaung escaped from the Kaya State in Burma to Thailand in the
mid to late 1900's and are actually refugees of a political turmoil.
They belong to the Karenni sub-group of the Karen People, which are
still fighting for their independence in Burma. The Karen-Padaung
occupied central Burma before the Burmese arrived from the North and
they, together with the ancient Mon, farmed the Irrawaddy- and Salween
Valleys and built civilizations based on their unique cultures. The
Padaung women famously wear brass rings around their necks. This
distorts the growth of their collarbones and make them look as if they
have long necks - which they don't. This row of brass rings do not
actually stretch their necks but in fact squash the vertebrae and
collar bones. A woman generally has about twenty or more rings around
her neck. This neck ring adornment is started when the girls are 5 or
6 years old. The rings on the arms and the legs are not quite as
prominent as those on the neck simply because the neck rings are so
pronounced. However, these rings are just as important. The rings on
the arms are worn on the forearm from the wrist to the elbow. Those on
the legs are worn from the ankles to the knees, and cloth coverings
are kept over most of these rings, from the shins down to the ankles.
Most of Padaung are animists, but about 10 percent are Buddhists. Now,
the number of Christians is increasing because of the Roman Catholic
mission. The annual festival for the fertility and prosperity of the
whole community is usually held at the beginning of the rainy season.
Sacrifices are made to the spirits for good health and bountiful
harvests. Rice is the Padaung main crop.
-
TOUR :
Chiang Dao - memorable
visit to the village of Padaung-tribe in Chiang Dao.
-
TRSP :
Transfer in - minivan - Chiang
Dao ( National Park ) / Chiang Dao ( bungalows )
HTLS :
Overnight in Chiang
Dao - based
on DBL / TWN room
- single supplement on request.
Day
3
-
Chiang Dao / Chiang Rai :
ALPG :
Services of a
PRIVATE ENGLISH
SPEAKING TOURGUIDE ( from
08:00am until 18:00pm )
FREE :
morning is free at leasure.
Your mini-resort provides you with some optional pleasures : an
excellent traditional Thai Massage either in your room or in the
communal areas / salas ; there is Free Wireless Internet / Free Wi-fi, mountainbike hire or you can simply have a relaxing walk in the
wonderful natural surroundings... It's also a great place to unwind.
Meditation, relaxing in a hammock, drinking a beer, or just reading a book.
It's such a beautiful peaceful place, doing nothing is always an
option.
TRSP :
Transfer Out - Express Bus - Chiang
Dao ( National Park ) / Chiang Rai ( Hotel )
TOUR :
Chiang Rai -
visit to the
unspoilt night bazaar : the
night bazaar in Chiangrai is filled with hustle and bustle covering 4
city blocks. There are three stages all far enough away from each other
to avoid ' sound collision '. In front of the stages are seating areas for
patrons to sit and watch the traditional music & dance shows or to have
a meal, snack and a cool beer. The variety of shops is really
appreciated by shopping enthusiasts. Everything from silk ready-made
garments to tattoo etching can be had. The hill tribes sell an amazing
selection of old coins, collector's pieces of needlework and very fine
quilted bed spreads. The night bazaar is also connected with the city's
fresh fruit market that is open at night. Those visitors who like to try
the indescribable shapes, colors and tastes of Asian fruit can enjoy
their fill of the great fruits in the height of harvest season.
HTLS :
Overnight in Chiang Rai - based
on DBL / TWN room
- upgrade & single supplement on request.
Day
4
-
Chiang Rai / GOLDEN TRIANGLE / Chiang Rai :
ALPG :
Services of a
PRIVATE ENGLISH
SPEAKING TOURGUIDE ( from
08:00am until 18:00pm )
TRSP :
Transfer Out - Express Bus - Chiang
Rai ( Hotel ) / Mae Sai ( City Center )
INFO :
in the morning we will travel in an hour or so to
Mae Sai. The town at the
most northern point of Thailand is about 40 miles from Chiang Rai and
closeby the ' Golden Triangle '. Ethnic Chinese
population have added their character and commercial skills to the town.
A Chinese temple near the bridge is one of the prime landmarks. All manner of
goods ebb and flow from both sides of the border at this frontier town.
They arrive stacked on the seats of heavily laden motorcycles,
trolley's, hand carts, trucks and all kinds of wheeled vehicles.
Shopping is the main activity at the colorful local market with a huge
array of bargains from Thailand, Burma and China. Here you will find
traditional Chinese medicine, an astonishing selection of dried
mushrooms and fruit that is unavailable elsewhere in Thailand. Sports
shoes are a bargain here with prices lower than other Thai cities.
Burmese wall-hangings, lacquerware furniture and souvenirs are also good
deals but bargaining is essential. Other products include figures,
fishing gear and jewellery. The latter should be chosen with care as
there is a flourishing market in counterfeit gems. Rule of the thumb for
most visitors is to buy something you like for its aesthetic value, not
as an investment. Beware of illegal animal products as they are likely
to be confiscated when you leave the country. Also give the poor
creatures a chance to survive by boycotting shops that offer such
delights as ivory and tiger skins. Food here is nourishing, though plain
and there are few places for international cuisine.
TOUR :
Golden Triangle -
we have plenty of opportunity to watch busy activity along the
Thai-Burmese border and visit the unfamous ' black market ', known for
its smuggle of jade. We
visit a jade cutting factory. The jade all comes from a mine in Burma.
If you are interested to buy jade its good to know upfront all objects
on sale come with a certificate of authenticity.
TRSP :
Transfer Out - Express Bus -
Mae Sai ( City Center ) / Chiang Rai ( Hotel )
TOUR :
Chiang Rai -
there are few opportunities in any part of
the world these days to enjoy a pleasant and eventful cruise down a
major river at a reasonable price, but in Chiangrai this opportunity
makes itself available to you every day. Exhilarating boat trip along
the Mae Kok River. The trip takes approximately three hours and there
are many sights along the way. The Mae Kok River winds into northern
Thailand from Burma just north of Ban Thaton in upper Chiangmai
Province. Ban Thaton was originally formed in this location because of
the river and for nearly two centuries now the Mae Kok River has been
the main trade artery between the Thaton-Fang area and Chiangrai. The
cruise is an excellent way to see the backwoods of Chiangrai Province.
The Mae Kok River runs through portions of very dense jungle and at
occasional intervals hilltribe villages rest upon the banks. When the
river is deep, during and immediately after the rainy season part of the
river become rapids that must be traversed with skill. There are
hundreds of small inlets off this river, and these are destinations of
boat trips from Chiang Rai carrying trekking parties. Approximately
three-quarters of the distance from Chiangrai to Thaton is the Karen
village of Ruammit, an elephant town where the Karen locals raise
elephants and use them in their daily work in the jungle. This village
is easily seen from the river and depending on what time of the day your
boat passes Ruammit, the elephants may be bathing in the Mae Kok. They
do so everyday in the late afternoon.
HTLS :
Overnight in Chiang Rai - based
on DBL / TWN room
- upgrade & single supplement on request.
Day
5
-
Chiang Rai / Chiang Mai :
ALPG :
Services of a
PRIVATE ENGLISH
SPEAKING TOURGUIDE ( from
08:00am until 18:00pm )
TRSP :
Transfer Out - Express Bus - Chiang
Rai ( Hotel ) / Chiang Mai ( City )
TOUR :
Chiang Mai - come away...unwind and
relax...rejuvenate, and indulge yourself into an exotic world of beauty,
serenity and pleasure. Today you will participate in a complete menu and
spa experience like no other. Allow us to pamper you to the delight of
all your senses.The focus is
on harmony between the mind, body and spirit - through massage,
meditation, and herbal medicine. A combination of tradition and modern
techniques is used, such as herbal remedies, steam compresses, natural
ingredients,...to ensure clients the best in Asian Spa treatments.
Firstly, we will warm your body with a
2-hour Thai traditional Massage, followed by a short Thai Herbal Steam
Sauna. Continue with a relaxing 1-hour Foot Reflexology Treatment.
Our Spa, Health & Wellness day includes
also a brief visit to the Beauty Salon, where you can have your hair cut
and maybe even completely re-styled ( expenses for coloring and special
hair treatment products are not included in this package ).
To top it off, a Manicure & Pedicure
treatment finishes our relaxing spa activities for today.
OPTION :
Chiang Mai -
further treatment of a beauty-
and make-up specialist ; professional photo-shoot in Royal Lanna-attire
( additional budget required of 100USD per person ).
INFO
:
Chiang Mai - we end the
day with another visit to the delightful nightbazaar.
HTLS :
Overnight in Chiang Mai - based
on DBL / TWN room
- upgrade & single supplement on request.
Day
6
-
Chiang Mai :
ALPG :
Services of a
PRIVATE ENGLISH
SPEAKING TOURGUIDE ( from
08:00am until 18:00pm )
TRSP :
Transfers around Chiang Mai - a
rental bicycle will be at your disposal a full day
TOUR :
Chiang Mai - we start the day early
and will take you on a tour to the local market, where you can have a
closer look at Thailand's delicious vegetables, fruit, herbs and spices.
At ' Chiang Mai Cookery School ' you will attend a speed course and enjoy
the basic understanding of Thai cooking methods. The chef goes through
all the main ingredients, shows you how to make your own pastes and
learns you how to prepare a delicious meal to spice-up your life. As one
of the most established cookery schools ( since 1993 ) in Chiang Mai, Sompon and Elizabeth concentrate on well structured classes using the
freshest ingredients. This includes not only fresh herbs, vegetables and
fruit but also fresh fish from their own pond. From Basic Thai Cooking
courses for beginners to Master classes appropriate for chefs and food
enthusiasts, Sompon, a TV celebrity Chef makes sure you will learn while
also having fun.
MEAL
: Lunch at Chiang Mai Cookery
School : RESTAURANT THE WOK
TOUR :
Chiang Mai - Lanna Handicrafts Tour
: make your choice and browse around several interesting handicrafts
villages surrounding Chiang Mai. Discover your favourite shopping items
: 1) Ban Tawai : famous for its wood carving 2) Hang Dong : famous for
rattan weaving 3) Ban Jang Nak : an interesting elephant making village
4) Bor Sarng : famous for its intricate hand-made umbrellas & parasols
5) Sankampaeng : Silk - Lacquerware - Celadon - Gems & Jewellery -
Furniture - Silver & Brassware - Wall carpets - Jade ...and many many
more...
TOUR & MEAL
:
' The Khantoke ' is a circular wooden tray set on
pedestal that serves as a table. It will carry one of the most delicious
meals you have ever eaten. About halfway through your meal a
classical orchestra will begin to accompany troupes of dancers in
gorgeous costumes, or occasionally a solo dancer, as they perform the
graceful movements of Thai classical dance for your pleasure. These are
absolutely authentic Northern Thai dances, quite distinct from those
performed in Bangkok and Ayuthaya. They are rooted in the region's
history, literature and ways of life. After such classical opulence we
offer you a refreshing change of pace. Donning one’s shoes, one can
stroll casually to another part of the center for the ' spectacular hilltribe show
'.
The handicrafts, garments and musical instruments of the various tribes
are displayed on stalls along the way should you wish to buy a memento
of your visit. The show features authentic dances from the Lahu (Musur),
Hmong (Meo), Mien (Yao), Lisu (Leesaw) and Akha (Igor)- tribes that are
performed by tribespeople themselves wearing their own distinctive
costumes. The haunting sound of the pipes and the charming simplicity of
many of the dances provides a strong contrast to the sophistication you
have just left. But there is drama too in the Kinggala Dance from Shan
State, performed by a Chiang Mai dancer, and in the Fire-Sword Dance.
HTLS :
Overnight in Chiang Mai - based
on DBL / TWN room
- upgrade & single supplement on request.
Day
7
-
Chiang Mai / Bangkok :
TRSP :
Transfer Out - Chiang Mai ( Hotel )
/ Chiang Mai ( Airport )
IAFL :
Intra-Asia flight Chiang Mai - Bangkok : AIR ASIA -
FD3233 - ETD 08:20am / ETA 09:30am
INFO :
say farewell to your tourguide - we hope
to see you again at one of our other exciting adventures in Asia...
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