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Insights of the North

Highlight: - Bangkok – Village life – Kanchanaburi – Ayudhaya – Train ride – Chiang Mai – Hilltribe trek –Elephant riding – River rafting – Thaton - Kok River boat– Chiang Rai – Bangkok

Departure: - Every Sunday, year round

You want to discover the real Thailand? Then try catching a ride in a Song Thaew taxi, stroll through a local market and try to bargain with the Thai stall holders or jump on an elephant to explore the forest countryside. These and many other possibilities are open to you as we show you a side of Thailand not experienced by most visitors. We will also give you quite enough time to relax and just watch this fascinating world go by.

Day 1, Bangkok (-/-/-)

Group meeting Welcome to Bangkok! Today is free as group members will arrive individually. We will though provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area until it is time for the group meeting in the evening where we would like you give your local leader an idea of some of the things you would like to do on your tour. Tonight you are in a simple, small hotel; basic but clean and in a good location.

Day 2, Bangkok – Local minibus to homestay (B/-/D)

A warm welcome host and the lively school kids You will have a lazy morning to discover more of Bangkok and then leave the bustling city behind by taking a local bus for about 2 hours to a small village near to Kanchanaburi town. After settling into your charming homestay and receiving a warm welcome from your host family you will then have time to explore the village and the chance to offer your English skills to the local school children. You may also join in the daily activities of your 'Thai family'.

Day 3, Homestay – Local bus to Kanchanaburi (B/-/-)

A walking tour to explore the town Time to say farewell to your kind hosts as you need to catch the local bus to Kanchanaburi and explore the town. After a walking tour you may choose at your preference and budget to take a ride on the famous 'Death Railway', rent a ‘songthaew’ to Erawan Falls, one of Thailand's most beautiful national parks, or visit the Tiger Temple.

Day 4, Kanchanaburi – Local bus to Ayudhaya – Train to Chiang Mai (B/-/-)

Jump on a local bus for Ayudhaya. There are many mystical ruins at this famous UNESCO World Heritage Site to visit either by bicycle, local tuk tuk or on elephant back! At your own expense you can choose exactly what you want to see, and how. Then leave the central region of Thailand to head north by another fun mode of transport - the overnight sleeper with comfortable second-class air-conditioned berths.

Day 5, Chiang Mai (-/-/-)

A walking tour to explore the town Chiang Mai is a lively, bustling city with its charm and character making the province “a must” to visit. Today we will have a walking tour after you settle into your cozy local hotel. Walk through the old city to see charming temples, the Warorot Market or visit a meditation temple. In the late afternoon is the group trekking orientation so that you will be prepared and know what to expect while trekking. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 6, Start your adventure trekking – hill-tribe village (B/L/D)

In the morning leave Chiang Mai by a pick-up truck, heading north to Huay Nam Dang National Park. Trekking starts in the afternoon through forested and hilly terrain for about 1 ½- 2 hours (5-6 Kms.) to a Karen hill-tribe village. Learn something of their way of life while exploring the village, then enjoy a simple dinner. Tonight you are sharing small bamboo huts in the Karen village.

Day 7, Trekking – Elephant riding (B/L/D)

Breakfast is quite simple but enough to give you energy for a further 3 hours (7-8 Kms.) trekking. You arrive at an elephant camp around lunch time. Then be prepared to take an elephant ride for 1-1½ hours (3-3.5 Kms.) to a rafting camp near by a Karen village. You can enjoy swimming in the stream that passes the village and after dinner your second night is in a bamboo hut.

Day 8, Bamboo rafting then to Chiang Mai (B/L/-)

You should eat as much breakfast as you can to have enough energy for the bamboo rafting (20-25 Kms.) down river. Some stops will be made at local hill tribe-villages along the way. Rafting ends at a second rafting camp. The rafting can take about 3-4 hours with fast rapids in the rainy season and up to 6 hours in the summer when the water level is shallow and the current is slow. After lunch return to Chiang Mai by a pick-up and back to your hotel.

Day 9, Chiang Mai – Your free day (B/-/-)

Today is a free day but there are still lots of options for you to choose from in this exciting city according to your preference and budget. Your leader will give you good information on what to do, such as Thai cooking, a visit to Doi Suthep or relaxing with a traditional Thai massage. No activities this day are included in the tour price.

Day 10, Chiang Mai – Local bus to Thaton (B/-/-)

Explore the valley town Today is a trip to Tha Ton which is a fascinating sleepy town and we will take 4-hour local bus ride to get there. The town is set in a beautiful valley so climbing up the hill to Wat Tha Ton is a must to see the wonderful views over the mountainous countryside. Or if you prefer, just relax on the grassy bank of the Mae Kok River in front of your bungalow.

Day 11, Thaton – Kok River boat to Chiang Rai (B/-/-)

A tour on foot You will not want to leave Tha Ton but today we will take a 4-hour boat trip to Chiang Rai which is an unforgettable experience and on arrival you will have some time for a leisurely walk around Chiang Rai town.

Day 12, Chiang Rai – Your free day (B/-/-)

Today is a free day as we leave it up to you. Your options include, among other things, a visit to the Golden Triangle (and, perhaps, to the border town of Mae Sai to get more country stamps on your passport!) or perhaps Doi Tung, the famous horticultural project instigated by His Majesty the King's mother.

Day 13, Chiang Rai - Local bus to Chiang Mai – Train to Bangkok (B/-/-)

You will have a lazy morning and then leave the town a bit before noon for Chiang Mai to catch an evening overnight train to Bangkok with comfortable second-class air-conditioned sleeping berths.

Day 14, Bangkok (-/-/-)

A walking tour for different sights of Bangkok The train will reach Bangkok in the morning and then check in to your hotel. After setting into your hotel those who are still energetic can perhaps do a walking tour to see a different side of the bustling city and then, if you wish, have a farewell dinner together before each leaves for their next destination.

Day 15, Bangkok (B/-/-)

End of program after breakfast

We reserve the right to adjust the program without prior notice according to local conditions. However the essential concept of the tour be well maintained.

Services included in the price :

• Travel by public transportation.

• Hotel accommodation throughout the tour is on B&B basis in budget-/tourist-class hotels based on 2, 3 or multi-share occupancy.

• The homestay is on half board basis with a Thai family and accommodation is in the guest room of the house (sleeping facilities are provided and guests should bring their own toiletries).

• Sleeping facilities during trekking consists of mat on the floor and sheet. Rucksack and water canteen and lifejacket are provided.

• Full board will be provided during trekking (boiled drinking water included).

• Trekking park entrance fee

• 2nd-class air-conditioned train with sleeping berth Ayudhaya / Chiang Mai and Chiang Mai / Bangkok.

• The services of a local English-speaking guide.

Services not included in the price :

• Drinks & meals not mentioned in the above itinerary.

• Cost of optional excursions.

• Admission fees (except park entrance fee for trekking).

• Sleeping bag

• Tips for guide & drivers.

• Personal expenses.

List of preferred accommodation:

• Bangkok - Royal Hotel

• Kanchanaburi (village) - Nong Khao homestay (see details in services included) Kanchanaburi (town) - Sam House (fanned bungalow)

• Chiang Mai - Baantai Hotel Thaton - Bansun Riverhouse (standard fanned room)

• Chiang Rai - Golden Triangle Inn (air-con room

Important: Before you travel please check your Tour Voucher and Arrival Information for the latest joining instructions. This will be sent to you upon receipt of final payment.

All itineraries are subject to change without prior notice.