Thailand Discovery & Mae Hong Son

- 16 Days

Thailand Tours - great for diversity

Tour Highlights

  • See the famous Bridge over the River Kwai
  • Visit the temple taken over by monkeys
  • Enjoy the entertainment quarter of Chiang Rai
  • Get acquainted with the ancient walled city of Chiang Mai

This 16-day journey explores bustling Bangkok and the beautiful River Kwai area, plus the atmospheric ruins of Ayuthaya and Sukhothai. Explore the Sukhothai Historical Park by bicycle – the ideal way to get off the beaten path. Also visit the mountains, markets and colourful hilltribes of Chiang Mai. Included is our 4-day extension to Mae Hong Son, Pai and the hills beyond, for a glimpse of the local hilltribe people’s lives. Suitable for travellers with an average to above average level of fitness and mobility.

Included: 15 night tour with accommodation (2 nights basic) and breakfast, 1 lunch and 2 dinners, all road transport by air-conditioned vehicles, all sightseeing as specified (excluding entrance fees), Western tour leader based on a minimum of seven travellers, local English-speaking guides throughout, arrival and departure transfers.

Not Included: International flights. Entrance fees (approx.35USD to be collected at the start of the journey). For additional expenses see trip details.

Accommodation: Bel-Aire Princess - Bangkok. Floatel - Kanchanaburi. Felix River Kwai Resort - River Kwai. Krungsri River Hotel - Ayuthaya. Ananda Museum Gallery Hotel - Sukhothai. Wiang Inn - Chiang Rai. Lisu Lodge - Hill Tribe Adventure. Karinthip Village - Chiang Mai. Lisu Lodge - Hill Tribe Adventure. Fern Resort, Baan Krating, Karinthip Village - Mae Hong Son & Pai.

Thr variety of things to see is great, and the tour guides are excellent. Overall a great way to see the country.

Mr K.Lang

Prices:

Please call for 2009 prices.

Prices based on twinshare.

Full Tour Itinerary

Day 1-2: Bangkok

Arrive in Bangkok and absorb the energy of the megalopolis as you explore the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, the Chao Phraya River and have free time to enjoy Asia’s best spas and restaurants.
Stay 2 nights: Bel-Aire Princess

Day 3-4: River Kwai & Kanchanaburi

The beautiful wilderness area surrounding Kanchanaburi is where you will discover ethnic minority groups and a fascinating recent history at Hellfire Pass and Museum. En route visit a traditional Thai house and take in the world-famous floating markets.
Stay 1 night: Floatel
Stay 1 night: Felix River Kwai Resort

Day 5-6: Ayuthaya & Sukhothai

In Ayuthaya you will see some of the country’s most impressive monuments before you continue to Sukhothai to cycle amongst temple ruins. Visit the country towns of Lopburi and Phitsanulock along the way for the chance to see a temple taken over by monkeys and a fascinating folk museum amassed by a private collector.
Stay 1 night: Krungsri River Hotel
Stay 1 night: Ananda Museum Gallery Hotel

Day 7-8: Chiang Rai

From Chiang Rai you will explore the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar (Burma) meet, and visit Asia’s most fascinating interactive museum. Chiang Rai has an eclectic night market and entertainment quarter where you can sample tasty regional specialties and check out the local handicrafts.
Stay 2 nights: Wiang Inn

Day 9-10: Hill Tribe Adventure

Stop at the Chiang Dao Caves for a peak into these natural wonders. Then, deep in the countryside, you can ride elephants on a jungle trek, take a gentle rafting journey and overnight with the Lisu hilltribe at their award-winning ecolodge. Visit the local shaman, take some free time to absorb the countryside and enjoy some delectable dishes.
Stay 2 nights: Lisu Lodge

Day 11-12: Chiang Mai

Discover Northern Thai culture by visiting Chiang Mai’s beautiful temples. A samlor tour will help you get acquainted with the ancient walled city, as will a visit to stunning Doi Suthep Temple, taking pride of place on a hill just outside of town. Take some time to explore the famous night bazaar. Depart on day 12.
Stay 2 nights: Karinthip Village

Day 13-16: Mae Hong Son & Pai

Mae Hong Son is home to the Paduang long-neck tribe and beautiful Burmese temple relics; go caving here before arriving in artistic Pai. Explore the lush green valleys and scenic waterfalls before returning to Chiang Mai. Depart on day 16.
Stay 1 night: Fern Resort
Stay 1 night: Baan Krating
Stay 1 night: Karinthip Village