| Starts | Bangkok, Thailand |
|---|---|
| Ends | Bangkok, Thailand |
| Region | South East Asia |
| Duration | 10 days |
| Tour Operator | Peregrine |
Itinerary
Day 1 - Starting: Bangkok & Finishing: Bangkok
Welcome to Thailand. One of our transfer representatives will collect you from the airport and take you to your hotel. After settling into your room, your journey begins with an important meeting at 6 pm. Please check for a welcome notice on the Peregrine noticeboard located on the 2nd floor of the Royal Princess Larn Luang Hotel. Please advise your flight details at the time of booking so we can arrange your airport transfer. With free time, acquaint yourself with this frenetic city of tuk tuks, street food and traditional khlong boats winding down the Chao Phraya River. Tonight you'll enjoy a welcome dinner at the new training restaurant established by the Friends organisation.
Day 2 - Starting: Bangkok/Chiang Mai & Finishing: Bangkok/Chiang Mai
Enjoy a guided city walk of Bangkok, with an included visit to the Grand Palace – essential for any for first-time traveller here. You will also take a long-tail boat trip along the canals, a lovely way to witness daily Bangkok life. In the late afternoon, take a short flight (around 1 hour and 15 minutes) to Chiang Mai, Thailand's vibrant 'Rose of the North'. Awash with temples and quaint cafes, this city has a strong reputation for friendliness despite its size. Visit the vibrant night markets tonight to pick up a bargain or have a bite to eat of fresh cooked street food. Please see important information in the "packing"' section of the trip notes regarding strict dress code for the Grand Palace visit.
Day 3 - Starting: Chiang Mai & Finishing: Chiang Mai
Embark on a scenic, winding drive up a mountain (around 45 minutes) to one of the country's most stunning temple complexes, Doi Suthep. A 300-step naga-guarded stairway leads you to the temples, and the climb is well worth the effort. The hypnotic atmosphere of chanting Buddhist monks and sweeping views of the city make this a most memorable experience. Follow this with some leisure time in Chiang Mai. Your leader can help you to arrange optional activities - you might like to hire a bike and ride to a nearby temple, or indulge in a Thai massage or spa treatment, or simply relax by the pool. Dinner this evening is an authentic Khantohk feast, replete with tribal dancing in the traditions of Akha, Yao, Lahu, H'mong, Lisu and Karen.
Day 4 - Starting: H'mong Lodge & Finishing: H'mong Lodge
You will have the opportunity to take part in a local cooking class today where you will uncover the secrets of aromatic Thai cuisine. You will learn everything from the most important ingredients and what to use in their place if you can’t access them at home, to preparing dishes from a comprehensive book of recipes (that you will be able to take with you). Sitting down to feast on the fruits of your labour at lunch is the perfect way to finish the class. This afternoon a drive of 1–2 hours through rolling countryside today leads to the Hmong Hilltribe Lodge, your quarters for the night. The Hmong are an ethnic minority in Thailand who originated in the south of China. Today they comprise the second largest hilltribe group in Thailand. After a barbeque dinner in the lodge's open-air dining area, the day concludes with a cultural performance by the Hmong people. You'll gain an insight into the traditional lifestyle of the tribe, with a wedding ceremony enactment, shamanic ritual and makong (cotton ball) throwing.
Day 5 - Starting: Lampang/Sukhothai & Finishing: Lampang/Sukhothai
Depart the hilltribe village this morning and head on to Lampang (approximately 1.5 hours), which is considered by many to be one of Thailand's last remaining paradises. Here you will visit the Friends of Asian Elephant Hospital, a short drive from Lampang. This is the first elephant hospital in the world to be established to care for sick and abused elephants, with the aim of preserving the animals' natural habitat and lifestyle. You will learn more about this important initiative and perhaps become acquainted with some of its resident patients. Next is to farewell your new friends before driving to the ancient capital of Sukhothai (3.5 hours) to spend to the night.
Day 6 - Starting: Sukhothai & Finishing: Sukhothai
Sukhothai, established in the 13th century, was one of the first ancient capital of Siam. Famed for its World Heritage listed park, which captures the Golden Age of Thai civilisation, its name means 'Dawn of Happiness'. Today we visit the historical park, which spans the ruins of the town, you will rent a bicycle and begin a cycle tour. As you ride around, you'll learn more about the history of this former metropolis and its fascinating structures. Enjoy a home-cooked picnic lunch in the park and a free afternoon and evening.
Day 7 - Starting: Kanchanaburi & Finishing: Kanchanaburi
Continue south now to Kanchanaburi (approximately 6 hours). The reward for your travels today is a lush tropical setting – a chalet right beside the famous River Kwai.
Day 8 - Starting: Kanchanaburi & Finishing: Kanchanaburi
On a day trip around Kanchanaburi, you will visit the Hellfire Pass Memorial. Here you will learn more about the allied prisoners of war and Asian conscripts that died while building the most dangerous and challenging sections of the Thai-Burma 'death' railway. To complete this experience, take a ride along the historic tracks of the railway. Beginning at the main terminal at Nam Tok, the journey takes you along scenic riverside tracks before crossing the original wooden viaduct, built by prisoners of war over the River Kwai.
Day 9 - Starting: Bangkok & Finishing: Bangkok
Return to Bangkok today via private minivan (approximately 3 hours). There is no better way to end your journey than with a relaxing cruise along the grand Chao Phraya River. From this vantage you'll see yet another side of Bangkok, as the jewels of the city light up when evening falls. The cruise, along with dinner, is included.
Day 10 - Starting: Bangkok & Finishing: Bangkok
There are no activities on this day and you are free to depart after breakfast.
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