Itinerary for Thailand Travel Adventures Trip A
Northern, Central & Southern Thailand
November 18, 2010 to December 16, 2010
Itinerary is subject to change. Click pictures to see a larger version.
This trip will next be offered in November/December 2012. For November/December 2011 Kasma is offering her trip to Northeastern Thailand (Isaan).
Day 1, Thursday, November 18, 2010 – Depart San Francisco for Bangkok in the very early morning – lose one day.
Day 2, Friday, November 19, 2010 – Arrive in Bangkok around mid-day – free afternoon.
Day 3, Saturday, November 20, 2010 – Bangkok – Sightsee the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and the adjoining Grand Palace, beautiful Wat Benjamabhophit (the Marble Temple) and the Queen's exquisite Support Museum of fine arts and crafts. Dine on superb Thai cuisine!
Day 4, Sunday, November 21, 2010 – Bangkok to Ayuthaya – Leave Bangkok early for Damnoen Saduak floating market in Rajburi – explore quiet canals and be part of the hustle-bustle of a lively market afloat on boats. Visit Nakon Pathom's enormous Buddhist shrine dating back to the 5th century. Sample delicious kao laam (sticky rice in bamboo).
Day 5, Monday, November 22, 2010 – Ayuthaya to Sukhothai – Explore the awesome remains of a glorious period in Thai his-tory prior to the Bangkok era: Wat Chaiwatanaram, Wat Yai Chaimongkol, Wat Mongkolbhophit, Wat Phra Srisanphet, Wat Rajburana, Wat Mahathat. On to Sukhothai.
Day 6, Tuesday, November 23, 2010 – Sukhothai – Walk the atmospheric ruins of Thailand's first capital (Unesco World Heritage site) dating back 700 years: Wat Mahathat, Wat Sri Sawai, Wat Sra Sri, Wat Sri Chum. In nearby Si Satchanalai, see ancient celadon kilns, visit a textile museum & the area's cottage businesses (ceramics, textiles, gold/silver crafts).
Day 7, Wednesday, November 24, 2010 – Sukhothai to Mae Sa – After a hearty noodle breakfast, walk Sukhothai's bustling market, sampling local treats from street vendors. Continue our journey northward, stopping by a very sacred, ancient temple in Lampang with elegant Lanna-style architecture and a history that predates Thailand's.
Day 8, Thursday, November 25, 2010 – Mae Sa – Meander up the Mae Sa hills to visit a Hmong hilltribe village. Learn their culture and how they've benefited from our beloved King's Royal projects. Leisure time in the after-noon to enjoy our charming resort, set amidst lush gar-dens and cascading streams. Treat yourself to a healing massage in an idyllic setting.
Day 9, Friday, November 26, 2010 – Mae Sa to Mae Hong Son – Travel via Mae Sariang. Drive through picturesque canyon country lined with terraced fields and teak forests, stop-ping at scenic viewpoints along the way. Visit a Karen hilltribe textile center and weaving village. In Mae Hong Son, we'll stay at a secluded lodge near a forest preserve.
Day 10, Saturday, November 27, 2010 – Mae Hong Son – Refreshing morning market walk – mingle with hilltribe traders and their colorful wild produce and sample tasty snacks from friendly vendors. Walk around the small town, visiting Shan "Burmese"-style temples. Lunch on delicious local delicacies. Late after-noon boating tour on the Pai River to the Burmese border.
Day 11, Sunday, November 28, 2010 – Mae Hong Son – Drift down the misty Pai in the early morning on bamboo rafts, then trek on elephant back along the scenic river. Lunch in town and take some time to shop for local crafts and Burmese artifacts. Late afternoon leisure time to enjoy our resort and swim in the refreshing pool. Another great Thai for dinner.
Day 12, Monday, November 29, 2010 – Mae Hong Son –Tour the beautiful mountainous country of Mae Hong Son, visiting thundering Pha Seua waterfall, a hilltribe village and a Chinese refugee settlement near the border. Beautiful views & scrumptious Yunnan Chinese lunch! Relax at our peaceful lodge, or take a late afternoon nature walk in the nearby forest preserve.
Day 13, Tuesday, November 30, 2010 – Mae Hong Son to Pai – Drive through breathtaking country (foothills of the Himalayas) – one of Thailand's most spectacular drives! Stop by a colorful Lisu hilltribe village for a walk and explore the extensive caves of Tham Lod near Soppong – raft down the stream flowing through the caves. Stay at a lovely garden inn outside Pai town.
Day 14, Wednesday, December 1, 2010 – Pai to Chiang Mai – Drive down lush mountain country into the valley of Chiang Mai, land of the old Lanna kingdom. Lunch at a lovely orchid farm, then visit Mengrai Kilns, known for their gorgeous celadon ceramics – an age-old craft of the North. Dine on tasty northern cuisine, then walk the North's largest Night Bazaar!
Day 15, Thursday, December 2, 2010 – Chiang Mai – Tour the handicraft centers for which the North is known and see how traditional crafts are made: hand-made "sa" (mulberry) paper, traditional hand-painted parasols, lacquerware, hand-woven silks and cottons (tailoring services available), textile crafts, ceramics, silver and bronze wares. Dine at a charming riverside restaurant with an art gallery.
Day 16, Friday, December 3, 2010 –Chiang Mai – "Pilgrimage" to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep – the North's most revered temple on mountaintop overlooking the city. Visit the old temple of Wat Jet Yod, then lunch on delectable northern specialties at a favorite Chiang Mai restaurant! Stroll the quiet grounds of tranquil Wat Umong Forest Monastery.
Day 17, Saturday, December 4, 2010 – Chiang Mai – Graze our way through lively Worarot market and shop for dried Thai herbs, spices and cookware. Sightsee historical temples in the "old city": Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chiang Man. In the afternoon, we'll visit an impressive, wood-carving museum outside the city. Last night to shop the Night Bazaar!
Day 18, Sunday, December 5, 2010 – Chiang Mai to Bangkok – Free Day. Explore more markets, temples, shops and whatever else you wish on your own, or relax with a traditional Thai healing massage. Overnight train to Bangkok.
Day 19, Monday, December 6, 2010 – Bangkok – Breakfast in and walk the alley market of Chinatown. Sightsee Wat Traimitr with the awesome 5 1/2-ton solid gold Buddha and explore the fascinating canals near Bangkok, from Thonburi to Nonthburi. Observe the simple, unfettered ways of living along the canals, visiting serene temples & the interesting Royal Barge Museum.
Day 20, Tuesday, December 7, 2010 – Bangkok to Ranong – Drive down the long, narrow peninsula to the southern part of the country. Stop by Hua Hin for an exciting market walk. Our destination is Ranong, known for its healing, hot mineral springs. Bathe in the rejuvenating waters at the spa of the hotel where we'll spend the night. Dine on fine southern cuisine.
Day 21, Wednesday, December 8, 2010 – Ranong to Krabi – Continuing south, we'll drive through scenic country dotted here and there with dramatic limestone karsts. Stop by Than Bokaranee for a nature walk through the verdant rainforest park, graced by lovely cascades and emerald pools. In Krabi, we'll stay in a plush resort with impressive, sweeping views.
Day 22, Thursday, December 9, 2010 – Krabi – Take a refreshing morning soak in the natural pools of an unusual waterfall hot spring in a forest preserve. Walk a lovely nature trail through lowland forests to a spring-fed crystal pool for a swim. Optional afternoon visit to Tiger cave forest monastery. Scrumptious meals of southern specialties at a favorite Krabi restaurant!
Day 23, Friday, December 10, 2010 – Krabi to Idyllic Island Home – Explore Krabi province's magnificent coastline with tall limestone cliffs, mysterious caves, idyllic islands and dazzling white and golden sand beaches. Swim, sun, snorkel, beachcomb and enjoy the beauty of the Andaman seacoast. Settle in on our own enchanting island home with dramatic scenery.
Day 24, Saturday, December 11, 2010 – Idyllic Island Home – Free day to relax and enjoy our charming, tropical island paradise and swim in her inviting waters. Sunbathe on the beautiful beach, watch hornbills feed and frolic amidst the coconut and papaya trees, or rent a kayak to explore hidden coves. Partake of a memorable sunrise and sunset on the Andaman seacoast.
Day 25, Sunday, December 12, 2010 – Idyllic Island Home – Daytrip to the beautiful islands of Pee Pee Marine Nat'l Park, with towering limestone karsts, sparkling white-sand beaches & colorful coral reefs, home to millions of colorful fishes. Picnic & enjoy the day in & out of the water. If permitted, we'll visit Viking Cave (featured in Nationall Geographic) where prized bird's nests are collected.
Day 26, Monday, December 13, 2010 – Island to Krabi – Last chance to swim and snorkel the waters of our island home. We'll return to mainland shores mid-day and feast on wonderfully fresh sea-food at a restaurant near the pier. We'll return to our luxurious resort in Krabi where you may wish to pamper yourself at the spa, or relax and enjoy the views from your room.
Day 27, Tuesday, December 14, 2010 – Krabi – Free Day. Enjoy our resort's enormous pool beneath towering limestone karsts. Walk to town along the lovely river front, shop, or visit the bustling market as you wish. Or pamper yourself to hours-long spa treatment in an idyllic setting.
Day 28, Wednesday, December 15, 2010 – Krabi to Bangkok – Following breakfast, we'll return to Bangkok by air, arriving in the capital city around mid-day. Last chance shopping at an emporium of Thai arts and crafts, with beautiful things from all over the country. Farewell Party & feast! (with live traditional music and dance performance)
Day 29, Thursday, December 6, 2010 – Depart Bangkok for San Francisco – Mid-day – Gain one Day. Return on same day.
Itinerary is subject to change.
This trip will next be offered in November/December 2012. For November/December 2011 Kasma is offering her trip to Northeastern Thailand (Isaan).
Be sure to see Kasma's Trip A Photos.