Itinerary for Thailand Travel Adventures 2013-14 Trip B

Day 1, Monday, December 30, 2013 – Depart San Francisco for Bangkok (very early morning) – lose one day.

Day 2, Tuesday, December 31, 2013 – Arrive in Bangkok, (mid-day) – Free afternoon.

Day 3, Wednesday, January 1, 2014 – Bangkok – Explore the fascinating waterways near Bangkok on a longtail boat, from Thonburi to Nonthburi. Observe the simple, unfettered ways of living along the canals and visit serene temples, a bronze-making village and the interesting Royal Barge Museum. Dine on fine Thai cuisine at a favorite neighborhood restaurant.

Day 4, Thursday, January 2, 2014 – Bangkok to Ayuthaya – Leave Bkk 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, sacred Buddhist shrine, dating back to the 5th century, and colorful market. Sample delicious kao loam (sticky rice in bamboo).

Day 5, Friday, January 3, 2014 – Ayuthaya to Sukhothai – Explore the awesome remains of a glorious period in Thai history prior to the Bangkok era – Wat Chaiwatanaram, Wat Yai Chaimongkol, Wat Mongkolbhophit, Wat Phra Srisanphet, Wat Rajburana, Wat Mahathat. On to Sukhothaie

Day 6, Saturday, January 4, 2014 – 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. In nearby Si Satchanalai, see ancient celadon kilns, visit a textile museum and the area's cottage businesses (ceramics, textiles, gold/silver crafts).

Day 7, Sunday, January 5, 2014 – 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, Monday, January 6, 2014 – 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 afternoon to enjoy our charming resort, set amidst lush gardens and cascading streams. Treat yourself to a healing massage in an idyllic setting.

Day 9, Tuesday, January 7, 2014 – Mae Sa to Mae Hong Son – Travel via Mae Sariang. Drive through picturesque canyon country lined with terraced fields and teak forests, stopping 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, Wednesday, January 8, 2014 – 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 quiet town, visiting Shan "Burmese"-style temples. Lunch on delicious local delicacies. Late afternoon boating tour on the Pai River to the Burmese border.

Day 11, Thursday, January 9, 2014 – 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 meal for dinner!

Day 12, Friday, January 10, 2014 – Mae Hong Son – Tour the beautiful mountainous country of Mae Hong Son, visiting thundering Pha Seua waterfall, a hilltribe village, & 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, Saturday, January 11, 2014 – Mae Hong Son to Pai – Drive through breathtaking country (foothills of the Himalayas) – one of Thailand's most spectacular drives! Stop by a small 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, Sunday, January 12, 2014 – 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, Monday, January 13, 2014 – 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, ... More time for the extensive Night Bazaar!

Day 16, Tuesday, January 14, 2014 – 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, Wednesday, January 15, 2014 – 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, Thursday, January 16, 2014 – Chiang Mai to Bangkok – Return to Bangkok by air, arriving around mid-day, Eat our way through a fine fresh food market, with top quality fruits and irresistible snacks. Last chance shopping at a Thai handicrafts center.

Day 19, Friday, January 17, 2014 – Bangkok – Walk the bustling alley markets of Chinatown. Sightsee Wat Trimitr with the awesome 5 1/2 ton solid gold Buddha, the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), the Grand Palace, Wat Benjamabhophit (the Marble Temple) and, if time permits, the Queen's Support museum of arts and crafts. Farewell party & Feast! (with live traditional music and dance performance).

Day 20, Saturday, January 18, 2014 – Depart Bangkok for San Francisco (mid-day) – gain 1 day – return on same day.