Description of Thailand Trips
led by Kasma Loha-unchit
Thailand . . . an exotic land, of magnificent temples and ancient ruins, rich in culture, abundant natural beauty and warm, charming people.
Travel this beautiful country the "Thai Way," personally escorted by Kasma Loha-unchit, native of Thailand and for many years a San Francisco Bay Area resident and well-loved Thai cooking teacher. Kasma will give you a rare insider's view, take you to unusual off-the-beaten-path destinations, and open to you ample opportunities to observe and participate in the many facets of Thai life.
The in-depth, small-group trips are specially designed for travelers with a taste for adventure and a desire to experience intimately the land, her culture and people. It is a journey into a world rich in exotic sights, sounds, scents, tastes and textures, with an ambience distinctly its own. It is a chance to savor and experience delicious Thai food for the length of the trip.
The charm and warmth of the easy-going people . . . the glittering splendor of magnificent temples and royal palaces . . . the ancient ruins of glorious cities and civilizations of days long passed . . . the abundance of exotic tropical fruits and flowers . . . the exquisite flavors of the fine cuisine . . . the shimmering gold and saffron-robed monks, colorful spirit houses, and respect for the spiritual and mystical in everyday life . . . the excitement and bargains in countless open-air marketplaces . . . the verdant forests, lush hills and valleys, misty rice fields, graceful coconut groves, endless stretches of idyllic white-sand beaches, sleepy fishing villages, and enchanting islands bathing in gentle waters teeming with marine life – these and much more will captivate you and leave a lasting impression in your memory, as it has for previous trip members.
To preserve the quality of the individual experience, the size of the trip group will be kept small – fourteen maximum. We will travel light and leisurely by private van, hired boat, train, and other local means of transportation. We will dine where the locals dine and stay in small, comfortable hotels, near local marketplaces or residential communities while in cities and towns, and in bungalows or cabins in beautiful natural areas.
To enjoy Kasma's trips you must like spicy Thai food, rice and seafood, be open to new experiences, get along with people, be willing to get going early on some mornings,and be open to "roughing it" on occasion. We cannot accept anyone who has special dietary needs – including food allergies, strong food preferences or not eating a specific food be it animal (pork, chicken, fish, shellfish), vegetable (such as onions or peanuts) or grain (wheat, for example).
Individual Trip Descriptions
For all trips: Details | Descriptions | Testimonials | Trip Food Photos
28-day Trip AJourney through the rich cultural heartland of the Central region to the North, where colorful hill peoples and artisan villages thrive. Visit a misty valley in the foothills of the Himalayas bordering Myanmar (Burma); then travel south along the narrow peninsula to the beautiful Southwestern coast, where numerous enchanting islands await discovery. |
19-day Trip BJourney through the rich cultural heartland of the Central region to the North, where colorful hill peoples and artisan villages thrive. We'll visit the Central region with its rich Thai history and see Thai handicrafts throughout the trip. We'll reach a misty valley in the foothills of the Himalayas bordering Myanmar (Burma). You'll eat the same Thai food that the Thai people eat and come back with a whole new idea of the complexity and variety of Thai cuisine. |
Southern Trip CThis special 20- or 28-day trip of the South emphasizes has the dual emphasis of snorkeling and Thai food; and for the 28-day trip, unique cultural experiences. It explores rainforest preserves, hidden caves and countless idyllic islands in the enchanting Andaman Sea. It includes visits to two remote marine national parks with exceptional and biologically diverse coral reefs. It's an excellent opportunity to explore many wonderful beaches and to see firsthand the culture of Southern Thailand.
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Trip D (NE Thailand)An opportunity to explore Northeastern Thailand (Isahn), the region retaining the most traditional culture. This trip is really off-the-beaten track, exploring Khmer ruins, temples (ancient and modern), markets and interesting natural rock formations. There's a special emphasis on weaving making this a great trip for people who love textiles: we'll see some of the most exquisite silk weaving found anywhere in the world. Of course, you'll feast throughout the trip on delicious and wonderful Thai food, including some Isahn specialties.. |