Northern Explorer - Overland Trip
1 ½ weeks: Bangkok to Bangkok (IMT-STNX)
Intro
Explore the vibrant cities of Bangkok and Chiang Mai and the infamous Bridge on the River Kwai where we stay in beautiful rafthouses. Visit some of Thailand’s most interesting and beautiful ancient sites, spend the night in a Thai village and ride elephants and bamboo rafts, as well as experiencing mouth-watering dishes that have made Thai cuisine a world favourite. On this exciting trip you do all of this and more on a fabulous journey to the heart of northern Thailand.Maximum Group Size
15Arrivals transfer
Airport transfer on day 1Fully Escorted
By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of local guidesTransport
Private air-conditioned bus, pick-up truck, local longtail boat, bamboo raft and plane (Chiang Mai to Bangkok).Flight
Chiang Mai to BangkokActivities
Village homestay, hilltribe walk (easy), bamboo rafting, elephant ride, klong (canal) tour, swimming in waterfallsAccommodation
8 nights tourist class hotels, 1 night homestay 1 night River Kwai RafthousesEntrance fees
Included for all sites listed as part of the itineraryItineraries
Day 1,BANGKOKArrive in this vibrant exciting city. Check into your hotel, relax before meeting up with your Tour Leader this evening. (No meals)
Day 2,BANGKOKGuided tour of the Grand Palace and the magnificent Wat Phra Keow (Emerald Buddha). This afternoon your tour leader will take you on an exciting journey along Bangkok’s canals or ‘klongs’. (BD)
Day 3,PHITSANULOKOur first stop today is the ancient capital of Siam, Ayuthaya. We have a guided tour of the old palace and city before continuing to Phitsanulok where we have the chance to enjoy the local culinary experience of the ‘Flying Vegetables’ or the great night food market. Approx. 5 hours driving. (BD)
Day 4,SUKOTHAI - CHIANG MAIGuided tour of the magnificent Buddhist site of Sukothai. Later we drive to Chiang Mai via the elephant orphanage at Lamphang. Tonight we’ll visit the famous Chiang Mai night market. Approx. 6 hours driving. (B)
Day 5,CHIANG MAIAn excursion to the hilltop Buddhist temple of Doi Suthep. Free afternoon to explore or experience a Thai massage. (B)
Day 6,CHIANG MAI - MOUNTAIN VILLAGE TRIBALWe head out of Chiang Mai into the hills. After a visit toan elephant training camp we travel by pick-up truck to a small tribal village. We then continue on foot through mountainous terrain to a Palong village where we spend the night in a traditional village house. (BLD)
Day 7,ELEPHANT RIDE AND BAMBOO RAFTINGAfter breakfast we ride elephants through the jungle to a small river. We then continue by bamboo raft down the river. Later we return via an orchid garden and butterfly farm to Chiang Mai. There is time to relax around the pool before the evening flight to Bangkok. (BL)
Day 8,Day 8, RIVER KWAIA short drive west of Bangkok takes us to Kanchanaburi on the River Kwai. We visit the floating market before visiting waterfalls and seeing a traditional Mon village and elephants en route to the raft houses. We will take an exciting ride up-river to our raft houses, set amongst beautiful jungle scenery, where we spend the night. (BLD)
Day 9,RIVER KWAIToday we visit the War Cemeteries, the bridge Museum and the Bridge over the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi before transferring to our hotel which is situated on a small island in the middle of the Kwai River. The rest of the day is free to explore the town or enjoy the swimming pool. (BLD)
Day 10,BANGKOKDrive to the nearby National Park and visit the Erawan Waterfalls. We can swim in the natural pools or walk up to the top of the falls. We later return to Bangkok, visiting the tallest Buddhist monument in the world on the way. (BL)
Day 11,BANGKOKTour ends after breakfast. (B)
Last updated: 22nd October 2009
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