A Taste of Thailand: Itinerary
We begin our journey in the steamy modern capital of Bangkok (2 nights) where your guide will help you navigate the canyons of skyscrapers and introduce you to the small village that lies napping in the narrow lanes of old Siam. Start your day with a traditional Thai massage or a ride a water taxi through the canals (klongs) before we take in the wonders of Wat Pho and the Grand Palace.
In Chiang Mai (3 nights), we lose ourselves in the twisting flower filled lanes, finding crumpling stupas, semi hidden cafes and noodle stands along the way. Explore the ultimate souvenir stand of Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar stretching as far as the eye can see.
Every traveler agrees our day with the elephants is captivating. As we feed them breakfast, walk with them to the river’s edge and bathe them, we are educated on how these once-abused, gentle giants have found a home where they can happily live out their days.
At an overnight temple retreat (1 night), we step inside the world of a novice monk and uncover the mystery of the saffron-robed men and boys.
Explore the mountainous region of Chiang Dao (3 nights), home of the hill tribes, emerald rice paddies and limestone cliffs. Learn the local legend of the hermit who lived in a complex system of caves, carving Buddha images into rock. Early morning wanderings will bring us to mountain top temples where we receive blessings from the local monks.
We end our journey barefoot and carefree on a palm-fringed tropical island (4 nights) where days are spent reading favorite novels, zipping across jungle canopies, discovering schools of parrot fish in the deep blue sea and eating more fresh seafood that you ever imagined. Relax under the sway of palms as skilled massage therapists work their magic.
Upcoming Dates:
Mar. 3-17, 2011
"Your relentless enthusiasm, positive energy and adventurous spirit, coupled with your knowledge of Thai culture far exceeded my expectations, giving me a totally unsurpassed experience to last a lifetime! Every day was packed with unique memories, from being blessed by monks to being kissed by elephants."
~Joan Sibrava, Oct. 2009