Thailand 2011 | Adventurephiles

Here’s our Thailand itinerary plus a slide show of pictures at the end.

For journal postings from Thailand, CLICK HERE.

Nov. 6th Upon arrival in Bangkok we’ll be met and transferred to our hotel. Four nights at Centre Point Silom serviced apartments.
Nov. 7th Morning at leisure. This afternoon’s city and temples tour includes the three most important temples in Bangkok: Wat Trimitr with its Golden Buddha (five and a half tons of solid gold); Wat Po, the most extensive temple with its giant Reclining Buddha; Wat Benjamaborpit, also known as the White Marble Temple, is one of the finest examples of Thai Architecture.
Nov. 8th This morning we’ll travel by long-tailed speedboat along the Thonburi klongs (canals) and the Chao PhrayaRiver. Continue to the GrandPalace, home to the Emerald Buddha temple. This afternoon we’ll take Bangkok Jungle Tour by Bicycle. We’ll cross the Chao PhrayaRiver to the relatively unknown area of Bang Ka Jao. This is a green area with waterways, small temples, local houses and local markets. We’ll cycle along small roads, alleys, paths and raised footpaths.
Nov. 9th Day at leisure in Bangkok including visit to National Museum.
Nov. 10th Transfer to the Bangkok airport for our flight to Sukhothai where we will tour Sukhothai National Park, which is now a World Heritage Site. Visit the ruined temples and monasteries and the standing Buddha statues. We’ll visit Si Satchanalai Historical Park, Whra Kaew Don Tao, Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, Tung Kwean and Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao. Continue to Wat Phra that Lampang and the local market at Tung Kwen before our drive to Chiang Mai. Three nights accommodations at Royal Princess Hotel.
Nov. 11th This morning we’ll visit the hilltop temple Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. The afternoon is at leisure.
Nov. 12th Explore Doi Inthanon National Park.
Nov. 13th This morning we’ll set out on our 2day/1night “Adventurous Trek.” Today we’ll drive to Mae Sae Junction and will then take a one hour trek to a Skaw Karen village where lunch will be served. In the afternoon our two hour trek takes us to a hidden camp where we’ll continue via elephant to a riverside Lahu village. Dinner and overnight accommodations will be with a Lahu family.
Nov. 14th After breakfast we’ll begin our white water river rafting trip on the MaeTaengRiver. Following the rafting excursion we’ll arrive at the river lodge for lunch before our two hour drive to Chiang Mai. One night accommodation at Royal Princess Hotel.
Nov. 15th This morning we’ll visit several local hill tribe villages at Baan Tong Luang. We’ll visit Long Necked Karen, traditional Karen, Lahu and Palong hill tribes. This afternoon we’ll travel overland to Chiang Rai, stopping along the way to visit Wat Rong Khun, the famous WhiteTemple. Two nights accommodations at Laluna Hotel & Resort.
Nov. 16th This morning we’ll visit Wat Phra Kaew, the 13th century temple that once housed the Emerald Buddha that we saw in Bangkok. We’ll also take a trishaw ride through the residential area and market place. Afternoon at leisure.
Nov. 17th Morning transfer to the pier at HoueiSay where we’ll board our cruise boat. Today we’ll cruise along the MekongRiver to Pakbeng. Stops will be made to observe rural life along the river.
Jan. 7th Fly to Phuket and drive to Khao Lak. Five nights accommodations at La Flora Resort.
Jan. 8th Day at leisure Khao Lak.
Jan. 9th Scuba dive the Anadaman Islands.
Jan. 10th Visit Khao Sok National Park.
Jan. 11th Day at leisure Khao Lak.
Jan. 12th Transfer to the Phuket airport for connection to flight home via Bangkok and Tokyo.