An off-the-beaten-path Thailand Tour – Bangkok, Mae Hong Son, Pai, Chiang Mai, Krabi

Day 1 Bangkok
Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for your next 3 nights’ accommodations.

Day 2 Bangkok (Grand Palace & Temples)
Enjoy a morning tour of Bangkok with visits to the Royal Grand Palace and its Emerald Buddha, Wat Trimit (Golden Buddha) and Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha). Afternoon at leisure to relax, shop and explore Bangkok on your own. (B)

Day 3 Bangkok (Floating Market)
Breakfast at the hotel. Today’s tour takes you to the world renowned Floating Market where for over a hundred years, villagers transport their agricultural products by canals to the center of trading at Damnoen Saduak. This incredible network is a labyrinth of almost two hundreds branched canals lined with ancient Thai wooden houses and colorfully decorated by small wooden boats that contain fresh fruits and vegetables. Afterwards, visit the interesting Train Market where local vendors and patrons line the train tracks, quickly disperse and reassemble as the train comes and goes. Return to Bangkok in the afternoon and enjoy the balance of the day at leisure. (B)

Day 4 Bangkok / Mae Hong Son 
Transfer for your flight to Mae Hong Son. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant followed by a brief tour of Mae Hong Son town visiting several Burmese style temples including Wat Phra Dhat Doi Kong Moo, Wat Jong Kham and Wat Jong Klang. Check-in at your resort and enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure. This evening, be sure to head out to town and  take a stroll along the quaint night market lined with street food carts, several small shops and restaurants in a relaxed (chilled) setting. (B,L)

Day 5 Mae Hong Son
This morning, embark on a river trip along the unspoiled Pai River through Mae Hong Son’s beautiful countryside to a Long Neck Karen Village, only one of very few remaining in Thailand. Here, learn about the tribal people’s simplistic way of life and of course about the bizarre traditions behind the “Long Neck” women remain in practice today. After this culturally-inspiring visit, return to your resort to relax or enjoy several trekking options accessible from the resort. Overnight in Mae Hong Son. (B)

Day 6 Mae Hong Son / Pai
After a leisurely morning waking up to the birds and wildlife in a pristine, picturesque setting, we travel southbound by road for Pai. En-route, embark on an expedition exploring Tham Lod Caves, one of Thailand’s largest and most impressive cave systems. Visit a Lahu Hill Tribe village before arriving Pai. Check-in to your resort. A highlight this evening will be spending a few hours strolling Pai’s vibrant yet charming night market filled with street food vendors, eclectic bars with live music and colorful souvenir shops. (B)

Day 7 Pai / Whitewater Rafting / Chiang Mai
Early morning pick-up and travel overland to the unspoiled village of Mae Teang where we’ll embark the morning’s main event – a 2-hour whitewater rafting down the Mae Tang river across 14 rapids. After lunch, continue by road to Chiang Mai passing local villages, orchards, valleys, and rice fields. Check-in at your resort and enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure. In the evening, be sure to check out the city’s famous Night Bazaar just few minutes walk from your hotel. (B,L) 

**Note: rafting trip on join/shared basis. Transfers to raft camp and to Chiang Mai by private car. 

Day 8 Chiang Mai
This morning, enjoy a tour of Chiang Mai City visiting local temples and markets followed by a visit to the sacred Wat Phra Doi Suthep the overlooks the entire Chiang Mai City. Afternoon at leisure to relax and explore the city on your own. (B)

Day 9 Chiang Mai (Elephant Experience)
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime “Elephant Experience” at Patara Elephant Farm. Located in the hills outside Chiang Mai, Patara Elephant Farm offers an uncommon, fun-filled and educational experience to learn just about everything there is to care for an elephant. Here, you’ll will be assigned your very own elephant for the day with a host of fascinating activities such as riding (bareback), training, bathing and feeding these gentle giants. This is a day you will never forget! 

***Note: Transfers & elephant activities are operated by elephant venue on JOIN (non-private) basis with other participants.***

Day 10 Chiang Mai / Krabi 
Transfer for your flight to Krabi. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your beachfront resort for your next 3 nights’ accommodations. (B)

Day 11 Krabi 
Today, enjoy a boat trip of several beautiful and uninhabited islands around Krabi. Visit the stunning “Koh Tub” for swimming and sun bathing on the beach; Chicken Island, a local landmark named after the shape of its unique limestone jutting out above the sea; and Pranang bay famous for its “Railey Beach”, home to some of the best rock climbing in Thailand. Includes light picnic lunch. Return to your resort and enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure. (B,L)

Day 12 Krabi 
Enjoy a day of leisure in Paradise. (B)

Day 13 Depart Krabi 
Transfer to Krabi or Phuket airport for your departure home. Arrive the same day. (B)

****END OF PROGRAM****

• Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
• Price includes all entrance fees, domestic air taxes, hotel taxes & service charges
• Price excludes transpacific flights, personal expenses, beverages, gratuities to guides, drivers & bell persons
• Blackout dates, holiday Surcharges and/or compulsory Gala dinners at hotels apply Dec. 20-Jan. 10
• All flights, hotels and land services are subject to availability at time of reservation