Central and North Thailand Ecotour 13 Nights / 14 Days

Destinations: Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Chiang Mai and Mae Hongson
Activities: Sightseeing ancient palaces and temples, hiking the forest trails, cruising and kayaking in Kwai Noi River, elephant trekking, visit hill-tribe villages to explore their unique cultures, and bamboo rafting adventure in the wild river of north Thailand.

Trip Grade: Easy to moderate, not recommended for elderly travelers and travel with children, particularly the last three days gets quite difficult.
Best Season: Thailand is best from November to March. However, this tour is best done from October to May. Monsoon season (June-September) is not safe to do the trek and bamboo rafting on day 10-12; so, we do not operate.

Highlights of Bangkok:
Welcome to Bangkok, the capital and the major metropolitan city of Thailand! The Grand Palace, ancient temples, riverboat cruise, floating market, classical Thai dance are some of the highlights of the tour here. The bustling capital offers sightseers a full range of historic monuments and avant-garde modern architecture. Temples, monasteries, museums, libraries, cultural centers, safari parks, huge shopping complexes and first class hotels make Bangkok one of the greatest cities in the Far East. Our guided tours will take you through most attractive historic monuments and sites of Bangkok.

Kanchanaburi Ecotourism:
Kanchanaburi is a province along the Myanmar border in the central-west some 130 kilometers from Bangkok. The attractions of Kanchanaburi are the historic railway bridge built by the Japanese during WWII, scenic Kwae Yai and Kwae Noir Rivers, cave shrines, Buddhist monasteries, hill tribe villages, and resort hotels located in quiet locations in the nature. The Jungle Raft Floatel and the River Kwai Resotel are perfect examples of superb resort destinations in the wilderness of Kanchanaburi which offer visitors the best ecotourism adventures and cultural experience in the region.

Ecotourism Program Highlights:
The Jungle Rafts Floatel (the floating hotel) on the Kwai Noi River and the River Kwai Resotel built on the bank of the same river are located in the nature in quiet locations some sixty kilometers off the beaten tracks from the town of Kanchanaburi township. These resorts are perfect places to escape from the crowded areas and busy life styles in the cities to relax in the ambience of nature where privacy, serenity and comfortable accommodations are guaranteed. We offer eco-tour programs that involve elephant riding, canoeing, bamboo rafting, hill tribe village trekking, mountain biking, river excursions, cave excursions, and Mon hill tribe cultural show.

Highlights of Chiang Mai and Mae Hongson:
Chiang Mai, the northern province of Thailand, founded by King Mengrai in 1296. This northern region was known as the Lan Na Thai kingdom in the 13th to 14th centuries. Chiang Mai is the most active trading post in the north and a vibrant university center. Visitors will be amazed by the well over 300 temples and its scenic landscape. Thailand's highest peak, Doi Inthanon (2595 meters above sea level), crowns the north. Here, travelers can enjoy scenic trekking, elephant riding, hiking through hill tribe villages, bamboo rafting and magnificent vistas at sunset and sunrise. The province is home to many hill tribes with distinct cultures. Extraordinary woodcarvings, silverware and the artworks, beautiful flower festival parades and diverse cultures are some of the attractions here. Chiang Mai offers variety of top five star, middle class and tourist class hotels in the latest styles with spa, both boutique and traditional.

Mae Hongson, a northwestern province bordering with Myanmar, is the home of diverse ethnic minority groups. The Shangri-La like province is very remote, mountainous and far less developed than neighboring Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, and fewer tourists visit here. Scenic trekking, river trips, mountain biking and hill tribe village excursions are a few of the leisure to adventure tours offered here. The province offers various standards of hotels and eco resorts. Join us to explore the nature and culture of northern Thailand.

Itinerary: Central and North Thailand Ecotour 14 Days:
Day 1 Arrive Bangkok
Meet on arrival at Bangkok International Airport and transfer to hotel. Remaining time at leisure.
Evening-briefing on tour schedule, staff introduction and various necessities to make your trip smooth and enjoyable.
Meals: None.

Day 2 Bangkok Grand Palace and ancient Temples
Breakfast at the hotel,
08:00am depart to visit the National Museum in Bangkok. The visit to the National Museum is to give you an insight about the history of Thailand, its people and culture. Museum opens 9.00am to 4.00pm, and closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and National holidays.

Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) is the oldest, largest and most visited temple in Bangkok, which is also well known as the first open university of Thailand; for example, Thai people learned therapeutic Thai massage techniques from this temple.

Visit the Royal Grand Palace and Wat Phra Keow (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) located within the palace complex, various halls of royal function such as Amarindra Throne Hall, Chakri Mahaprasart and Dusit Mahaprasart Throne Hall and the residential area. Wat Pra Keow (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) is one of the most beautiful temples in the royal grand palace compound. The temple itself is being used for principal royal function and royal chapel. This temple is the repository of The Emerald Buddha, the most holy Buddha Image of Thai Buddhism. The Image is carved in semiprecious green stone 66cm high. The temple is regarded as the oldest and the most beautiful decoration in the country.

Dress Code: Formal attire is required to enter the Royal Grand Palace. Thus, please wear comfortable casual clothes while touring the Royal Grand Palace. High cut-shorts, skirts, beach attires, bare shoulders and ankles are not allowed. If you are not in proper attire, you will be asked to rent one at the palace gate! Recommendation on Foot Wear: Wear comfortable walking shoes covering your ankles; Tevas covering ankles are acceptable.
Wear shoes that you can take off and put on easily while visiting the temples.

Lunch will be served at local restaurant near the Chaophraya River around non, depending on when you finish the tour inside the Grand Palace.

Canal tour after lunch, we board on long-tail boat and cruise along the main river of Thailand's Chao Phraya River (The River of Kings). There are well over 100 canals in Bangkok. Hence, it is often called the "Venice of the east". Early Thai lifestyle of dwelling along the riverbanks is still experienced in this hustle and bustle of the modern city of Bangkok.

Canal tour gives you an opportunity to observe how the local people live here. Bangkok has many canal ways of ancient times which are still active. The canal tour also takes you to the impressive Royal Barge Museum located along the riverbank.

End of canal tour, visit Wat Arun (The Temple of dawn), the former palace of King Taksin of Thonburi (period 1767-1782), one of the most revered temple of Thailand, and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: BL.

Day 3 Bangkok to Kanchanaburi
06.30AM depart for Kanchanaburi.
On arrival in Kanchanaburi, visit the War Museum (Thailand-Burma Rail Way Centre), houses fragments of war weapons, paintings, drawings and pictures of life in the camp during the war that have been donated by former prisoners of war and their families. The museum has been upgraded and provides additional information through modern multimedia in addition to the traditional displays. Don Rak Cemetery is located next to the museum. Then, we drive to "the bridge over river the Kwai" and sightsee before boarding the original train from the war era which passes through the death railway, a complex wooded bridge against the cliff that gives you an adrenaline rush. We disembark the death railway train at Thamkrasae to visit a cave shrine, and drive for lunch break at Thai Wisdom (cooperative center of local farmers).

Indochina Tiger Conservation Project: After briefing about the project and safety, we visit the Indo-Chinese Tiger Conservation Project at a local temple.
Touch the nature of tigers and other kind of wild animals such as deer, Serow, wild fowl, and wild boar. Finally, we drive to the pier to take a short boat trip to the resort at the bank of Kwai Noi River and take a short ride on long tail boat to River Kwai Resotel.
Around 7.00PM, buffet dinner is served at the restaurant.
At 8.00PM Mon Hill-tribe cultural show.
Meals: BLD.

Day 4 Rivers, Waterfalls and jungle hikes
American Breakfast at the resort; then board a long-tail boat and cruise along the Kwai Noi River for about one hour upstream to Sai Yoke National Park, where we will visit the Sai Yoke National Park Waterfall, teak wood forest to experience the nature at its best. We will hike approximately three hours in the forest through the marked nature education trails and visit some of the local bat habitats before lunch. While on the nature walk, we will also visit the to WWII Japanese army camp kitchen remnants. Lunch break will be at the Sai Yoke Waterfall, and return by boat down stream to visit the Mon village and school and return to our resort. Remaining time at leisure for relaxation in paradise, swim in the pool, read a book or walk in the herbal garden around the resort.
19:00PM Dinner and overnight at River Kwai Resotel.
Meals: BLD.

Day 5 Lava Cave Hike, Kayak Kwai Noi River, drive Bangkok and evening sleeper train to Chiang Mai
Early breakfast at the resort.
07.30AM Walk about one kilometer to Lava Cave and explore the fascinating rock formations (stalactite and stalagmite), and experience small personified shrines inside the cave.
Put on hiking shoes for the cave and bring flashlight.
After the cave, we walk back to the resort and at leisure until lunch.
11.00-12.00noon Thai buffet lunch at the resort.
12.00-1.00PM Depart by long-tail boat to our vehicle, drive to Bangkok Railway station and overnight first class sleeper to Chiang Mai.
Dinner served on board the train.
Meals: BLD.

Day 6 Wat Prathad Doi Suthep
On arrival, transfer to hotel, refresh and have breakfast.
(a room is available for shower or early check in if room available).
9.00am depart by coach to Chiang Mai National Museum and Hill-Tribe Musem. After the museum visits, we will drive to visit Wat Prathad Doi Sutep, the most celebrated temple in Chiang Mai, containing a holy relic of Lord Buddha. To reach the temple, we drive up Doi Suthep, and climb up 300 steps to get to the temple courtyard. Both sides of the steps are flanked by enormous mythological Nagas (snakes). A panoramic view of the city can be seen from here at 3,500 feet above sea level. Those of you do not wish to walk the steps can take the tram both ways. Then, return to Chiang Mai town for lunch, return to hotel for check in and remaining time at leisure until dinner.

Evening-we enjoy Kantoke Dinner, traditional northern Thai welcome feast, and observe Northern Thai folk song and dance performed by different hill-tribes in their colorful costumes. Each tribe is different in costumes, dialects, and culture. Overnight at hotel in Chiang Mai. Meals. BLD.

Day 7 Chiang Mai to Maehongson flight and tour
After breakfast, we'll transfer to Chiang Mai airport to catch a flight to Mae Hong Son. Upon arrival, we'll check into our eco resort in the ambience of nature and have lunch. In the afternoon, we'll take a leisurely tour of the ancient temples, such as Wat Jong Kham, Wat Jong Klang near the city and then walk to Wat Phra Thart Doi Kong Moo, situated atop a hill with panoramic view of Mae Hongson Valleys. We'll overnight at resort.
Meals: BLD.

Day 8 Nature and Culture of Maehongson
In the early morning, we'll visit the Mae Hong Son morning market, return to hotel to eat breakfast, and drive to a local pier on the Pai River. We'll then board a long-tail boat and ride downstream to visit the long-necked Padong hill tribe people at the Karen village and its school. Then, We'll long-tail boat up river to eat lunch at a local restaurant and return to resort to relax at the pool remaining part of the day.
We'll overnight at the resort again.
Meals: BLD.

Day 9 Mae Hongson morning hike and at Leisure
Breakfast at the resort and hike in the Nam Tok Mae Surin National Park nature trails in cool morning temperature. Be in hiking boots, wear comfortable clothes for walking, carry plenty of water and some snacks. It is a nice hike along the stream to the waterfall. We can hear some birds and possibly sight some wildlife. Sighting wildlife is not easy; so, keep your fingers crossed for luck!
Meals: BL.

Day 10 Maehongson-Hui Nam Dang National Park Trekking
Early morning breakfast, then drive to Soppong for cave exploration at Lod cave. Take lunch break en-route. Then, continue overland journey to Hui Nam Dang National Park.

Upon arrival at Huai Nam Dang National Park Eco-Tourism Area. Here, we unload the vehicle, pay the entrance fee and start trekking to Pong Duet Hot spring, which shoots up to 2 meters from geysers and forms streams. The temperature of the water is 90-99 degrees Celsius. About one kilometer further down the valley, one can take a bath. Now, a health treatment resort is under construction that should be ready to operate in 2003. The surrounding forest and evergreen covered hill scenery is beautiful.

After some rest at the pong duet Hot spring, we trek uphill through lush green forest for about an hour and half to the hilltop and then down to Pong Noi Village of Karen community. Overnight in tented camp or sleep in village houses designed for home-stay programs.
Meals: BLD.

About Pong Noi Karen Village and the People:
It is believed that the Karen ethnic group has migrated from southeastern Tibet many years back. However, the language and the way of life is very different from those of Nomadic or that of modern Tibetans.
This village, surrounded by forests, is very much a new settlement of approximately 70-80 years as told by our trek guide and the villagers. The children here walk two hours to get to the nearest school each way, four hours with return trip home. The Karen people are farmers and their main crop is rice. They raise live-stocks such as cows, water-buffalos, pigs and chickens.

Day 11 Trekking from Pong Noi to Pong Ngen Village
We get up early in the morning. Washing water, tea, coffee or hot chocolate is served followed by breakfast.

Around 09.00am, we begin trek. It is rather an easy trek through forest and jungles with scenic views. We trek approximately two and half hours to the elephant camp. Then, we take lunch break at the elephant camp by the Mae Taeng River. Here, we can swim and rest in the shade of elephant camp lodge.

After lunch, we ride elephant along the Mae Taeng River, crossing the river in zigzag for about one and a half hours to a small riverside village before Pong Ngen. Here, we leave our dear elephants behind and walk for about 15 minutes to Pong Ngen Village, a Lahu hill-tribe ethnic group. The Lahu people here are farmers and are settled along the river banks. They enjoy extra income from the visitors that stay overnight. It seems that during the tourist season, their much needed cash income is earned from selling bamboo rafts to trekkers because every group that trek up to this point have to bamboo raft down the Mae Taeng River for two hours to Ban Sop Kai, the take out point and lunch spot. A fresh new raft is required for every group as people cannot bring back the bamboo raft upstream. Moreover, there is no road up here.
Meals: BLD.

Day 12 Bamboo Rafting Down the Mae Taeng River
We get up early at the roosters' call, have breakfast and watch as our guides, and the locals do the last touch ups on the bamboo rafts.
Then, get on the bamboo raft and ride down the river Yahoo!

About Bamboo Rafting in Brief?
One bamboo raft carries up to five people on this river including the pilot. Bamboo rafts are simple, but the ideas are great. A bamboo raft is constructed by putting together about twenty bamboos, depending on the size, then tied with bamboo strips. It is approximately five to six meters long. To make a bamboo raft, the bamboos have to be without cracks so that it can have a good float on the river. To ride a bamboo raft in a wild river, one has to stand unless you are in a big flat river in which case you can sit on the raft. Warning: Never ever group at one end of the raft because it can sink and tip you off. Hence, spread through as the pilot told you. The co-pilot in the back, this could be anyone on the trip, has to constantly look forward how the raft is being maneuvered in the front and then accordingly use the poles to maneuver the raft in the position you want. It is fun and a wild ride downstream in dry season weather. If you a visitor, please do not try is alone, particularly in rough waters.

This two hours bamboo rafting down the scenic Mae Taeng River from Ban Pong Ngen to Ban Sobkai is truly an exciting experience of pure eco-tourism. This part of Mae Taeng river is uninhabited and protected area. Thus, the scenery is very natural and beautiful. However, we do not see any animals along the river except birds such as king fishers, the most frequently seen ones, and some beautiful butterflies and dragonflies are commonly seen. We also meet local fishermen occasionally. This is one of the most fun bamboo rafting in the wild part of Mae Taeng River. At some points, one can feel an adrenaline rush while rafting through the rocky rapids. Then, we end our bamboo rafting at Ban Sobkai of Chan ethnic hill-tribe village, where we take lunch break and relax. Then, board our vehicle and continue journey Chiang Mai for overnight. Meals: BL.

Day 13 Chiang Mai at leisure
Breakfast at hotel and day at leisure to explore Chiang Mai on your own. A leisure day in Chiang Mai can be spent by walking along the footpaths to explore various souvenir choices alongside the street, spa treatments to relax your tired muscles and tasting local and international cuisines or simply relax at your hotel's pool. Chiang Mai is known for its fine local handicrafts and peaceful streets for pleasant walking; this is your final place to pick up your favorite souvenirs.
Meals: B.

Day 14 Depart from Chiang Mai
Breakfast at the hotel and at leisure until transfer to Chiang Mai Airport for a flight to Bangkok for your next destination.
Meals: B.

Chiang Mai-Bangkok Airfare one way US$93 per person
Airfares are current and subject to change.

Tour Cost Includes:
Thirteen nights accommodation in quality hotels and resorts in Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Chiang Mai and Mae Hongson on twin sharing with breakfast, Quality air conditioned tour van or coach in the cities to plains and off road vehicles in remote areas as necessary, tour activities as mentioned in the itinerary, English speaking local tour guide service throughout the tour and hill-tribe language speaking trekking guide for the trek part of the trip, camping equipment for the last three days, entrance fees to monuments and parks visited, internal transfers (ground, and water) including on arrival and departure, Remark: When traveling in remote areas on day 10 and 11, accommodation will be with basic comfort in lodges or tented camp with full board meal plan.

Tour Cost Does Not Include:
Visa fees, international and domestic airfares, airport departure tax, lunch & dinner not mentioned in the itinerary (particularly in the cities), personal clothing, personal insurance, alcoholic beverages, telephone, laundry, tips, charges for delays caused by situations beyond our control such as bad weather, natural disasters, civil unrest, and emergencies.

Package Price Changes and Alternation of Itineraries:
All package prices are net per person in US Dollars. Package prices are subject to change should there be major changes in government tax policies, Thai currency exchange rates and/or major changes in US Dollar exchange rates. We reserve the right to alternate an itinerary in the event of natural disasters, bad weather, civil unrest or other unforeseen factors that pose threat to our clients and crew. Alteration of an itinerary is made for the safety of our clients and the crew. Please treat the above program as guideline for your trip planning. We will provide you with fine tuned itinerary with specific details before departure.