thailand explorer
10 days ex Bangkok
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Cruise the Chao Phraya River on a traditional teak rice barge, Enjoy delicious Thai meals on deck, Soak up the serenity of riverside life, Trek to traditional hilltribe villages, Learn about the Karen and Lisu minorities, Be tempted by the bargains in the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, Discover Bangkok's spiritual side

Temple-hop, shop 'til you drop, savour spicy traditional cuisine and meet the colourful hilltribes of Thailand. Take a relaxing overnight cruise on a converted teak rice barge, trek through steamy jungles and rural countryside and enjoy an exciting chance to ride a bamboo raft down the Mae Tang River - this is a trip that really does it all.

Physical Rating: 3
Culture Shock Rating: 3
Accommodation: Hotel (3 nts), rice barge (2 nts), hilltribe villages/jungle camps (2 nts), overnight trains (2 nts)
Transportation: Minibus, truck, rice barge, bamboo raft, elephant, bicycle, walking
Trip Style: Intrepid Independent
Group Size: Maximum of 12 travellers per group
Budget: Allow USD $50 for meals not included.
Call (941) 779-2050 for more information or to book today! Mention code 6069396
Tour OperatorIntrepid Travel
Duration
10 Days
Escorted
Escorted - Yes
Itinerary
DayDestinationDescription
Day 1BangkokGet to know the streets of Thailand's capital, Bangkok. There are so many attractions to explore - its impressive Museum, the largest in South East Asia, or Wat Pho, which houses the biggest reclining Buddha in the country.
Days 2-3Rice Barge CruiseHead to the Pinklao Pier to board 'Thanatharee', a fabulous converted teak rice barge. Meals are included on board, a great chance to learn some of the secrets of Thai cuisine. You may even be able to accompany the cook to the local market for a real insight into Thai life. Explore the villages along the Mae Nam Noi, rarely seen by tourists. Visit a famous temple, a local orphanage and a hilltribe village to meet the locals and learn about the cottage industries they engage in.
Day 4Ayuthaya/Chiang MaiTake the opportunity to give food to the parade of Buddhist monks on their morning alms round. Stop in at the local Pamok school, a drum-making family's workshop and the local market before travelling by barge to illustrious Ayuthaya.
Day 5Chiang MaiChiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand. There are so many things to do here; linger at glittering temples, sample delicious Thai food, or find fantastic shopping bargains at the famous Night Bazaar.
Days 6-7Hilltribe TrekThe most colourful ethnic minority villages can be found tucked away in the hills of northern Thailand. Walk through forests and over rural terrain to visit some of these hilltribe people. Trek through the forest to an elephant camp, watch the magnificent beasts at work and learn about the life of a mahout. After lunch, enjoy an exciting elephant ride over hilly terrain to a rafting camp.
Day 8Bamboo River Rafting/Chiang MaiFor those with an adventurous streak, take an exciting bamboo raft trip down the Mae Tang River.
Day 9Chiang Mai/BangkokPack in some last-minute shopping and sightseeing on our final day in bustling Chiang Mai.
Day 10BangkokThe adventure comes to a close at the Bangkok train station.
Disclaimer
* The prices listed are based on the costs and exchange rates current at the time of printing/posting. Intrepid reserves the right to alter these prices at any time. For trips departing between 01 January 2007 and 31 December 2007, the land price of your trip is guaranteed when you have paid in full. For trips departing beyond 31 December 2007, prices are indicative only. The itineraries and dates online and in our printed brochures are applicable from 01 January 2007 until 31 December 2007. Beyond 31 December 2007 dates and itineraries are indicative only and are subject to change. All information is accurate to the best of our knowledge at time of printing/posting, but please note that changes to our trips (which can be significant) can and do occur. Intrepid will make every effort to keep you informed of any changes, but cannot be held liable for any alterations made to the published itineraries. Please refer to our website for the most recent update to any trip. Please note that these conditions apply to Intrepid group trips only. Variations may apply for Intrepid Independent trips. Loss of monies paid applies to all cancelled reservations. The date of trip cancellation is the date on which the written cancellation is received by Intrepid. Please ask your Travel Agent about our full Booking and Cancellation Conditions.