Page 107 - Asia & North Pacific

Downtown THAILAND Providing Fascinating Travel Experiences
A Land of Smiles
10 days
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket
ing of Lanna life, its traditions and buildings, the relationship between their religion and ancestors, and the way this all works together with nature. Return to Chiang Mai for overnight. [B/D]
Day 5: Chiang Mai
Today you will visit the Patara Elephant Farm, in the hills outside Chiang Mai, where you will learn some of the care and skills needed to handle an ele- phant. The farm is a Thai owned and managed farm focusing on health- care and breeding management for f riendly, beautiful and special ele- phants. You will learn about the correct behavior around elephants, how to mount and direct and elephant and will spend the day with your new found friend in the jungle. There will be time spent bathing the elephant at a waterfall/stream and you will ride bareback dressed in Karen ethnic type clothes as the mahouts typically wear. This will be a day you will never forget. Mid-afternoon transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Chiang Mai. [B/L]
Day 6: Chiang Mai
One of the most unique experiences in ThailandisavisittoaBuddhisttemple to offer alms to the monks. Each morning before dawn, the monks put on their distinctive saff ron robes and emerge from their monasteries to
collect alms from the population. Participate in this highly spiritual ceremony before returning to your hotel for breakfast. Today you’ll join a cooking class at A Lot of Thai cooking school where your teacher is a young couple who opens their homely environ in traditional Thai way and makes it as a class. This half-day course will be a lot of fun. Start a unique day with a ride by classic vehicles. You will have a chance to visit a local market where you can still glimpse the feeling of local grocery stores rather than a supermarket chain, a way to share good fortune with their community. You will have a hands-on experience cooking your 3 dishes with different menu every day day. Enjoy your “self- cooked” lunch proudly and take back
home your cooking skills and, as a souvenir, a cookbook written and designed by your “teacher”. Lunch will be provided at the cooking school where you will try your own master dishes. **Note: The cooking school normally closes on Sundays. Overnight in Chiang Mai. [B/L]
Day 7: Chiang Mai, Phuket
After some leisurely time in Chiang Mai, transfer to Chiang Mai International Airport to board your flight to Phuket. Upon arrival in Phuket International Airport, you will
be welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Phuket. [B]
Days 8/9: Phuket
Phuket is located on Thailand’s largest island is well known by beach lovers and divers who enjoy the tranquil beaches and submerge themselves in the Andaman Sea. Blue lagoons and fiery sunsets create a dream-like atmosphere and a feeling of surreal. Watersports are the most popular activities, though once you’ve had enough sun there’s still plenty to explore at the island’s aquariums, gardens, and Buddhist temples. Enjoy two f ree days at leisure. [B]
Day 10: Phuket, Bangkok, USA
Enjoy a few more hours relaxing before you are met and transferred to Phuket International Airport to board your Bangkok bound flight the first leg of your return back home. [B]
Your Tour includes:
F Arrival and departure private transfers in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket
F Assistance at airports
F 9 nights accommodation
F Breakfast daily
F 2 lunches
F 1 dinner
F Tours by private vehicle
F English speaking guides
F Entrance fees for sightseeing provided
For prices and other details visit www.holidayswithdowntown.com 107