11-Nights Hill Tribes of Thailand from $6,799

Itinerary Details

Day 1: VIP Fast Track Arrival in Bangkok

Upon arrival at the airport, our exclusive Fast Track Service offers expedited service through all immigration and customs formalities. Before you know it, you'll be on your way into the heart of the capital where you will check in to your riverside hotel.

Day 2: Tour the Grand Palace

Your morning tour begins with the glittering halls and pavilions of the magnificent Grand Palace, including Coronation Hall and the Royal Guest House. At Wat Phra Kaew, home to the famed Emerald Buddha, you'll discover one of Thailand's most venerated Buddhist temples. Continue to Wat Pho, one of the city's largest temples. In addition to being one of the country's oldest institutions of learning, this spectacular complex is home to beautiful murals, ornate architectural detail and an enormous 150-foot long gilded image of a reclining Buddha. Next, you'll have a chance to stop and smell the roses at the photogenic flower market where you'll be awestruck by the vibrant colors and sheer variety on display.After lunch, your guided touring continues with an excursion along Bangkok's famous Klongs; venturing out in a traditional long-tail speed boat is a delightful way to experience the sights and sounds of life along the city's bustling canals. Along one of these waterways, you'll explore the Khlong Bang Luang Artist Village, a small enclave of traditional wooden homes that are now home to studios, galleries, cafes and shops. Then continue your boat excursion onto the Chao Phraya River to visit the magnificent Temple of Dawn before returning to your hotel. You'll have time to refresh and relax before dinner at your hotel. Meals B+L+D

Day 3: Remarkable Markets

This morning is all about Bangkok's coolest markets. Our first stop this morning will be Thailand's famous Railway Track Market. Here you'll be amazed by the sight of local merchants who come daily to set up their stalls along 100 yards of train track! Up to 8 times per day, vendors and shoppers alike have to scramble fast to avoid the passing trains. This is an active rail network, so you'll have to pay close attention to your guide and surroundings! Continuing into Ratchburi Province, we'll visit the floating market at Damnoen Saduak, one of the country's busiest and most colorful. Hundreds of vendors ply the canals in their traditional wooden boats selling everything from tropical fruits and produce to daily staples and even souvenirs.Continue to Lao Tuk Luck market where traditional wooden houses line the canal. On the way back to Bangkok, stop at a local sugar palm farm for insight into how this sweeetner is produced. B+L

Day 4: Ayutthaya + On to Kanchanburi

Our destination this morning is Ayutthaya, where vast ruins bear witness to the splendor of the ancient kingdom of Siam that flourished from 1350 until 1767. You'll delve into the rich history of the erstwhile royal capital, exploring fabulous ruins including Wat Phra Sri Sanphet. This was the holiest temple on the site of the ancient Royal Palace and its still intact stupas attest to Ayutthaya's former glory! Enjoy a relaxing lunch before setting off for Kanchanburi.On arrival, we'll take you to the pier, where long tail boats will take you the Float House River Kwai. Here on the edge of the gently flowing river against a forested mountain backdrop, you'll check in to your unique and spacious floating villa. Take some time to enjoy your private terrace on the river and the extraordinary setting of our evocative resort. Meals B+L+D

Day 5: Tailor Your Stay + Visit a Mon Tribal Village

With our compliments, A+R guests will have a chance today to join one of the activities offered by the resort. Depending upon your interests and taste for adventure, you might explore the area on a biking, hiking or canoeing adventure. We also offer a guided excursion to Lawa Cave, filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.Later this afternoon, rejoin your guide to venture by boat through spectacular river gorges into the jungle to visit a Mon tribal village. Enjoy dinner and a performance of Mon music and dance at our resort before retiring to your floating room. Meals B+D

Day 6: River Kwai Bridge + Onward to Chiang Rai

This morning set off to explore Kanchanburi's WWII history. We'll visit the infamous River Kwai Bridge, made famous by the 1950s classic The Bridge Over the River Kwai. During the war, the bridge and train tracks were dug at the cost of numerous POW lives. Next visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Center and the Allied Cemetery to learn more about the thousands of prisoners of war who lost their lives during the construction of the Bridge and the Death Railway.After lunch, return to Bangkok for your included flight to the north of Thailand. On arrival in Chiang Rai, you'll be met and escorted to your hotel. Meals B+L+D

Day 7: White Temple + Akha Hill Tribe

This morning, you'll visit the unique White Temple, locally called Wat Rong Khun. This contemporary Buddhist temple diverges from the traditonal gold and red, as it appears to be made of porcealin, a dazzling effect achieved thorugh a combination of whitewash and transparent mirriored chips. Next, we'll visit the Holoyo Community, home to Akha hill tribe. The Akha people are regarded fo their colorful traditionla dress and exceptional skills in farming, forgaging and woodworking. Spend time in the community, gaining a deeper understanding of the past, present and future of the community. Return to the hotel for an afternoon of leisure. Meals B+L

Day 8: Onward to Chiang Mai + Lisu Hill Tribe + Tea Plantation

Depart early this morning for an overland drive from Chiang Rai to The Rose of the North, Chiang Mai. Head to Mae Tang, a rural community tucked in the city's surrounding hills to visit a Lisu village. A resident from the hill tribe will guide you trhough the village, an amazing opportunity to learn about the customs of this small, but thriving commuinty. You'll visit Ton Lung temple, an herbal garaden and meet the community's spiritual healer. A fresh, delicious lunch will be served at the Lisu Lodge.In the afternoon, visit Araksa Tea Garden, a thriving plantation opeated by the Lisu people. A tea guide and plucker will introduce to every facet of the tea process, including taking part in plucking the leaves from the rows of plants. Return to Chiang Mai for a an evening at leisure. B+L

Day 9: Monk Meet-Up + Local Family Cooking

This morning offers a special opportunity to learn all about Buddhism. You'll have a morning meet-up with a local monk to discuss every facet of Buddhism and how it intertwines with Thai culture. The serene atmosphere is the perfect place to discuss meditation, the search for enlightment, the eight-fold path, and how these core beliefs impact how Thais intereact on a daily basis. Return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure.This evening experience the warmth of a traditonal Thai home with a Lanna cooking experience. Led by a charasmatic family, this activity blends a hands-on cooking class with a real-life look into a Thai life. Under guidance of the various family memebers, you'll create some traditional northern Thai dishes from scratch. Afterwards, sit down at the family table for dinner. B+L+D

Day 10: Elephant Nature Park

After breakfast, we'll take you to Elephant Nature Park, a sanctuary highly respected for its care and protection of elephants that have been orphaned or rescued from abusive situations. Beyond this, Elephant Nature Park has been recognized for its other work, from rain forest restoration to community development and sustainability. During your visit, you'll have a chance to engage with the staff, learning about their work and watching the elephants as they go about their normal routines. You'll observe these giant animals being cared for and even have chance to help in their feeding. After a vegetarian lunch here at the Park, we'll take you back to Chiang Mai where the rest of your afternoon is at leisure - a great chance to explore on your own, do some shopping, indulge in a spa treatment, or simply relax poolside. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a Farewell Dinner. Meals B+L+D

Day 11: Onward to Bangkok

Enjoy a free morning until you transfer to the aiport for a short included flight back to Bangkok. After arriving to your riverside hotel, you'll have the remainder of the afternoon free.This evening say farewell to Thailand in style, aboard a classic rice barge that has been converted into an elegant dinner cruise. Enjoy a sumptous meal as you ply the Chao Phraya River, admiring the twinkling lights of Thailand's capital.

Day 12: Depart Bangkok

We'll take you to the airport this morning for your onward flight, or continue with us on a privately-arranged extension. Meals B