Thailand Explorer & Southern Beaches Kayaking

2007 Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Your trip begins today in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The trip guides meet us at the Chiang Mai airport in late morning and we spend the day exploring the area around the city. After enjoying our first of many delicious Thai meals, we drive up Suthep Mountain to visit the famous temple, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Chiang Mai has over three hundred temples and Doi Suthep is one of the most impressive, glittering in gold and sitting on a hillside high above the city. Climb 300 steps to the temple and take in the fantastic views of Chiang Mai Valley. Return to Chiang Mai to freshen up before dinner.  Lunch and dinner included.

• Day 2

   We drive out of the city and visit Wat Tung Luang, a beautiful teak structure with many intricate carvings. View the body of one of the most revered monks in Thailand displayed in a glass coffin and perhaps see herbal medicines being prepared at the temple. Drive to the Mae Taman district. To highlight our elephant ride on Day 6, we visit an elephant camp nestled in the forest to watch demonstration of 'elephants at work'. Scenic 2 ½ hour drive to the small and bustling town of Pai, a country village nestled in a tranquil valley. Overnight in lovely cottages in Pai (please note that roads are very windy and those prone to motion sickness should take precautions). All meals included.

• Day 3

  Take a 1 hour drive to our hike departure point… a Lahu village is our mid-day destination. After lunch, we continue hiking through dense jungle with several river crossings. Our final destination is one of the Karen villages, the largest tribe in northern Thailand. The Karen are known for using brilliant colors in their embroidery. Our guides prepare a spicy dinner while we relax or cool off in the nearby river. The day ends with stories and time to record the day's events in your journal. Rustic hut lodging tonight. Hiking: 4-6 hours. All meals included.
  
  Note on Lodging: Lodging at the tribal villages are very rustic. All guests share one sleeping room upon a raised sleeping platform. Sleeping bags/pads and mosquito netting are provided. Bathrooms are basic outhouses and there is no electricity.
  
  Hiking Notes: The summer months are much more likely to have rain and, as such, these jungle trails can be muddy and very slippery. Good footwear and an easy pace will help with these conditions.

• Day 4

  After breakfast we hike one hour to reach the river and our bamboo rafts. We enjoy a scenic float through the jungle to a small Shan village. Nearby is the impressive Cave Lod. After lunch, we explore this unique cave system, which is said to be one of Southeast Asia's largest; it has tombs buried deep in its caverns. We say goodbye and give thanks to our first set of porters. Next we drive to Soppong village and overnight at a simple yet lovely guesthouse. Enjoy a dip in the pool or a beverage on the river-side deck before dinner. Hiking and cave exploration: 3 hours. Bamboo raft: 1 hour. All meals included.

• Day 5

  Drive approximately 2 hours to Mae Hong Son to visit a Burmese-style temple, Wat Phrathat Doi Kong Mu. Located atop Kong Mu Mountain, it offers breathtaking vistas. You may have time to explore the shops and perhaps get a reflexology foot massage in Mae Hong Son before our late afternoon flight to Chiang Mai. Tonight's the night to explore on your own the famous Chiang Mai night bazaar. Breakfast and lunch included.

• Day 6

  Drive approximately 3 hours to Thaton. After lunch in Thaton, enjoy a long-tail boat journey to the small village of Surin and meet our mahouts with their elephants. Take a 1 ½ hour elephant ride to a Red Lahu village. The Red Lahu's clothing is distinctive in their use of red accents and silver medallions. Overnight stay with a local family in rustic accommodations. All meals included.

• Day 7

  Following a short hike and drive, we find ourselves in an Akha tribal village. The Akha are renowned for building sacred gates as entrances to their villages. Afterwards, we hike to a Shan village to meet our van. Visit lively Mae Sai, a trading town on the border of Thailand and Burma. Late in the afternoon, we drive to the famous Golden Triangle where Thailand, Burma (Myanmar), and Laos all meet at the Mae Khong River. It's an area infamous for the historical distinction as the hub for opium trade. We have the option to take a long-tail boat ride (approx. 45 mins) down the Mae Khong River, the longest river in SE Asia and eighth longest in the world. Those who wish to skip this activity may begin relaxing at the Imperial Golden Triangle Resort. The Golden Triangle Resort has all amenities including a swimming pool, great food and massage services. Enjoy another wonderful Thai dinner with our guide at a local restaurant. Hiking: 1-2 hours. All meals included.

• Day 8

  Upon arrival in historic Chiang Saen, we have the opportunity to visit some interesting old temples before continuing on to Chiang Mai. As we near Chiang Mai, we stop at a factory where local craftsmen make and paint umbrellas and tour a woodcarving factory with a beautiful selection of teak woodcarvings. One more stop at an ISO approved factory where a large selection of Burmese rubies and sapphires can be perused and purchased! Our drive ends in Chiang Mai where we celebrate a great journey's end with a final banquet. All meals included.

• Day 9

  If you are not joining the group for the southern beach extension, your journey ends in Chiang Mai this morning with a transfer to the airport. For those continuing onto the south, your early morning flight to Phuket brings you to the stunning Andaman Sea. Upon arrival, we are met by our guides and are transferred from the airport to our hotel. Check into our resort hotel and prepare for a leisurely, afternoon "warm up" coastal paddle. In the late afternoon we return to the hotel for relaxation and dinner. For those who may want to take lots of photos, our kayak guides are happy to paddle for us in a 2-person kayak. Lunch and dinner included - southern extension only.

• Days 10-11

  For 2-1/2 days, we explore Phang Nga Bay by sit-on-top kayaks. Our support boat ferries us from one kayaking site to another maximizing our ability to kayak areas of fantastic scenery consisting of numerous sea caves, hidden lagoons and extraordinary limestone cliffs. The water here is as clear as aquamarine crystal and the beaches are unbelievably inviting. Time to snorkel as well as kayak. The support boat follows us carrying all our gear and providing added comforts such as wonderful cooks who prepare amazing meals! We camp for 2 nights on scenic beaches. **Note: groups of 2 or 3 stay in beach bungalows rather than camp. Paddling: 3-4+ hours daily. All meals included.

• Day 12

  Another glorious day of supported sea kayaking! Our support boat returns us to the pier in Phuket and we transfer to our hotel for a celebration dinner with our guides. There's time to explore Phuket at night. Paddling: 3 hours. All meals included.

• Day 13

  For those flying out of Phuket this morning, a transfer to the airport is provided. Or, extend your stay in Thailand and Southeast Asia. Meals on your own today.

Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted above. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is one-half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available on most departures. Single accommodations are not available for rustic hut lodging. All trip members are assigned their own tent for beach camping.

All accommodations as noted in itinerary; 7 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners; private bi-lingual guides; porters; entrance fees; bamboo rafting; long-tail boat ride; elephant ride; private ground transportation within Thailand; flight from Mae Hong Son to Chiang Mai; Chiang Mai airport transfers. Southern extension portion only: 2 nights resort hotel; 2 nights beach camping / bungalows; 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners; bi-lingual guides; 1 and 2-person kayaks; motorized support boat; airport transfers.

International airfare to/from Thailand; internal flights in Thailand (except on Day 5); 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner; cost of passport; soft drinks and alcoholic beverages; items of a personal nature and optional gratuities to your guides.

This trip is rated Easy Active [2] and will be enjoyed by anyone who is physically fit and enjoys hiking. Although the hiking is not particularly long or strenuous, prior hiking experience is recommended. The hiking distances range from 4-6 miles over uneven terrain on trails that are not maintained and can be slippery and rugged. No experience is needed for the rafting or sea kayaking, however, you must be comfortable on/in the water.

Thailand has a tropical climate. Temperatures in the 80s can be expected during the day with cooler temperatures (60s) at night. Temperatures in the northern mountains will typically be 10-20° cooler, especially during the evenings. For July & August, expect evening rain (possibly daytime as well) and hot/humid conditions.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

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