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HIGHLIGHTS
A quick look about this trip!
DURATION
9 DAYS
COMFORT
LANGUAGE
RATING
  • The bridge over the River Kwai at Kanchanaburi
  • The reclining golden Buddha of Wat Po
  • Rice barge cruise and dawn monk procession in the former capital of the Siamese empire - UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ayuthaya 
  • Hill tribe trek to the ethnic minority villages of Northern Thailand 
  • Bike ride among the ruins of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sukhothai - Thailand's first capital 
  • Close encounter at Lampang Elephant Conservation Center 
  • Bangkok's Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald BuddhaHighlight of Highlights 

    Ayuthaya and a Night in a Traditional Thai Teak House Spend a day in Ayuthaya - the capital of Siam from 1350 to 1767 AD and, in its prime, one of the largest and most glamorous cities in the world. We'll lunch onboard a rice barge while cruising around its major temples then spend a night with our Thai hosts in a traditional teak house, experiencing a slice of the local life-style.
ACTIVITIES ON THIS TRIP
Primary: Historical Sites
Other: cycling, elephant ride, walking, Local Culture
$1295USD
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Applies to Departures Between:
4/25/2012 and 1/1/2013
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TRIP MAP
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Amazing Thailand

This trip introduces you to the best that Thailand has to offer. The incredible historic temples and palaces of Bangkok and Chiang Mai showcase this country’s colourful and unique culture, but you also discover a different facet.
This trip introduces you to the best that Thailand has to offer. The incredible historic temples and palaces of Bangkok and Chiang Mai showcase this country’s colourful and unique culture, but you also discover a different facet by riding on elephants and travelling on longtail boats through lively waterways. You experience local life by spending a special night with the hilltribe people in the north, staying in their simple village hut. Along the way, there is ample time to take advantage of the bargains to be had in the shopping paradise that is Thailand.


Safety Information for Thailand 

The safety and welfare of our customers is our top priority, and is always of paramount importance to us when we design and operate our trips. Preparation in advance of your trip, by both us and you, and some practical measures during the tour, helps ensure your adventure is memorable for all the right reasons. Below is how we work to make sure your adventure is a safe one, and some steps you can take as well. What we do Before travelling We monitor travel alerts provided by the Australian, UK, USA and Canadian governments to ensure we are always aware of the latest events in the countries we visit. Before a tour goes on sale we assess risks and decide how to reduce and manage these. If we determine a trip, a part of a trip or an activity is too risky we won’t do it. If we cannot address issues and improve conditions we may modify an itinerary, change accommodation or even decide not to travel to a certain location. Our overseas staff and tour leaders receive regular training to ensure they can address health and safety issues during trips. We provide you with emergency numbers before you travel. We provide you with comprehensive pre-departure information, including details about vaccinations you may need and other relevant health issues. We inform you about any special clothing or equipment you need to bring. We’re upfront about what to expect. We want you to be prepared to help ensure you make the right decision about which tour suits you best. If there are any events or activities going on in South East Asia that may affect your safety we post this information on our Travel Updates webpages or in our specific country information. During your trip Tour leaders are trained in first aid and always carry a first aid kit for emergencies. Our tour leaders are local, so if something does go wrong during the trip, they know the most efficient and effective way to get the necessary help. As well as our destination telephone number we provide you with, we also give you a 24-hour emergency number as a back-up. What you can do Read the information we send to you to help prepare before travelling and to ensure you pack all you need. We give you comprehensive information about what to expect, but we’re always happy to answer any questions you may have before or during your trip. Consult your local Foreign Office travel alerts. Rest assured we consult these daily and modify tours if necessary. Links are available here. Get some medical travel advice about the countries you are visiting, particularly about vaccinations and the type of travel first aid kit you should carry for your personal use. www.traveldoctor.com.au is a good place to start, with online factsheets and a list of clinic locations. Please tell us about medical conditions, special needs or dietary requirements so we can ensure the tour is suitable for you and can assist you appropriately during your trip. Have your vaccinations and take relevant medication in good time to ensure they take effect when travelling. Follow the directions given by our tour and trek leaders. They want to give you a memorable experience while ensuring your safety at the same time.

Day 1: Bangkok
Arrive in Bangkok where you are transferred to the comfortable and centrally located Royal Benja Hotel. A pre-trip briefing is held in the evening, to meet the other members of your group and discuss the trip itinerary. Please check for a Welcome Notice on the Peregrine noticeboard located near the hotel lifts which will provide your Tour Leaders name, the exact time and location of your welcome meeting. Until your meeting we encourage you to get out and discover the delights that Bangkok has to offer, including Thailand’s famous cuisine. After the Group Meeting in the evening we may adjourn to a nearby restaurant and enjoy a meal together (this is optional and at your own expense). The rest of the evening is free - perhaps a quiet drink or a visit to the bustling night markets of Bangkok
Day 2: Bangkok
Today is a full day to enjoy the sights of Bangkok. This city tour is all done on the different forms of public transport available to the citizens of Bangkok (Skytrain, canal boat, ferry and bus), to give you a true taste of life in this busy and varied city. First up it’s a stop at Jim Thompson’s House, a collection of unique antique Thai houses situated by a klong (canal). Here we get to appreciate its amazing Asian art collection. Jim Thompson was an American who arrived in Thailand during World War II and worked with the predecessor to the CIA, the OSS. When the war ended he changed professions and remained in Thailand. He is credited with reviving the Thai silk industry before mysteriously disappearing in the Cameron Highlands, in Malaysia, in 1967. We then visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), a must for first-time travellers to Bangkok. We also visit Wat Po, home of the famous Reclining Buddha. (When visiting temples and palaces in Thailand, please dress conservatively in order to respect the local culture). At the end of a busy day we also have a chance to discover the city’s shopping opportunities. For dinner we head down to the Chao Praya River to enjoy an optional Thai feast at a riverside restaurant. Meals included: 1 breakfast
Day 3: Kanchanaburi Region
We depart Bangkok and make our way to Kanchanaburi by our private minibus (approximately 2 ½ hours). A tour takes us to explore the sights in town, including the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai, the sobering Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and the JEATH War Museum. We also explore the beautiful countryside whilst driving out to the infamous Hellfire Pass, where we visit the fascinating museum that chronicles the events of World War II, as well as view a nearby section of the infamous Burma Death Railway. Following this we we take a short longtail boat ride up river and check into our idyllic and peaceful accommodation, set in the countryside on the banks of the River Kwai Noi, away from town. Meals included: 1 breakfast
Day 4: Ayuthaya
We then head to Ayuthaya (approximately 4-5 hours). Situated 90 kilometres north of Bangkok, Authya was the capital of Siam from 1350 to 1767 AD. In its prime it was one of the largest and most glamorous cities in the world and the capital city of the then huge Siamese empire, that included large parts of Laos, Cambodia and Burma. Following a siege of nearly two years, the city suffered total destruction at the hands of the Burmese. We board our private rice barge for a two-hour lunch cruise around this ancient city and its major temples. After our cruise, we head to Ban Jorakae, where we spend a night in a traditional Thai teak house. The accommodation is basic, however it enables you to experience a slice of the life-style of our gracious Thai hosts. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Day 5: Sukhothai
After an early morning wake-up call to offer alms to the monks, we embark on a long drive to Sukhothai. Our journey takes us through the central plains of Thailand - the major rice producing region of the country (approximately 5-6 hours). We pass townships such as Uthai Thani, Nakhon Sawan, Kamphaeng Phet and Tak, before reaching our destination. Most of these towns see very few foreign tourists. Tonight we stay in a comfortable hotel situated between the new town and the archaeological site. Meals included: 1 breakfast
Day 6: Sukhothai - Lampang
Sukhothai, historically known as 'The Dawn of Happiness', was Thailand's first capital. Some of the finest Thai antiques, Buddha images and ceramic pieces date from this period. We have an early start and visit the Sukhothai ruins. Here we ride bicycles – a great way to explore the archaeological park. After the decline of Sukhothai, the site remained deserted for centuries. The first major restoration began in 1979 and the visitors’ centre displays the original layout of the city. In the afternoon, we travel by private mini-van to Lampang (approximately 4-5 hours), former centre of the teak wood trade. The chicken is the symbol of the province and can be seen everywhere. Legend has it that the god Indra was concerned that people wouldn’t get up in time to offer alms to the Lord Buddha, who was arriving the following day, so he descended on the province in the form of a chicken and started crowing to ensure everyone woke in time! In the late afternoon we visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang. Built in Lanna style, it is arguably one of the most beautiful temples northern Thailand. Your tour leader can teach you how to ‘tum bon’ (make merit), which ultimately should assist you in returning, in your next life, one step closer to enlightenment. We spend a special night in bungalows at the Lampang Elephant Conservation Center. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner
Day 7: Lampang - Chiang Mai
In the morning we see a demonstration of the skills that have made elephants such an intergral part of the Thai logging trade. It is a great chance to get close to these magnificent animals. After lunch, it’s an hour’s drive Chiang Mai. It is a moated city with the impressive backdrop of Doi Suthep, a 1,676-metre peak that offers impressive views of the surrounding countryside. Near the summit is a famous temple – Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. We will visit the temple and also drop into the Hilltribe museum for an preview of the cultures and customs of the hilltribe peoples of northern Thailand. The evening presents you with a fantastic opportunity to explore the famous Night Bazaar, a shopper’s paradise! The combination of the local Lanna handicrafts and the traditional wares of the hilltribe people on offer ensure that you won’t go away empty handed! Meals included: 1 breakfast
Day 8: Chiang Dao - Chiang Mai
We catch a private mini-bus and drive for an hour and a half into the northern hill region around Chiang Dao. An elephant ride through the forest delivers us the hilltribe villages where we then trek around the area, visiting Palong, Karen, Lisu and Akha people. Meeting these colourful people gives you an insight into their unique lifestyle and customs. Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch
Day 9: Chiang Mai
The tour ends after breakfast in Chiang Mai. A transfer to the airport is not included; however, your tour leader will be on hand to advise you as to the available options. If you are leaving from the international airport, remember to keep 500 Baht for your departure tax, payable at the airport. Please note that credit cards and foreign currencies are not accepted. Meals included: 1 breakfast
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Sandra, Kilburn
The home stay - I was worried about this initially, especially sharing one room with other people on the tour, but surprisingly this was the most memorable time of the trip.
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TRIP INCLUDES
  • The services of Peregrine's expert English-speaking local tour leader throughout the tour, and local guides at some sites. 
  • Sightseeing (including entrance fees where relevant): Bangkok - Jim Thompson’s House, Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Temple of the Reclining Buddha; Kanchanaburi - Bridge over the River Kwai, Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, JEATH Museum, Hellfire Pass and a section of the Burma Death Railway; Lampang - Wat Phra That Lampang Luang; and Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple, Hill Tribe Museum and visit to the Night Market. 
  • Two-hour lunch cruise on a private rice barge around the ancient capital of Ayuthaya. 
  • Cycle tour around the archaeological site of Sukhothai. 
  • Elephant ride to hilltribe villages north of Chiang Mai with a trek to visit the Palong, Karen, Lisu and Akha people. 
  • Overnight stay in a traditional Thai teak house in Ban Jorakae. 
  • Longtail boat ride in the countryside near Kanchanaburi to accommodation on the banks of the River Kwai Noi. 
  • Time with the elephants and an overnight stay in bungalows at the Lampang Elephant Conservation Center. 
  • Arrival transfer.


TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE
  • International flights
  • Airport departure taxes
  • Visas
  • Insurance
  • Other meals
  • Any optional tours and activities during free time
  • Tips and items of a personal nature.
CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

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