Hidden Gems of Thailand

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 hotel noticeboard located near the hotel lifts which will provide your tour leader's name and the exact time and location of your Welcome Meeting. Until this meeting we encourage you to get out and discover the delights that Bangkok has to offer, including trying some of 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). Late afternoon we catch a flight to Chiang Rai. Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 3: Chiang Rai

Today's agenda is a day tour to the Golden Triangle, the meeting point of Burma, Laos and Thailand at the conflux of the Ruak and Mekong ('Maekhong' in Thai) rivers. This infamous point is the area in which powerful warlords have fought for control over the opium trade. An opportunity to cross the border at Thachilek into Burma is possible (for those wanting another stamp in their passport!) before visiting Chiang Saen, the point where Burma, Laos and Thailand meet. (Please note that the border crossing is subject to current conditions - from time to time the border is closed due to political problems between the nations). This evening we have time to visit the Night Market, which is rich with the colour and crafts of the hilltribe people. Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 4: Thaton

After breakfast, we head further north and travel to Kok river where we board a longtail boat and journey along the river towards Thaton (Please note that, at some times of the year, it may be necessary to travel by mini-van due to the low water making it unsuitable to travel by boat. At other times, if the water levels are only just sufficient, you may have to lend a bit of muscle in the drier months to push the boat over a sandbar or two!). The trip along the Kok River allows us time to enjoy the surroundings before we stop at Thaton. We catch a private mini-bus and drive for an hour and a half into the northern hill region around Chiang Dao. 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. We immerse ourselves into the unique way of life of the local people. We then travel back to Chiang Dao to stay the night . Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch

Day 5 & 6: Pai

An elephant ride through the forest delivers us out of the forest as we say goodbye to the hilltribe villages. We then catch a private minibus and travel the tranquil town of Pai. Along the way we enjoy some of the most stunning scenery in northern Thailand. Once in Pai we check in to our eco lodge which is nestled on the banks of the Pai river , just a 20 minute walk from the town of Pai. Once here you can explore the rich culture of northern Thailand and enjoy the sights and attractions, stunning walks, amazing local food and drinks, as well as local afternoon markets. Pai offers a number of nature and tourist attractions, including waterfalls, hotsprings, caves, elephant camps and temples. Meals included: 2 breakfasts

Day 7 & 8: Mae Hong Son

From Pai it is a short 3 hour drive to Mae Hong Son through some further stunning landscape. We stay in a truly amazing eco lodge nestled in the lush valley outside the town of Mae Hong Son, in the mountains of Northern Thailand.It is a nature lovers paradise. The sounds of running water and the peaceful jungle setting is pure relaxation. It is the perfect hide-away. We enjoy some further pampering by taking a relaxing mud bath. If this is not your style the lodging has many further activities such as bush walking, birdwatching, trekking, mountain biking or if you feel like getting the real taste of Thailand you can even plant or harvest some rice. If none of this takes your fancy then head into town and explore this vibrant Thailand town immersed in local minorities. Meals included: 2 breakfasts

Day 9 - 11: Chiang Mai

On Day 9 we fly from Mae Hong Song to Chiang Mai. On arrival in Chiang Mai 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!Chiang Mai 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 on day 10 and also drop into the Hilltribe museum for an preview of the cultures and customs of the hilltribe peoples of northern Thailand. That afternoon we become masterchefs on a half-day cooking school, starting with a visit to the local market. After buying all our ingredients, including fresh vegetables, we travel to our cooking school, situated on the outskirts of town. Here we learn the intricacies of cooking Thai cuisine, with a special emphasis on the northern Lanna style. Be warned – you get to eat the fruits of your labour! “Lum tair tair” is the word for 'delicious' in the northern Thai dialect. The following day is yours free explore this tranquil city or simply enjoy your final day in the Raming lodge of Chiang Mai with being pampered by a spa treatment. Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Day 12: 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. Meals included: 1 breakfast