Thailand - Adventure, Culture, and Beach: Jan/ Feb, 2008

Come and take an adventure with us to the glorious land of Thailand as we visit three of the most “must see” cities.
Enjoy a paradise of pristine beaches, hidden temples, and remote mountain refuges.
 

Adventure
- Elephant riding in the jungle
- Hiking the hills of Chiang Dao
- Mae Taeng River Whitewater Rafting
- Optional: Canopy Tour / Night Rafting

Culture
- Royal Grand Palace
- World’s largest Golden Buddha
- World famous Reclining Buddha
- Thailand’s most sacred temple with the revered Emerald Buddha
- Northern Thailand’s most important temple-Wat Phrathat Dui Suthe
- Thai Cooking Class (optional)

Beach
-Three full days of swimming in Patong the most popular beach in Thailand
Unlimited amount of Optional Activities:
- Island excursions (Phi Phi Island-From the movie The Beach)
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Rock Climbing
- Windsurfing
- Kayaking & Sailing
- Horseback Riding
- Thai massages/spa
                                                              

Pricing: (Full Package, including International Flight!)
$2,095 make deposit by October 31
$2,195 make deposit by November 30
$2,295 make deposit by December 25

Deposit to hold your spot: $500 - http://thailand2008.eventbrite.com
Questions/ RSVP: Teresa@DynamicOutdoors.com

Included:
Airline tickets: Non-Stop Direct with Thai Airways !!
ALL international air, domestic air, and local ground connections
ALL accommodations
All entrance fee to activities specified on itinerary.
English Speaking Guides
All scheduled activities
All breakfasts (except on overnight train) and 2 lunches and 2 dinners

Detailed Itinerary
Monday, January 28 - Depart NYC @ 11:30 am

Tuesday, January 29
Arrive Bangkok @ 4.45 pm
Transfer to our hotel in Sukhumvit Bangkok and drop luggage off.
Relax a bit at hotel before exploring the city of Bangkok...
Overnight at 3 star hotel.

Wednesday, January 30
Start the morning off with one of the most popular tours in Bangkok. Visit the Royal Grand Palace, and explore the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew, Thailand’s most sacred temple with the revered Emerald Buddha. Other key attractions such as the Coronation Throne Hall, Royal Reception Hall, Royal Funeral Hall, the Golden Chedi, and the Royal Pantheon.
Lunch in Bangkok
Open the remainder of day and evening to explore Bangkok and Overnight in Bangkok
   

Thursday, January 31
Sleep in and relax in the morning or explore the city of Bangkok!
In the afternoon we'll get a guided City and Temple Tour
Drive across the city into the inner core to see the contrast between old and new of Bangkok. Visits to the outstanding temples (Wat) such as - Wat Pho famous for  its Reclining Buddha, Wat Trimitr, the world's largest Golden Buddha believed to be about 700 years old. Continue to Wat Benchamabophit, famous as the Marble Temple, which is built with white Carara Italian marble in a graceful architecture and house one of Thailand's most beautiful Buddha replica of Phra Phuttachinarat
Dinner in Bangkok and Overnight train to Chiang Mai

Friday, February 1
Arrive in Chiang Mai early morning. Check into 3 star Hotel.
Relax or explore the city until early afternoon. We will then get a guided tour of Thailand's most important temple - Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. It is situated approx. 14kms. north-west of Chiang Mai and is about 1,200m above sea level. It is Chiang Mai's most important temple and to reach the building itself you have to climb 190 steps (or you can take the small "cable car"). However, it is well worth the effort. At the top, you are rewarded by the sight of the temple with its large golden stupa, plus an incredible panoramic view of the city of Chiang Mai.
Later in the evening we can take a walk to the famous Night Bazaar.
Dinner/nightlife in Chiang Mai and Overnight in Chiang Mai

Saturday, February 2
Get those hiking shoes on!  Today we will get picked up from our hotel in the morning and transfer to the trailhead.  We’ll begin trekking to a Lahu Village of Hoi Kup Kaap.  Once we arrive at the top of the mountain, we’ll enjoy a Thai meal and spectacular views of the valley.  Descending back into the valley we’ll pass a waterfall and more spectacular jungle and river views before ending up at our private camp and jungle home stay.  We’ll relax and settle in our lodges.

Trekking in Northern Thailand is an unforgettable experience and Chiang Mai is certainly the trekking hub. The mountainous interior of the region, lush tropical vegetation and intriguing hill tribe villages which act as your hosts all add up to a fantastic experience among unspoiled nature. In fact you need to escape the tourist crowds of Chiang Mai then trekking is the prefect solution. If you are reasonably fit and don't mind 'roughing it' a little, this is a very worthwhile experience. 
Lunch and dinner is provided
Overnight at Jungle Lodge

Sunday, February 3
Fresh organic coffee and tea waits after a late morning wake up.  We’ll enjoy breakfast at the riverside camp and get ready for another full day of adventure!  Relax in the morning until our early Thai lunch before we gear up for our WWR!  Staff will brief everyone on the day’s adventure and safety procedures.  No experience necessary-just a sense of adventure!  On the river we will conquer 10 kilometers of the best grade III and IV whitewater on the Mae Taeng River.  On our way down from the river we’ll stop at a local riverside elephant camp and enjoy a jungle elephant ride before hoping back on the rafts to finish out the trip.

At the end of our WWR, fresh fruit and refreshments await us.  Once changed and dry, we’ll be able to view a slide show with the photographs of the day!
Lunch and Dinner is provided.
Overnight at Jungle Lodge

Monday, February 4
After our last Thai breakfast at the jungle home stay, we’ll drive to Chiang Mai.  Here you have the option to go to the Thai Cookery Course at an Organic Thai Cookery School or spend the day exploring the city of Chaing Mai.
The Organic Cookery School in located in another beautiful jungle setting.  There you will learn about the local vegetables and cooking techniques as you cook and eat!  You will prepare and feast on a total of five Thai dishes and well as Thai dessert! 
Overnight Train to Bangkok

Tuesday, February 5
After breakfast and maybe one more Thai massage, we will transfer to the airport for an early afternoon flight to Phuket.
Arrive in Phuket in the late afternoon.
We will transfer to our Beach Bungalows on Patong beach where we can walk on the beach or take a swim before dinner.

Wednesday, February 6
Explore Patong, the island’s most popular beach over the last decade.
Optional activities include, but not limited:                                                                                         Diving, snorkeling, rock climbing, ATV, sailing, deep sea fishing, horseback, elephant riding, kayaking, massage, Thai cooking, or just chilling on the beach……..
Overnight at Beach Resort & Spa

Thursday, February 7
Chilling or exploring the beach.
Take an excursion to Phi Phi Island! 
Overnight Beach Bungalows

Friday, February 8
Enjoy the last day in Phuket!   Don’t leave without getting a traditional Thai massage!
In the evening we will transfer to the airport for our 9:30pm flight to Bangkok.  From here we will board our 1:00am flight back to JFK.

  

Saturday, February 9
Depart Bangkok @ 1:00 am
Arrive JFK @ 6.30 am

Questions/ RSVP: Teresa@DynamicOutdoors.com

Air Service provided by: Thai Air:

JFK - BKK: Jan 28 - 11.35 am
BKK - JFK: Feb 9 - 1.05 am

Name Chance, Cancellations, Refunds:
Name change fee: $150
Refunds if you cancel after:
November 1: $200 Penalty applies
December 1: 50% Refund
December 25: 25%  Refund
January 1: No Refund

* * *
Cancellation Policy:
If you cancel more than 60 days before the date of travel, you would receive a refund minus $200
If you cancel less than 60 days before the date of travel, you would receive 75% refund
If you cancel less than 45 days before the date of travel, you would receive 50% refund
If you cancel less than 30 days before the date of travel, you would receive 25% refund
If you cancel less than 15 days before the date of travel, there won't be a refund possible unless we find replacement for you !
(We always highly recommend to take out travel insurance: www.travelex.com)