Thailand: Ancient Capitals & Countryside with optional 4-Night Phuket Post Tour Extension Additional Options February 16 - March 1, 2011 14 Days ● 26 Meals: 12 Breakfasts ● 7 Lunches ● 7 Dinners
	Highlights Bangkok ● Ayutthaya ● Sukhothai ● Chiang Rai ● Laos ● Hall of Opium ● Chiang Mai ● Elephant Camp ● Night Market

Call 1-800-622-8977 to have a reservation packet sent to you. 
First deposit of $450 (which includes cancellation waiver and insurance) per person due upon reservation.
*Reservations are made on a first come, first serve basis.
Reservations made after the seat reduction date of 9/17/2010 are based upon availability.
Final payment due by 12/18/2010.

Itinerary

Day 1: Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Overnight Flight

Day 2: Thursday, February 17, 2011
Arrive Bangkok, Thailand - Tour Begins
You arrive in Bangkok, located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.

Day 3: Friday, February 18, 2011
Bangkok
LANGUAGE DISCOVERY:Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Vibrant Bangkok is a central economic hub for Southeast Asia. Blending with its modern-day might is a captivating history that more than 10 million inhabitants call their own. A city tour provides you with insight into the fascinating religious composition of this area during visits to two of Bangkok's famous temples: The Golden Buddha, clad in plaster centuries ago to hide its value from marauders, and The Reclining Buddha which is about 150' long and is clad in pure gold. Visit the Grand Palace, an ornate royal residence built in 1782. Tonight you will be treated to a dinner cruise on a rice barge along the Chao Phraya River. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

Day 4: Saturday, February 19, 2011 Bangkok Travel to the colorful and bustling floating market of Damnoen Saduak and take an exciting long tail boat cruise through the legendary canals, known as Klongs. Later, travel to Kanchanaburi to visit the famous Bridge on the River Kwai. The original bridge inspired the movie about its construction by Allied prisoners of war during WWII who were coerced into building it by Japanese troops. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.

Day 5: Sunday, February 20, 2011
Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Phitsanulok
A trip through the countryside brings you to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand. Founded in 1350 by King U-Thong, Ayutthaya's Golden Age of over 400 years of prosperity came to an abrupt end when the Burmese invaded and ravaged it before abandoning the city for the jungle. The ancient city is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage site and holds spectacular ruins dating from the 14th century. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included

.Day 6: Monday, February 21, 2011
Phitsanulok - Sukhothai - Lampang
Journey north to Sukhothai which presided as Thailand’s capital from 1238-1376. Explore this walled city that created a legacy of a unified nation of Thai people and has a phenomenal artistic heritage. The impressive assembly of elegant ruins is one of the most visited ancient sites in Thailand. Later, arrive in Lampang, located in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains. Relax this evening at your hotel located on the banks of the Wang River. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

Day 7: Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Lampang - Chiang Rai
Travel north to Chiang Rai in the heart of the Golden Triangle. Founded in 1262 by King Meng Rai, Chiang Rai was the first capital of Lanna Thai, the “Kingdom of One Million Rice Fields.” Upon arrival, enjoy leisure time at your lodge situated on the Mae Kok River. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

Day 8: Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Chiang Rai - Doi Tung - Chiang Rai
Travel to the highest peak on the Thai-Myanmar border. En route you have the opportunity to view many different Lahu and Akha Hill Tribe villages and picturesque terraced farming areas. Her Royal Highness, the Princess Mother of Thailand, realized that education was critical in the reduction of opium cultivation. Learn about her efforts at the Doi Tung “Flag Mountain” Development Project, created to help improve the lives of the local villagers by offering alternatives to opium agriculture and use. Next, take a leisurely stroll through the spectacular Mae Fah Luang Foundation, “Mother to Us All Garden,” inspired by the much-loved Princess Mother's living in Switzerland. Learn about many traditional local crafts at the Cottage Industries Center. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.

Day 9: Thursday, February 24, 2011
Chiang Rai - Laos - Chiang Rai
A visit to the Hall of Opium takes you on a journey into this mysterious world. Using state-of-the-art multimedia, the exhibition depicts more than 5,000 years of use and abuse of opiates, its spread throughout the world and international efforts to control it. Enjoy the picturesque landscape along the Mekong River area in the most relaxing way - by long tail boat. Cross the river on this unique vessel to Laos where you will have time to wander through a small village town. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.

Day 10: Friday, February 25, 2011
Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai
Begin the day traveling south to Chiang Mai, known as the “Rose of the North.” This city is famous for diverse cuisine, dialects and architecture, as well as the celebration of many festivals. Tour the cottage industries area and see the local artisans at work. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 11: Saturday, February 26, 2011
Chiang Mai
A scenic drive to the hills of Chiang Mai brings you to the heart of the Teak Forest where you will witness elephants at work & play at Maesa Elephant Camp. Your next stop is a beautiful orchid farm to see many varieties of the national flower of Thailand. Tonight, enjoy a Hill Tribe cultural show and witness the traditions and dance of the Hill Tribe people. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 12: Sunday, February 27, 2011
Chiang Mai
Visit one of the most interesting temples in Chiang Mai, Wat Phrathat Dio Suthep, which is situated 3,520 feet above sea level. This temple is said to have been founded in 1383 and is a sacred site to many Thai people. Visit a jade factory and learn the history of this luminescent stone. A short film explains the basics of the process of turning jade into jewelry and other products before you watch the craftsmen at work. Tonight, enjoy strolling, shopping and bargaining at the Night Market. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 13: Monday, February 28, 2011
Chiang Mai - Bangkok
A short flight* brings you back to Bangkok. This evening, join your fellow passengers for a farewell dinner. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 14: Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Bangkok - Tour Ends
Your tour concludes in the city of Bangkok. Today breakfast will be included.

Optional 5 Days 4-Night Phuket Post Tour Extension

Rate: $869 USD per person, double, land and air included
4 Meals, 4 Breakfasts

Day 14: Bangkok - Phuket
A short flight brings you to Phuket where spectacular scenery, stunning tropical sunsets and the warm blue sea await you at Asia’s most popular beach destination. Transfer to your hotel for your relaxing island experience. The remainder of your day is at leisure.

Day 15: Phuket
Enjoy a leisurely day on this island paradise or perhaps take a tuk-tuk to explore the many shops & cafes located on Patong Beach. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 16: Phuket
Today you may enjoy a walk along the beach, relax by the pool or take one of the available optional tours. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 17: Phuket - Bangkok
A short flight brings you back to Bangkok where the remainder of your day is at leisure. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 18: Bangkok - Tour Ends
Your tour concludes in the city of Bangkok. Today breakfast will be included.

Please Note: This extension will be hosted by a local representative. Extensions not purchased at time of deposit are subject to availability and applicable charges at time of request.

Available Options

Personalize your tour by adding an optional activity below. Our recommended options have been carefully chosen to help enhance your individual experience. Complete the provided Prepaid Options Form to reserve your options.
Availability is limited and reservations are on a first come, first serve basis. Payment must be received no later than 15 days prior to departure. Prices are subject to change. Children under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult.

Bangkok

Thai Massage - $25 USD
After a long day sightseeing in Bangkok, take some time to relax and be pampered in a traditional Thai spa. Enjoy a wonderful foot, back and shoulder massage to help you unwind from a busy day. Duration: Approximately 2 hours. Please note a minimum of 10 passengers is required. Transportation is included.

Traditional Thai Small Puppet Show - $50 USD
Enjoy a puppet performance that you cannot see anywhere in the world but Thailand. During the performance, you will see the puppeteers will not stay behind the scene but be part of the scene as well. Traditional puppets give the performance of the Ramayana – the Indian epic tale. See the incredible lifelike human movements of each puppet and see how the puppeteers bring their puppets to life. Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours. Please note a minimum of 10 passengers is required. Transportation is included.

Chiang Mai

Balloon Flight of Chiang Mai - $399 USD
There is no better way to view the beauty of Chiang Mai than a gentle free-floating balloon flight over the mysterious countryside. Depart prior to sunrise this morning to a field where you will view the hot air balloons being filled for your trip. At the first rays of sunshine, your balloon will be lifted. You will view wide plains of the Ping River Valley and enjoy a champagne breakfast at your landing site. Balloon flight is one hour in duration and is weather permitting. Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours. Please note a minimum of 4 passengers is required. Transportation is included.

Doi Inthanon National Park - $75 USD
Visit the Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand’s highest mountain. Drive to the top where you will see twin chedis commerating the birthdays of the King and Queen of Thailand, as well as take a walk to see the unique flora of the area. Because of the high altitude the flora is noticeably different from that at lower altitudes. On the way down the summit stop to see the Mae Klang waterfall and a Karen hilltribe village. Also, explore the local agricultural research station which grows and experiments with crops that can be grown in the area. Duration: Approximately 4 hours. Please note a minimum of 10 passengers is required. Transportation is included.

Elephant Camp and Bamboo Raft at Chiang Dao - $50 USD
This is sure to be the hightlight of your trip! At the elephant camp the elephants are trained to work the jungle using their weight and trunks to build. Climb into the wooden bench saddle and see how mahouts move the elephants by tickling the base of their ears with their toes as you enjoy an elephant ride through the nearby jungle. Your visit ends with a leisurely float down the river on a bamboo raft. Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours. Please note a minimum of 10 passengers is required. Transportation is included.

Thai Massage - $25 USD
After a long day sightseeing in Chiang Mai, take some time to relax and be pampered in a traditional Thai spa. Enjoy a wonderful foot, back and shoulder massage to help you unwind from a busy day. Duration: Approximately 2 hours. Please note a minimum of 10 passengers is required. Transportation is included.