Destinations | Cultural Thailand - 9 Nights inc. flights |
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This holiday begins with a visit to the hill tribe museum in Chiang Mai which gives a wonderful insight into the hill tribe social system and way of life that is so deeply rooted in the culture of this region. This is followed by a visit to some of the best maintained hill tribe villages in the region, where you can meet some of the villagers, witness the children at schools and observe how sustainable tourism policies created by the Government are keeping this way of living alive. After Chiang Mai, you visit Sukhothai, Thailands ancient capital with its famed temples. The holiday finishes with a two night stay at Cha Am on the Gulf of Thailand where you can relax and visit Hua Hin the summer residence of the Thai Royal Family. Return to Bangkok for your flight home. Holiday ItineraryDay 01: South Africa to Bangkok Day 02: Bangkok Day 03: Bangkok - Chiang Mai - Wiang Khum Khan - Lamphun – Lampang (B, L) Day 05: Nan (B, L) Day 06: Nan – Sukhothai (B, L) Day 07: Sukhothai – Loei (B, L) Day 08: Loei – Udon Thani – Bangkok – Cha-am (B) Grand Pacific Sovereign Resort & Spa, Hua Hin / Cha-am Day 09: Cha-am (B) Day 10: Cha-am (B) Day 11: Cha-am - Bangkok (B) It is possible to extend your holiday in Singapore should you wish to visit this exciting destination. Day 12: South Africa arrival.
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| Last Updated on Tuesday, 03 November 2009 10:35 |
Experience the traditional culture and scenery of Northern Thailand and contribute to its ongoing survival.
Transfer from Eastin Makkasan Hotel to Bangkok Airport for flight to Chiang Mai.
Morning drive to Phrae, visit the Vongburi house, a colonial-style mansion turned into a museum, Wat Chorm Sawan, a Burmese style temple and Wat Phrathat Chorhae. Continue to Tung Hong Village and visit a Mohom shirt workshop. The blue cotton shirts are used by farmers and workers alike and are famous for their quality. A short visit brings you to the Rong Fong village where you can see blacksmiths making farming tools and knives. Continue towards Nan and stop for a walk around Phae Muang Phi, an area of earthen pillars created by erosion. Before you reach Nan you can visit the Saa paper production in a local workshop. After arrival in Nan, check in at Dhevaraj Hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. 
In the morning visit the very informative Nan National Museum, Wat Chang Kham and Wat Phumin. Afterwards drive through the scenic area to Ban Nong Bua where you visit Wat Nong Bua with its marvelous mural paintings. A stroll in the picturesque Thai Lua village brings you to a silk weaving shop which is run by a women’s cooperative. Return to Nan with a stop at the beautifully set Riverside Gallery with paintings and sculptures of artist Khun Winai Prabripoo. In the afternoon drive on the road to Phayao to the Hmong Village Huai Yuak and visit the Mlabri community. 
Depart Sukhothai for Phitsanulok where you can visit Wat Prasrimahathat or Wat Yai, housing the most beautiful and famed Buddha Image in Thailand called “Pra Phutthachinnarat”. Continue driving to Loei, stops made again at Wat Pra That Si Song Rak, Phu Rue National Park with lunch enroute. After lunch visit the Provincial Cultural Center and the Sirindhorn Art Center (opens Mon-Fri : 0830-1600PM).
The five star Grand Pacific Sovereign Resort & Spa offers an idyllic retreat overlooking a tranquil beach, with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Thailand and lush surrounding rolling hills. Close to all attractions, including royal palaces, ancient temples and caves, guests can make use of state of the art recreational facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool, spa offering massage and therapeutic treatments, and fitness club or enjoy dining at the bakery, coffee shop, or three gourmet restaurants, with a varied menu of international and Asian cuisine
The coastal town of Hua Hin is just four hours from Bangkok by road, and is the beach resort of choice for the Thai Royal Family. You can visit the Summer Palace (built in the early 1900s), try out some watersports, play a round at the world-class golf course, or simply relax on the beach, shaded by limestone cliffs and casuarina trees. Heading north to Cha’am and its long stretch of sands, this small town is known for its tasty seafood and the eye-catching, six-armed Buddha.