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Chiang Mai & Northern Thailand
Northern Thailand is a complete contrast to Bangkok and an essential part of any visit to Thailand. It is well worth exploring the smaller towns and villages of this delightful region to experience their unique charm, culture, tradition and warm hospitality. The gateway to the North, Chiang Mai, a former Thai Kingdom is scattered with ancient Buddhist temples and holds some of Thailand's best night markets. Chiang Rai is a small attractive town and a good base from which to explore the picturesque Golden Triangle on the borders of Laos and Burma. Meet the ethnic hilltribes, try your hand at Thai cooking, take a relaxing Elephant ride and immerse yourself in this magical destination.
MYANMAR
Sai River Golden Triangle
LAOS
Mae Sai
Kok R iv er
Chiang Rai Angkhang
Mae La Rive o r
Mekong River
Mae Hong Son
Chiang Dao Lisu Lodge Doi Suthep
Chiang Mai
Doi Inthanon National Park
THAILAND
Mae Ping River
Lampang
Klang Falls
To Bangkok
Mae Hong Sang
Northern Thailand at a Glance
Chiang Mai
Thailand's second largest city is located on the banks of the Ping River and is filled with ancient temples and colourful food markets, perfect for at least a two day visit. Access to the city is simple with frequent daily flights arriving from Bangkok, otherwise travel in style on the Eastern & Oriental Express' Thai Explorer (see page 16).
Essential Chiang Mai
Day 1: Arrival in Chiang Mai & City Tour On arrival in Chiang Mai transfer to your chosen hotel for a two-night stay. This afternoon join your guide for a tour of Chiang Mai and its many Buddhist temples, including Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, Wat Suan Dok and the impressive Wat Chedi Luang built in 1411. This evening we recommend you explore Chiang Mai's night market. Standard: Royal Princess Superior: Holiday Inn Chiang Mai Deluxe: The Chedi Chiang Mai Day 2: Chiang Dao Elephant Trek, Rafting and Hilltribe Villages A full-day tour to Chiang Dao Elephant Camp on the banks of the Ping River. Enjoy an exhilarating elephant trek through the jungle and a relaxing bamboo rafting trip along the river, take in the rural views and gain a further insight in to hilltribe life. (L) Day 3: Depart Chiang Mai Transfer back to Chiang Mai airport for your onward flight.
Elephant Jungle Trek, Rafting & Hilltribe Tour
Duration 9 hours, daily from Chiang Mai. See a demonstration of elephants at both work and play, providing an insight in to their importance in Thai industry and a glimpse of their charming nature. Visit a remote Lisu Hilltribe Village before rafting along the Ping River. Prices from £44 per person including lunch.
Chiang Rai
This small town provides the perfect base in which to explore the nearby ethnic hilltribes and the Golden Triangle area. The town can be accessed in a number of ways including daily flights from Bangkok, road from Chiang Mai (approx 3 hours) or over the Laos/Thailand border (see page 91 for our recommended Luang Say Cruise departing from the majestic Laos city of Luang Prabang).
Morning or Afternoon Temples Tour
Duration 3 hours, daily from Chiang Mai. Explore cultural Chiang Mai with its many Buddhist temples. Visit Wat Doi Suthep, one of Thailand's most sacred temples, Wat Suan Dok and the impressive Wat Chedi Luang built in 1141. Prices from £11 per person.
Prices Include
· Accommodation, sightseeing and meals as specified (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner). · Return airport-hotel transfers.
Evening Kantoke Dinner and Cultural Show
Duration 3 hours, nightly from Chiang Mai. Enjoy a typical northern Thailand feast seated on the floor in traditional style while watching a selection of local folk dances. Prices from £6 per person including dinner.
Tour Prices
Prices per person, room only, in £'s from
Royal Princess Hotel 01Jan08-10Jan08 11Jan08-31Mar08 01Apr08-19Dec08 20Dec08-10Jan09 11Jan09-31Mar09 Holiday Inn Chiang Mai 01Jan08-31Mar08 01Apr08-15Apr08 Twin Single 101 145 91 126 96 133 106 152 96 133 99 109 142 151 16Apr06-31Oct08 01Nov08-31Mar09 The Chedi Chiang Mai 01Jan08-31Mar08 01Apr08-31Oct08 01Nov08-31Mar09 105 112 217 220 249 143 157 378 381 440
Price includes daily breakfast at Holiday Inn Chiang Mai 01Apr08-31Mar09.
Brochure prices may change, see booking conditions
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