Saturday, September 15, 2007

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Enjoy your holiday in Thailand with its lovely people makes you enjoyed during your valuable holiday.

Thank you for visiting Thailand and enjoy your trip.
The Princess Mother Memorial Park
A Tribute to Mae Fa Luang, “The Mother of us all”
When Princess Srinakarin, the mother of King Rama IX, passed away in 1995 it was one of the saddest times in Thailand’s modern history. This remarkable woman was born a commoner, daughter of a goldsmith in Nonthaburi province and grew up in Thonburi near Wat Anongkharam. Throughout her life, she never forgot her humble beginning and devoted her considerable energy to improving the life of all Thais. The most well-known of her achievements was the establishment of the Doi Tung Foundation to assist the northern hill tribes. In 1993, King Bumipol Adulyadej expressed his wish to renovate the area around his mother’ childhood home in Thonburi as thanks to Princess Srinakarin who is still referred to as “Mae Fa Luang” meaning “The Mother of Us All”. Her original home had no longer existed so owners of some similar buildings in the area gladly donated them to the King for his project.

The Princess Mother Memorial Park has a reproduction of the house where she lived as a child set in open space with beautiful gardens. There are two exhibition halls, the first devoted to her life including signed photographs such as the one of her at the age of 14. The photographs with supporting text chronicle her life and finally her cremation ceremony in 1996. The second exhibition hall recounts her active life and many achievements in establishing projects. It includes some very personal items such as a Mickey Mouse needlepoint that she made for The King. A gazebo shelters a statue of the Princess Mother and a small shop nearby sells products manufactured by some of her projects.

Getting there: Bus Routes 6, 43. The park is located on Soi 3 Somdet Chao Phraya Road, Khlong San.
Opening Hours: Garden – Daily 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. Museum – 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tel: 02-4377799, 02-4390902



LUMPHINI DISTRICT

Thai Boxing (Thailand’s most popular sport)
Thai kick boxing is a very exciting spectator sport. The agility of the contestants is simply amazing. In Thailand people call it “Muay Thai”. Its popularity has spread world wide and many young foreign men come to Thailand to train under Thai coaches. Some of these have gone on to become world champions. “Muay Thai” is thought to have originated in the early part of the Ayutthaya period as a form of unarmed combat. Competitions were usually staged at temple fairs and were accompanied by a small 3-piece traditional music ensemble. Each contest starts with the contestants paying respects to their trainers to the accompaniment of the ensemble. When the bout begins, the tempo of the music increases adding an aural enhancement to the frantic action in the ring. Today, it is a professional sport with training camps located in just about every province. For many poor country boys, it is the road from rags to riches. Many professional fighters take on the names of their sponsors. So you will see fighters with the same name as products such as a can of paint. It is all part of the uniqueness of this sport. Some of the Thai beach resort areas have training camps specifically for foreigners who want to learn the techniques. These camps usually arrange contests between their foreign students and Thai exponents of the sport.

Where to see:
Thai Boxing at Lumpini Stadium at Rama IV Road Tel: 02-2528765
Shows on Tuesday, Friday Saturday nights at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday afternoon at 5:00 p.m. Ticket prices at Baht 500, 800 and 1,500 for ringside.
How to get there: Subway train to Lumpini Station.
By Bus routes 4, 13, 22, 45, 47, 74, 141

Thai Boxing at Ratchadamnoen Stadium at Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue Tel: 02-2814205 Shows on Monday, Wednesday Thursday and Sunday nights at 6:30 p.m. Ticket prices for tourists at 1,500 Baht for second class, and 1,000 Baht for outer circle seats behind a cage, and 2,000 Baht for ringside seats. The touts outside the stadium work for the stadium and keep the same prices as the ticket booth. Thai boxing can also be seen for free at many smaller stadiums.
How to get there: Bus routes 70, 503, 509

Thai Boxing at Channel 7 Stadium Behind old Mo Chit Bus Terminal near Chatuchak Park Tel: 02-2720210 Ext.205 Sunday 1:45 p.m.
Admission Fee: Free
How to get there: BTS Sky train to Mo Chit Station and Subway to Chatuchak Station
Bus routes 3, 26, 27, 29, 34, 59, 77, 96, 112, 134, 136, 138, 145, 502, 503, 509, 510, 512, 513



CHATUCHAK DISTRICT

Chatuchak Park
This is located at the junction of Phahonyothin and Vibhavadi Rungsit roads. There are nine pieces of ASEAN sculptures that enhance the character of the park.

Open : Daily from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission : Free

More Pictures

Chatuchak Weekend Market
This is paradise for bargain hunters. Every Saturday and Sunday, 9,000 individual booths are open selling an infinite variety of goods.

It is just about impossible to go to Chatuchak Weekend Market and not buy anything. There is just about everything that bargain hunters, home makers, pet lovers or just browsers can imagine.

Handicrafts are every where including pottery, hand-made glass models of the Royal Barges, fluffy toys, colorful tropical fish, singing birds puppies of many breeds, furniture and lots of new and second hand clothing, shoes, handbags, belts. There is so much on offer that even international home decor wholesales come here to shop. Music lovers can find unique traditional Thai musical instruments being sold direct by the artisans who have crafted them to make the pleasing sounds.

One rule for all shoppers to observe is “bargain, bargain, bargain”. This is part of the fun and also gets you the best prices.

Chatuchak Weekend Market has interesting products from all over Thailand as well as things from far off lands.

You should allow the best part of a whole day to explore the many stalls. You never know what you will find. But this is work that will make you thirsty and puckish, so take a break here and there to cool off with a fresh fruit juice or feast on delicious Thai dishes such as Pad Thai, barbecue chicken, noodles and sweets.

How to get there: BTS Skytrain to Mochit Station or Metro to Kamphaeng Phet Station
Bus Routes 3, 26, 27, 29, 34, 59, 77, 96, 112, 134, 136, 138, 145, 502, 503, 510, 512, 513

Open : Saturday and Sunday
Admission: Free

More Pictures

Children’s Discovery Museum
The museum is located inside Queen Sirikit Park and was established under the royal initiative of Her Majesty the Queen, in her realizing the significance of creating a pleasurable learning process for Thai children. Based on the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s children and family activities, the Children’s Discovery Museum took shape in the form of 3 exhibition buildings and an open-air activity ground covering a total area of 5 rai. The construction was completed in 2001 and undertaken under the project to celebrate the 60th birthday anniversary of Her Majesty the Queen. The museum offers exhibitions as well as funny activities for children to enjoy and learn about human life, sciences, culture and society, nature and the environment, including an exhibition in honour of Her Majesty the Queen. It is open during 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. on weekends.
Open : Daily (Mon-Fri from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat-Sun from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Admission : Adult 70 baht, Child 50 Baht
Tel : 02-6157333 ext. 102, 134, 148

Queen Sirikit Park
This is situated east of Chatuchak Park on Phahonyothin Road. It was built to commemorate the 60th birthday anniversary of HM Queen Sirikit. A big pool in the park contains three fountains and a fine collection of both Thai and foreign lotuses.

Open : Daily from 5 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Admission : Free

The State Railway Hall of Fame
This is a train museum where steam engines, train models, and miniature trains are exhibited along with the story of world railway systems. It is located on the western side of Chatuchak Park adjacent to Kamphaeng Phet Road.
Open : Sat. - Sun. from 5 a.m. - 12 a.m.
Admission : Free
Tel : 01-6155776

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Market Buyers Are Highlight of Thai Travel Mart

The Empress Hotel Chiangmai
199 Chang Klan Road, Chiang Mai 50100
Location:The Empress is located on the banks of the Ping River, approximately 10 minutes walk to the Night Bazaar and 15 minutes drive from Chiang Mai airport।


As part of its strategy to broaden the sources of visitor arrivals, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) organised this year’s annual travel mart with a strong contingent of “new” buyers from countries and regions that are expected to deliver promising results in the future.
The presence of 508 buyers and trade visitors from around the world made last week’s Thailand Travel Mart (TTM) 2007 Plus Amazing Gateway to Greater Mekong Subregion and Thailand Tourism Festival 2007 (TTF 2007), the biggest such event to be ever held.
Although most of the buyers were from the traditional visitor-generating markets such as the UK, Germany, Russia, Scandinavia, and the Americas, this year’s buyers contingent included Russia/CIS/Baltic countries (30), Kazakhstan (10), Morocco (10), Tunisia (5), Ukraine (3), Brazil (2), and one each from Turkey, Argentina, and Estonia.
There were 22 buyers from Vietnam, Cambodia, Lao PDR. and Myanmar.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Mrs Phornsiri Manoharn said, “We are trying to raise the Thai profile in new regions like North Africa, Russia/CIS/Baltic regions, and South America. Over time, as airline contacts grow, there is little doubt these countries will become good sources of visitor arrivals.”
Altogether, the buyers and trade visitors included 256 hosted buyers, 84 non-hosted buyers, 16 on-site buyers, and 158 trade visitors.
The 325 seller organisations this year included 231 hotels, 5 airlines, 8 ecotourism and adventure operators, 16 other services, 6 NTOs and other services, 30 travel agents and tour operators, and 29 companies from the Greater Mekong Subregion.
The Thailand Tourism Festival 2007 (TTF 2007), the annual travel and tourism showcase event targetting Thai and expatriate residents, was held in Challenger Hall 1 and 2 of the Impact Muang Thong Thani Exhibition Centre.
Over 300 exhibitors at the Festival included tour operators, travel agents, diving schools and equipment, spas, hotels and accommodation, airlines, golf courses, car rentals, suppliers of souvenirs, local handicrafts, local foods, and entertainment services.
The Festival included many activities relating to Thai culture, traditions, and local lifestyles. Special traditional parades from each of the four regions were held, along with stage performances of local folklore, plays, Thai puppet performances, the Khon dance, etc.
By combining the trade and consumer components, the sellers got an opportunity to expand their business prospects by reaching out to both the international trade as well as the growing number of Thai travelling consumers. In turn, the buyers got an opportunity to do business as well as to see some of the fun and festivities that are an inherent part of the Thai and Mekong tourism product.
This is the first year that TTM+ 2007 was opened for online registration. Buyers and sellers could make their pre-appointments online. The official hotels were Sofitel Central Hotel, Rama Gardens Hotel, and Siam City Hotel.
Siam Paragon hosted a welcome reception dinner for buyers on 6 June, 2007 at the Royal Paragon Hall. Thai Airways International and Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau hosted lunch for buyers on 7 and 8 June. Eleven programmes of Post Tour and Complimentary Tours were also provided for buyers and media interested to explore Thailand.
Mrs Phornsiri said, “In 2006, we met the target of 13.8 million visitor arrivals through continued emphasis on our traditional marketing activities and the active support of our many industry partners, including the airlines and the private sector.”
“In January – April 2007, international visitor arrivals at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport totalled 3,413,197, an increase of 2.61% over the same period of 2006.
“These figures only include those who arrived in Bangkok as the first point of entry and not those who flew directly to other points in Thailand, such as the popular beach resort island of Phuket, or those who crossed over through the overland border checkpoints.”
TAT has set a target of 14.8 million international visitor arrivals in 2007 which will help generate estimated revenues of 547.5 billion baht (about US$ 14.5 billion). The domestic tourism target is for 82 million domestic trips with a projected revenue of 377.8 billion baht (about US$ 10 billion).
In 2008. the Thailand Travel Mart Plus Amazing Gateway to Greater Mekong Subregion will be held between 5-8 June, also at the Impact Exhibition Centre.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Thailand at your leisure At the end of a day of wonders, visitors light their own way to the stars

Chiang Mai, Thailand - "Tonight, we're reaching for the stars."

So after dinner, we gathered with our guide Surapol Pansidam, better known as Paul, in the parking lot of our hotel overlooking the Mekong River in the Golden Triangle area of northern Thailand.

He'd kept us guessing all day about what he was up to.

At one point, we'd seen some points of light in the distant sky.

"What do you think they are?" he asked, with a sly smile on his face.

No one had a clue.

Paul divided us into pairs and gave each duo a rectangular white tissue-paper lantern.

One of us held the closed top, the other the open bottom. Then he inserted some candles and lighted them. The hot air gradually filled our paper balloon.

"Now, let it go," Paul called, and the balloon rose - higher, higher into the heavens, seemingly becoming one of the stars themselves.

One after the other, we launched a new star and stood transfixed as it floated to who knows where.

That night, we took a Thai tradition and made it ours, sending our cares and worries into the night sky.

What makes Thailand so compelling is its intoxicating mix of the exotic with the simple, of adventure with daily routine.

Here are some special experiences that will make a trip to Thailand complete:

Getting around
• Elephant ride at Mae Taeng elephant park outside of Chiang Mai: Corny, touristy, perhaps even questionable, but amazing fun. Perched on our pachyderm, we smiled at the camera as our elephant marched into a river. The ride was slow and lumbering; our elephant was in no hurry to go anywhere. She came to a halt when an accompanying young elephant had difficulty crossing a stream. Elephants do have minds of their own.

• Boat taxi on Bangkok's canals: Who knew that Bangkok was the Venice of Asia? Actually, many of the canals, or klongs, off the Chao Phraya River have been filled in over the years, but those remaining wind through residential neighborhoods, with homes hovering precariously over the water. A system of locks and dams regulates the water levels.

When we were there in November, shortly after the rainy season, the river and its canals were high. We got caught in a traffic jam while waiting to go through one lock and then had to find a detour when another flood gate broke. I'm not complaining. It made for a leisurely ride and a peek into a part of Bangkok off the tourist path.

• Tuk-tuk in Myanmar or Burma: It was a tight squeeze in the carriage of a motorized two-passenger rickshaw, a reminder that the two of us are considerably bigger than the usual riders. On a day trip from Chiang Rai, we put-putted through a Burmese border town and then up the rather steep hill to the Dragon Pagoda, a gleaming gold chedi overlooking the town. There was, I admit, a brief moment of suspense when we wondered whether our tuk-tuk's engine was powerful enough to make it up the hill. It did, but just barely.

• Horse-drawn carriage in the "lost city" of Wiang Kum Kam, Chiang Mai: It didn't matter that the "lost city," founded by the same king who founded Chiang Mai, is not the most impressive archeological site we saw. The horse-drawn carriages, their loping pace and festive garlands of artificial flowers, made the visit special.

That, coupled with the scarcity of people, made the site more intimate. Wiang Kum Kam was abandoned - and Chiang Mai established - when King Mengrai realized that it was too susceptible to flooding. He made the right decision: The attraction had just re-opened after being closed due to flooding.

Food - beyond pad thai
• La Valley, outside of Chiang Rai: The restaurant is owned by an artist who also displays her drawings and watercolors in her gallery on the property. But it was the fresh whole grilled tilapia, served with saffron rice and, yes, pad thai wrapped in banana leaves, that wins the honor, for me, as the tastiest meal we had.

• Floating market at Damnoen Saduak, outside of Bangkok: As tempting as the street food always looks, I've grown wary as I've grown older about sampling dishes from street vendors. So when our guide shared some items, I figured they would be safe - and delicious. I devoured what looked like Thai tacos, a kind of fried crepe stuffed with coconut cream, and a deep-fried whole banana coated in coconut tempura batter.

• Cabbages and Condoms restaurant in Chiang Rai: OK, the fish cakes were superb, but that's not what made it special. The restaurant, which is owned by the Population and Community Development Association, raises money for family planning and AIDS prevention. The posters decorating the restaurant are, well, unique and stress the importance of family planning. Above this particular C&C restaurant is the Hilltribe Museum, with a terrific gift shop selling local crafts at great prices.

• A roadside stand on a highway in central Thailand: Our impish guide Paul suggested that we might find something there for a picnic lunch. Like grilled rat? Rows of them sizzled on an outdoor grill. I guess you pick them up by their crispy tails.

Time for enlightenment
• Sukhothai Historical Park: Sukhothai was Thailand's first capital and a center of artistic creativity and innovation from 1238 to the mid-1300s when it was eclipsed by the rise of Ayutthaya. Once enshrouded in jungle, the ruins now have bicycle racks and tram stops for visitors. The highlights: the Khmer-style Wat Sri Sawai, with three prangs or beehive towers; and Wat Sra Sri, with its famous walking Buddha - a Sukhothai artistic innovation.

• Wat Phra Kaeo in Bangkok: The temple complex, mobbed with tourists and believers, is nothing short of astonishing, an extravagant visual feast almost impossible to absorb.

The gold leaf and glittery mosaics glisten in the sunlight; giant mythological figures guard the entrances to some of the buildings; decorative dancing monsters ring the walls.

The most sacred spot in the complex is the temple of the Emerald Buddha, whose clothes are changed seasonally. Outside its doors, the faithful light candles, leave food offerings and dip lotus blossoms into water to anoint their heads and shoulders. It is unforgettable.

• Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep outside Chiang Mai: Built on a hill, the complex can be reached by funicular or by climbing 306 steps bordered by a magnificent Naga, or serpent, balustrade. (At the very least, you should descend the steps to see the Naga in its full glory.) The central part of the complex is a symphony in gold - with rows of Buddhas around a stunning gold chedi or stupa. Like most temples, it's crowded with believers who are lighting candles, praying and leaving offerings.

• Temple of the Reclining Buddha in Bangkok: Covered in gold, the reclining Buddha is 150 feet long and 49 feet high - immense but somehow touching. The 10-foot-high feet are remarkable, with various images and signs of the Buddha in inlaid mother-of-pearl.

• Wat Arun in Bangkok: Located directly on the Chao Phraya River, our approach to the Temple of the Dawn was rather dramatic - by boat. Perhaps because it was the first temple we visited in Thailand, it simply astonished me.

Lessons in life
• Alms-giving, Chiang Mai: We woke before dawn to head to a monastery to offer breakfast to some Buddhist monks. We bought the food, packages of rice and fish, prepared by vendors on the spot, but other people brought food from home. Even before sunrise, the scene was lively: Food vendors did a brisk business while flower sellers hawked lotuses.

A steady stream of monks, barefoot and clad in saffron robes, came through the monastery's gate. Some were young - children, even. The monks, who do not cook, rely on the faithful for food, which they then share with the older, sick or disabled monks. After the monks stowed the food in a round covered pot, they chanted a blessing, and the givers knelt - or at least bowed their heads to avoid eye contact - in response. It was a poignant illustration of Thailand's deep Buddhist roots.

• Loy Krathong, throughout Thailand: This annual festival of lights takes place on the full moon of the 12th lunar month and celebrates the Thai people's cultural bond with water, both rivers and monsoons.

Everywhere we went, cities and towns had erected huge, colorful krathongs in ponds, moats and streams.

Markets were busy selling the banana leaves, lotuses, candles, incense and other accoutrements for people to make their own krathong, a banana-leaf "boat" shaped like a lotus that's set adrift on the water. As the krathong floats away, so do one's cares and woes.

In the light of the full moon, we took our krathongs to the bank of the River Kwai. One by one, we took turns lighting the candles and setting our krathong in the water.

Our guide told us to include a strand of hair so any bad luck would float away, too. Soon, the river was dotted with lights.

By SUSAN C. HEGGER
McClatchy News Service

Monday, September 10, 2007

Siamese Heritage & Beach Vacation

Stay overnight in Bangkok and visit Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha Temple. Travelling with your private guide in a private car, you will trace the glory of Thailand's ancient capitals from Bangkok up to Chiang Mai. The trip beg ins from the glorious former capital of Ayuthaya all the way up to Thailand's first capital city 'Sukhothai', Lampang and Chiang Mai. Tour historical parks while observing the simple way of life of locals along the way. Also admire different ethnic cultures of hill tribe villagers of Lisu and Akha in their mountainous residence. Afterwards, flying to Krabi, southern Thailand to relax on a private beach at Lanta Island.

Program Overview:
Stay overnight in Bangkok and visit Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha Temple. Travelling with your private guide in a private car, you will trace the glory of Thailand's ancient capitals from Bangkok up to Chiang Mai. The trip beg ins from the glorious former capital of Ayuthaya all the way up to Thailand's first capital city 'Sukhothai', Lampang and Chiang Mai. Tour historical parks while observing the simple way of life of locals along the way. Also admire different ethnic cultures of hill tribe villagers of Lisu and Akha in their mountainous residence. Afterwards, flying to Krabi, southern Thailand to relax on a private beach at Lanta Island.

Itinerary:
Day One - Arrival Bangkok
Upon arrival at Bangkok's Suvarnnabhumi Airport, meet by our representative and transfer to your hotel for check in and overnight.

Overnight in Bangkok at the Lebua at State Tower

Day Two - Bangkok
Meal: Breakfast

Take a private tour to visit Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Temple in the morning. Tour conducts in private air-conditioned vehicle with local English speaking guide. Return to the hotel and rest of the day free at own leisure. Overnight in Bangkok at the lebua at State Tower

Day Three - Bangkok / Ayuthaya
Meal: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Depart early morning from your hotel for a boat ride on Thonburi Klongs for a scenic view of Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. Continue by road to the former capital of Ayuthaya. Lunch at a local restaurant. Proceed to the King's Summer Palace at Bang Pa-In and visit the ruins of Ayuthaya. Dinner and overnight in Ayuthaya at Krungsri River hotel.

Day Four - Ayuthaya / Lupburi / Phitsanuloke / Sukhothai
Meal: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

After breakfast at the hotel, short transfer to Ayuthaya Railway station for a rail journey to Lopburi Upon arrival in Lopburi, visit to the main attractions; Wat Phra Sri Rattana Maha Thad, national museum, the Monkey Temple and Prang Sam Yod. Lunch will be served at local restaurant.

After lunch, proceeding to Phitsanuloke via Nakorn Sawan. Upon arrival visit the most sacred temple in town Wat Phra Buddha Chinnaraj or Wat Phra Sri Rattana Maha Thad. Visit Ethnic & Folklore Museum of Mr. Thavee Buranakhet. Check in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel The Ananda Gallery Hotel.

Day Five - Sukhothai / Lampang / Chiang Mai
Meal: Breakfast / Lunch
After breakfast at the hotel, visit Sukhothai Historical Park and Sri Satchanalai Historical Park. Lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to Lampang City to visit Wat Phra Thad dLampang Luang where is renowned for its impressive murals painting, graceful architecture and richly colored interiors. Followed by a visit at Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao, one of Thailand's most beautiful Burmese-style temples. Continue the journey and arrive by late afternoon in Chiang Mai and drop-off at The Empress Hotel. Evening is free at leisure. Overnight in Chiang Mai.

Day Six - Chiang Mai
Meal: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Full day city and temple tour around city temples: Wat Chiang Man, the first temple built in Chiang Mai around 1300; Wat Phrasingh in classic northern Thai or Lanna style; Wat Chedi Luang, Monastery of the Great Stupa; and Wat Suan Dok with a 500 year old bronze Buddha image. After lunch, continue to visit Handicraft Village and Factories; also called the Umbrella Village where the craft shops are full of painted umbrellas, fans, silverware, straw handwork bamboo and teak goods, statues, celadon and lacquerware. In the evening enjoy a traditional northern Thai dinner with cultural performance. Overnight in Chiang Mai

Day Seven - Chiang Mai / Lisu Lodge
Meal: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Pick up from your hotel in Chiang Mai and drive to the mountain temple of Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, the most famous landmark of Chiang Mai. Continue up the mountain, passing the King's Winter Palace of Phuping to turn onto a rough dirt road to visit the Chang Khien Coffee Research Project and the white Hmong village of Chan Khien. Here, enjoy a quick cup of steaming mountain tea with a village family and then take a one-hour drive along a mountain ride down to Huay Tung Tao lake.

Enjoy lunch at Lisu Lodge. After that, embark on the "Lisu Lodge Experience" starting from Ton Lung Temple, a tour guided by a monk to visit the herbal garden and learn about the monk's daily life, for example, see how a monk wears the robe, etc. Then, visit Akha and Lisu families, together with a Lisu guide, stop for a cup of original hill tribe tea at the shaman's house - our guide will be a translator and accompany the guests throughout all activities. Return to Lisu lodge. Dinner and overnight at Lisu Lodge

Day Eight - Lisu Lodge / Mae Hong Sorn
Meal: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
After breakfast, drive 45 minutes south to Mork Fah Waterfall. Enjoy a short walk through the jungle-covered valley to the falls and paddle or swim in a large natural pool and pause for soft drinks near the waterfall. Then, drive west through a glorious switchback road with views of high mountain ranges and forests.

After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Sobpong and Tham Lod (1 hour) for a bamboo rafting along a peaceful river through. Twenty minute walk back to the village and drive from the caves back to the village. Continue to Mae La Na via Red Lahu village of Ya Pa Nae. Drive along spectacular dirt roads along a high mountain ridge to visit the village temple. From Ya Pa Nae, continue to the Shan Village of Mae La Na and onto Mae Hong Son Province before arriving at Fern Resort. Dinner and overnight at Fern Resort or similar.

Day Nine - Mae Hong Sorn
Meal: Breakfast / Lunch
After an early breakfast and an elephant ride, transfer to the pier near Mae Hong Son Resort. Enjoy a round trip long-tail boat along the pretty Pai River to visit the Longneck (Karen) village close to the Myanmar border. Continue to Mae Hong Son for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, visit this charming city and its Burmese style temples (Wat Doi Kong Mu). Return to your hotel Dinner on your own arrangement. Overnight at Fern Resort or similar

Day Ten - Mae Hong Sorn / Bangkok (via Chiang Mai)
Meal: Breakfast
Day free at leisure until departure flight to Bangkok via Chiang Mai. Upon arrival in Bangkok, check in at Novotel Suvarnnabhumi Airport Hotel for overnight. Hotel will provide complimentary shuttle bus service between the airport and hotel.

Day Eleven - Bangkok / Krabi
Meal: NIL
Check out and take hotel's shuttle bus service to domestic airport (program might be changed if the domestic terminal has changed to use Don Muang Airport) for departure flight to Krabi.

Upon arrival in Krabi, meet by hotel representative for a transfer to Lanta Island which will take about 1.5 hours from Krabi Airport. Check in at Pimalai Resort & Spa and rest of the day free at own leisure.

Day Twelve to Day Fourteen - Krabi
Meal: Breakfast daily
All day free at own leisure for relaxation on the beach or enjoy the spa treatment in the resort (at your own cost)
Overnight at Pimalai Resort & Spa

Day Fifteen - Krabi / Bangkok
Meal: Breakfast
All day free at leisure until departure time to Krabi Airport to catch with your departure flight from Krabi to Bangkok.

** End of the trip **