The
Kingdom of Thailand
November 30 - December 13, 2005
14 days
Visit
temples, palaces, floating markets, ancient ruins, beautiful countryside,
orchid farms and elephant camps.
Experience Thai food, music, dance, local village life and river
cruising.
Whether
you're exploring the beautiful countryside in Chiang Mai, or discovering
the colorful cityscapes in Bangkok, you're sure to find the eternal
beauty of Thailand simply awe-inspiring. It is a land of enchantment,
with a temple at every corner, colorful spirit houses, and long-tail
boats plying the canals and rivers. Throughout the country, shopping
is an art form, with wonderful bargains to be had among the many
local crafts and woven goods. This exciting tour includes five nights
at a premier hotel in Bangkok and six nights in rural Chiang Mai.
**This
tour does not visit the tsunami affected areas. However, your tourism
dollars will help the Thai people and economy in their recovery.
Itinerary
Day
1 & 2: Overnight Flight - Arrive Bangkok, Thailand
Your tour begins with an overnight flight to Thailand. Majestic
palaces, ornate temples, quaint cities and beautiful landscapes
are sure to make your vacation a memorable one. You arrive in one
of the most fascinating cities in the world, Bangkok.
Day
3: Bangkok
On your captivating city tour of Bangkok you will gain insight into
the religion of Thailand by visiting two of Bangkok's famous temples:
the Golden Buddha and the Reclining Buddha. Visit the Grand Palace,
an ornate royal residence built in 1782. (B, D)
Day
4: Bangkok
Travel to the floating market of Damnoen Saduak and take an exciting
cruise through the legendary canals, known as Klongs, in a traditional
long-tailed boat. Later, you travel to Kanchanaburi to visit the
famous Bridge on the River Kwai. (B, L)
Day
5: Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Bangkok
A trip through the countryside brings you to Ayutthaya, the ancient
capital of Thailand. At the peak of its glory it was home to more
than 1 million people. Today you can see ruins dating from the 14th
century. This evening, enjoy dinner at an authentic Thai restaurant
featuring classic Thai dancing and music. (B, D)
Day
6: Bangkok
Your day is at leisure to explore the streets and markets of Bangkok
or relax by the pool. Optional tours are also available. Tonight
you will be treated to a dinner cruise on a rice barge along the
Chao Phraya River. (B, D)
Day
7: Bangkok - Chiang Mai
A short flight brings you to the "Rose of the North,"
the old-world city of Chiang Mai. Tour the cottage industries of
this area and see local artisans at work. You may shop for silk,
teakwood and lacquer at bargain prices. The remainder of the day
is at leisure. (B, D)
Day
8: 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 and
play. Your next stop is a beautiful orchid farm to see many varieties
of the national flower of Thailand. You will then have the opportunity
to shop for umbrellas, silver and celadon. Tonight, enjoy a Hill
Tribe cultural show and witness the traditions and dance of the
Hill Tribe people. (B, D)
Day
9: Chiang Mai
Your morning is at leisure. Before lunch, enjoy a chef-led walk
through the local Chiang Mai market to select native ingredients
unique to Thai cuisine. Enjoy a cooking demonstration where you
learn more about the history and flavors of Thai foods before enjoying
the expertly created lunch! Your afternoon is at leisure. Tonight,
enjoy strolling, shopping and bargaining at the Chiang Mai night
market. (B, L)
Day
10: Chiang Mai
Your entire day is at leisure. A variety of optional tours are available
for you to select from, including hot air ballooning. (B, D)
Day
11: Chiang Mai
This morning you will visit some of the most interesting temples
in Chiang Mai, including Wat Dio Suthep, located 3,520 feet above
sea level. Your next stop will be a jade cutting factory. The remainder
of your day is at leisure to enjoy Chiang Mai. (B, D)
Day
12: Chiang Mai
You may wish to rise early this morning and join the optional experience
of bringing a food offering to the local Buddhist monks, an important
tradition in the life of the Thai people. This morning you will
visit the Hill Tribe Museum and then visit 5 of the minority Hill
Tribe Villages and see how they maintain the traditional life that
they cherish so much. (B, D)
Day
13: Chiang Mai - Bangkok
A short flight brings you back to Bangkok. The remainder of the
day is at leisure. You may wish to take an optional tour of Jim
Thompson’s house, a magnificent Thai-styled home containing
an extensive collection of art objects and antiques. This evening,
join your fellow passengers for a farewell dinner. (B, D)
Day
14: Bangkok - Tour Ends
Bid farewell to Thailand as you board your flight home. (B)
Please contact
us for more information on our pre-tour extension to Angkor Wat
or post-tour extension to Vietnam.
(B) Breakfast
(L) Lunch
(D) Dinner
Travel
with KCUR members on your next adventure!
There are no minimum numbers of travelers required for this trip.
For
more information or to request a tour application, please contact
Sara Jane Crane, Near & Far Group Manager
816-235-2884
cranesj@umkc.edu
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