Hill Tribes of Thailand

“There were only 12 people in our group and this made a huge difference! No delays and the feeling was so much friendlier… we all sat together for meals, laughed lots and took great photos of each other during the elephant ride and rafting trip. We can’t wait to do another one of these Small Group trips!”

-- C. F. , Providence, RI
Superior Value. Unparalleled Reliability.

For much less than you would pay to other upscale travel companies, you’ll experience intimate touring through Thailand at its very best. We don’t charge extra for the luxury of traveling in an intimate group of never more than 16 guests. And with numerous guaranteed departures throughout the year, you can always schedule your Small Group vacation with confidence!

Exclusive Small Group Discoveries

• Our 4-star hotels and resorts have been handpicked for their terrific locations, distinctive charm and warm hospitality. Experience the tranquility of the River Kwai Village Hotel... Your air-conditioned guestroom offers a spacious private balcony with lovely views of the Kwai Noi River. Our unique excursions include a motor launch excursion along Bangkok’s colorful canals, a sunrise temple tour with monks at prayer and an elephant ride in the jungle. Enjoy an unforgettable train ride across the famous Bridge over the River Kwai. See elephants at work in their natural forest habitat and travel down the Mae Taeng River by bamboo raft. Travel deep into Thailand’s remote northern provinces, home to the Long-Neck Karen tribe plus Lahu, Akha and Yao hill tribes – each with their distinctive dress and culture. Our in-depth excursions include more hill tribes than any other tour. Savor traditional Thai cuisine in the capital, accompanied by classical music and graceful dancers in glittering ornate costumes. Our Khantok Dinner in Chiang Mai reveals the traditional Lanna-style cuisine and culture of the northern provinces. Discover 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

HOTEL INFORMATION:

Day 1 - Welcome to Bangkok!
Check in to the Rembrandt Bangkok Hotel and settle in to your superior room. Centrally located in the heart of the city on bustling Sukhumvit Road, enjoy the balance of the day to relax or explore at your own pace.

Day 2 - Out and about in the capital
Your morning sightseeing tour begins at the glittering Grand Palace where you will admire the Reception Hall, the venerated Coronation Hall and, of course, Wat Phra Keo – the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Then step aboard a motor launch for a fascinating excursion along the city’s many canals. It’s a great way to appreciate both the daily rhythms and historic grandeur of the capital as you cruise past traditional family homes, temples and the famous Royal Barges. You will also visit Wat Arun, the beautiful Temple of Dawn with its graceful spire silhouette.

Return to your hotel for a free afternoon. This evening, you’ll sit down to a memorable meal of authentic Thai cuisine accompanied by traditional music and dance. You’ll be captivated by the exotic and graceful choreography and the glittering sequined costumes of these skilled dancers. Meals B,D

Day 3 - Through Kanchanaburi Province to the River Kwai
Journey westward from the capital into Kanchanaburi Province, site of the world famous Bridge over the River Kwai – immortalized in books and movies. Visit an Allied Cemetery and the JEATH Museum to see its fascinating collection of World War II memorabilia. Travel by train across the celebrated bridge and then take a break from sightseeing with lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, venture by boat through spectacular gorges and lush forests to visit a Mon tribal village deep in the jungle. Continue on to your hotel, the enchanting River Kwai Village Hotel. Your air-conditioned guestroom in the River Wing offers private terrace views over the Kwai Noi River. This evening’s dinner is followed by a presentation of Mon tribal dances. Meals B,L,D

Day 4 - Onward to Ayutthaya and Phitsanuloke
This morning’s drive takes you northward into a serene landscape of fertile farmlands and jungle-clad mountains. Arrive in Ayutthaya#WHS# before lunch for a guided tour of this ancient city, the capital of Siam from 1350 to 1767. In the afternoon, visit Wat Yai, revered throughout Thailand for its golden sculpture of Buddha, and continue on to the Topland Hotel in Phitsanuloke. After dinner, join your guide for a trishaw ride to the nearby Night Market, a fascinating glimpse into the local cuisine and traditions of central Thailand. Meals B,L,D

Day 5 - The glory of Sukhothai and Chiang Mai
Depart your hotel after breakfast and journey to ancient Sukhothai#WHS#. The first capital of the Kingdom is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, revered as both a place of antiquity and a time of glory – a renaissance era in Thai history when art and culture blossomed. After lunch, continue on to Chiang Mai. Nestled amidst the lushly forested mountains of northern Thailand, this historic city is beloved as the artistic, spiritual and cultural heart of the nation. This evening’s Khantok Dinner is a fun and festive presentation of the region’s Lanna-style cuisine. Dinner is followed by a colorful presentation of the music and dance of several northern hill tribes. Enjoy a leisurely 2-night stay at the first class Chiang Mai Plaza Hotel, ideally located in the heart of town. Meals B,L,D

Day 6 - Discover Chiang Mai
This morning’s sightseeing begins at Doi Suthep Temple, built in AD 384 and situated 3,500 feet above sea level in the mountains outside of the city. Ascend to this golden hill-top temple and take in the panoramic views of Chiang Mai and the surrounding forests. Then visit a Meo hill tribe village known for its distinctive cultural traditions and colorful textiles. After lunch, return to your hotel and enjoy the balance of your afternoon and evening at leisure. Meals B,LThis morning’s sightseeing begins at Doi Suthep Temple, built in AD 384 and situated 3,500 feet above sea level in the mountains outside of the city. Ascend to this golden hill-top temple and take in the panoramic views of Chiang Mai and the surrounding forests. Then visit a Meo hill tribe village known for its distinctive cultural traditions and colorful textiles. After lunch, return to your hotel and enjoy the balance of your afternoon and evening at leisure. Meals B,L

Day 7 - Our Buddhist Alms Experience and on to Thaton
Early this morning, join your guide to experience a cultural tradition which retains great significance for a large majority of the Thai people. You will have an opportunity to observe Buddhist monks in morning prayer and participate in the daily alms ritual of making a food offering to the monks as they pass by. Return to your hotel for breakfast and depart Chiang Mai for the Mae Taman Elephant Camp where you will see these surprisingly agile animals “at work” – hauling and stacking enormous logs as they once did when the lumber industry still thrived in the region

After this fascinating demonstration, you’ll explore the surrounding forests from a variety of thrilling perspectives – from atop the back of an elephant, by ox-cart and aboard a bamboo raft down the gentle Mae Taeng River. Then drive to Thaton, a quiet province on the Myanmar border, and check in to the Maekok River Village Resort, offering panoramic views across this peaceful river valley. Meals B,L,D

Day 8 - Down the Mae Kok River to Chiang Rai
After breakfast, a one-hour boat journey down the Mae Kok River brings you to Baan Mai. Continue overland through the rolling hills to visit a Karen tribe village, famous for its resident Long-Neck women who achieve this appearance through an elaborate process involving brass rings worn for many years starting in childhood. Today’s scenic journey to Chiang Rai also affords the rare opportunity to encounter a number of the region’s other hill tribes, including the Lahu, Akha and Yao peoples – each with their own distinctive cultures, dress and traditions which endure to this day. Visit the unusual Wat Rong Khun, a contemporary Buddhist and Hindu Temple, before stopping at a local market in Chiang Rai. Enjoy two nights at the lovely Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa. Meals B,L

Day 9 - Into the heart of the Golden Triangle
Today’s excursion takes you into the heart of the Golden Triangle, the meeting point of three national borders – Thailand, Burma and Laos. Visit Mae Sai, the northern-most Thai town where a bridge over the eponymous river allows lively cross border exchange between Thailand and Burma. In Chiang Saen, set along the Mekong River, you’ll find remnants of the region’s ancient history including priceless carvings, old statues of Buddha and the remains of long-ago temples. Return to your resort in Chiang Rai. Meals B,L

Day 10 - Return to Bangkok
You’ll be escorted to the Chiang Rai Airport today for your included flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival in the capital, you’ll be warmly greeted and transferred once again to the Rembrandt Bangkok Hotel. The balance of your day is at leisure. Meals B

Day 11 - Excursion to Damnoen Saduak
After breakfast, join your Trip Leader for a journey into Ratchaburi Province. Though it’s just 50 miles southwest of the bustling capital, the colorful and world-famous floating markets of Damnoen Saduak feel worlds away from the 21st-century sophistication of Bangkok. Nearby, you will also visit Phra Pathom Chedi, the tallest Buddhist pagoda in the world. Return to your hotel in Bangkok where the rest of your afternoon and evening is free to enjoy as you please. Meals B

Day 12 - Depart Bangkok
Your program with us finishes this morning after breakfast. Meals B

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
2/23/2012 - 3/6/2012	$2,699
3/9/2012 - 3/21/2012	$2,699
4/19/2012 - 5/1/2012	$2,699
9/28/2012 - 10/10/2012	$2,699
10/18/2012 - 10/30/2012	$2,699
11/12/2012 - 11/24/2012	$2,699
1/10/2013 - 1/22/2013	$2,699
2/21/2013 - 3/5/2013	$2,699
3/7/2013 - 3/19/2013	$2,699
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

“There were only 12 people in our group and this made a huge difference! No delays and the feeling was so much friendlier… we all sat together for meals, laughed lots and took great photos of each other during the elephant ride and rafting trip. We can’t wait to do another one of these Small Group trips!”

-- C. F. , Providence, RI
Superior Value. Unparalleled Reliability.

For much less than you would pay to other upscale travel companies, you’ll experience intimate touring through Thailand at its very best. We don’t charge extra for the luxury of traveling in an intimate group of never more than 16 guests. And with numerous guaranteed departures throughout the year, you can always schedule your Small Group vacation with confidence!

Exclusive Small Group Discoveries

• Our 4-star hotels and resorts have been handpicked for their terrific locations, distinctive charm and warm hospitality. Experience the tranquility of the River Kwai Village Hotel... Your air-conditioned guestroom offers a spacious private balcony with lovely views of the Kwai Noi River. Our unique excursions include a motor launch excursion along Bangkok’s colorful canals, a sunrise temple tour with monks at prayer and an elephant ride in the jungle. Enjoy an unforgettable train ride across the famous Bridge over the River Kwai. See elephants at work in their natural forest habitat and travel down the Mae Taeng River by bamboo raft. Travel deep into Thailand’s remote northern provinces, home to the Long-Neck Karen tribe plus Lahu, Akha and Yao hill tribes – each with their distinctive dress and culture. Our in-depth excursions include more hill tribes than any other tour. Savor traditional Thai cuisine in the capital, accompanied by classical music and graceful dancers in glittering ornate costumes. Our Khantok Dinner in Chiang Mai reveals the traditional Lanna-style cuisine and culture of the northern provinces. Discover 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

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