Thai Hilltribe Adventure - a Family Holiday in Thailand (EXFTH)

Duration: 14 days (may vary)
Areas: Thailand
Tour types: Family Adventures, History & Culture, Walking & Trekking

Description

FROM BANGKOK TO THE 'ROSE OF THE NORTH'
Thailand's capital, Bangkok, is criss-crossed with canals, often packed with houseboats and 'floating markets' - and the best way to discover it is from the water. We do much of our exploring on foot (we are trekkers after all!), as we visit some of the city's glittering palaces and Buddhist temples. A sleeper train then takes us up-country to Chiang Mai, the 'Rose of the North'. This is a much cooler and quieter town - and perhaps the ideal place to enjoy a ride in a tuk-tuk. As well as climbing the 300-step 'Dragon Staircase' to Doi Suthep temple, we visit the Lampang elephant sanctuary and hospital.

2-DAY HILLTRIBE TREK
Our truck drops us off deep in the heartland of the hilltribes for the start of our trek. We encounter a variety of tribes, such as the Lahu (traditionally crossbow hunters), the Lisu (who live on hilltops), and, where the land is terraced and well irrigated, the Karen - our Thai leader fortunately speaks all the local dialects! The villagers are mostly animists - they believe in spirits and often protect their houses with magical objects. They are also very hospitable and friendly - but don't expect any creature comforts here, the only luxury you'll have in your bamboo house is your own sleeping bag! As well as river rafting and elephant riding, we'll explore the huge network of caves at Tham Lod. Our trek ends in Mae Hong Son, a small riverside town. Here you have a chance to enjoy the hotel's swimming pool and lush grounds, or perhaps a mud spa.

TROPICAL ISLAND OF KOH SAMET
By flight, road and ferry we travel to the warm waters of Koh Samet. The island is just a few miles long and has been declared a National Park; we lodge in a comfy hotel right on the beach. This is an ideal place to relax and have fun, with plenty of time for boat trips and snorkelling off the long white sands. Thailand is also a great place for markets, and along your travels you'll find

Tour itinerary

Day 1

Join Bangkok; optional tour of Klongs.

Day 2

Visit wats and Grand Palace.

Day 3

Free day Bangkok; overnight train Chiang Mai.

Day 4 & 5

In Chiang Mai; visit Doi Suthep and elephant sanctuary at Lampang.

Day 6 & 7

2-day Hilltribe Trek.

Day 8

Trek, drive and raft to Mae Hong Son.

Day 9

In Mae Hong Son.

Day 10

Return Chiang Mai.

Day 11

Fly Bangkok; bus and ferry to Koh Samet.

Day 12 & 13

On Koh Samet.

Day 14

Drive Bangkok where tour ends.