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Exploring Northern Thailand 2009 - Detailed Itinerary

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Day Day 1 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Depart the U.S.

Depart from the U.S. for Bangkok. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary and airline tickets.

Day 2 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Arrive in Bangkok

Arrive this evening in Bangkok (approximately 11:00 pm). Claim your luggage and clear customs. Then meet your VBT representative (who will be holding a VBT sign) in the Arrivals hall. Suvarnabhumi Airport is a single terminal airport with three exits from the secure area into the public Arrivals hall. International arrivals will exit through Gate B or C into the Arrivals hall. The VBT representative will know in advance which exit you will be coming through (based on your flight details) and will be waiting in the appropriate area. In case you do not connect with the VBT representative, kindly proceed to the ATTA desk located at exit door 10. This representative will help you transfer to your hotel (a 50 minute transfer).

Hotel: Triple Two Silom

Day 3 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Explore Bangkok

Spend the morning touring the famed Grand Palace, and its Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), with a guide. Then board a long tailed boat in the middle of the city and travel through the canals (klongs) witnessing daily life. Stop at The Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) before returning to the hotel. The afternoon is free to enjoy world famous shopping and cuisine.

Meals: B  Hotel: Triple Two Silom

Day 4 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of Bangkok

Enjoy a day at leisure in Bangkok. Your hotel is located within steps of the city's air-conditioned and fast Skytrain transit system, making it possible to visit Chatuchak Market in the morning and then have lunch at the Oriental Hotel overlooking the Chao Phraya River. Thai traditional massage is a wonder for jet-lagged bodies.

Meals: B  Hotel: Triple Two Silom

Day 1 of AIR PACKAGE Depart the U.S.

Depart from the U.S. for Bangkok. The particulars of your arrival are detailed with your flight itinerary and airline tickets.

Day 2 of AIR PACKAGE Arrive in Bangkok this evening

Arrive Bangkok this evening (approximately 11:00 pm). Claim your luggage and clear customs. Then meet your VBT representative (who will be holding a VBT sign) in the arrivals hall. Suvannabhumi Airport is a single terminal airport with three exits from the secure area into the public arrivals hall. International arrivals will exit through Gate B or C into the arrivals hall. The VBT representative will know in advance which exit you will be coming through (based on your flight details) and will be waiting in the appropriate area. In case you do not connect with the VBT representative, kindly proceed to the ATTA desk located at exit door 10. This representative will help you transfer to your hotel (a 50 minute transfer).

Hotel: Triple Two Silom

Day 1 of BIKE TOUR Golden Triangle/Bike fitting

Pre-Trip Extension guests: Meet the air package guests in the hotel lobby after breakfast for the transfer to the Bangkok airport. VBT Air Package guests: After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Bangkok for the short flight north to Chiang Rai. On arrival in Chiang Rai meet your VBT Trip Leaders and transfer by minivan to the ancient town of Chiang Saen. This area is commonly called the Golden Triangle. Have lunch and check into the resort along the Mekong River. In the afternoon the leaders provide a briefing of the week ahead, followed by a safety and bike-fitting session. Tonight dine with your fellow travelers and leaders. VBT No-Air Package guests: Your VBT Trip Leaders and the rest of the group meet you outside the domestic arrivals area at the Chiang Rai airport at 11:00 am. If you are scheduled to arrive at the airport in Chiang Rai later than 11:00 am, or if you are delayed, you must take a taxi at your own expense to the Imperial Golden Triangle Resort (address 222 Golden Triangle, Chiang Saen. Tel (0) 5378 4001) at an approximate cost of 1800 Thai Baht/60.00 US Dollars.

Meals: B,L, D  Hotel: Imperial Golden Triangle Resort

Day 2 of BIKE TOUR Explore the Golden Triangle/Tour the Hall of Opium

After breakfast, ride a scenic loop from the resort through the countryside surrounding Chiang Saen. The ride passes fruit plantations, temples, and farming villages.. We'll have a chance to stop at family operated rice mills or distilleries that are common to this area. Visit the hilltop temple, “Wat Phra Tat Chom Kitti” which offers a unique and spectacular view of the Mekong River, Laos, and of Chiang Saen. You may choose to ride the short but steep road up, walk up the myriad of steps, or hop in the shuttle to the top. Have lunch at a local riverside restaurant, then return to the hotel for a siesta or swim. In the late afternoon, head over to the Hall of Opium, a state-of-the-art museum telling the story of the many thousand year history of Opium cultivation and the effect on society. Dinner is on your own this evening. Options for dinner include the resort's restaurant, casual restaurants within walking distance of our resort, or restaurants in nearby Chiang Saen and at neighboring resorts via our shuttle.

Meals: B, L  Hotel: Imperial Golden Triangle Resort

Day 3 of BIKE TOUR Follow the Mekong River South toward Chiang Khong

After breakfast, a short shuttle takes us to Ban Saeo, the starting point for today's ride. We follow the Mekong, riding east from Chiang Saen towards Chiang Khong. Our destination is Huai Sai Man View Point, offering a spectacular view across the Mekong into Laos. Ride through plantations of lychee, banana, chili, eggplant, corn and more. En route we stop for a relaxing lunch. Our hosts gave up careers in Bangkok to build and operate a very comfortable resort. Much of lunch is prepared with produce from their gardens. We return mid-afternoon by shuttle to Sop Ruak and our resort.

Meals: B, L  Hotel: Imperial Golden Triangle Resort

Day 4 of BIKE TOUR Ride to Mae Chan/Horse Temple/Cooking Class

Shuttle out of Chiang Saen this morning, then begin the ride to our resort. Garlic and ginger are farmed here. Head deep in to the countryside and visit the Horse Temple en route. Two things make the monastery at the Horse Temple (Wat Tham Pa Archa Thong) unique in Thailand. Novice monks here learn the 184 traditional techniques of Thai boxing (Muay Thai) from the Abbot. Horses are kept and used by the monks for merit making in this remote location. We speak with the Abbot and a resident nun and learn why the novice monk's day starts at 4 a.m., and more. Our ride continues to our resort. The last two miles of our ride is a challenging climb to the resort's front door. The shuttle is, of course, available. After some time to freshen up, join our hosts for a lesson on cooking the fragrant local cuisine. We will enjoy the results at dinner tonight. Be aware that construction of a resort has started in the valley in front of the Phu Chaisai Mountain Resort. Construction is limited to normal business hours. While the project somewhat diminishes the remote feeling here, the Phu Chaisai Mountain Resort is still the best place for our one-night stay. It has an ideal location, comfortable rooms, caring staff and a terrific ambience. You may be tempted to utilize the full spa facilities after our ride.

Meals: B, L, D  Hotel: Phu Chaisai Mountain Resort

Day 5 of BIKE TOUR Ride to Fang/Doi Angkhang/Traditional Thai massage

After breakfast shuttle to the start of our ride, the very scenic area near Mae Salak. We visit a simple women's weaving cooperative run by the Thai Lue people. Ride along quiet country roads to Fang where we will enjoy lunch in a popular local restaurant. The curried egg-noodle soup is a local favorite here. After lunch, we join our vans, leave the valley and head up to Doi Angkhang. Doi Angkhang is situated 4700 feet above sea level, and has a noticeably cooler climate. Our resort is adjacent to the Royal Angkhang Agricultural Station. Be soothed by an included traditional Thai massage before dinner at the resort.

Meals: B, L, D  Hotel: Angkhang Nature Resort

Day 6 of BIKE TOUR Minority Hilltribe people/Royal Angkang Agricultural Station/Mule ride

Early risers have the option of greeting the sunrise at a spectacular mountain lookout, then return to the resort for breakfast. For the very strong rider, this morning's ride option is a 9 mile (15 kilometer) loop from the resort out into the hills that surround Doi Angkhang. Ride to Ban Luang Village with its Yunan people. This option is hilly, and you may feel the effects of the elevation. Later in the morning we go by van to visit Khob Dong Village and visit with the Muser people. These minority people were originally from Tibet, and we can see this in their custom and dress. Then on to Nor Lae Village, whose Palong people are of Burmese decent. Look out from the Thai Army outpost here and you may just hear the Burmese Army soldiers playing ping pong. Birders may choose to walk, ride or shuttle for some excellent bird spotting opportunities in the neighborhood. Mid-day will be spent exploring the Royal Angkhang Agricultural Station. This is the flagship for future projects in Thailand and the world. The Royal Project is an initiative of His Majesty, King Bhumibol Adulyadej. It was founded in 1969 to solve the problems of deforestation, poverty and opium production by promoting alternate crops. Today the project has three main activities: research, development and marketing. More than 150 varieties of crops are grown here today. Walk through collections of roses, a Bonsai garden, a hydroponics facility, fruit orchards, vegetable gardens and more. The Thai Royal family maintains a residence within the station for their occasional visits. Lunch is at the station's clubhouse. In the late afternoon we transfer to mules to visit some of the more rugged terrain in this corner of the country.

Meals: B, L, D  Hotel: Angkhang Nature Resort

Day 7 of BIKE TOUR Biking and Paddling in Sri Lanna National Park/Shuttle to Chiang Mai

Today we shuttle to Sri Lanna National Park where we have a gentle ride through the countryside and its fruit orchards, rice fields and groves of bamboo. We stop at Mae Ngud Reservoir where we paddle kayaks to a boathouse for lunch. In the late afternoon, we will board a minibus and travel to Chiang Mai, the most well known city in the North.

Meals: B, L, D  Hotel: Manathai Village

Day 8 of BIKE TOUR Cycle through the countryside/Hot Springs/Free time in Chiang Mai

Enjoy a morning ride out of Chiang Mai. We have many opportunities during the beginning of our ride to observe the famous Thai handicrafts being fashioned by hand. This part of the country is known for its abundant production of charming housewares and handicrafts. Along side the quiet back roads are cottage industries sewing garments, working wood lathes, and throwing clay. We'll take time to see some of them as we ride through. The scenery later turns to field after field of local crops, filling the valley between the very scenic hills surrounding Chiang Mai. Relax and take a soak at San Khamphaeng Hot Springs, our destination. The afternoon is at leisure in Chiang Mai.

Meals: B  Hotel: Manathai Village

Day 9 of BIKE TOUR Ride to Lamphun/Explore Chiang Mai

This morning, we ride to Lamphun. Predating Chiang Mai by several centuries, Lamphun is the original seat of the Lanna empire. A corridor of Yang Trees once lined the entire road between Chiang Mai and Lamphun. We ride under groups of them still in existence as we enter the city. Once in Lamphun we visit the Wat Cham Devi, the largest and oldest surviving temple of its type in the country. Then on to the highly venerated Wat Phra That Hariphunchai. This was an important destination for pilgrimages of ancient times. Today we visit the adjoining school for novice monks. We have lunch in Lamphun and have time to explore two interesting museums. The Hariphunchai National Museum contains remnants of the Lanna Kingdom's first city as well as some very curious memorabilia commemorating the current King and Queen's visit to the city. Just behind the national museum is the Lamphun Community Museum, offering a glimpse into everyday life in rural Thailand over the past century. We travel by van back to Chiang Mai and visit Doi Suthep, site of Chiang Mai's most important temple. Its location offers a spectacular view of Chiang Mai city and the surrounding valley. We enjoy a final, memorable dinner together with our leaders and our fellow travelers, reflective of the great variety in Thai food. For those with shopping left to do, let your self loose in the city's famous night bazaar. Haggling is part of the process, but everything is a bargain when you compare prices to those back home!

Meals: B, D  Hotel: Manathai Village

Day 10 of Bike Tour Fly to Bangkok or Begin your Post-trip Extension to Laos

VBT No-Air Package guests: Your trip ends midday at the Chiang Mai hotel. You are responsible for your own transfer to the Chiang Mai airport for your flight home. You can book a taxi (approximately 250 Thai Baht/8 US Dollars, (approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic) directly from the hotel. VBT Air Package guests: Morning and lunch in Chiang Mai are on your own. Then meet in the hotel lobby 3 hours prior to your flight departure (subject to change per required check-in time at the airport) for transfer (approximately 30 minutes) to the Chiang Mai airport for your flights to Bangkok. Once you reach Bangkok, exit the airport arrival hall and proceed to exit gate 4 on Level 2. There you will find the hotel operated shuttle to take you to the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel, your lodging for the night. The rest of the day is on your own. VBT Post-Trip Extension guests: If you have chosen the VBT Post-Trip Extension to Luang Prabang, Laos, meet in the hotel lobby 3 hours prior to your flight departure (subject to change per required check-in time at the airport) for your transfer (approximately 30 minutes) to the Chiang Mai airport. Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, claim your luggage and clear customs. Then meet your VBT representative, who will be holding a VBT sign. This representative will help you transfer (approximately 20 minutes) to the hotel. Please note: VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you extend your stay beyond the scheduled program dates, return transportation to the airport will be at your own expense.

Meals: B  Hotel: Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Alternate Hotel: The Grand .   Set around the former villa of local hero Prince Regent Phetsarat, this 78-room resort features French-Indochina-inspired architecture spread over a large well-landscaped area with reflecting pools, lotus ponds and superb views of the Mekong River. The rooms are well-equipped to a four star standard and include air-conditioning, satellite TV and a minibar. The restaurant is set on the edge of the river and is a delightful place to enjoy breakfast or a romantic dinner. Since the hotel is about 4km (2.5mi) from town, a handy shuttle bus is provided to carry guests back and forth throughout the day.

Day 11 of Air Package Depart for US

In the morning, return to the airport by hotel shuttle (operates every 10 minutes, 24 hours per day) for your flight home from Bangkok via Tokyo. You will arrive back in the United States today. If a late check out has been confirmed for you by VBT at the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel, you must check out of your room by 6:00 pm. If you choose to remain in your room later than this, the additional cost will be at your expense.

Meals: B

Day 1 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Exploration of Luang Prabang/Pak Ou Caves

Visit the Pak Ou Caves today with your local guide. These caves contain many Buddha images of varying styles, ages and sizes. Explore the city of Ban Zang Hai, once a jar-making village, and now a village busy with brewing of rice whiskey. Continue to see the production of mulberry paper and traditional hand-woven cotton and silk.

Meals: B  Hotel: The Grand Alternate Hotel: Villa Santi Hotel & Resort .   Rooms are set with authentic Lao rosewood furnishings and genuine Lao silk textiles, complemented with individually controlled air conditioning, TV with satellite programs, in-house movies, mini bar, writing desk with stationary, bathtub with hot and cold shower, bathrobes, slippers and private balcony overlooking the panoramic mountains view.

Day 2 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Continued exploration of Luang Prabang

In the morning, join your local guide for a visit to a local market. Continue on to the National Museum (Royal Palace), a modest but graceful building that combines traditional Lao and French beaux-arts motifs. This turn of the century royal residence has been preserved as it was when the royal family last lived here. From Luang Prabang, travel by boat with your guide to visit the small villages of Ban Muang Khai. Then, proceed by car to the Kuang Si Waterfall, located in a natural setting. Turquoise pools are formed by the falls passing over limestone formations. Swim in the clear water before returning to Luang Prabang and saying farewell to your guide for the evening.

Meals: B  Hotel: The Grand Alternate Hotel: Villa Santi Hotel & Resort .   Rooms are set with authentic Lao rosewood furnishings and genuine Lao silk textiles, complemented with individually controlled air conditioning, TV with satellite programs, in-house movies, mini bar, writing desk with stationary, bathtub with hot and cold shower, bathrobes, slippers and private balcony overlooking the panoramic mountains view.

Day 3 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Depart for Bangkok

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning of guided exploration with a visit to the oldest living temple in the city, Wat Visoun, dating back to 1513. See Wat Xieng Thong, too. This is the jewel of all the monasteries and temples in the city. Its many buildings feature exquisite mosaic and gold-stenciled murals. You may store your luggage with the hotel when you check out of your room, and use the hotel facilities until it is time to depart for your flight home. Meet in the hotel lobby 3 hours prior to your flight departure (subject to change per required check-in time at the airport) and then transfer to the Luang Prabang airport (approximately 20 minutes) for your flight to Bangkok. Once you reach Bangkok, exit the airport arrival hall and proceed to exit gate 4 on Level 2. There you will find the hotel operated shuttle to take you to the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel, your lodging for the night. The rest of the day is on your own.

Meals: B  Hotel: Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport

Day 4 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Depart for US

In the morning, return to the airport by hotel shuttle (operates every 10 mintues, 24 hours per day) for your flight home from Bangkok via Tokyo. You will arrive back in the United States today. If a late check out has been confirmed for you by VBT at the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel, you must check out of your room by 6:00 pm. If you choose to remain in your room later than this, the additional cost will be at your expense.

Meals: B