Itinerary

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 at approximately 11 p.m. 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.

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 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 tail boat in the middle of the city and travel through the canals, or 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.

Day 2 of AIR PACKAGE Arrive in Bangkok this evening

Arrive in Bangkok this evening at approximately 11 p.m. 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.

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.

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 our 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 will 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.

This afternoon, there will be a safety and bike fitting session to be followed by a welcome reception and dinner.

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 Tikki, which offers a unique and spectacular view of the Mekong River, Laos, and of Chiang Saen. You may choose to ride up the short but steep road, 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 or restaurants within walking distance of our 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.

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

Shuttle out of Chiang Saen this morning, then begin the ride to our resort. Garlic and ginger are farmed here. Head deep into the countryside and visit the Horse Temple, Wat Tham Pa Archa Thong, en route. Two things make the monastery at the Horse Temple unique in Thailand. Novice monks here learn the 184 traditional techniques of Thai boxing, Muay Thai, from the Abbot and 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. Dinner is at the resort tonight.

Day 5 of BIKE TOUR Doi Mae Salong/Cooking Class/Traditional Thai Massage

Many guests choose to take a break from the bike today to enjoy the services and tranquility of the resort. A supported ride in the surrounding hills is available. Vans take us this morning to a visit of the hilltop town of Doi Mae Salong. The village is almost entirely populated by the descendants of Chiang Kai Check's Chinese Nationalist Kuomintang Army, and has the look and feel Yunnan, China rather than Thailand.

For lunch back at the resort, we will participate in a cooking class and learn more about Thai cuisine, enjoying the fruits of our labors when the class ends.

This afternoon retreat to the spa and be soothed by an included traditional Thai massage.

Day 6 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 may paddle kayaks, and where we enjoy lunch. In the late afternoon we will board a minibus and travel to Chiang Mai, the most well known city in the North.

Day 7 of BIKE TOUR Cycle through the countryside/Hot Springs/Free time in Chiang Mai

Enjoy a morning ride out of Chiang Mai. This part of the country is known for its abundant production of charming house wares and handicrafts and we have many opportunities during the beginning of our ride to observe those famous Thai handicrafts being fashioned. Alongside 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 Kamphaeng Hot Springs, our destination. The afternoon is at leisure in Chiang Mai.

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

This morning 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 will ride under groups of them still in existence as we enter the city. Once in Lamphun visit the Wat Cham Devi, the largest and oldest surviving temple of its type in the country. Then cycle on to the highly venerated Wat Phra That Haripunchai. 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 Haripunchai 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 Wat Phra That 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!

Day 9 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 directly from the hotel.

VBT Air Package guests: Morning and lunch in Chiang Mai are on your own. Then meet in the hotel lobby three hours prior to your flight departure 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 three hours prior to your flight departure 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.

Day 10 of Air Package Depart for U.S.

In the morning you will return to the airport by hotel shuttle for your flight home from Bangkok via Tokyo. The shuttle operates every 10 minutes, 24 hours per day. 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 7:00 pm. If you choose to remain in your room later than this, the additional cost will be at your expense.

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 the brewing of rice whiskey. Continue on to see the production of mulberry paper and traditional hand-woven cotton and silk.

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. Then, on to the National Museum (the 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.

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 three hours prior to your flight departure and 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.

Day 4 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Depart for U.S.

In the morning you will return to the airport by hotel shuttle for your flight home from Bangkok via Tokyo. The shuttle operates every 10 minutes, 24 hours per day. 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 7 p.m. If you choose to remain in your room later than this, the additional cost will be at your expense.

Exploring Northern Thailand 2010

Pre and Post Trip Extensions

Pre-Trip Extension

Bangkok 2010 - 2 nights for only $345

Join your guide on an included visit to the elaborate Grand Palace, including the temple of The Emerald Buddha (Wat Pra Kaew). We’ll then hop into a uniquely Thai “long-tail” boat to witness daily life along Bangkok’s famed Klongs. There is plenty of free time to sample the city’s world-renown food and shopping. Our hotel’s central location makes independent discovery easy.

Note: Single supplement for this extension is $145.

Post-Trip Extension

Luang Prabang, Laos 2010 - 3 nights for only $695

This introduction to Laos features daily touring with a local host. Surrounded by thickly forested mountains and situated at the confluence of the Khan and Mekong rivers, Luang Prabang has a tranquil, old world charm rarely found in Asia today. The entire town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. See the region by minivan, riverboat, and on foot, accompanied by your guide. Come to know Laos by sampling the local rice wine, see artists weave cotton and silk, witness the production of mulberry paper, explore caves and swim below waterfalls. Return each evening to the comfort and charm of our hotel.

Note: Single supplement for this extension is $195.

Accommodations

Triple Two Silom

Triple Two Silom is an innovative and unique boutique hotel in Bangkok. There are 75 luxury rooms providing high quality, individual service in a relaxed atmosphere.
More akin to a personal residence than a hotel, the Triple Two Silom has an exciting contemporary design, superb standards of comfort and service, and comes with all the latest safety, security and communications technology to make your stay enjoyable and worry free.

Imperial Golden Triangle Resort

The resort has 73 well-appointed rooms each with traditional northern Thai décor including traditional teak furniture and private balconies to enjoy the views of the border. The rooms are equipped with satelite TV, minibar, and IDD telephone. Landscaped gardens, an outdoor swimming pool, and restaurant are all available for guest’s enjoyment.

Phu Chaisai Mountain Resort

From the outside, this small and romantic resort is just a cluster of ordinary bamboo huts with thatched rooms, but once you step inside you realize that these huts are special. Devoid of brand name decorative items and expensive furniture, Phu Chaisai chose to build with decorative items. The air is just one of the many attractions of Phu Chaisai (Mountain of Clear Hearts), an enchanting little “boutique” resort located in the hills outside of Mae Chan, in Chiang Rai. The relative silence is another. The breathtaking views afforded from the generous terraces and the bright and airy rooms, as well as most of the common areas, is yet another. All of the furnishings are, of course, ingeniously made of bamboo, from the tables and chairs to the door handles and light fixtures, even clothes hangers and soap dishes.

Manathai Village

Manathai Village is a small boutique hotel, located in the heart of traditional Chiang Mai. The hotel is positioned next to the famous night bazaar. Rooms are built around a central courtyard featuring a swimming pool and sundeck area. All rooms are air-conditioned.

Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport

The Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport is a 4 star hotel located 10 min walk from Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok. Boasting 612 comfortable and contemporary rooms, the hotel also offers 2 bars and 4 restaurants. With a 24 hour airport shuttle every 10 minutes from Gate 4 Level 2, the hotel is ideally located for travelers making connections.

Rating Level

Easy/Moderate

This tour offers a combination of easy terrain mixed with moderate hills. Our VBT van support shuttle is always available. Roads are carefully selected, but in general are not of the same standard as in Europe or the USA. Suitable for the beginning cyclists and ideal for recreational cyclists, who ride regularly.