Itinerary

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

Depart 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. The representative here will help you transfer to your hotel, a 50- minute drive.

Day 1 of AIR PACKAGE Depart the U.S.

Depart 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 with a guide. Our exploration includes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, known locally as Wat Phra Kaew. 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, or Wat Arun, before returning to the hotel. The afternoon is free for you 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. The representative here will help you transfer to your hotel, a 50- minute drive.

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. Perhaps you'll have lunch at the Oriental Hotel, overlooking the Chao Phraya River. Later, you might indulge in a traditional Thai massage, which works wonders 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 our transfer to the Bangkok airport.

VBT Air Package guests: After breakfast, we transfer to the Bangkok airport for our short flight north to Chiang Rai. On arrival, we meet our 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, our Trip Leaders provide a briefing of the week ahead followed by a safety and bike-fitting session. Tonight dine with your fellow travelers and Trip 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 10:00 am. If you are scheduled to arrive at the airport in Chiang Rai later than 10:00 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 U.S. dollars.

In the afternoon, our Trip Leaders provide a briefing of the week ahead followed by a safety and bike-fitting session. Tonight dine with your fellow travelers and Trip Leaders.

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

After breakfast, we ride a scenic loop from the resort through the countryside surrounding Chiang Saen. Our 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 Chiang Saen. You may choose to pedal up the short but steep road, walk up the many steps, or ride in the shuttle.

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 millennia-long history of opium cultivation and its effect on society. Dinner is on your own this evening. Options for dinner include the resort's restaurant or other establishments within walking distance.

Day 3 of BIKE TOUR Follow the Mekong River 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, north, then south from Chiang Saen towards Chiang Khong. Our destination is Huai Sai Man View Point, offering a spectacular view across the Mekong into Laos. We'll ride today 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

We shuttle out of Chiang Saen this morning, then begin cycling to our resort. Garlic and ginger are farmed in the fields we'll ride past. Deep in the countryside, we'll visit the Horse Temple, Wat Tham Pa Archa Thong. Two things make the monastery at the Horse Temple unique in Thailand. Novice monks here learn the 184 traditional techniques of Thai boxing, 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.

We continue riding 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 cycling today to enjoy the services and tranquility of the resort. However a supported ride in the surrounding hills is available. Vans take us this morning to the hilltop town of Doi Mae Salong. The village is almost entirely populated by the descendants of Chiang Kai-shek'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, and hop on our bikes for a gentle ride through the countryside and its fruit orchards, rice fields and groves of bamboo. We stop at Mae Ngud Reservoir where you can paddle kayaks on tranquil waters. We break for lunch here in this lovely setting. In the late afternoon we 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 housewares and handicrafts and we have many opportunities during the early part of our ride to observe those famous Thai handicrafts being fashioned. Along the quiet back roads, cottage industries have sprung up sewing garments, working wood lathes, and throwing clay. We'll take time to see some of them as we ride through.

Later, field after field of local crops unfolds before us, filling the valley between the scenic hills surrounding Chiang Mai.

Our destination is the San Kamphaeng Hot Springs, where we stop and take a soak. Back in Chiang Mai, our afternoon is at leisure.

Day 8 of BIKE TOUR Cycle to Lamphun/Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

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'll see that some still stand, and they'll mark our progress as we enter the city. Once in Lamphun, we visit Wat Cham Devi, the largest and oldest surviving temple of its type in the country. Then cycle on to the highly revered Wat Phra That Haripunchai. This was an important destination for pilgrims of ancient times. Today we visit its adjoining school for novice monks.

After lunch in Lamphun, we 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 shuttle 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 the city and the surrounding valley.

We enjoy a final, memorable dinner together with our Trip Leaders and our fellow travelers, showcasing once again the great variety of Thai food.

For those with shopping left to do, let yourself 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 Morning at Leisure in Chaing Mai/Depart for the U.S. 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 your transfer (approximately 30 minutes) to the Chiang Mai airport. You'll fly back to Bangkok, where you'll connect with your flight to the U.S.

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 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 Arrive in the U.S.

You will arrive back in the United States today.

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

We visit the Pak Ou Caves today with our local guide. These caves contain many Buddha images of varying styles, ages and sizes. Later, explore the city of Ban Zang Hai, once a jar-making village and now 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 our guide for a visit to a local market. Then, we visit 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, we travel by boat with our guide to the small villages of Ban Muang Khai. Then, proceed by car to the Kuang Si Waterfall, located in a stunning natural setting. Turquoise pools are formed by the falls cascading over limestone formations. After a swim in the clear water, we return to Luang Prabang and say farewell to our guide.

Day 3 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Depart for the U.S.

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, 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 and transfer to the Luang Prabang airport (approximately 20 minutes). You'll fly to Bangkok and connect with your flight to the U.S.

Day 4 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Arrive in the U.S.

You will arrive back in the United States today.

Exploring Northern Thailand 2012

Pre and Post Trip Extensions

Pre-Trip Extension

Bangkok 2012 - 2 nights for only $245

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

Only available with the Air Inclusive Package.

Note: Single supplement for this extension is $145.

Post-Trip Extension

Luang Prabang, Laos 2012 - 3 nights for only $895

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. Sample 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.

Only available with the Air Inclusive Package.

Note: Single supplement for this extension is $245.

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 Imperial Golden Triangle Resort has 73 well-appointed rooms, each with traditional northern Thai décor including teak furniture and private balconies to enjoy the views of the border. Rooms are equipped with satellite TV, minibar, and IDD telephone. Landscaped gardens, an outdoor swimming pool, and a 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.

Tamarind Village

Tamarind Village is a unique Lanna-style boutique property nestled in the very heart of Chiang Mai. Surrounded by ancient temples and quaint shopping streets, it takes its name from a magnificent 200-year-old tamarind tree that shades the hotel. The contemporary style of the rooms features fabrics and patterns drawn from the various tribes of the region.

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.

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 U.S. Suitable for beginning cyclists and ideal for recreational cyclists who ride regularly.