Boat trip visiting mangroves and a marine sanctuary, forest and Sea nature walk including birdwatching, monkey caves at the temple of the Golden Bell, Naiyaiyarm, national maritime museum, French cathedral, historic ship building yards, Chantaburi mat weaving, forest and mountain treks including visits to waterfalls and wildlife sanctuaries, dolphin including Iriwaddy dolphins, elephant show and tiger sanctuary, Royal Thai massage and herbal steam therapy, Ayurveda healing treatments.
Tour Itinerary:
Destinations to Visit: Chiang Mai - Mok Fah - Mae Jok - Pa Khaolam - Pong Ngan- Sop Kai.
Explore the beauty and culture of Thailand's mountainous north on this three-day trek into the jungles surrounding Chiang Mai. You'll head off the beaten path, a rewarding experience that will allow you to get in touch with the people and natural wonders of the region. This region of Thailand has long been known for its fantastic trekking. The chance to interact with the local hilltribes of the area enhances the experience. Along the way you will stay in different villages, learning about the tribe's traditional culture and way of life.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Chiang Mai - Mok Fah - Mae Jok
Journey north into the mountains, stopping en-route at the Mae Malai local market to browse the colorful stalls with their exotic products. After a visit to the Mok Fah waterfalls and a tasty picnic lunch, drive to Huay Nam Dung National Park and visit the Shan village of Mae Sae where you'll start your hike to the Karen village of Baan Mae Jok. In the evening, enjoy an authentic jungle dinner hosted by your trekking guide. Overnight in Mae Jok. Includes: (L), (D).
Day 2: Mae Jok - Pa Khaolam
Watch the cool breeze sweep away the morning mist as you enjoy breakfast before resuming your walk toward an elephant camp. Relax and enjoy a picnic lunch at the camp as your elephant is prepared for your journey, which will be led by skilled Karan mahouts. Climb on to your elephant's back and traverse deep into the dense jungle toward the Karen village of Baan Pa Khaolam. Overnight in Pa Khaolam. Includes: (B),(L), (D).
Day 3: Pa Khaolam - Pong Ngan
Today's trek is the most ambitious, but also the most spectacular. The Huai Nam Dang National Park is filled with virginal forests, wildlife, and several streams. Trek through this pristine wilderness stopping for a picnic at the waterfalls before reaching Pong Ngan, a Lahu village, for a unique home stay experience. Overnight in Pong Ngan. Includes: (B),(L), (D).
Over the last couple of decades Thailand has become one of the most loved travel destinations in the world. Each year many thousands of people visit Muang Thai (as it is known locally) for a travel experience they do not easily forget. Why though is Thailand such a popular destination? Why do visitors love this country so much? Perhaps the main reason for Thailand’s popularity is its diversity – it doesn’t matter which aspect of Thailand you consider, you are confronted by extremes wherever you look. Although there’s no snow (unless of course you count, Thailand has many types of landscape on offer. The mountainous regions of the north with its valleys filled with swirling fogs and mist agriculture, and as with southern Thailand, offers some of the most attractive beaches and islands on the planet. Of course, all this nature is set against Thailand’s metropolitan areas; Thailand is home to some major cities, Bangkok, the country’s capital, certainly the largest and the most formidable.
Culturally, Thailand is equally diverse as its geography. Unlike other countries in the region, Thailand has never been colonized and its history and culture have remained intact to develop a natural course. A predominantly Buddhist country, Thailand is a place of ritual and practice that are unfamiliar to most visitors and enhance the country’s exotic appeal. Influences throughout the country (Chinese influence in the north; Islamic influence in the south, etc.) add further to the intrigue Thailand generates. Many parts of country are home to hill tribes and traditional peoples whose traditional ways of life remain untouched and present a fascinating insight into the development of this country.
Of course, Thailand’s nightlife is legendary and a major attraction for visitors. The risqu? nightlife (go-go bars, etc.) on offer about the country has its place, but doesn’t constitute even a fraction of what’s on offer. Cabaret Shows and entertainment areas abound, even in the country’s less touristy areas. Of course, Thailand’s restaurants and bars help complete an irresistible package with some of the best cuisine and entertainment available.
Another reason for Thailand’s popularity as a travel destination is likely its accessibility. Although steeped in tradition, history and culture, Thailand’s infrastructure is one of the most modern in the region. Transport, banking, and telecommunications are all world class and help make even Thailand’s remotest of regions convenient and easy places to visit. This accessibility helps Thailand draw a very diverse group of visitors to Thailand – budget travelers, business people, people taking training courses… they are all here in their masses!
By far one of the key reasons Thailand is such an attraction to visitors is the Thai people themselves. Thai people are blessed with a character and temperament that are often the exact opposite of those found in the ‘west’. You see little in the way of confrontation between people here; the famous Thai smile replaces the temper and aggression that might be shown elsewhere. Despite the furry of modern life, Thais remain placid and calm amongst the turmoil creating a tranquility many visitors find infectious and an important part of their Thailand experience.
Whatever your reason for visiting Thailand, DiscoveryThailand.com hopes to give you the information you need to get the very best out of your trip… Get the most out of your Thailand experience with DiscoveryThailand.com… Kick Start a New Career
World-class English teacher training in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket with ECC.
This 92-metre hillock on the northern approach to Phetchaburi provincial capital (some 36 kilometres north of Cha-am), supports the Phra Nakhon Khiri palace constructed in 1860 by King Rama IV (King Mongkut). Phetchaburi residents refer to it as Khao Wang, literally Palace Hill.
The style is mainly European with some Thai and Chinese influences. Sitting on three peaks the temple of Wat Phra Khew is to the east; the main stupa of Phra That Chom Phet in the middle and the residential Grand Palace to the west.
Both Kings Rama IV & V used the palace at their leisure and to entertain their visitors. After the death of King Rama V it was used less and less and sadly slipped into a state of decay. In 1935 it was registered as a national monument by the Fine Arts Department and was restored to be a National Museum and National Park. Open daily 9am-4pm it can be conveniently reached by funicular railway round-trip 40 Baht. Once at the top entrance to the Museum is 30 Baht for foreigners and 10 Baht for Thais. It is an excellent half-day excursion and takes a couple of hours to walk the path linking the three peaks. The views are spectacular.
