Bangkok-Chiangmai-Phuket soft adventure Tour
11 Nights/ 12 Days

Welcome to Sherpa Ascent International Travel's Bangkok-Ayuthaya-Chiang Mai-Phuket tour program, perfectly designed to suite your itinerary when visiting Thailand. We have put together this tour program after running many tours throughout the regions.

This tour takes you through Bangkok's ancient palaces, temples, canals (traditional Thai water ways), floating market of Damnernsaduak, ancient capital city of Ayuthaya with return trip on cruise on the Chaophraya River, Chiang Mai, the ancient Lanna Kingdom of northern Thailand, and Phuket Island in the south. The highlights of this tour around Chiang Mai in the north will be to explore ancient temples, arts and crafts of the people in the north, visits to numerous hill tribe people to see their unique cultures, elephant safari and bamboo rafting in the beautiful scenery of nature.

After Chiang Mai tour, we take a flight to Phuket Island in the south of Thailand to experience its extraordinary scenery. Here, we take scenic tours to visit James Bond Island area, fisherman's villages, elephant camps and visit Raya Island to relax on the clean sandy beaches. Then, on the last day, we do some action packed sea kayaking to explore the Phang Nga Bay's lush green mangrove forests between spectacular crust islands, sea caves and tidal tunnels filled with extraordinary stalactites, stalagmites and army of bats. With inflatable sea kayaks paddled by our guides, we visit lagoons inside the spectacular crust islands of lush green vegetation where various wild animals make their home.

You will find this well crafted vacation package to be your finest trip in Thailand because this tour allows you to experience most of what Thailand has to offer to its curious visitors. We surely hope that you will have excellent time and fun on this tour. If what we have put together here does not meet your requirements, please feel free do ask. The following paragraphs offer you some details on each destination. For further information and questions, please feel free to ask. We look forward to welcome you to Thailand and offer you the best.

Highlights of Bangkok:
Welcome to Bangkok, the capital and the major metropolitan city of Thailand! The Grand Palace, ancient temples, river boat cruise, floating market, classical Thai dance, elephant show, and crocodile farm are some of the highlights of the tour here. The bustling capital offers sightseers a full range of historic monuments and avant garde modern architecture. Temples, monasteries, museums, libraries, cultural centers, safari parks, huge shopping complexes and first class hotels make Bangkok one of the greatest cities in the Far East. Our guided tours will take you through most attractive historic monuments and sites of Bangkok. Treat yourself with finely designed tour of Sherpa Ascent international.

Ancient Capital City of Ayuthaya:
Ayuthaya was Capital City of Thailand from 1350 to 1767. During this period Thai culture flourished and so did international relations with the Dutch, French, Portuguese, Japanese and Chinese. Ayuthaya is in the middle of the Pasak River and boasts uncountable ancient temples, monuments, ruins and stupas. The Ayuthaya Historical Park is a UNESCO declared World Heritage site. In 1767, the Burnese Army sacked and burnt down Ayuthaya to complete ruins. Although it suffered a great destruction, Ayuthaya is still a very attractive ancient city to visit and is only 82 kilometers north of Bangkok. Other attractions in Ayuthaya that we incorporate as part of our tour are The Bang Pa In-Summer Palace and national museum.

Highlights of Chiang Mai (Northern Thailand):
Departures from Bangkok/Chiang Mai September to May:
Chiang Mai, the northern province of Thailand, founded by King Mengrai in 1296. This northern region was known as the Lan Na Thai kingdom in the 13th to 14th centuries. Chiang Mai City is the second biggest in Thailand, the most active trading post in the north and a vibrant university center. Visitors will be amazed by the well over 300 temples and its scenic landscape. Thailand's highest peak, Doi Inthanon (2595 meters above sea level), crowns the north. Here, travelers can enjoy scenic trekking, elephant riding, hiking through hill tribe villages, bamboo rafting and magnificent vistas at sun set and sun rise. The province is home to many hill tribes with distinct cultures. Extraordinary woodcarvings, silverware and the artworks, beautiful flower festival parades and diverse cultures are some of the attractions here. Join us and explore the scenery and the cultures of northern Thailand with Sherpa Ascent International.

Highlights of Phuket Island:
Phuket island, in the Andaman Sea, Thailand's largest island Province, was first to develop a tourism industry. It is still a leader in luxury hospitality and a sophisticated international resort destination. This "treasure island" of Thailand earns its reputation with delicious sea food, spas to rejuvenate you, top golf courses, beautiful coral reefs, sea kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, para-sailing, elephant rides, cultural shows, and spectacular views in the vicinity of Phuket. Similan Islands in the Andaman Sea and other nearby smaller islands make an exotic excursions.

One day sea kayak trips with escort boat and on board cooking facility or 3 to 6 day overnight sea kayak camping tours in Phang Nga Bay with escort boat are exciting and some of the best outdoor packages here. Delicious fresh seafood is served for lunch and dinner and unlimited soft drinks.

BEST SEASON: The normal tour season in Thailand is September to May. The Southern Thailand region is at its best from November to March. However, the months of March and April are quite hot.

ITINERARY: BANGKOK-CHIANGMAI-PHUKET TOUR 12 DAYS:
Day 1 Arrive Bangkok
Meet on arrival at Bangkok international Airport and transfer to hotel.

Dinner with Thai Classical Dance:
7:00 PM Pick up from the hotel for a worm welcome night with Thai dinner and
classical dance in a typical Thai pavilion restaurant. The Thai classical dance,
in the old days were usually performed only in the Royal Court, are
now presented to you. We offer this cultural show and dinner trip either
the evening of the first day or the second day depending upon the client's arrival
time in Bangkok. Transfer back to the hotel: 9:30pm. Dinner and show is
courtesy of Discover Asia Travel.

Day 2 The rural canal /Royal grand palace and Temples Tours
7:00 am Pick up from the hotel and transfer to the pier.
Cruise along the main river of Thailand (Chao Phraya River). There are well over 100 canals in Bangkok. Hence, it is often called the "Venice of the east". Early Thai lifestyle of dwelling along the riverbanks is still experienced in this hustle and bustle of the modern city of Bangkok.

Visit the Wat Sai Floating market, the old Bangkok floating market area. NOTE: The floating market here is no longer active. We take a visit to this area as part of the canal tour for an experience to observe how the local people live here. We take a break at the snake farm and mini zoo to enjoy exciting snake show. Back to the main river via Wat Arun (Temple of dawn). The former palace of King Taksin of Thonburi period (1767-1782).

Visit the Royal Grand Palace and Wat Phra Keow (Temple of the Emerald
Buddha), which was moved by King Rama I of Chakri Dynasty in 1782 from the
west side of Chao Phraya river to the east. Visit various halls of royal function
such as Amarindra Throne Hall, Chakri Mahaprasart and Dusit Mahaprasart
Throne Hall and the residential area.

Wat Pra Keow (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) Is one of the most beautiful temples in royal palace compound. The temple itself is being used for principal royal function and royal chapel. This temple is the repository of The Emerald Buddha, the most holy Buddha Image of Thai Buddhism. The Image is carved in semiprecious green stone 66 cm high. The temple is regarded as the oldest and the most beautiful decoration in the country.

Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) is the oldest, largest and most visited temple in Bangkok. Well known as the first open university of Thailand. Night at the hotel. (B&L).

Day 3 Damnernsaduok Floating market, Crocodile Farm and Rose Garden (Full day Tour)
7.00am Pick up from the hotel, and drive to Damnernsaduok floating market to the west of Bangkok, Rajaburi Province. First break at the sea salt field to view how salt is produced. However, this stop is optional. Second short break at a coconut garden where coconut sugar is produced, local home industry, orchid plantation and butterfly farm.

We stop at a pier several kilometers before the main Damnernsaduak floating market and ride on long tail speedboat to the main floating market compound. En route explore the typical life styles of local people in central region of Thailand. Once we reach the center of floating market, get off from the boat and explore the market at leisure. Depart floating market and continue our journey to the woodcarving center to see the world famous fine arts of Thailand.

Lunch at crocodile farm, and see Crocodile wrestling, and great elephant show.
Then, continue to The Rose Garden, and visit the beautiful country resort to observe the Thai ways of life from every part of the country featuring Thai boxing, wedding ceremony, folk song and dance, ordination into the monkshood and more. End of tour and transfer back to Bangkok. Overnight at the hotel. (B&L).

Day 4 Ayuttaya-Ancient temples and ruins tour with return by cruise
7:00 am Pick up from the hotel and transfer by coach / mini bus / boat to
Ayuthaya.

First stop at Bang-pa-in, the famous summer palace of the royal family, which was built about a century ago. Here, different buildings reveal different architectural designs, such as Thai, Italian, and Chinese.

Then, we reach the town of Ayuthaya via Wat Phanancheang.
Then, visit the largest sitting Buddha Image (Luangpor Tor) which was made of gilded brick and plaster. The knee span is 14.10 meters; the height from shin to the top is 19 meters. Records indicate that it was built in 1324, about twenty years before Ayuthaya was founded.

Highlights of the trip: The Royal Grand Palace, which was built by King Trilokanart (1448-1488) and was added at later reigns. The royal palace has only its ruined foundations and partial remains of the many great splendid halls and walls. Lunch break at the riverside restaurant. Thai food lunch is provided.

Then, visit Wat Mahatha . It is said that a holy relic of The Lord Buddha was enshrined here. Historians can not tell who built this temple. However, it is believed that either the second king or the fourth king of Ayuthaya may have built it.

Our final visit to Wat Rajaburana, a temple built by King Boromracha II on the cremation site of his two brothers, who killed each other for the throne. Then, the tour ends, and drive back to Bangkok hotel or airport. (B&L).

DAY 5 BANGKOK-CHIANG MAI FLIGHT AND TOUR.
Early morning breakfast at the hotel and transfer to airport to catch a flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, meet at the airport and transfer to your hotel and lunch break. In the afternoon, temple tour including a visit to Wat Prathad Doi Sutep, the most celebrated temple in Chiang Mai, containing a holy relic of Lord Buddha. To reach the temple, we drive up Doi (mount) Suthep, and climb up 300 steps to get to the temple courtyard. Both sides of the steps is flanked by enormous mythological Nagas (snakes). A panoramic view of the city can be seen from here at 3,500 feet above sea level. Then visit Wat Pra Singh (A.D.1345) housing a very old and sacred Buddha image and Wat Suan Dok (A.D. 1371), where the ash of Chiang Mai's Royal family is said to be preserved.

In the evening, we enjoy traditional northern Thai cuisine Kantoke Dinner, and observe Northern Thai folk song and dance performed by different hill-tribes in their colorful costumes. Each tribe is different in his/her own right in costumes, dialects, culture and superstitions! At the end, you will be asked to mix and dance. (B,L&D).

Day 6 Elephant trekking-Hill Tribe villages-Bamboo Rafting
After breakfast, travel about 50 kilometers from the city for a full day's tour of Chiang Dao elephant training Center. Start one-hour elephant ride through the semi-jungle vegetation to visit a Lisu hill tribe village, a wonderful experience. Returning to the camp, watch the elephants taking their morning bath in the running stream before starting their day training and work. See demonstration of elephants at work.

Then, take an exciting bamboo rafting (traditional transportation in the river) down the Mae Ping River for one hour. On the way back to the city, visit an orchid nursery and butterfly farm, where local lunch is provided. Visit Mae Sa waterfall and botanical park. Evening - at leisure. You may wish to visit the Chiang Mai night market for a look or souvenir shopping. (B,L&D).

Day 7 Mong Hill Tribe Village and leisure trekking
08.30 A.M. Pick up at your Hotel, and board on a 4x4 WD for 7 km drive visiting Nhong Hoi Royal project Development Center. Then, visit Mong Hill tribe Village. Around eleven, we will take one hour trekking over mountain and forest trails to the Fire Observation Tower. Approximately around 12.30 P.M., we will have B-B-Q Picnic Lunch while enjoying a panoramic mountain view at 2,000 feet above sea level. Then, around two in the afternoon, we take a half an hour elephant ride over forest trails. And then, return to Mae-Sa Valley Craft Village.
About 05.00 P.M., we depart Mae-Sa Valley for Chiang Mai. (B,L&D).

DAY 8 CHIANG MAI TO PHUKET FLIGHT.
Upon arrival pick up from Phuket Airport by air-conditioned limousine/minibus, transfer to the chosen hotel and check in. Then, begin tour around the island to see some of the most spectacular sights of the island. Lunch is included in the trip. Evening at leisure and accommodation in the chosen room category. (B&L).

Day 9 Phuket Tour
Breakfast in the hotel. Pick up from the hotel to cross the bridge to the mainland. Visit an elephant camp (elephant trekking optional), a spectacular temple built inside a limestone cave and start for a fascinating boat trip through the mangrove forests to visit James Bond island. Lunch on a stilt-built fishing village and afternoon return to Phuket. Evening at leisure and accommodation in the chosen room category. (B&L).

Day 10 Phuket Beach tour
Breakfast in the hotel. Pick up from the hotel for a full-day trip by boat (joint) to spectacular Raya Island, to enjoy a relaxing day on a beautiful beach with time for snorkeling in the clear water. Lunch is included in the trip. Evening at leisure and accommodation in the chosen room category. (B&L).

Day 11 Phang Nga Bay Sea Kayak Tour
Breakfast at the hotel. Pick up from the hotel and depart for a full day Phang Nga Bay sea kayak tour with escort boat. Fresh seafood lunch and afternoon snack will be provided on board. Our sea kayak trips take you through tidal caves and tunnels to the pristine centers of limestone islands to see untouched lush vegetation and wildlife. Phang Nga Bay kayak trips are full of fun and adventure. Evening return to the hotel and at leisure. (B&L).

Day 12 Departure from Phuket
Breakfast at the hotel. Pick up from the hotel by air-conditioned limousine/minibus and transfer to Phuket Airport. End of services. (B).

SHERPA ASCENT INTERNATIONAL -THAILAND TOUR RATES
TOUR DESTINATIONS TOUR COSTS ARE NETT PER PERSON IN US DOLLARS
Bangkok-Chiangmai-Phuket Soft Adventure Tour 12 Days 1 2 3-6 7-10 11-15 16-20 SGL Remark
GROUP A 270 1600 1550 1480 1370
GROUP B 2370 1455 1325 1215 1105
GROUP C 2260 1380 1270 1160 1050

GROUP A = Accommodations in luxury 4 star hotels when in the cities.
GROUP B = Accommodations in quality 3 star hotels.
GROUP C = Accommodations in quality non-star to 2 star hotels.

TOUR COST INCLUDES:
All accommodations in quality hotels in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket based on twin sharing and breakfast basis (accommodations are based on the price category A, B & C), deluxe air-conditioned tour coach, all tour activities as mentioned in the itinerary, English or other foreign language speaking local tour guide service throughout the tour, all monument & park entrance fees, all ground to boat transfers including from airport to hotel and vise versa.

TOUR COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Visa fees, international and domestic airfares & airport departure tax, lunch & dinner not mentioned in the itinerary, personal clothing, personal insurance, alcoholic beverages, telephone, laundry, tips, charges for delays caused by situations beyond our control such as bad weather, natural disasters, civil unrest, and emergencies.

PACKAGE PRICES & ALTERNATION OF ITINERARIES:
All package prices are net per person in US Dollars. The package prices are subject to change should there be changes in government tax policies, Thai currency exchange rates and/or major changes in US Dollar exchange rates.
We reserve the right to alternate an itinerary in the event of natural disasters, bad weather, civil unrest or other unforeseen factors that pose threat to us. In such events, alteration of an itinerary is done for the safety of our clients.