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2007 Trip A Itinerary in: Calendar Form | Adobe PDF format (calendar) This is the itinerary for the Nov. 21 to Dec. 19, 2007 trip.
Itinerary is subject to change.
Day 1, Wednesday, November 21, 2007 – Depart San Francisco for Bangkok – Very early morning – Lose one day. Day 2, Thursday, November 22, 2007 – Arrive in Bangkok – Mid-day – Free afternoon. Day 3, Friday, November 23, 2007 – Bangkok – Sightsee the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and the adjoining Grand Palace, beautiful Wat Benjamabhophit (the Marble Temple) and the Queen's exquisite Support Museum of fine arts and crafts. Dine on superb Thai cuisine! Day 4, Saturday, November 24, 2007 – Bangkok to Ayuthaya – Leave Bangkok early for Damnoen Saduak floating market in Rajburi – explore quiet canals and be part of the hustle-bustle of a lively market afloat on boats. Visit Nakon Pathom's enormous Buddhist shrine dating back to the 5th century. Sample delicious kao laam (sticky rice in bamboo). Day 5, Sunday, November 25, 2007 – Ayuthaya to Sukhothai – Explore the awesome remains of a glorious period in Thai his-tory prior to the Bangkok era: Wat Chaiwatanaram, Wat Yai Chaimongkol, Wat Mongkolbhophit, Wat Phra Srisanphet, Wat Rajburana, Wat Mahathat. On to Sukhothai. Day 6, Monday, November 26, 2007 – Sukhothai – Walk the atmospheric ruins of Thailand's first capital (Unesco World Heritage site) dating back 700 years: Wat Mahathat, Wat Sri Sawai, Wat Sra Sri, Wat Sri Chum. In nearby Si Satchanalai, see ancient celadon kilns, visit a textile museum & the area's cottage businesses (ceramics, textiles, gold/silver crafts). Day 7, Tuesday, November 27, 2007 – Sukhothai to Mae Sa – After a hearty noodle breakfast, walk Sukhothai's bustling market, sampling local treats from street vendors. Continue our journey northward, stopping by a very sacred, ancient temple in Lampang with elegant Lanna-style architecture and a history that predates Thailand's. Day 8, Wednesday, November 28, 2007 – Mae Sa – Meander up the Mae Sa hills to visit a Hmong hilltribe village. Learn their culture and how they've benefited from our beloved King's Royal projects. Leisure time in the after-noon to enjoy our charming resort, set amidst lush gar-dens and cascading streams. Treat yourself to a healing massage in an idyllic setting. Day 9, Thursday, November 29, 2007 – Mae Sa to Pai – Following a leisurely breakfast, we'll visit an orchid farm before heading north through mountainous country to the picturesque valley of Pai, where we'll stay at a lodge on the outskirts of town amidst natural surroundings. Relax and enjoy the scenery. Optional cultural talk in the evening. Day 10, Friday, November 30, 2007 – Pai to Mae Hong Son – Drive through breathtaking mountain country (foothills of the Himalayas), home to many colorful hilltribes. Explore the extensive caves of Tham Lod near Soppong – raft down the stream flowing thru' the caves. Stop by a Lisu hilltribe village for a walk. In Mae Hong Son, we'll stay at a peaceful nature lodge by a forest preserve. Day 11, Saturday, December 1, 2007 – Mae Hong Son – Refreshing morning market walk – mingle with hilltribe traders and their colorful wild produce and sample tasty snacks from friendly vendors. Walk around the small town, visiting Shan "Burmese"-style temples. Lunch on delicious local delicacies. Afternoon leisure time to enjoy our resort &swim in the refreshing pool. Day 12, Sunday, December 2, 2007 – Mae Hong Son –Drift down the misty Pai in the early morning on bamboo rafts, then trek on elephant back along the scenic river. Lunch in town and take some time to shop for local crafts and Burmese artifacts. Optional afternoon hike in the nearby forest preserve. Dine on fine food in town and walk the night market. Day 13, Monday, December 3, 2007 – Mae Hong Son – Tour the beautiful mountainous country of Mae Hong Son, visiting thundering Pha Seua waterfall, a hilltribe village, &a Chinese refugee settlement near the border. Inspiring views &scrumptious Yunnan Chinese lunch! Late afternoon long-tail boat ride on the Pai River to the Burmese border. Another fine dinner in town! Day 14, Tuesday, December 4, 2007 – Mae Hong Son to Chiang Mai – Saying goodbye to the lovely resort that has been our home for four days, we'll head down lush mountain country into the valley of Chiang Mai, land of the old Lanna kingdom, stopping at viewpoints along the way. Dine on tasty northern cuisine, then walk the North's largest Night Bazaar! Day 15, Wednesday, December 5, 2007 – Chiang Mai – Tour the handicraft centers for which the North is known and see how traditional crafts are made: hand-made "sa" (mulberry) paper, traditional hand-painted parasols, lacquerware, hand-woven silks and cottons (tailoring services available), textile crafts, ceramics, silver and bronze wares... Dine at a charming riverside restaurant with an art gallery. Day 16, Thursday, December 6, 2007 – Chiang Mai – "Pilgrimage" to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep – the North's most revered temple on mountaintop overlooking the city. Visit the old temple of Wat Jet Yod, then lunch on delectable northern specialties at a favorite Chiang Mai restaurant! Stroll the quiet grounds of tranquil Wat Umong Forest Monastery. Day 17, Friday, December 7, 2007 – Chiang Mai – Graze our way through lively Worarot market and shop for dried Thai herbs, spices and cookware. Sightsee historical temples in the "old city": Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chiang Man. In the afternoon, we'll visit an impressive, wood-carving museum outside the city. Last night to shop the Night Bazaar! Day 18, Saturday, December 8, 2007 – Chiang Mai to Bangkok – Free Day. Explore more markets, temples, shops and whatever else you wish on your own, or relax with a traditional Thai healing massage. Overnight train to Bangkok. Day 19, Sunday, December 9, 2007 – Bangkok – Breakfast in and walk the alley market of Chinatown. Sightsee Wat Traimitr with the awesome 5 1/2-ton solid gold Buddha and explore the fascinating canals near Bangkok, from Thonburi to Nonthburi. Ob-serve the simple, unfettered ways of living along the canals, visiting serene temples & the interesting Royal Barge Museum. Day 20, Monday, December 10, 2007 – Bangkok to Ranong – Drive down the long, narrow peninsula to the southern part of the country. Stop by Hua Hin for an exciting market walk. Our destination is Ranong, known for its healing, hot mineral springs. Bathe in the rejuvenating waters at the spa of the hotel where we'll spend the night. Dine on fine southern cuisine. Day 21, Tuesday, December 11, 2007 – Ranong to Krabi – Continuing south, we'll drive through scenic country dotted here and there with dramatic limestone karsts. Stop by Than Bokaranee for a nature walk through the verdant rainforest park, graced by lovely cascades and emerald pools. In Krabi, we'll stay in a plush resort with impressive, sweeping views. Day 22, Wednesday, December 12, 2007 – Krabi – Take a refreshing morning soak in the natural pools of an unusual waterfall hot spring in a forest preserve. Walk a lovely nature trail through lowland forests to a spring-fed crystal pool for a swim. Optional afternoon visit to Tiger cave forest monastery. Scrumptious meals of southern specialties at a favorite Krabi restaurant!
Day 23, Thursday, December 13, 2007 – Krabi to Idyllic Island Home – Explore Krabi province's magnificent coastline with tall limestone cliffs, mysterious caves, idyllic islands and dazzling white and golden sand beaches. Swim, sun, snorkel, beachcomb and enjoy the beauty of the Andaman seacoast. Settle in on our own enchanting island home with dramatic scenery. Day 24, Friday, December 14, 2007 – Idyllic Island Home – Free day to relax and enjoy our charming, tropical island paradise and swim in her inviting waters. Sunbathe on the beautiful beach, watch hornbills feed and frolic amidst the coconut and papaya trees, or rent a kayak to explore hidden coves. Partake of a memorable sunrise and sunset on the Andaman seacoast. Day 25, Saturday, December 15, 2007 – Idyllic Island Home – Daytrip to the beautiful islands of Pee Pee Marine Nat'l Park, with towering limestone karsts, sparkling white-sand beaches & colorful coral reefs, home to millions of colorful fishes. Picnic & enjoy the day in & out of the water. If permitted, we'll visit Viking Cave (featured in Nat'l Geographic) where prized bird's nests are collected. Day 26, Sunday, December 16, 2007 – Island to Krabi – Last chance to swim and snorkel the waters of our island home. We'll return to mainland shores mid-day and feast on wonderfully fresh sea-food at a restaurant near the pier. We'll return to our luxurious resort in Krabi where you may wish to pamper yourself at the spa, or relax and enjoy the views from your room. Day 27, Monday, December 17, 2007 – Krabi – Free Day. Enjoy our resort's enormous pool beneath towering limestone karsts. Walk to town along the lovely river front, shop, or visit the bustling market as you wish. Or pamper yourself to hours-long spa treatment in an idyllic setting. Day 28, Tuesday, December 18, 2007 – Krabi to Bangkok – Following breakfast, we'll return to Bangkok by air, arriving in the capital city around mid-day. Last chance shopping at an emporium of Thai arts and crafts, with beautiful things from all over the country. Farewell Party & feast! (with live traditional music and dance performance) Day 29, Wednesday, December 19, 2007 – Depart Bangkok for San Francisco – Mid-day – Gain one Day. Return on same day. Itinerary is subject to change. This is the itinerary for the Nov. 21 to Dec. 19 2007 trip. 2007 Trip A Itinerary in: Calendar Form | Adobe PDF format (calendar) | ||
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