Rascals in Thailand
Trip Length: 14 days

Let RASCALS introduce your family to Thailand's exotic attractions: shimmering temples, Emerald and Golden Buddhas, stunning hotels, beautiful and friendly people, and the remote beaches of Ko Samui or Phuket. Ride an elephant, float downriver on a bamboo raft, explore traditional Thai floating markets, walk through villages and learn about the life of the Hill tribes, enjoy Thai cuisine, shop till you drop! The colorful memories you bring home will rival those of Thai silk!

Itinerary

Day 1 - Bangkok
After clearing customs at the airport a private car/minibus will be waiting to drive your family to the beautiful Shangri-La Hotel.

Day 2 - Bangkok
Temples and City Tour- An introductory tour of the city this morning taking in three of Bangkok's most famous temples: Wat Trimitr (Golden Buddha Temple with a 5-ton image of solid gold), Wat Po (Reclining Buddha with a statue 46 m. long and 15 m. height) and Wat Benchamabopitr (Marble Temple faced with the finest Carrara marble.) Afternoon at leisure.

Day 3 - Bangkok
Today combine Rural Klong Tour with a visit to the Grand Palace. This boat trip by long-tailed boat "Rua Hang Yao" undoubtedly is the nicest which can be taken on the Thonburi canals ( no souvenir shops). You will be cruising up the Chao Phya river and after your first stop at the landmark of Bangkok "Wat Arun", the river will branch off into several narrow canals. You will pass through coconut plantations, orchards, vegetable gardens, and old temple and river houses which have been kept in their traditional charm. During this tour you will see the real river life. Continue to visit the impressive Grand Palace, Coronation Hall, Throne Hall, Reception Hall, and the compound of the Wat Phra Keo Emerald Buddha Temple). Return by car/coach to your hotel. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 4 - Bangkok
Damnernsaduak Floating Market- The most fascinating circle trip, 120 km, through the countryside along farm houses and villages. You will visit the most colorful and largest floating market in Thailand at Damnernsaduak by boat and walking. On the return trip visit the largest pagoda at Nakorn Pathom. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 5 - Bangkok
Day at leisure.

Day 6 - Bangkok-Chiang Rai
Following breakfast this morning a transfer to the domestic airport to catch the flight to Chiang Rai-At the airport our local guide will greet you to drive via Chiang Saen to visit ancient temples. Boat trip on the Mekong River to the Golden Triangle area where the borders of Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos meet. Following this exciting day enjoy your stay at Le Meridien Baan Boran Hotel.

Day 7 - Chiang Rai
8:00 a.m. Excursion to Doi Mae Salong mountain to visit hill tribe villages followed by a visit to Mae Sai, the northern most town on the Burmese - Myanmar border. Lunch at a local restaurant is included.

Day 8 Chiang Rai-Chiang Mai
Drive to Chiang Rai boat landing to board a local long tailed motor boat for 3 hr. boat trip along Mae Kok River. After lunch at Chiang Rai drive along the mountain highway to Chiang Mai with visits en route. The Regent Chiang Mai Hotel will be home for the next 3 nights.

Day 9 - Chiang Mai
Take an excursion to the north of Chiang Mai to visit elephants at work. Then ride on an elephant through the forest up to Mae Sa Valley Resort. Lunch at a local restaurant is included. A short visit to an Orchid Farm is included before returning to hotel at approx. 3 p.m.

Day 10 - Chiang Mai
Visit the silk and cotton weaving local industry at Sankampaeng district and the Umbrella Village for woodcarving, silverware, and manufacturing of lacquer ware.

Day 11 - Phuket
Depart Chiang Mai by air to Phuket. Overnight at The Chedi Hotel, 3 nights in a beautiful cottage.

Day 12 - Phuket
Phang Nga Canoeing- Board the 15m transfer boat to Phang Nga Bay with its scores of strangely shaped limestone sea stacks. While the boat sails out, instructors give valuable guidelines. Two guests occupy each inflatable sea canoe, which is paddled by the guide into tiny sea caves. Lunch is included. After lunch guests have the option to paddle the canoes themselves. On the way back to Phuket the transfer boat stops at a remote island for sunbathing swimming. Return to Phuket.

Day 13 - Phuket
Day at leisure.

Day 14 - Phuket-Bangkok
Transfer from the hotel to Phuket airport by hotel minibus. Depart Phuket, connect through Bangkok and transfer to international airport for your departure flight.