Taste of Thailand

Day 1: Travel Day
As you travel to Thailand today, you will lose a day when you cross the international dateline.

Day 2: Bangkok - Welcome to Thailand!
Upon arrival at the Bangkok International Airport, you will be met and greeted by your AAW guide/driver and transferred in a private car to your hotel. Bangkok is Thailand’s largest city and is an urban cacophony of traffic, street vendors, markets and temples. After settling in, you will enjoy a night tour to take in some of the sights and sounds of this bustling megalopolis. (No Meals)

Day 3: Bangkok to Chiang Mai - Explore Chiang Mai
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to the Northern city of Chiang Mai. Known as the “Rose of the North,” this walled and moated city has a much more laid-back vibe than Bangkok and is extremely rich in culture and history. It is known for its beautiful mountain scenery, plethora of temples and delicious specialty dishes. Your first stop will be Doi Suthep, a Buddhist temple located on a hill overlooking the city. It dates back to the 14th century and is one of the most famous tourist sights in Chiang Mai. Not only are the temples and grounds beautiful, but you will also have a spectacular birds-eye view of the city. This evening, you will be treated to a traditional dinner and dancing show. While enjoying large platters of delicious Northern Thai specialties, you will watch several dance performances featuring elaborate costumes and beautiful music. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son - Rock Climbing & Drive to Mae Hong Son
This morning, you will take a half-day course to learn the basics of rock-climbing. There are few places more beautiful to learn this thrilling sport than the beautiful rock faces of Northern Thailand! In the early afternoon, you will be driven to Mae Hong Son, a small city on the Burmese border nestled amidst lush green valleys (8 hours). Known as the “Switzerland of Thailand,” or the “Valley of Three Mists,” this area’s green and mountainous beauty is unparalleled. (B, L)

Day 5: Mae Hong Son - Hill Tribe Trekking
Today, you will begin your 2-day trekking adventure in the hills surrounding Mae Hong Son.  Along the way, you will see spectacular scenery and visit with local hill tribes, truly immersing yourself in the culture of Thailand. To continue your cultural immersion, you will spend the evening staying in a hill tribe village. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Mae Hong Son to Pai - Trekking & Drive to Pai
After breakfast in your hill tribe village, you will have a half-day of trekking before driving to Pai. Surrounded by green valleys, rice fields and hot springs, Pai is an adventure traveler’s mecca. Its laid-back atmosphere and eclectic music and art scene attract travelers from around the world. You will have the evening to explore and check out the town’s lively nightlife before settling into your hotel for your overnight. (B, L)

Day 7: Pai - Bamboo Rafting & Long Neck Tribe This morning, you will be driven to Phang Mah Fah, where you will visit more hill tribes, including the famous long-neck tribe. You will then take an hour-long trek to the Tham Lod Cave (also known as Bird Cave for the 300,000 birds that sleep there each night). One of the longest and largest caves in Thailand, it is composed of an enormous river tunnel and three higher dry caverns with columns over 20 meters high. On a bamboo raft, you will explore the cave and its colorful stalactites and stalagmites. You will also be able to visit a rock shelter where a 20,000 year old human skeleton was found – the oldest in Northern Thailand. You will then return to Pai for your overnight. (B, L)

Day 8: Pai to Chiang Mai - Mae Tamang Elephant Camp & Rafting
Today is a full day of adventures, with your first stop being the Mae Tamang Elephant Camp. Here, you will have the opportunity to ride elephants, watch the elephants take their baths, and watch an elephant show. After the show, you will be taken on a bamboo raft ride down the river, floating past incredible scenery – you may even have a chance to try your hand at guiding the raft! Later in the afternoon, you will be driven back to Chiang Mai for your overnight. (B, L)

Day 9: Chiang Mai to Koh Samui - Explore Koh Samui
This morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to the beautiful island of Koh Samui. Thailand’s third largest island, Koh Samui is home to white sandy beaches, coral reefs, tropical jungles and more species of coconut than anywhere else in the world. After settling into your luxurious resort, you can either spend the rest of the day relaxing or you can check out the city’s vibrant nightlife.

Day 10: Koh Samui - Snorkeling & Diving
Today, you will enjoy a full day of snorkeling and diving in the crystal waters surrounding the island. Koh Samui’s reefs are ideal for beginners, and you will be able to observe many different types of colorful marine life.

Day 11: Koh Samui - Free Day
Today, you are free to choose between simply relaxing on the white sand or partaking in one of the many optional activities available to you.

Day 12: Koh Samui - Free Day 
You have today free to enjoy your last day on the beach.

Day 13: Koh Samui to Bangkok - Koh Samui & Tour of Bangkok
This morning, you will catch a flight back to Bangkok. After settling into your hotel, you will take an afternoon tour of the city. Your first stop will be Wat Pho, or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, which is the oldest and largest wat in the city and features a 150-foot long golden Buddha statue. You will also visit the neighboring Grand Palace, a sprawling royal complex that served as the king’s residence since the 18th century. Though it is no longer a royal residence, its lavish grounds and intricate architecture are a must-see for any visitor to Bangkok. You have the evening free to do any last minute shopping or sightseeing before your flight home tomorrow. (B, L)

Day 14: Bangkok - Return Flight Home
After breakfast, you will be transferred in your private vehicle to the Bangkok Airport to catch your flight home. (B)