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On the tropical shores of Koh Samet
Exploring the jungle/Claire Larmont

Thai Hilltribe Adventure - a Family Holiday in Thailand - 2010/11 Itinerary

15 days - from $1610

• 2-day hilltribe trek includes travelling on foot, by bamboo raft & elephant-back
• Discover Thailand's colourful cities & temples
• Stay on the tropical island of Koh Samet for amazing swimming & snorkelling

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From Bangkok to the 'Rose of the North'
Thailand's capital, Bangkok, is criss-crossed with canals, often packed with houseboats and 'floating markets'. We do much of our exploring on foot (we are trekkers after all!), as we visit some of the city's glittering palaces and Buddhist temples. A sleeper train then takes us up-country to Chiang Mai, where we climb the 300-step 'Dragon Staircase' to Doi Suthep temple, and visit the Lampang elephant sanctuary and hospital.


3-Day Hilltribe Trek
Our truck drops us off deep in the heartland of the hill tribes for the start of our trek. We encounter a variety of tribes, such as the Lahu (traditionally crossbow hunters), the Lisu (who live on hilltops), and, the Karen - our Thai leader fortunately speaks all the local dialects! The villagers are very hospitable and friendly - but don't expect any creature comforts here, the only luxury you'll have in your bamboo house is your own sleeping bag! As well as river rafting and elephant riding, we explore the huge network of caves at Tham Lod.


Tropical Island of Koh Samet
By flight, road and ferry we travel to the warm waters of Koh Samet. The island is just a few miles long and has been declared a National Park; we lodge in a comfy hotel right on the beach. This is an ideal place to relax and have fun, with plenty of time for boat trips and snorkelling off the long white sands. Thailand is also a great place for markets, and along your travels you'll find plenty of weird and wonderful bargains - from shadow puppets to cards made out of elephant dung!

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Itinerary:

Day 1 Join Bangkok; there's the option to take an afternoon trip along the city's klongs (canals). Days 2/3 Bangkok We visit the Grand Palace and Buddhist temples before catching a sleeper train up-country to Chiang Mai. Days 4/5 Chiang Mai We climb the 300-step 'Dragon Staircase' to Doi Suthep temple and visit the Lampang elephant sanctuary and hospital. Days 6/8 Hilltribe trek We encounter a variety of tribes along the way and stay in bamboo stilt houses. We also go river rafting and elephant riding and explore the huge network of caves at Tham Lod. Day 9 Mae Hong Son A day to relax in this pleasant market town. Day 10 Chiang Mai We fly to Chiang Mai where's the chance to attend a Thai cookery lesson. Days 11/13 Koh Samet We journey by plane, bus and ferry to this idyllic tropical island, the ideal place to relax and have fun, take a boat trip or snorkel off the long white sands. Day 14 Bangkok We return to Bangkok for our final night, there's time for some last minute shopping along the Khao San Road. Day 15 End Bangkok.

Accommodations: 11nts hotel, 2nts village houses, 1nt sleeper train - the village stilt house offers communal sleeping for the whole group, you will need to bring your own sleeping bag - overnight train berths are in a 2nd class air-conditioned open plan carriage; 13 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 2 dinners included.
Transport: Bus/Pick-up truck/Sleeper train/Elephant/Raft/Ferry/Flights.
Comment: The trek is graded moderate; we walk approximately 2/3 hours each day. Be prepared for heat and humidity although we endeavour to trek during the cooler hours of the day where possible.
Group: Approx. 13 to 18.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s) and some local guides.
Trip Reference: FTH2010

Dates & Prices
Start End Prices in US$ Child Price in US$ Local Payment Availability
19 Dec 1002 Jan 11$2120$2120 0
10 Apr 1124 Apr 11$1690$1690 0
24 Jul 1107 Aug 11$1610$1610 0
31 Jul 1114 Aug 11$1610$1610 0
07 Aug 1121 Aug 11$1610$1610 0
14 Aug 1128 Aug 11$1610$1610 0
18 Dec 1101 Jan 12$1610$1610 0

Prices and itineraries shown for tours departing from January 2011 onwards are subject to change and confirmation with the publication of our 2011/12 brochure, due to be published in October 2010.