THE ROSE OF THE NORTH - CHIANG MAI
Known as "The Rose of the North," Chiang Mai is situated in a lush valley embraced by forested hills. While it is Thailand's second largest city, Chiang Mai is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery and tribal villages, where locals retain their traditional dress and customs. Observe their skills in embroidery, silk weaving and woodcarving. You will also explore the magnificent Buddhist temple of Wat Doi Suthep, perched high on a mountain offering scenic views of Chiang Mai below. A visit to Maesa Elephant Camp reveals how trainers work to conserve these majestic and highly skilled animals that are an integral part of Thailand's culture.
DAY ONE / Monday, April 1, 2013 / Arrival in Bangkok
Arrive to Bangkok by various flights, transfer to the Shangri-La Hotel for check-in
Overnight at the Shangri-La Hotel or Similar, Bangkok
DAY TWO / Tuesday, 2 April 2, 2013 / Bangkok - Chiang Mai
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and check out. Transfer from hotel to Bangkok Airport for the 1-hour flight to Chiang Mai. Meet your local representatives upon arrival at Chiang Mai, transfer to Le Meridien Hotel for check-in. Begin this afternoon with a drive through Chiang Mai town to explore the layout and unique atmosphere of this northern city. Continue to visit the well-known temple, Wat Doi Suthep nestled high in the mountain (3,500 feet) overlooking Chiang Mai town. It showcases a large spire pagoda that encased relics of Lord Buddha. The temple is reached by a staircase with 290 steps, flanked by a Naga balustrade on both sides. Enjoy an evening out by having traditional Thai dinner and see Northern Thai dancing and performances at an exclusive Le Grand Lanna Restaurant.
Overnight at Le Meridien Hotel or Similar, Chiang Mai
DAY THREE / Wednesday, April 3, 2013 / Chiang Mai
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Embark on a full day tour to visit the Elephant Camp to see how the trained elephants are used to help in logging at Mae Sa Elephant Camp, watching the elephants taking their daily bath in the stream before beginning to haul timber in the forest. Be amazed by their strength and clever teamwork. Continue to visit a unique Hill Tribe Village where it is famous with the production of highly skilled embroidery especially with hemp, visit the Long-neck Karen Tribe wearing numerous rings around their elongated neck. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
Overnight at Le Meridien Hotel or Similar, Chiang Mai
DAY FOUR / Thursday, April 4, 2013 / Chiang Mai - Bangkok
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and check out. Depart on a morning tour to visit the famous handicraft villages to see silk & cotton weaving, colorful umbrella painting, lacquer ware and celadon villages in Sankamphang. Proceed to Chiang Mai Airport for your flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, transfer to the port to board the ship.
Please Note Domestic flight routes have restriction on the number and weight of luggage carried, we suggest to pack accordingly and Oceania will provide luggage storage in Bangkok for pieces not taken with you.
Light luggage would be most suited for this 3-night trip. Please note that the airlines allow a maximum of 1 checked suitcase (20 kg or 44lbs) and one small carry on.
Land Program Step by Step:
Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. The timings indicated are only approximate, and are given here for general reference purposes.
DAY 1 / Monday, April 1, 2013
Arrive Bangkok by various flights, transfer to the Shangri-La or similar Hotel for check- in.
DAY 2 / Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Breakfast at hotel
7:30am Transfer from hotel to Bangkok Airport
10:00am to 11:15am Depart Bangkok for Chiang Mai by Bangkok Airways flight PG 270
11:30pm to 12:00pm Upon arrival transfer to the hotel for check in and free time for lunch on your own.
1:30pm to 2:00pm Drive through Chiang Mai town for city orientation
2:00pm to 2:45pm. Drive up to Doi Suthep Mountain.
2:45pm to 4:00pm Visit Wat Doi Suthep
4:00pm to 4:45pm Drive back to the hotel
7:00pm to 7:15pm Depart hotel for Le Grand Lanna Restaurant
7:30pm to 9:15pm Traditional Thai dinner to be served, accompanied by Northern Thai dance performance.
9:30pm to 9:45pm Drive back to the hotel
DAY 3 / Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Breakfast at hotel
8:00am to 9:15am Drive to the elephant camp
9:15am to 9:30am Walking distance from the main entrance to the camp
9:30am to 9:45am The elephant taking daily bath
9:45am to 10:00am Walking to the Elephant ground show.
10:00am to 11:00am Elephant at work shows
11:00am to 11:15am Walking distance to the main entrance
11:30am to 12:00pm Proceed to a local restaurant
12:00pm to 1:30pm Lunch at a local restaurant
1:30pm to 2:00pm Proceed to Hill tribe Village and Long-neck Karen Tribe Village
2:00pm to 3:00pm Visit Hill tribe Village and Long-neck Karen Tribe Village
3:00pm to 4:00pm Drive back to the hotel
DAY 4 / Thursday, April 4, 2013
Breakfast at hotel and check out
8:30am to 9:00am Depart hotel to handicraft village
9:00am to 9:30am Visit silk & cotton weaving factory
9:30am to 9:45am Proceed to umbrella painting factory
9:45am to 10:15am Visit umbrella painting factory
10:15am to 10:30am Proceed to lacquer ware factory
10:30am to 11:00am Visit lacquer ware factory
11:00am to 11:15am Proceed to Celadon factory
11:15am to 11:45am Visit Celadon factory
11:45am to 12:30pm Proceed to Chiang Mai Airport
2:40pm to 4:00pm Depart Chiang Mai by Bangkok Airways flight PG 907
Upon Arrival transfer to the Bangkok Port to board the ship
Expected Weather: 25-35 C
What to Bring:
Light summer cloth is sufficient. Visiting temples would require proper attire. Ladies who are wearing skirts, shorts are required to have a cloth covering the legs and a shawl to cover the exposed shoulder. Always take off your shoes when entering the temple and private residences. Pants and jeans would be more appropriate as there is much walking during the tour.
Currency:
Thai Baht is the national currency. Most foreign currencies are accepted by banks and moneychangers. Credit cards are accepted in most establishments. It is recommended to have a small amount of the local currency that would be useful when visiting outlying areas.
Electricity:
Thailand uses the 220 V as standard voltage. Adapters can be purchased if needed and also available at most hotels.
Luggage:
Please note that there are certain restrictions on luggage allowance on domestic and short haul flights. It is recommended to store excess baggage in Bangkok with our local operator for collection upon your return.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
As in all countries, a passport is required with the proper visa document. Due to visa agreement and arrangements between countries, it is best that you contact the embassy for your entire visa requirement.
Accommodation:
Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok or similar - 1 night
Le Meridien Hotel Chiang Mai or similar - 2 nights
Note: If the mentioned hotel cannot be secured guests will be notified of the new property.
Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok
89 Soi Wat Suan Plu, New Road, Bangrak, Bangkok, 10500, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 236 7777 Fax: +66 2 236 8579
Le Meridien Hotel Chiang Mai
108 Chang Klan Road, Tambol Chang Klan, Amphur Muang Chiang Mai 50100
Tel: +66 53 253 666 Fax: +66 53 253 667
Please note: If the mentioned hotel cannot be secured guests will be notified of the new property.
Program Includes for guests:
Three-night accommodation on twin sharing basis
Transfers and sightseeing by private air-conditioned coach and local English speaking guide, and admission fees as per program
3 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner (Lunch and dinner include a choice of two glasses of house wine or local beer
Flights within the program
Program Excludes for guests:
Personal expenses
Additional sightseeing and meals not mentioned in the itinerary