This 10-day adventure will introduce you to the botanical beauty and to the rich history and culture of Thailand. Featured are excursions to a variety of gardens in Bangkok and Chiang Mai and to some of the most important religious shrines and historical sites. During your stay in Northern Thailand, you’ll have an opportunity to relax and unwind in the lovely mountain resort of Mae Sa Valley located just outside of Chiang Mai. Mae Sa Valley is home of Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens , the largest and most impressive botanical gardens in Thailand.
Difficulty: Moderately easy - some hiking.
Departure Date: Any Day.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Upon arrival you’ll be met by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel located in the heart of the tourist area of, Bangkok, Thailand’s vibrant capital.
Overnight: Silom Serene
Day 2: A full day of touring is scheduled. You will be taken to the Jim Thompson House, a famous historical landmark and to the beautiful Suan Pakkad Palace. Lunch is included at local restaurant.
Overnight: Silom Serene (B, L)
Day 3: A full day of touring is scheduled - in the morning, you will go on an exciting boat tour of Bangkok's canals visitng Wat Arun, the famed temple of dawn. After lunch, you will proeceed to Rama IX Park (the largest park in Bangkok) famed for its beautiful architecture and botanical gardens.
Overnight: Silom Serene (B, L)
Day 4 : Transfer to the airport for short flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival a private car will take you to your hotel.
Overnight : Yaang Come Village (B)
Day 5: Chiang Mai highlights Tour - today's tour visits the most important shrines and monuments in Chiang Mai, the outdoor market and includes time for shopping at the night bazaar
Overnight: Yaang Come Village (B)
Day 6: A full day of touring will commence after breakfast – first stop will be at nearby Doi Suthep Temple, a stunningly beautiful religious complex with panoramic views of the city. The temple is home to a very sacred Buddhist relic and the central stupa (spiritual monument) is considered to be the most spectacular structure in northern Thailand.
From there you’ll visit Bhubing Palace and Gardens, the Queen’s summer retreat; the garden here is famous for it’s many exotic cultivars of roses and a beautiful reservoir. The tour ends with a visit to a Hmong Village. (B, L)
Day 7-8: Today you'll be transferred to nearby Mae Sa Valley, a popular mountain resort. Mae Sa is home of Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens, an enormous complex featuring plants, flowers and trees from Southeast Asia. On site is a very interesting indoor rainforest exhibit with manmade waterfalls featuring ferns, cycads, rhododendrons, anthuriums, gingers and other tropical species. Walking through the many greenhouses, you will find a variety of tropical plants including the Watermelon pepper (Peperomia argyreia), exotic Begonias such as Begonia ‘tiger eye” and Begonia ” bow nigra”; in the Ginger family (Zingerberaceae), White Torch Ginger (Elingerea Elatior or Phaemoria Magnifica) and Striped Narrow Leaf Ginger (Alpinia vittata); in the Water Lilly family (Nymphacae), St. Louis Gold’ and “Maroon Beauty” and in the Lotus family Buddha’s Seat (Nelumbo nucifer gaertn ‘fozuolian). The most unusual plant you will ever see is the Bat Plant (Tacca chantrieri). Well-maintained walking trails circle the property passing by several noteworthy displays of tropical plants and flora; featured are Thai plants and local medicinal herbs, the Climber Collection, consisting of over 200 species of climbers and vines and the Thai Rock Garden and Orchid Nursery with over 350 species of native orchids. The gardens are just a short taxi ride from your hotel.
In addition, you may want to visit one of Mae Sa’s Orchard Nurseries, where an immense variety of tropical orchids are grown including Vandas, Phalaenopsis, Calanthes, Cattlyeas, Ascocendas and Dendrobiums. Check out the attached Butterfly gardens. <i>Learn how to grow your own orchids! </i>
Touring activities in Mae Sa are optional and at additional expense.
Overnight: Mae Sa Valley Crafts Resort (B)
Day 9: Transfer from Mae Sa Valley to the airport in Chiang Mai for flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival you will be transfered to your hotel for your final night in Thailand
Overnight: Silom Serene (B)
Day 10: Transfer to airport for departure.(B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Details (Valid: 2008.05.01 - 2008.10.31):
- Double: $869
- Single: TBA
Inclusion:
Rates per person and include accommodations at specified hotels, hotel taxes and service charges, meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner), all excursions and sightseeing as detailed, admission fees, VIP airport transfers and services of a private tour guide on day 2. The Tour operator reserves the right to substitute hotels of comparable quality as necessary. Rates are subject to change without notice.
Exclusion:
Rates do not include International airfare, domsetic flights within Thailand, beverages, tips, personal expenses & airport departure tax. Inquire about special, low reduced airfares!
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Thailand
Ecotourism
Garden Tours
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