A rustic adventure through the jungles of North Thailand. Stay with the elephants at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center where you will learn the life of a mahout, and then embark on a multi-day hike where you will visit remote villages, and meet with the local Hmong people.

Bangkok is a frequently chaotic jumble of traffic, temples, savory food and entertainment. Over the last few years, the opening of a slick new elevated tramway that enables visitors to glide over the chaotic scenes below, coupled with the cheap and frequent river boats and the reasonably priced air-conditioned taxis, have made tourism in the city newly appealing. Within the city limits is a wealth of over 300 Buddhist temple and shrines. Most famous are Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple), Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and Wat Trimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha). One of the largest temple complexes in the country is Wat Pho. Altogether, there are over 30 individual temples scattered here, of which the Temple of the Reclining Buddha is the largest. The Buddha's statue is enormous, an amazing 47.5m (156ft) long and 15m (49ft) high. Wat Phra Kaeo is a temple complex that houses the Emerald Buddha.

A private vehicle with English speaking guide & driver will transfer you between the airport and your hotel.

Park Plaza Sukhumvit Hotel is located in the centre of Bangkok`s thriving Asoke/Sukhumvit district - the city`s most sought after business, retail and entertainment area. Its prime position makes access to Bangkok`s historic buildings, shopping centres and riverside attractions easy. The Queen Sirikit Convention Center is within easy walking distance. The hotel overlooks the picturesque Benjakitti Park and lake.

Overnight at Park Plaza Sukhumvit .

Chiang Mai in the far north is Thailand's second-largest city and a center for excursions to the region's ancient and beautiful temples, the teak forests and their working elephants, caves and waterfalls, and journeys to visit the northern hill tribes. The main attractions are the Doi Suthep temple and elephant trekking. Doi Suthep is one of the most famous temples in northern Thailand. Perched high on a hilltop, it offers fine views over the city on clear days. The trip up can either be made via a funicular or a grand staircase with 400 steps. The banisters alone are worth a visit: a giant green-and-red glazed serpent winds its way down to end in a magnificent dragon's head.

Experience a half day trip along the bustling Chao Phya River and the quiet Klongs (canals) in a    long tail boat enjoy scenes of life by water.  We bring you to a more traditional way of living, more serene and traditional, away from all the high-rise and modern buildings of Bangkok City Centre, as we gently pass Thonburi residential areas. A stop will be made at the “Temple of Dawn” (officially named Wat Arun).  A visit to the Royal Grand Palace, the nation’s landmark and most praised royal monument in Thailand is a must. Situated close to the Chao Phraya, Bangkok’s River of Kings, the palace occupies nearly one square mile. The former royal residence of the Chakri Kings, the palace is the perfect example of an ancient Siamese court. Built in 1782 by King Rama I, it was the centre of power for more than 150 years.  Today, the palace is Bangkok's major landmark and most popular tourist attraction. 

Photography is permitted in the Royal Palace Grounds and in the compounds of the Emerald Buddha Temple, but not inside the buildings. 
Dress Code: Participants on this tour should note that the chapel is a national shrine and you will be required to wear proper attire (no bare shoulders, knees or strapless-heel shoes). Shoes must be removed before entering the temple buildings as a matter of respect. The Palace may be closed without prior notice during Royal ceremonies and officials/head of state visits. The inner courts of Grand Palace are frequently closed on Sundays; we recommend not to book this excursion on Sundays to avoid disappointment.

A private vehicle with English speaking guide & driver will transfer you between the airport and your hotel.

Fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai today.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

Rimping Village is located in the historical part of the city, specifically the Wat Kate community. This area of Chiang Mai was known by merchants as a trading zone, rich with diverse cultures, and lifestyles. Rimping Village was built specifically using the same style of architecture as the rest of the building in the area. This boutique hotel offers a comfortable, and community like atmosphere while giving its guest everything needed to create the perfect holiday experience.

Overnight at Rimping Village.

Visit the most sacred temple in the north of Thailand; the Wat Prathat Doi Suthep is the most sacred temple in Chiangmai containing a holy relic of the Lord Buddha. Tucked away in the mountains at an elevation of 1,056 meters (3520 feet), the temple is reached using a Naga (7- headed dragon head serpent) railing rising along both sides. The temple compound – reachable via a 300 steps stairs offers an exhilarating view of Chiangmai city and surrounding countryside. Drive back down to the city centre to visit some of the other impressive temples of Chiangmai. Wat Suan Dok is one of them, which dates back to the 14th century when it served as the pleasure gardens to the Thai monarchy. Nowadays it houses several white Chedi’s, containing the ashes of Chiang Mai’s former Royal family. This temple also houses one of the most famous Monk Schools in the whole of Chiang Mai and the Wat Jedyod, also known as The Temple of Seven Spires. Please dress respectfully by not wearing sleeveless T – shirts, shorts or strapless sandals, when visiting the Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep.

Overnight at Rimping Village.

At roughly 8:30 AM, you will arrive and register at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center camp, where all tourists are given a briefing on elephant commands by the expert Mahout's.  Soon after, you will have your first chance to meet the Elephants and Mahouts at Elephant Showground (Training Area). After the introductions complete, you will be instructed on how to properly ride these gentle giants by the Mahout's. At roughly 9:45AM you will participate in the daily Elephant Bathing show with the entire Mahout's at the bathing area.  You will then hop aboard the elephants and parade into the showground along with the Mahouts. At 11AM you will check into the Home stay accommodation and rest in the Mahout village before lunch is prepared at noon. Your morning bathing, riding, and training practices are repeating again with more hands on training and assistance from the Mahout's.  At around 2:30PM you go on an elephant ride into the forest.  After an hour, you will arrive at the elephants overnight accommodations, where the Mahouts leave there elephants to graze for the evening.  All of the elephant will have long chain connected to their leg to prevent them roaming away, and all elephants are given a different spot every day so they have enough green foods to eat. Spend the rest of the evening exploring the village before dinner and an overnight.

Enjoy the local hospitality as you overnight with the local Mahout's in their forest Village.

Overnight at Village Camp.

Early in the morning, you will accompany the Mahout's as they collect their elephants from the forest.  Elephants cover themselves with mud and dust to repel insects, as well as a means of cooling off.  You will need to carefully assist the Mahout's in the cleaning of the elephants, before making route to training ground.  As you return with the elephants you will stop for breakfast, and continue with more training and interactions with the elephant's.  Once again it is bathing time, after the cleaning is complete, you will make a visit to the local elephant hospital for some potential infant baby spotting.  After a lunch break, it's back into the water for the afternoon bath, followed by some further interaction and training with the Mahout and the elephants.  In the early evening hours you will assist in the bringing of the elephants back into the forest for their overnight.  You will return to the village of for dinner, chatting and an overnight.

Overnight at Village Camp.

By the third and final day the morning routine of the Mahout has surely been implanted into mind.  You will collect the elephants, proceed to breakfast, bathe the elephants (and yourself), learn and further interact with the elephants, and participate in your final elephant show.  Just before noon you will be presented with a certificate of appreciation from the Mahout and a small token souvenir, completing this unmatchable experience.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Overnight at Rimping Village.

In the morning, you will be picked up from hotel in Chiang Mai an depart the city via a 4WD vehicle to visit the hilltribe museum at Mae Rim and a local market at Mae Malai, before continuing onto Ban Mae Taman of Mae Tang.  Take a one-hour elephant ride through the rainforest, which for most people is an exciting and unforgettable experience, followed by a ride on a typical northern ox-cart through the rural landscape.  After a picnic lunch embark on the inflatable rafts for an adventurous journey down the rapids in the white-water and scenic Mae Taeng River for about an hour (dependable on the season).  Continue by the 4-wheel drive to Baan Huey Rai, passing several villages, orchards, valleys and rice fields.  Continue uphill via Saluang village to Baan Pang Hai, a simple village situated 850 metres above sea level.  Check-in at the Hmong Hilltribe Lodge, for a B.B.Q. dinner at the lodge, followed by a presentation of the Hmong dances and songs and overnight.

Overnight at Hmong Hilltribe Lodge.

After breakfast drive to a small village of Baan Teen Doi where you take a short stroll to Mae Pa.  Get into the action by Mountain biking to Baan Palan.  Visit a small village reservoir and continue biking to Baan Pong Kwaw, where there is an old of temple with beautiful wall paintings.  Picnic lunch.  Drive by 4WD on mountain roads through Baan Pok, Baan Pang Kwai and Baan Nong Hoi Mai.  Then get into action again by trekking or mountain biking from Nong Hoi Mai to Mae Khi village, where you can have coffee or tea in the Hmong’s kitchen.  Return to Hmong Hilltribe Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Overnight at Hmong Hilltribe Lodge.

After breakfast depart the lodge by 4WD Vehicle and make route to visit Queen Sirikit’s Botanical Garden, and an outstanding orchid farm on the way.  Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant, before visiting a snake farm.  This will be followed by a transfer to your hotel in Chiang Mai or to Chiang Mai Airport.

Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

Fly from Chiang Mai to Bangkok.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).