Women Tours - Women Travel - Canadian Woman Traveller - Journey through Thailand & Hong Kong

Thailand is about as exotic as it gets. Set within a lush, tropical landscape, Thailand is a theatre of cultural and sensual contrasts for the visitor. The long, rich heritage and abundant natural resources of this proud Buddhist nation jostle for space with the dynamism of a country undergoing economic boom and bust. In turns zestful and tranquil, resplendent and subtle, always compelling.

Come along with our small group (maximum of 12 participants – and I’m going on this one) to discover, learn and enjoy this exciting adventure of Thai culture, history, art and scenery.

For a more complete Thai experience I invite you to join me on an amazing 7 NIght 'Star Clipper Cruise of the Thai Coast', from January 29th to February 5th, 2011. We will not only enjoy the experience of an inclusive sailing cruise, we'll swim, snorkel, and play along the stunning coastline with an amazing array of beaches and underwater life.

I hope you join me. Debbie Lloyd

OUR PROGRAM: 3 nights BANGKOK 1 overnight train from AYUTHAYA to CHIANG MAi 3 nights CHIANG MAi 1 night H'MONG LODGE 3 nights HONG KONG Throughout the entire Thailand program we will be accompanied by a local guide to facilitate us into the culture and history of this amazing country.

DETAILED ITINERARY

FR Feb 4 - DEPART Home City

Departure on your overnight flight to Bangkok, Thailand. As a full service travel agency, we are happy to assist you to arrange your flight and transfer details from your home city to join this tour.

Day 1: SA Feb 5 - 8, ARRIVE in Bangkok, Thailand

Welcome to Thailand! Bursting with life and colour, Bangkok is a modern city with an ancient heart. Here with our local guide we will:

visit the Emerald Buddha, housed beneath the gleaming spires of the Grand Palace
take a boat trip through the khlongs to witness the remarkable contrast between city and canal-side life
visit to Jim Thompson's house
go to the night market

Jim Thompson House - A magnificent Thai-styled home containing an extensive collection of art objects and antiques was built by JIm Thompson, the founder of the "Thai Silk Company". Due to his efforts, Thai silk is now famous all over the world and justly renowned for its quality, colours and patterns. His home and collection make for one of Thailand’s best museums.

Suan Lum Night Market - Open every day from 3:pm to midnight, the Suan Lum Night Bazaar houses over 3000 shops and stalls set out in comfortable and clean walking zones. Surrounded by a host of restaurants, attractions, the amazing Beer Garden and a shop featuring the arts and crafts of the illustrious Mae Fah Luang Foundation.

Day 2: SU Feb 8, AYUTHAYA

Today we take the local train to (80 kms) to Ayuthaya. This ancient capital of Siam boasts beautiful temples. Wat Phra Mahathat is a highlight, while fortunes are revealed at Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon. Tonight we take a first class overnight train to from Ayuthaya to Chiang Mai

Wat Phra Mahathat – with its huge chedi is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Thailand, one of the only six primary royal temples and one of the very oldest.

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon – was commissioned as a place of meditation by King U-Thong in the 14th century. The temple’s main focus points are the large reclining Buddha in saffron robes, a ruined wihan and an enormous chedi wrapped in golden cloth set in a courtyard lined with Buddha statues, all wearing Saffron robes.

Day 3: MO Feb 9 - 12, CHIANG MAI

Chiang Mai is situated in Northern Thailand (700 kms. north of Bangkok) on the Mae Ping River, 300 metres above sea level and surrounded by high mountain ranges. In 1296 it became the capital and cultural core of the Lanna Kingdom and the centre of Buddhism in Northern Thailand.

During our stay in Chiang Mai we will:

Learn to whip up local delicacies at a Thai cooking class and afterwards taste the fruits of our labourr
Climb up to Doi Suthep, a sacred mountain famous for its wonderful copper-plated chedi and its sweeping views out over the countryside.
We will relax with a rejuvenating Thai massage and a 2.5 hour spa treatment.
Visit a traditional khantoke dinner and a dance performance by Akha, Yao, Lahu, H'mong, Lisu and Karen hilltribes
We go to Lampang to visit the Elephant conservation centre, including a ride on an elephant. More details at http://www.changthai.com/

Thai Massage –A type of massage originated in India over 2400 years ago, and based on Ayurveda and Yoga. In Thai style it involves stretching and deep massage. This form of bodywork is usually performed on the floor, and the client wears comfortable clothes that allow for movement (loose yoga wear is recommended). No oils are used in Thai massage. It is known in Thailand as ‘nuat phaen boran’, literally, the ancient-manner massage (nuat- pressure, boran – ancient). The masseuse concentrates on pressure points across the body where an abundance of energy has built up. Releasing this energy and evenly distributing it across the body to create a balance is the basis of Thai massage.

Khantoke Dinner and Thai Traditional Performances –We will enjoy an evening out at a traditional Khantoke dinner, the customary northern Thai style of eating with food being served on large platters at low tables while you sit on mats on the floor. As we enjoy our dinner we will be entertained by a selection of northern cultural performances including the charming ‘Fon Lep’ (Thai Finger Dance), Ram Dab (Thai Sword Dance), Fon Thiean (Thai Candle Dance) and Ram Wong (Group Dance). The evening will end with a special hilltribe show by various members of Yao, Lahu, Meo, Lisu and Karen hilltribes.

Elephant Nature Park – A sanctuary and rescue centre of elephants is about 60 kms from Chiang Mai. Founded by “Lek” Chailert (awarded “Outstanding Woman of Thailand” in 2008). Her maternal grandfather was a tribal man of the forest and Lek’s jungle forays with him led to an early and organic understanding to the wonders of nature. In spite of tremendous financial difficulty Lek obtained a university education and founded the Elephant Nature park along with her husband Adam in 1996. The park is set in a natural valley, bordered by a river, and surrounded by forested mountains. The sanctuary and the surrounding area offers a glimpse of rural life.

Day 4: TU Feb 12, H'MONG LODGE

We will travel to where the rice fields meet the forest and get acquainted with Thailand's second-largest minority group - the H'mong. Admire the embroidered aprons, colourful sashes and silver jewellery worn by many H'mong females, and gain a fascinating insight into local customs during a display of traditional song and dance. Complete the experience with a delectable barbecue dinner and a comfortable overnight in their lodge.

The H'mong – Are fascinating in the diversity of their language dialects, history, culture, migration path and tenacity to tradition alongside adaption to the modern world is a testament to human ingenuity. Noted most among their many crafts, their embroidery is stunning. The H’mong are among few people left in the world who, for the most part, still make their own clothes independently. Even if they buy the yarn at a local market they still typically weave and embroider the fabric themselves.

Day 5: WE Feb 13 - 17, HONG KONG

Today we transfer back to Chiang Mai to the airport for our flight to Bangkok and on to the thriving and exciting city of Hong Kong. With so much to see and explore in Hong Kong, we will spend three nights in the heart of Kowloon, very close to the bustling waterfront encircled by the magnificent Victoria harbour and close to so many attractions and activities. Go shopping the renowned Mong Kok (Ladies' Market), take a voyage through time riding a tram past gleaming skyscrapers and the narrow streets of old Hong Kong and ascending the Peak with its perfect panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and the city below, Hong Kong is truly a city of experiences. We will finish off with a reception and farewell dinner on our last evening in Asia before returning home on Feb 12.

Hong Kong –A diverse modern metropolis steeped in unique blends of Eastern and Western traditions. The bustling city of Hong Kong was just a collection of fishing villages when claimed by Britain in 1842. The Ching Dynasty unable to stop the British trading in opium led to Hong Kong being ceded to Britain under the Treaty of Nanking. The Kowloon Peninsula was handed over in 1860 and a 99-year lease on the New Territories was granted in 1898. Under the unique principle of ‘One Country, Two Systems’, Hong Kong returned to Chinese sovereignty on July 01, 1997 as a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. This arrangement allows Hong Kong to enjoy a high degree of autonomy, retaining its capitalist system, independent judiciary and rule of law, free trade and freedom of speech.

Pricing:

2011 Tour Price will be available very shortly (ie, 2010 Tour Price - $2,675.00 CA$)
Price includes taxes per person sharing twin/double accomodation
An Early Booking Bonus of $100.00 will be offered for 2011 Tour
(Will be deducted from final payment)
Price is LAND ONLY (See inclusions and Exclusions below)
Non - Refundable deposit required upon booking
MAXIMUM 12 Participants!

Includes:

9 nts in hotel accommodation, 1 nt H'mong Lodge (ensuite bathrooms and air-conditioning)
1 nt 1st Class overnight train from Ayuthaya to Chiang Mia
17 Meals - Allow $325 USD for meals not included in Thailand
11 Breakfasts daily, 1 Lunch (cooking school in Chiang Mai)
5 Dinners (welcome dinner in Bangkok, traditional Khantoke dinner, H'mong dinner & farewell dinner in Hong Kong)
All transportation and sightseeing tours as mentioned in the itinerary
Fully escorted by Debbie Lloyd of Canadian Woman Traveller
Time built in for personal exploration and relaxation

Excludes:

All Flights
(Debbie Lloyd of The Travel Broker & Cruise Centre would be happy
to assist you in arranging flights from your home to join us!)
Personal travel insurances
Items of a personal nature and souvenirs

For more information about this tour please contact Debbie Lloyd at:

Canadian Woman Traveller
A division of The Travel Broker & Cruise Centre
1758 Bath Road Kingston, ON Canada
Telephone: 613-389-7916 or 1-888-830-5324
Email:deblloyd@cwtraveller.ca