The Discovery Journey to
Thailand
Experience some of Southeast Asia’s greatest birding and biological riches in Thailand. Beginning in Bangkok, discover a country of contrasts – from sleeping Buddhas, floating markets and 14-carat gold temples that glitter in the sun, to the wildlife of Khao Yai, Thailand’s best-known national park, to traditional villages and elephant transportation in Chiang Mai. See this magnificent country’s riches through Udorn ‘Nang’ Jantboworn’s eyes, a premier naturalist guide who has shown hundreds of travelers the beautiful forests, birds, historical ruins and culture of her native land. In Doi Inthanon, you will be accompanied by expert birder Pinit Saeng Kaew, the first birder to ever spot the Ratchet-tailed Treepie in Thailand.
Days 1/2 - Los Angeles/Bangkok
Board your flight for Bangkok, Thailand, where upon arrival you are met by your professional naturalist, Nang, who will escort you to your hotel. MONTIEN RIVERSIDE HOTEL. (Meals Aloft)
Day 3 - Bangkok
A bustling modern capital, Bangkok proudly retains its Siamese heritage in the exotic architecture, culture and food, while exuding Buddhist tolerance and Thai hospitality. Drive to Ratchaburi to explore the famous Thai floating markets. Visit the Grand Palace with its glittering treasures and Emerald Buddha. Board your riverboat on the Chao Phya River to cruise Bangkok’s old klongs (canals) and waterways. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel. MONTIEN RIVERSIDE HOTEL. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Ayutthaya/Khao Yai National Park
Drive to the historic ruins of Ayutthaya, the once magnificent capital of the Thais. Surrounded by rivers and a canal, it flourished under 33 Siamese kings from 1350 until the Burmese destroyed it in 1767. Of Ayutthaya’s many notable ruins, Wat Phra Meru is one of the best preserved, known for its beautifully carved ceiling and two Buddha images. Enjoy a traditional Thai massage and then a lunch cruise aboard a riverboat. Continue to your hotel on the outskirts of Khao Yai National Park. This evening, the forest comes alive on a night drive. JULDIS KHAO YAI RESORT & SPA. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Khao Yai National Park
Explore the forested hills, rivers and waterfalls of Thailand’s oldest and most revered national park. Search for several species of hornbills that abound in Khao Yai and some of the other 350 bird species that include trogrons, laughing thrushes, barbets and Siamese Firebacks. Although elusive and difficult to spot, wildlife in the park is as varied as its terrain and home to more than 70 mammal species, including elephant, white-handed gibbon and Asiatic black bear. As the sun sets look for the Great Eared Nightjar and Brown Boobook, plus visit a bat cave to see thousands of bats as they emerge into the night. JULDIS KHAO YAI RESORT & SPA. (B,L,D)
Days 6/7 - Bangkok/Chiang Mai/Doi Inthanon
Return to Bangkok this morning and board your flight to Chiang Mai. Continue to Doi Inthanon National Park, which at 8,500 feet is the highest point in the country and part of the Himalayas. This mountainous park is home to the magnificent Mae Ya Waterfall, as well as steep cliffs and stunning rock formations, particularly in the Bori Chinda cave. The park harbors a myriad of resident and migratory birds, including the Chestnut-tailed Minla and White-browed Shortwing. Accompanied by Pinit Saeng Kaew, acknowledged as Thailand’s foremost bird expert, explore this vast park and its hidden gems. Also, tour the Royal Project Research Station, initiated in 1979, as part of the King’s efforts to help the hill tribes to cultivate cash crops other than opium. Visit some of their hothouses, and enjoy the project’s organic vegetables at lunch. INTHANON HIGHLAND RESORT. (B,D; B,L,D)
Day 8 - Doi Inthanon National Park/Chiang Mai/Doi Suthep
Early this morning is your last chance for birding before returning to Chiang Mai. En route, stop at the Ban Roy An Pan Yang Lanna Artist’s Center focusing on Lanna sculptures. This afternoon drive to the summit of Doi Suthep and visit the 660-year-old temple, Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, which contains partial relics of Buddha. Enjoy the incomparable views over the city and shop at the nearby Jade Factory. AMARI RINCOME. (B)
Day 9 - Chiang Mai
Founded in 1296, Chiang Mai was the capital of Lanna Thai, the first independent Thai kingdom within the fabled Golden Triangle. It is renowned for its distinctive festivals, historic temples dating from the 1300s and great scenic beauty. Observe daily life in a traditional village at Meo Hill. Visit the Chiang Mai Art & Cultural Center, then explore the Mae Sa Valley with its beautiful Thai flora, and have lunch at Queen Sirikit’s Botanical Garden. At Sankampaeng Road, watch the craftsmen and women at work. This evening, enjoy a sumptuous dinner at Le Grand Lanna Restaurant. AMARI RINCOME. (B,L,D)
Days 10/11 - Chiang Mai/Lampant
Drive to Lampant to visit the Elephant Hospital and Conservation Center run by Richard Lair, Thailand’s leading elephant expert and learn about the modern pressures elephants face. Watch the elephants demonstrate their logging and painting skills, and even their musical talents. Drive an elephant, visit the hospital that gives free care to all elephants, and take a saddle-back ride through the forest. Late this afternoon, return to Chiang Mai, where the evening is at your leisure. You may choose to visit the bustling Night Bazaar and return to the hotel by ‘Tuk Tuk.’ The next day, visit some of the small mountain villages just outside of Chiang Mai. Learn first-hand about the Lisu and Akha villager’s unique identity, which are expressed through their distinctive costumes, musical instruments, weavings, weapons and village locations. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to Chiang Mai, where the remainder of your day is at leisure. AMARI RINCOME. (B,L;B,L)
Day 12 - Bangkok
After breakfast, you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Explore or shop at your leisure on nearby Sukhumvit Road. LANDMARK HOTEL. (B)
Day 13 - Bangkok/En Route/Los Angeles
Early this morning, bid Thailand la-gon (good-bye) as you are transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Optional Post-Extension to Khao Sok and Khao Lak
Extend your adventure to Khao Sok and Khao Lak in the exotic south. Straddling the mountain ridge separating the Thai peninsula’s east and west coasts north of Phuket, Khao Sok National Park’s virgin tropical forest has striking limestone formations towering in the air. Experience close encounters with wildlife by kayak or on foot on your many treks through the forest. Continue to Khao Lak which offers some of the most spectacular dive sites in the world, as well as many waterfalls, caves and trails to explore. Other optional activities include elephant and nature treks, canoe trips and whitewater rafting.
Your Journey Includes:
- Roundtrip air transportation from Los Angeles to Bangkok. Air within Thailand as specified in the itinerary.
- Superior accommodations as indicated, or similar.
- Breakfasts daily, all other meals as indicated.
- Services of birding guide, Pinit, during Doi Inthanon portion of the trip and professional naturalist, Nang, throughout the tour with 10 travelers.
- All touring via air-conditioned motor coach.
- All applicable hotel taxes and gratuities for baggage handling.
- All park, reserves and attractions entry fees.
- Complimentary backpack, baggage tags and passport wallet.
2008 Dates |
Price Main Trip |
Single Supplement Price/Main |
Optional Extension |
Price Extension |
Single Supplement Price/Ext |
Feb 17 - Mar 1 |
$4,395 |
$695 |
Southern Thailand |
$1,895 |
$595 |
Mar 24 - Apr 5 |
$4,395 |
$695 |
Southern Thailand |
$1,895 |
$595 |
Nov 3 - 15 |
$4,550 |
$795 |
Southern Thailand |
$1,995 |
$595 |
Dec 26 - Jan 7, 07 |
$5,195 |
$795 |
Southern Thailand |
$2,195 |
$595 |
*Prices do not reflect applicable taxes.