THAILAND: TRIBES & ANCIENT KINGDOMS

Thailand, despite modernization, treasures its traditions. In its special landscapes there live equally special tribes, alongside buildings that have been preserved for many years; part of a fascinating Buddhist culture. Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, is one of the busiest cities in the world. Alongside beautiful palaces and temples, and a gargantuan golden statue of the “Reclining Buddha”, there are towering skyscrapers and bustling shopping malls. Between them, canals meander through the city next to picturesque, narrow alleyways. Here, on the famous bridge over the River Kwai, we remember what happened in World War II. The Golden Triangle of northern Thailand. The cities of Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai are here. Here the Mekong River flows. Here you can ride elephants, and meet mountain tribes-people; see amazing pagodas and beautiful temples; unique nature parks and night markets, and orchids – lots and lots of orchids. And for dessert – R&R time in Thailand’s southern tropical paradise.

Itinerary

Days 1-2, Monday-Tuesday: Home – Bangkok

We’ll meet our guide in Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling capital. Upon arrival, we will take a cruise on the Chao Praya river and learn about the traditional every day life of the local population.

In the evening we’ll go out on the town and visit a temple on Arawan Street, a source of attraction to Hindu and Buddhist believers, in the center of which there’s a four-faced statue of Buddha. We’ll also visit the delightful flower market where every night, millions of flowers are woven into strands that are offered as tributes to the gods. If there’s time, we’ll also visit the Pat-Phong night market where we’ll stroll among the stalls .

Day 3, Wednesday Bangkok

After breakfast we’ll visit Bangkok’s important palaces; Wat Po – temple of the colossal reclining Buddha and Wat Traimit – with its solid golden Buddha statue; and then we’ll continue for a special tour of the royal palace of the King of Siam. The palace houses numerous interesting buildings, such a funeral parlor, a reception building, the coronation pavilion, guest houses and more. We’ll also visit Pera-Kau temple, the temple of the Emerald Buddha, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites.

Day 4, Thursday Chiang Rai, Mountain Tribes

This morning we’ll take a flight north to Chiang Rai. Upon landing, we will visit the villages of two mountain tribes that live in the area – the Yahu and the Akka. These remote tribes make their homes in the regional hills. In order to reach them we’ll switch from busses to pick-up trucks that will bring us to our destination. We’ll hear about their unique lifestyle and their special nature. We’ll then continue (by bus) to the area known as the “Golden Triangle”, located at the junction of the borders of Myanmar (Burma), Laos and Thailand. We’ll sail along the Mekong River, which became famous during the Vietnam War, on the banks of Laos and Myanmar. The area used to be a center for growing opium; a trade which was controlled by the tribes-people. We’ll visit the frontier town of Mae Sai with its bustling, colorful market. At the end of the day, we will be transferred to out hotel in Chiang Rai.

Day 5, Friday Long Neck Tribe – Chiang Mai

Today we depart Chiang Rai for the jungles of Ta-Tun nature reserve. We stroll through the jungle pathways of the park until we arrive at the Long Neck Tribe – unique to this area. We’ll see and document the maidens of the Padong tribe who arrived here from neighboring Myanmar. We’ll continue our journey to Chiang Mai, capital of the north and make our way to our hotel to prepare for Shabbat, services and dinner.

Day 6, Shabbat Chiang Mai

After services, we’ll have lunch and then set out on foot to explore the vicinity of the hotel. In the evening, we’ll wander through the stalls of the largest street market in Southeast Asia.

Day 7, Sunday Chiang Mai, Elephant Riding, Doi Suthep

After breakfast we will have a most enjoyable time riding on elephants, rafting on the river and marveling at the beautiful orchids at one of the local flower farms. Our next stop is at Wat Pratat Doi Suthep (altitude 1600m), one of the four most important temples in Thailand. We’ll ascend to the temple by cable car, ring the wishing bells in the courtyard, see the golden Stupa, and enjoy the scenery and the city of Chiang Mai from above. We’ll make our way down via the 300-step Descent of the Dragon. Next, we’ll visit the famous artisans’ village where we’ll see a variety of traditional crafts, like wood carvings, production and decorations of colorful parasols, silver metallurgy and more.

Day 8, Monday Chiang Mai – Doi Inthanon

This morning we’ll head out on 4X4 vehicles to one of the most beautiful nature reserves in Thailand, located near Chiang Mai by the Doi Inthanon Mountain. We’ll climb to the summit (altitude 2500m) where we’ll find the Stupas of the Rama dynasty. As we descend we’ll stop at the region's great waterfalls, after which we’ll trek briefly through the jungle.

Day 9, Tuesday Chiang May, Phuket

This morning we’ll transfer to the airport for the flight to Phuket. Upon arrival, we’ll set out on tour in special vehicles. We will travel south towards our hotel and on the way enjoy the tropical view of this marvelous island.

Day 10, Wednesday Phuket – Phang Na

Today - a special treat! We’re heading for the bay of Phang Na. On the way we’ll stop at a rubber tree farm where we’ll see how rubber is produced from the Kauchuk trees. Upon arrival at the marina we’ll board a boat and set sail toward the massive limestone cliffs of the mangrove reserve. We’ll stop at “James Bond Island” – Ko Ta Phu – where the movie “The Man with the Golden Gun” was filmed. We’ll continue sailing to the fishing village on the island of the sea gypsies where we’ll have lunch. In the evening we recommend going out to see that “Fantasia” show (for an extra fee).

Day 11, Thursday Phuket, Ko Phi Phi

After breakfast we’re off on another day of drive & sail to the island of Phi Phi (Ko Phi Phi). Azure, clear ocean, towering limestone cliffs, beautiful colored corals, make this one of the most beautiful places in Asia.

Day 12, Friday Phuket,Bangkok

Today we fly to Bangkok, capital of Thailand. Upon arrival we’ll head to the hotel to prepare for Shabbat, services and dinner.

Day 13, Shabbat Bangkok

After services and lunch, we’ll take a walking tour of the area near the hotel.

Day 14, Sunday Bangkok, Floating Market, Kantchanaburi

This morning we’ll set out to visit Damnern Sadauk, the largest floating market in Thailand. We’ll sail into the market on “long-tail boats.” We’ll stroll through the market along the “islands” from which this famous market is made. We’ll continue to Kantchanaburi, one of the most beautiful areas of Thailand where we’ll come to the bridge on the River Kwai. From there we’ll make a special visit to the bridge, and to the war and prisoner museum. We’ll also visit the cemetery where prisoners of war are buried – among them many Jewish prisoners. We’ll sail down the Kwai River, and then head back to Bangkok.

Day 15, Monday Bangkok – Ayuttaya

After breakfast, we will depart for Thailand’s ancient capital, Ayuthaya, the military, political and cultural center of Thailand for 400 years, until it fell to the Burmese in 1768. We’ll explore the ruins and the temples. We’ll also visit the king’s summer palace Bang Pa In and learn about the Chakri Dynasty, the story of the present king’s ancestors. At the end of the day, we will return to Bangkok.

Day 16, Tuesday Bangkok - Home

Today we fly back home after an amazing visit to this incredibly beautiful land.

Price Includes

• Domestic Flights
• Registration fee airport and security taxes fuel surcharges as known at time of publication
• Kosher half-board & supplies for preparing sandwiches for lunch
• River cruises and elephant ride
• First and/or good Tourist Class hotels
• Comfortable air-conditioned touring coach
• Tours and entrance fees according to the tour plan
• Observant & experienced guide from the staff of Shai Bar Ilan

Price Excludes

• International Flights
• Tips for local service providers ($140) to be paid abroad
• Personal expenses
• Travel Insurance
• Shows and nights out not included in the tour plan
• Tips for Israeli Guide ($3 per person per day is recommended)

Important To Know
There may be changes to the schedule and hotel reservations dependent upon international and domestic flights. We will make every effort to visit every place mentioned in the itinerary. In any event of fault relating to flights, cruises, sailings or other mode of transportation, the responsibility lies with the service provider alone.
Date And Prices

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