15 Days Thai Hilltribe
Adventure
Tribes, Beaches and Buddhist
Treasures
Introduction
The isolated valleys of northern Thailand - a landscape
of thick jungle, rivers and rice paddies - are inhabited
by many different tribes, the descendants of those who
travelled from as far away as Tibet and China. Our 2-day
trek - which includes travelling on foot, by bamboo raft
and even elephant-back, is a journey through another
time. We also spend time in Thailand's colourful cities
and on the tropical island of Koh Samet, swimming and
snorkelling.
FROM BANGKOK TO THE 'ROSE OF THE NORTH'
Thailand's capital, Bangkok, is criss-crossed with
canals, often packed with houseboats and 'floating
markets' - and the best way to discover it is from the
water. We do much of our exploring on foot (we are
trekkers after all!), as we visit some of the city's
glittering palaces and Buddhist temples. A sleeper train
then takes us up-country to Chiang Mai, the 'Rose of the
North'. This is a much cooler and quieter town - and
perhaps the ideal place to enjoy a ride in a tuk-tuk. As
well as climbing the 300-step 'Dragon Staircase' to Doi
Suthep temple, we visit the Lampang elephant sanctuary
and hospital.
2-DAY HILLTRIBE TREK
Our truck drops us off deep in the heartland of the
hilltribes for the start of our trek. We encounter a
variety of tribes, such as the Lahu (traditionally
crossbow hunters), the Lisu (who live on hilltops), and,
where the land is terraced and well irrigated, the Karen
- our Thai leader fortunately speaks all the local
dialects! The villagers are mostly animists - they
believe in spirits and often protect their houses with
magical objects. They are also very hospitable and
friendly - but don't expect any creature comforts here,
the only luxury you'll have in your bamboo house is your
own sleeping bag! As well as river rafting and elephant
riding, we'll explore the huge network of caves at Tham
Lod. Our trek ends in Mae Hong Son, a small riverside
town. Here you have a chance to enjoy the hotel's
swimming pool and lush grounds, or perhaps a mud spa.
TROPICAL ISLAND OF KOH SAMET
By flight, road and ferry we travel to the warm waters
of Koh Samet. The island is just a few miles long and
has been declared a National Park; we lodge in a comfy
hotel right on the beach. This is an ideal place to
relax and have fun, with plenty of time for boat trips
and snorkelling off the long white sands. Thailand is
also a great place for markets, and along your travels
you'll find plenty of weird and wonderful bargains -
from shadow puppets to cards made out of elephant dung!
TO BOOK CALL 08700 66 45 65
Western Australia - The Real Australia
Thai Hilltribe Adventure
Tour Information The isolated valleys of northern Thailand - a landscape of thick jungle,
rivers and rice paddies
Prices & Dates Prices and departure
dates throughout 2007/08
Itinerary & Map 15 days Hotels/Village houses – Tribes, Beaches & Buddhist Treasures
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