JUNGLES AND ISLANDS OF SOUTHERN THAILAND 12 DAYS/11 NIGHTS

Transcription

1 JUNGLES AND ISLANDS OF SOUTHERN THAILAND 12 DAYS/11 NIGHTS Visit us at

2 ITINERARY OVERVIEW Explore a different side of Thailand, following what s known as the rainbow loop on a lazy and meandering tour of Southern Thailand s most pristine beaches and majestic jungles. Glamp in Khao Sok National Park and fall asleep to the sound of gibbons. Sample Thailand s famous cuisine in Phuket Town and Bangkok and experience the epitome of home cooked meals at a homestay on the fishing island of Koh Yao Noi. Ride in boats as much as you ride in cars and snorkel as much as you hike. This trip is one of dualities epic jungles and pristine marine-scapes unique to this part of the world. DAY OVERNIGHT HOTELS MEALS HIGHLIGHTS 1 BANGKOK Riva Surya (Urban Room) - Arrival and transfer to hotel 2 BANGKOK Riva Surya BL 3 KHANOM Aava Resort (Deluxe Bungalow) 4 KHANOM Aava Resort BL B Bangkok by boat; Jim Thompson house Fly to Surat Thani; Transfer to the hotel; Relax and enjoy the undeveloped beaches outside your door Boat ride to the north side of Khanom, watch for pink dolphins, plant sea grass 5 KHAO SOK Panvaree Resort (Ultra Deluxe) BLD Jungle river canoe trip 6 KHAO SOK Panvaree Resort BLD Klong Saeng Wildlife sanctuary 7 PHUKET TOWN Mom Tri s Villa Royale (Royal Wing Suite) BL Sunrise wildlife safari, kayak tour, free afternoon in Phuket 8 PHUKET TOWN KOH YAO NOI Homestay BLD Food experience, boat transfer to Koh Yao Noi, meet homestay family, visit market and help homestay to prepare dinner 9 KOH YAO NOI KRABI KOH LANTA Rawi Warin Resort (Deluxe Room) B Long tail boat ride to Krabi, drive to Koh Lanta, free day at leisure KOH LANTA Rawi Warin Resort B Free days at the beach or optional touring 12 KOH LANTA TRANG AIRPORT - B Transfer to airport for flight to Bangkok and onward travel -2-

3 ITINERARY IN DETAIL DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN BANGKOK Welcome to the Land of Smiles! Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met at the arrival gate, inside Immigration, by our representative holding a sign with your name to lead you to the exclusive fast track immigration counters and assist with immigration document details to ensure that there are no delays. Meet our guide and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at Riva Surya. DAY 2: EXPLORE BANGKOK Embark on a full day exploration of Bangkok. Travel by public river-taxi on the River of Kings for a visit to the Grand Palace where the highlight is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Pra Kaew), the most revered shrine in the Kingdom. Located next to the Grand Palace, pay a visit to Wat Po, one of Bangkok s oldest and largest temples. The temple houses the gigantic gold-plated Reclining Buddha. After a break for lunch visit Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. This is one of the best-known temples in Bangkok and dates back to the ancient Ayutthaya period. The tall, elongated central Khmer-style tower is surrounded by four minor towers symbolizing Mount Meru, the earthly representation of the thirty-three heavens. Here you'll find pavilions containing statues of the Buddha at the most important stages of life. The beautiful architecture and fine craftsmanship mark Wat Arun as one of the most remarkable temples in Thailand. In the afternoon, head to the Jim Thompson House, a classic Thai-style teak villa surrounded by stunning gardens. It houses Thailand s largest private art collection. Return to the hotel for an evening at leisure. Overnight at Riva Surya. DAY 3: FLY KHANOM Transfer to the airport for your flight south. Upon arrival transfer to your resort located in the quiet province of Nakhon Si Thammarat, a few dozen kilometers away from Surat Thani. Stunning and undeveloped beaches stretch as far as the eye can see. Every beach boasts its own unique characteristics. In addition to white sand and palm trees, there are limestone cliffs and mangrove forests. The beaches provide complete privacy. This area is also known for its pink dolphins. Locals here are proud of this rare species and seek to protect its idyllic living environment on the coastline. Overnight at Aava Resort. DAY 4: NUI NOK & THAM ISLANDS Embark on a local boat and head towards the north side of the Khanom District. Along the route, you ll see working Khanom fishermen and the 11 beautiful islands of Moo Koh Thalay Tai which make up the South Sea Island National Park. The boat will lead you to Taled Bay, home of the pink dolphins (Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin). You will also see Pancake Rock, a famous landmark along Lak Sor Bay. Continue to Nui Nok Island and pay homage to Luang Por Tuad before reaching a fresh-water watering hole where you will learn about the history of this holy place through local legend and lore. This afternoon visit the Fish Spa in the natural stream of Cho Waterfall. Afterward, adventure to the most beautiful cave of Khanom is Khao Wang Tong cave to observe the beautiful stalagmite and stalactite in every corners of the cave. Sail back to the pier and transfer back to your hotel. Overnight at Aava Resort. -3-

4 DAY 5: KHANOM KHAO SOK NATIONAL PARK Drive to Khao Sok through endless countryside. After arriving at the park, relax on a jungle river longtail boat trip down the Sok River. Drift along the jungle river passing limestone mountains and cliffs covered with exotic tropical vegetation. Sometimes hornbills can be seen flying high overhead or reptiles basking in the sun on the riverbanks. From the longtail boat, you can experience some of the last areas of primary rainforest, a world that has changed little in thousands of years. Early this afternoon, depart for a guided hike to Khao Sok's highest viewpoint, cameras are a must! Return to the raft house for a swim or just relax and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding jungle-covered mountains before a traditional Thai dinner. There are always a variety of interesting evening activities including movie presentations, traditional Thai dance performances from local school children, and cooking demonstrations. Overnight at Panvaree Resort. DAY 6: KLONG SAENG WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Have a leisurely morning at your hotel. Explore the grounds or head out for a swim. Later board a long tail boat for a guided tour of the Klong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of the best places to see guar, water buffalo, and if you are lucky, wild elephants. Overnight Panvaree Resort. DAY 7: CHEOW LAN LAKE - PHUKET Sail through the wildlife sanctuary of Klong Saeng by long tail boat at sunrise for the best chance to see gibbons, great hornbills, macaque monkeys, and even wild elephants. Head back to the raft house for breakfast and relax in the morning sunlight before paddling around the area in kayaks. Sliding peacefully along the banks of the lake, experience the peace and serenity of this mountain lake and keep a sharp eye out for some of the more skittish animals you may have missed earlier. Have lunch at your floating house and then it is time to say good-bye to your jungle guide and head to Phuket. While known for crowded beaches you will be heading towards the lesser known Kata beach community. On arrival, check in at your hotel located on a bluff overlooking the ocean and have the rest of the day free to explore Katathani beach below. Overnight Mom Tri s Villa Royale. -4-

5 DAY 8: PHUKET TOWN KOH YAO NOI In case you haven t already been impressed with the food in Southern Thailand, you ll start off your day with a food experience you can only have in Phuket. The Old Town of Phuket is a unique place where the combination of foreign influences has produced a cuisine that you won t quite find anywhere else in the world. Arab and Indian merchants, Portuguese and French, and later the Chinese immigrants all brought their own unique flavors to this melting pot of culture and taste. Indulge in a scrumptious breakfast at a small dim sum place, located on a hidden soi (side street) behind the fresh market. Then after walking the charming streets of the city center you can sample roti with curry, noodles, and local delicacies. Along the way visit the fresh market where you can become more familiar with some of the unique produce of Thailand. Your knowledgeable guide will be able to point out interesting sights such as temples and shrines along the way. Like Penang in Malaysia, Phuket will soon become famous for its local street food! Come taste it before everyone else. After the foodie tour, continue in the direction of Koh Yao Noi. On the way, you ll be treated to sweeping views of the karst formations of Phang Nga Bay. Arrive on the island and meet with the charismatic chief of the village, Mr. Bung Mee, for an introduction to their Community Based Tourism Initiative and its principles. Then, you will take a bus to meet your homestay. After meeting your family, you are welcome to explore the quiet island of Koh Yao Noi. Koh Yao Noi has approximately 4,000 inhabitants. Sea farms and holding bays for live fish and lobsters are common sights. Tourism is less developed here than in Phuket or Krabi allowing you to explore the island as it was centuries ago and observe local citizens as they go about their daily business. The island remains a very natural, quiet, and easy place to live. Koh Yao Noi and its surroundings provide some of the most interesting things to be discovered in South Thailand, in one of the most beautiful locations. In the late afternoon, before returning to your homestay, visit one of the small markets to buy ingredients for dinner. Join your homestay in preparing dinner and learn how they cook the fresh Thai seafood. Dinner will be at your homestay and the rest of the evening will be at your leisure. Overnight at Homestay. DAY 9: KOH YAO NOI KOH LANTA Enjoy a traditional breakfast with your host family before heading out to further explore the island. Transfer back to the pier and embark on a long tail boat that will take you through the stunning Phang Nga Bay. Reach the pier around Krabi, and then drive to your resort on the quiet island of Koh Lanta. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to enjoy the resort facilities or walk around the island and beaches. Koh Lanta is known for its friendly locals and unspoiled nature. Misty mountains, lush jungles, clean sandy beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and crystal clear water combine for a relaxing retreat that offers unlimited options for exploration each day. Overnight at Rawi Warin Resort. -5-

6 DAYS 10-11: KOH LANTA Free day at the beach or ask your program director to add one of the following touring options: Koh Rok by boat Explore twin limestone islands, Koh Rok Nok and Koh Rok Nai by longtail. These sister islands are barely separated by a shallow canal, less than 300ft wide and 50ft deep. The beaches on the two islands are pristine, unspoiled and have powder soft sand. The inland area is covered with dense rain forest and a jungle of huge banyan trees. The water is wonderfully clear with visibility normally at 45ft! Relax on the beach, explore the jungle, or go snorkeling where thousands of fish surround you and Black Tip sharks and hawksbill turtles patrol the reef. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. 4 Islands Tour Walk down to the beach where you ll board a long tail boat for this full day, island hopping excursion. Sail towards Paradise Island where you can snorkel in the warm waters, exploring colorful coral and watching reef fish darting in and out of the underwater gardens. Board your boat and continue on to Pak Bia, an ideal place for another swim. Have a picnic lunch on the beach of Pak Bia before visiting the hidden lagoon of Hong Island. Explore or relax here before boarding your long tail one last time to head back to the mainland. Kayaking Talabeng and Bubu Island Transfer to pier to board a long-tailed boat for cruise through the mangrove forest to Talabeng Island (40 mins), a huge rock island on the east coast of Lanta Noi. Paddle around the island well known for its beautiful shape and calm current. Stop along the way to lay on the beach. After about 2 hours kayaking, cruise to Bubu Island for lunch and relaxing time on the beach before boarding your long tail to head back to the mainland. Overnight at Rawi Warin Resort. DAY 12: KOH LANTA FLY BANGKOK It s time to leave Southern Thailand. Meet your driver for a private transfer to the airport for your flight to Bangkok. END OF SERVICES Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change accommodations to similar quality alternatives. -6-

7 PRICING AND DATES: For current pricing please click here For scheduled departure dates please click here INCLUDED SERVICES Accommodations on double-occupancy Meals as indicated [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner] All guided tours and excursions per the itinerary Airport-hotel transfers, land and sea transportation and internal flights Private air-conditioned vehicles with driver Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services NOT INCLUDED Optional tours on Days 10 and 11. International and domestic airfare Visa Fees, if necessary Tips and gratuities Drinks, alcoholic beverages and meals other than listed above Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities or changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services or evacuation -7-

8 ACCOMMODATIONS RIVA SURYA, BANGKOK Situated along the Chao Phraya River, Riva Surya offers an urban getaway in the heart of this cosmopolitan city. The boutique hotel features 68 rooms, delicious dining options, and plenty of leisure activities to take advantage of including a riverside swimming pool and a fitness center. Rooms feature flat-screen TV, an ipod docking station, a safe, mini-bar, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel is a 5-minute walk from Khao San Road, and a 10-minute walk from the Bangkok National Museum. AAVA RESORT, KHANOM Aava Resort & Spa is a Scandanavian designed resort that sits on beautiful Nadan beach, a 9km stretch of pristine golden sands and clear blue water. The hotel and grounds were specially designed and decorated to harmoniously blend with their surroundings. Khanom is known for its rare pink dolphins. With a spacious bathroom and a front terrace the Deluxe Bungalows house a queen size bed or two separate single beds. All rooms have air-conditioning, plasma TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, mini-bars, and safes. Relax at the spa, outdoor swimming pool, or simply enjoy the private beach. Aalto Restaurant is world class and meals can be enjoyed on the beach. PANVAREE, KHAO LAK The Panvaree floats on Cheow Lan Lake at the entrance to Klong Long and below stunning limestone mountains. Made up of floating villas, this floatel has hot showers and A/C but don t expect any wi-fi here. Embrace the beauty of being off the grid as you sit on your deck, go for a swim, or take one of the complimentary kayaks for a paddle. The raft houses all feature warm wood accents and there s a beautiful restaurant on site with delicious Thai options. MOM TRI S VILLA ROYAL, PHUKET The personal creation of renowned artist and architect Mom Tri, a descendant of King Rama IV. Formerly a summer home, Villa Royal has been transformed and opened to the public in 2009 and is only a 5-minute walk from Kata Town. The distinctive Thai-style buildings overlook the Andaman Sea and white sand beaches of Kata Noi. Rooms are furnished with Thai antiques along with modern luxuries, creating an atmosphere of rare tranquility. A saltwater pool is landscaped into rocks overlooking the sea along with two other freshwater pools and two spa tubs. Among the 35 guest rooms are 12 different styles of suite. Each suite has a private balcony, some with personal plunge pools. All rooms feature flat-screen TVs and complimentary wi-fi. The on-site restaurant serves both Thai and international dishes and boasts an award-winning wine list. -8-

9 HOMESTAY, KOH YAO NOI The homestay at Koh Yao Noi is located at Laem Sak, a little peninsula just of the town of Ao Luek. It s the perfect base from where to explore the Thanbook Khoranee National Park and the amazing karst islands that lay just off the coast on the Andaman Sea. The Lanlay home stay is more like an inn but with the warmth of a family. The rooms are beautifully appointed and spotlessly clean. Enjoy a private terrace and communal meals, which you can help cook, with your family. This homestay is the result of a Community Based Tourism Initiative, helping the local economy while also immersing you in authentic Thai culture. RAWI WARIN RESORT, KOH LANTA Rawi Warin Resort is composed of 185 rooms spread across a number of villas and suites situated on Koh Lanta s gorgeous beach. Each room is furnished with rich wood flooring, marble bathrooms with rain shower, electronic safes, and private balconies. The on-site signature restaurant works closely with local suppliers to provide the freshest and finest ingredients to serve in their gourmet dining room. The infinity pool uses an eco-water filtration system that avoids the use of chlorine. Guests can also enjoy the use of a tennis court, a lap pool, fitness center, and library. -9-

10 BOOKING YOUR WILDLAND ADVENTURE HOW TO RESERVE A TRIP You can book online using our Reserve a Trip form or by calling Your space on a trip is confirmed once we receive your reservation form and initial trip deposit. All travelers must sign and submit a Release of Liability. Deposit requirements are as follows:* $500 per person for all trips in Central America. $1000 per person for all trips in South America, the Middle East, Asia and the Far East, the Mediterranean and North America. 20% of land cost for all trips in Africa. This deposit is generally non-refundable. *Some trips require additional non-refundable deposits, especially when yachts have been chartered, or if permits to visit archaeological or wildlife sites have been purchased in advance. CUSTOM TRAVEL This trip isn t exactly what you re looking for? We are happy to design a private custom itinerary to accommodate your travel dates, interests and style of accommodations. Call us at , send an to info@wildland.com, or use the Ask The Program Director button on the trip itinerary page on our website. PAYMENTS, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS Full payment of the trip balance is due 90 days prior to departure. If you must cancel before departure, money will be returned less the cancellation fees charged by WA Inc. plus any additional non-refundable cancellation fees and payments already advanced to airlines, hotels and local operators: Days Prior to Departure: Fee per person 91 or more: $ days: Initial deposit amount days: 50% of land cost 30 or less: 100% of land cost PRE-DEPARTURE SERVICES Upon receipt of your deposit and completed reservation form, we will send you a comprehensive Predeparture Dossier. This contains important information to help you prepare including immunizations, visas, trip insurance, packing checklist, reading list, maps, cross-cultural information, optional trip extensions and more. You will receive a final trip packet including Final Reminders and local contact information in your destination 2-3 weeks prior to departure. REFERENCES AND QUESTIONS Have any questions or concerns? Call us a or info@wildland.com. We re here to help and are happy to provide you with references from previous Wildland travelers. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Wildland Adventures, Inc. has arranged your trip utilizing the travel services of local incountry ground operators who are independent contractors. These local outfitters, lodges, hotels and other suppliers of your travel services will make every effort to conduct this trip as described in the itinerary; however, it is possible that due to transportation schedule changes, weather, delays and unforeseeable acts of God, humans or nature, this itinerary may vary from what is described. Participants must assume all risks whether identified in advance or unforeseen. All optional activities are at your own risk. Extra costs due to unexpected changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control are not included. We highly recommend purchasing traveler s insurance for trip delay, trip cancellation, baggage, accident or sickness. Representatives are available for assistance at any time during your trip. If preferred hotels are not available, every attempt will be made to reserve alternative accommodations of similar quality (if upgrade is necessary, higher rates may apply). All information and services provided are subject to our Terms and Conditions. -10-