HIGHLIGHTS:
* Trek among the mountain tribes of Northern Thailand
* Snorkel the sparkling waters along the coast of Thailand
* Relax on the beaches of Koh Samet Island
* Shop the markets of Chiang Mia and Bangkok
* Ride elephants in the jungle
* Raft peacefully on a meandering forest river
* Journey with Mary Wahl, our American, Thai-speaking guide and Randy French, our world traveling explorer as your personal guides and escorts to help you understand the fascinating way of life in Thailand
* Sample a variety of Thai cuisine
* Learn about a culture that is very different from our own from gentle, native Thai people
* Visit Temples , monasteries, and other colorful sights

DESCRIPTION:
Thailand, the Land of Smiles, beckons the adventure traveler with vibrant colors, tantalizing smells, intriguing culture, all set against a backdrop of incredible scenery. You will travel the country with Mary Wahl, who recently spent a year living and learning in Thailand, and Randy French, one of our most seasoned explorers, as your guides. Our small group size and personal connections in Thailand will help you enjoy an insiders look at this fantastic country.

Our trip will begin in the country's capital, the bustling city of Bangkok. This city is decorated, as the nation at large is, with temples of intricate detail and exquisite beauty dating back thousands of years. Spend a short time adjusting to the culture and the climate in the country's center, taking advantage of the shopping, delicious and colorful food, warm people, and diverse sights found here.

Once acclimated, we head north to the city of Chiang Mai. Here we will have a short stay to enjoy the famous Chiang Mai night market and to prepare for our trek. Then we will head to the hills, trekking with the hill tribes offering an intimate peek into the isolated lifestyle of these Burmese natives. With a hill tribesman as our guide (who does speak English), the cultural anomaly will be experienced and explained. Viewing the rice cultivation process, riding elephants, rafting, and hiking between rice fields are only a few of the highlights of this northern expedition. The Akha Hill Tribes people are 1 of 11 hill tribe groups in Thailand, as well as the surrounding countries such as Burma, Laos, and China. Living at high altitudes, these people use slash-and-burn agricultural methods and make their living from selling handcrafted clothing and silver pieces. Learn about and take part in the hill tribes' way of life in their natural setting as we visit their homes in the mountains surrounding Chiang Mai.

Leaving from the mountainous in the north, we will travel south to an entirely new setting at the water's edge. At a national park and on the island of Koh Samet we will enjoy cozy beach resorts offering snorkeling, waterfalls to hike to, clear beaches, and fresh seafood. This island was selected for its relatively short travel distance from Bangkok, yet a world apart in pace and culture.

Our final night will be back in Bangkok before departing for home. Total trip time is 14 days including two travel days on both ends of the adventure. This will give you two nights in transit and 11 nights in Thailand.

Meets in Bangkok
Saturday, June 27th - Friday, July 10th, 2009
$2,990/person includes 11 nights lodging, (see information packet for lodging details), 2 leaders from the USA and local guides, all ground transportation except flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mia, all but 3 meals, all entrance fees, trekking expenses including elephant and raft ride, and admission fees for group activities. Round trip airfare to Bangkok (approximately $1500-$2000) and round trip domestic airfare from Bangkok to Chiang Mia (pproximately $300) is additional. $400 nonrefundable deposit due to register. Limited to 10-12 participants.

To Register - Call Now! Contact the PPS office at 585-346-5597!