Chiang Mai

As the premier city of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai

continues to grow in all directions, yet still retains a charm

impossible to demand of the country’s capital. If you like handi- craft markets, ancient temples, and temperate climates, you’ll enjoy this “Rose of the North.” Resting against the Himalayan foothills, Chiang Mai is also a great starting point for trekking adventures. The route which we offer gives you the chance to visit small tribal villages, where local people such as the Akha, Lisu, and Lahu are seen going about their daily routines. If you would rather relax in town, we can visit artisans in their private studios, teach you how to create a home-cooked Thai meal, or arrange for a day of complete serenity at a nearby spa.

Chiang Rai

We often travel by road to Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand which borders on Burma and Laos, and is the point at which the Mekong River first enters the country. Enjoy viewing striking scenery as well as local villages. Upon arrival, you will be escorted to Chiang Rai’s bohemian night market and one of the town’s excellent restaurants. The next morning we’ll head into the “Golden Triangle” with stops at the Hall of Opium and the ruins at Chiang Saen. For the truly adventurous, we can spend a third day traveling by long-tail boat down the Mae Kwok River, where we’ll visit a Karen village and rural school before taking an elephant trek up to a Lahu village, followed by a waterfall hike.

Northeastern Thailand

Less frequented, yet still full of history and lore, Thailand’s Esarn region offers Brozne Age relics, Khmer ruins, colorful festivals, distinctive cuisine, and rare silks favored by the Queen. Many consider it the true “heartland” of the country.

Southern Beaches

For those who equate paradise with a tropical island, you’ll love the Thai beach scene. White sand, green palms, warm water, and blue horizons. Southern Thailand has always been especially popular with honeymooners, though families can also find entertaining activities such as elephant trekking, snorkeling, and kayaking (www.paddleasia.com). We generally do not use local hosts in this area unless you are doing an extensive adventure trip into the wilds. So you will be on your own to relax and explore, which we recommend renting a jeep or scooters to do (A representative of your hotel will actually meet you at the airport upon arrival for transfers to your accommodations). The island of Phuket offers the country’s most popular beaches, along with the widest selection of restaurants, hotels, shopping, and nightlife. Nearby is Krabi, popular with rockclimbers, and you’ll also find the Khao Sok rainforest to the north. Then over on the Gulf of Siam, Koh Samui is a rare bohemian island which favors boutique accommodations over massive resorts. It is also close to Koh Tao (an incredible dive spot), Koh Phangan (known for its monthly Full Moon Parties), and the Ang Thong National Marine Park (an archipelago of pristine islands best explored via kayak).