| TRISTAN VI | |||
| 10-15 June 2007 | Phuket Island, Thailand | ||
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The tour operator Horizons Nouveaux is in charge of the logistic aspects of the conference organization. They are pleased to propose to the TRISTAN participants the following packages:
| Northern Thailand | 5 days / 4 nights | Click here for the description |
| Bangkok and surroundings | 4 days / 3 nights | Click here for the description |
Each package can be organized as a pre- or a post-conference tour.
The 5 Days Tour "Northern Thailand" introduces you to the cultural and natural highlights of Thailand's northernmost region, a treasure trove of heritage culture and Buddhist temples. Its surrounding mountains are home to elephant camps, serene rivers and colourful hill-tribes.
| Duration: | 5 days / 4 nights |
| Date: | June 2007 |
| Starting: | By air Bangkok - Chiang Mai |
| Ending: | By air Chiang Rai - Bangkok |
Day 1 - Bangkok - Chiang Mai
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After arrival at Chiang Mai airport, short orientation tour through the city followed by a drive up to Wat Doi Suthep, one of the most revered temples of Northern Thailand. Its golden stupa, adorned with a 7-tier golden umbrella, is a popular pilgrimage site, its location at the end of a winding road, 1056 metres above sea level, offering splendid views over the city of Chiang Mai and its surroundings. Return to Chiang Mai and transfer to your hotel. In the evening enjoy a northern-stlye Thai dinner with a performance of traditional dances. (D)
Day 2 - Chiang Mai
After breakfast drive to Chiang Dao Elephant Camp to see elephants at work. Marvel at their working skills, enjoy an elephant ride into the forest (included) and a peaceful bamboo rafting on the Ping River. Visit an Orchid Farm before returning to Chiang Mai to visit San Kamphaeng, a sprawling suburb a few kilometres outside the city. Here you find a mind-boggling array of souvenir items, from filigree silverware and colourful lacquer ware to glazed ceramics, top quality Thai silk and jewellery adorned with precious stones. Evening at leisure. (B,L)
Day 3 - Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai
In the morning drive to Chiang Rai, the "Gateway to the Golden Triangle". Visit Wat Rong Khun Temple, outstanding for its unique design and colour. In the afternoon enjoy a long-tail boat trip up the Kok River, which winds its way through beautiful countryside. Visit hill tribe settlements located on the riverbanks. Return to Chiang Rai to visit Wat Phra Keo, Chiang Rai's most beautiful temple, by local rickshaw. Evening is free for a stroll across the bustling night market. (B,L)
Day 4 - Chiang Rai: Tour the Golden Triangle
Enjoy a scenic ride over winding roads to Doi Tung where various crop substitution projects have been initiated by HRH the Princess Mother of Thailand. Once the expanse of opium fields, the mountainsides have been transformed into agricultural land where local people benefit of a remarkable turn-around in environment and lifestyle. Visit Doi Tung Villa and enjoy a stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens of Ma Fang Luang. Proceed to Mae Sai, Thailand's northern-most town and continue to the Golden Triangle, marking the border between Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. Visit the "Hall of Opium" Museum and enjoy a short boat ride on the Mekong River before returning to Chiang Rai for overnight. Evening at leisure. (B,L)
Day 5 - Depart Chiang Rai
Transfer to Chiang Rai Airport for the continuation of your programme or return flight to Bangkok. (B)
| Chiang Mai: | Imperial Mae Ping (or similar) 4**** (2 nights) |
| Chiang Rai: | The Legend (or similar) 4****(2 nights) |
(based on 2-3 participants travelling together)
| USD | 990.- | per person in sharing double/twin room |
| USD | 1'160.- | per person in single room |
| Duration: | 4 days / 3 nights |
| Date: | June 2007 |
Day 1 - Bangkok
Upon arrival at Bangkok airport transfer to the hotel of your choice. In the evening you will get a first glimpse of Bangkok aboard a beautifully converted rice barge. While cruising up and down the Chao Phraya River you will pass Bangkok's illuminated landmarks such as the Temple of Dawn and the magical Grand Palace. A delicious Thai Dinner will be served on board. (D)
Day 2 - Bangkok-in-a-day
Drive to the historical part of Bangkok for an early morning stroll across the colourful flower market. Continue to visit "Wat Pho", the oldest and largest temple complex of the city and home to the largest Reclining Buddha to be found in Thailand. Continue to visit one of the highlights of any Bangkok visit: The impressive Emerald Buddha Temple, or "Wat Phra Keo", renowned as being the most beautiful Buddhist temple of Thailand. The temple courtyard contains a dazzling sight of golden pagodas, exquisite mural paintings, mythical figures, monstrous demons and the highly revered Buddha image. You will also visit the adjacent Grand Palace, built in the 18th and 19th century as the residence for the former kings of the present Chakri dynasty.
A delicious Thai lunch awaits you at a riverside restaurant. After lunch you will continue by boat through the canals of Thonburi, offering colourful views of the typical riverine life that once characterized all of Bangkok as the "Venice of the East". You will start with cruising up the Chao Phraya River before branching off into several narrow canals, called "klongs", flanked by coconut plantations, fruit orchards, vegetable gardens, old temples and rural houses on stilts. Before returning to your hotel you will stop at "Wat Arun", also known as the Temple of Dawn. Its 80 m high Khmer-style tower is embedded with broken pieces of Chinese porcelain and has become one of the most famous landmarks of Bangkok. (B, L)
Evening is free. Visit "Siam Niramit" theatre for a new and spectacular show, combining a dazzling 80-minutes performance of traditional, cultural and mystical Thailand with state-of-the art technique (Optional). Extra: USD 39.20 nett p.P., based on 5-10 pax
Day 3 - Full day tour to the River Kwai
One of the most popular full day tours starts with an early morning drive to Damnern Saduak, site of Thailand's most famous Floating Market. Here, old women and young ladies wearing their typical lampshade hats, paddle boats along small canals and trade with fruits, flowers, vegetables and cooked foods. Continue driving westward to Kanchanaburi. This western province is characterized by rolling hills along its borders with neighbouring Myanmar and as the gateway of the "Thailand-Burma Railway", built under Japanese command by Allied and Asian prisoners of war during World War II Kanchanaburi is the site of the famous "Bridge over the River Kwai", made known across the world by the novel of Pierre Boullé. No visit to the area would be complete without a train ride on the infamous "Death Railway" during which the train passes over dangerous looking wooden viaducts built along the mountainside. After the train ride, drive to a nearby elephant camp to experience a 1-hour ride on the back of an elephant followed by a short bamboo rafting on a quiet stretch of the Kwai River. Return to Bangkok approx. 6 pm. (B, L)
Day 4 - Depart Bangkok
Transfer to Bangkok airport as per your flight schedule. (B)
Choice between:
| City location: | Sofitel Silom 4**** (3 nights) |
| Riverside location: | Millenium Hilton 5***** (3 nights) |
Based on 2-3 participants travelling together
Overnight/ABF at Sofitel Silom Hotel:
| USD | 630.- | per person in sharing double/twin room |
| USD | 840.- | per person in single room |
Overnight/ABF at Millenium Hilton Hotel
| USD | 705.- | per person in sharing double/twin room |
| USD | 940.- | per person in single room |