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Asia - Intrepid Travel

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Thai spirit<br />

Want to learn more about<br />

Thailand’s spiritual side? Offer<br />

alms and meet practitioners<br />

of Buddhism and Dharma<br />

on the Chiang Mai Mind and<br />

Soul Urban Adventure.<br />

Chiang Mai & Elephants<br />

STYLE Theme TRIP CODE Physical<br />

culturAL<br />

original short break ttae-O<br />

3 days, Chiang Mai to Chiang Mai<br />

Departs every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday<br />

ITINERARY... Day 1 Chiang Mai Founded in 1296, this ancient city’s name actually means ‘new city’.<br />

A favourite among travellers due to its relaxed feel and cultural richness, Chiang Mai boasts dozens of spas<br />

and yoga studios, plus a night bazaar packed with bargain buys. There's so much to see and experience<br />

here, you can always arrive earlier to spend a few more days in this vibrant northern city. Day 2 Elephant<br />

Nature Park Visit the Elephant Nature Park, located at the end of a scenic drive from Chiang Mai through<br />

the Mae Taeng Valley. The nature park is a unique project providing sanctuary to rescued elephants and<br />

provides travellers with the opportunity to spend a day with these magnificent creatures. Learn about<br />

their lives and why it is so important to protect them, feed them lunch and join in with bath time – if you<br />

don't mind getting wet of course! Otherwise, simply kick back and watch the elephants as they cool off<br />

in the water. Return to Chiang Mai in the evening to hit the markets or explore the fascinating Old Town.<br />

Day 3 Chiang Mai Take an early morning Songthaew ride to the Kad Ton Payom flea market where alms<br />

can be bought to offer passing monks. Sate appetites with a breakfast of local specialities before heading<br />

to peaceful Wat Umong to revel in the ambience and hear the abbot speak about Buddhism and Dharma.<br />

Then, mingle with monks at Wat Suan Dok and learn some basic meditation techniques.<br />

Hilltribe Experience<br />

STYLE Theme TRIP CODE Physical<br />

culturAL<br />

basix short break TTAX-B<br />

5 days, Chiang Mai to Chiang Mai<br />

Departs every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday<br />

ITINERARY... Day 1 Chiang Mai Arrive in Chiang Mai and get a sense of the unique flair of this northern<br />

city, a place that is rich in traditional culture and overflowing with local eateries that serve up some of<br />

the most delicious cuisine in South-East <strong>Asia</strong>. Boasting an intoxicating blend of ancient temples, steamy<br />

rainforest trails and raucous markets, this charismatic city is a great base from which to explore the<br />

surrounding tropical forests and remote villages. Days 2-4 Hilltribe Trek Pull on your walking boots,<br />

stretch those leg muscles and board a songthaew to head out into the hills, spending two days trekking<br />

through Thailand’s hilltribe country. Walk along winding tropical jungle tracks and through lush green<br />

fields, stopping at remote waterfalls and passing through friendly hilltribe villages that each possess their<br />

own distinct languages, clothing and beliefs. At night, join the locals for a freshly prepared meal and sleep<br />

in traditional bamboo huts – falling asleep to the sounds of the jungle and awakening to the sounds<br />

of village life. Day 5 Chiang Mai Return to Chiang Mai, where this hilltribe adventure comes to a close.<br />

Perhaps stay on after the trip to check out a range of sights in this much-loved city – including taking a ride<br />

to the dramatic hilltop temple of Doi Suthep for a stunning view over the city.<br />

Elephant Nature Park<br />

Chiang Mai<br />

THAILAND<br />

This was a well organised, actionpacked<br />

and very enjoyable trip.<br />

Hilary Sanders, United Kingdom<br />

• Try not to get wet<br />

while bathing an<br />

elephant!<br />

• Explore Chiang Mai’s<br />

vibrant markets<br />

• Take a songthaew to<br />

Kad Ton Payom flea<br />

market<br />

I’d definitely go back and recommend<br />

it to all my friends.<br />

Sarah Ballans, United Kingdom<br />

ACCOMMODATION Hotel (2 nts) TRANSPORT Minibus, songthaew<br />

GROUP SIZE Max 12 MEALS 2 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch BUDGET Please see trip<br />

notes for any additional costs of meals not included, optional activities and<br />

personal spending DEPARTS Every Tue, Fri and Sun except for 9th -17th April<br />

GUARANTEE Departure guaranteed CARBON EMISSIONS OFFSET 92 kg<br />

pp per trip NOTES 1. An airport arrival transfer is included. Please provide<br />

your flight details at the time of booking. 2. The tour finishes on day 3 at<br />

approximately 12 pm TRAVELLER RATING 4.71 out of 5<br />

Hilltribe Trek/<br />

Elephant Ride<br />

Chiang Mai<br />

THAILAND<br />

• Trek into the hills of<br />

Thailand<br />

• Meet friendly<br />

villagers<br />

• Experience unique<br />

dress and cultures<br />

• Sleep in comfortable<br />

bamboo huts<br />

ACCOMMODATION Hotel (2 nts), mountain hut (2 nts) TRANSPORT<br />

Songthaew GROUP SIZE Max 12 MEALS 2 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners<br />

BUDGET Please see trip notes for any additional costs of meals not included,<br />

optional activities and personal spending DEPARTS Every Tue, Thurs, Sat &<br />

Sun except for 7th -20th April GUARANTEE Departure guaranteed CARBON<br />

EMISSIONS OFFSET 114 kg pp per trip TRAVELLER RATING 4.89 out of 5<br />

Additional information about this destination is available at intrepidtravel.com<br />

Thailand 27

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