SOUTH EAST ASIA - STA Travel Hub

NORTHERN THAILANDHILLTRIBES TREKFR$299Chiang Mai Chiang Mai 5 DAYSTHAI ELEPHANTCONSERVATIONMae Taeng District (Chiang Mai)FR$6191 - 8 WEEKSSOUTH EAST ASIAHighlights• Explore the vibrant and laid-back northern capital of Chiang Mai• Visit the hilltribes of Northern Thailand and meet friendly locals• Get to know the Karen tribe and witness their traditional weavingDAY01020304-05InclusionsJan - DecITINERARYChang MaiArrive to the cultural centre of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai, atany time today and start exploring this charming city. This moatedold city is surrounded by rolling hills and houses hundreds of sacredtemples, great cafés and shops.Hilltribes TrekEarly start this morning as you travel in an open pick-up truck toMae Malai where you will enjoy lunch before starting your trek. Trekthrough forests and rural terrain to visit some of the most colourfuland unchanged traditional hilltribe villages. As you trek through thetropical forest from one village to another, you will be impressed bythe variety of languages, clothing styles and beliefs that differ hugelyfrom one another. (B, L, D)Hilltribes Trek / Baan Mae Ma NainThis morning you will set off on a two- to three-hour trek in theforest, visiting rice and vegetable fields along the way as you passthe villages and learn about their traditional methods of cultivation.Re-charge your energy levels over lunch and then continue trekkingto the Karen village of Baan Mae Ma Nain where there’s a chance toride an elephant through the forest. Experience local ways and learnhow to construct a bamboo raft, then go fishing at Mae Tang Riverusing local tools. (B, L, D)River Rafting / Chiang MaiWake up to a day of real fun as you set off down the Mae Tang Riveron a bamboo raft! Stop at a Lahu village before continuing to a Shanvillage for lunch. Return to Chiang Mai this afternoon for your lastnight on the town with your new friends. Your amazing adventureends on Day 5 and you are free to depart at any time. (2B, L)Trip Style: Classic Service Level: StandardPhysical Grading: 3 Age Group: Any ageAccommodation: Hotels (2 nts), basic huts (2nts, multi-share) Transport: Open truck, van,elephant, raft Meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches,2 dinners Budget: Allow USD 50-75 for mealsnot included Group Leader: Chief ExperienceOfficer (CEO), local guides Group Size: Max 15,avg 12 Tour Code: GAATHHDepartures 2014Every Sunday, Tuesday & FridayChiang MaiTHAILANDHighlights• Assist with local conservation• Bathe and feed elephants• Learn about elephant health and treatmentSet in a valley surrounded by forested mountains, this projectoffers a peaceful home for over 30 neglected and abusedelephants. Headed up by Lek, a co-founder of the park, also knownas the ‘Elephant Whisperer’ by locals for her affinity with thesemajestic grey, giants, her focus on the elephants’ wellbeing isinspiring. Providing an essential role in caring for this endangeredspecies, you will treat and feed residents onsite as well aslearning how they communicate and make friends. All the mahouts(elephant caretakers) bring the elephants down to the river so thateveryone can have a go at bathing them - the best part of the day!Project Start Date: Mondays Location: Mae Teng District (60km north ofChiang Mai) Accommodation: multi-share volunteer huts (6 nts) Meals: mostmeals included Extra Weeks: Fr $599 per week Trip Code: GATATECTCHIANG MAI EXPERIENCEBangkokBangkokHighlights• Adrenalin-pumping white water rafting• Once-in-a-life chance to feed, ride and interact with elephants• Whizz through the jungle’s treetops on a zipline (optional)6 DAYThis adventure-packed tour takes you from Bangkok to themystical city of Chiang Mai, home to the ethnic tribes of NorthernThailand. There’s tons to experience - not just what you’ve seenin ‘The Hangover’! Arrive by overnight train, then explore thiscolourful city. Flex your bargaining skills at the local night bazaar,take a cooking class or fly through the jungle as part of the ‘Flightof the Gibbon’ ziplining experience (optional - at own expense).Head deep into the jungle on a guided trek and learn about locallife as you rest your head at a village homestay. Top it all off withtime at an elephant camp followed by a white water rafting tripdown the jungle river! Return to Bangkok by overnight bus.Departs: Daily Accommodation: Overnight train (1 nt), guesthouse (2 nts),overnight bus (1 nt), multi-share homestay accommodation (1 nt),Meals: Some meals included Transport: Train, bus Tour Code: CNXEXPFR$19058 VISIT WWW.STATRAVEL.COM.AU