10/20/2024 DAY 1: BANGKOK Airport Transfer Upon arrival at the airport, head to the arrival hall and go to gate number 4 near the airport information counter. Look for a driver holding a G Adventures sign with your name, who'll take you to your hotel so you can check in and start exploring.
Welcome Meeting The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.
Accommodation Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. Shanghai Mansion Bangkok (or similar)
DAY 2: BANGKOK/KANCHANABURI After breakfast, travel to the city of Kanchanaburi, situated at the convergence of the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai Rivers. Board a train for a winding journey into World War II history as you cross the bridge made famous by the 1957 film The Bridge on the River Kwai. At the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, learn about the Burma Railway, constructed by imperial Japanese forces to connect Bangkok and Burma; then visit the nearby Kanchanaburi War Cemetery to see where the prisoners of war who worked on the railway were laid to rest.
Private Vehicle, Bangkok Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Bridge on the River Kwai Visit Take in a piece of World War II history on this visit. You've seen or at least heard of the famous movie, "Bridge on the River Kwai" -- tour the real thing and take a train ride over the bridge. It's massive, majestic, and imposing, and offers fabulous views of the river below.
Thai/Burma Railway Centre and Allied War Cemetery Visit Visit the Thai-Burmese Railway Museum to learn about the Death Railway's dark history, and the Allied War Cemetery where more than 6,000 prisoners are buried.
Accommodation Royal River Kwai Resort (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 3: KANCHANABURI/PHRA NAKHON SI AYUTTHAYA This morning, hike into the lush landscapes of Erawan National Park, located high in the mist-shrouded Tenasserim Hills. Take a dip in the turquoise pools of the Erawan Falls—so called because its top tier of cascades resemble the three-headed, mythological elephant known as Erawan. This afternoon, transfer to the historic city of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, a former capital of the medieval kingdom of Ayutthaya, also known as Siam. Sample traditional Thai dishes during dinner on a converted rice barge from the 1930s.
Erawan Waterfalls Visit one of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls. Its seven tiers offer a unique experience at every climb, reaching up to 1,500m (4921 ft). Swim in the turquoise pools, snap photos from the top tier, and opt to hike in the jungle to spot monkeys.
Private Vehicle Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Dinner Cruise Cruise down the river aboard a converted 1930s rice barge. Have a delicious Thai meal while taking in the incredible views of the city.
Accommodation Classic Kameo Ayutthaya Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner
DAY 4: PHRA NAKHON SI AYUTTHAYA/CHIANG MAI Set out to explore the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Ayutthaya Historical Park, centered on the old city which served as the Siamese capital from the 14th to 18th centuries, when it was one of the largest and most cosmopolitan regions in the world. Stroll down well-planned city streets to view magnificent palaces and Buddhist monasteries that set the standard for Thai architecture for generations to come. Later, return to Bangkok and transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai. Visit a traditional village in the countryside and enjoy a khantok-style dinner, served on low pedestal trays. Khantok in the Northern dialect means wooden tray, used for carrying dishes, round in shape and made of teak wood. The host will invite guests to sit on the floor around the khantok. After dinner, enjoy tea time with the opportunity to talk with local people to learn their way of living.
Ayutthaya Historical Park Guided Tour Explore the ruins of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ayuthaya served as Thailand’s capital from the 14th to 18th centuries, when it ranked as one of the most magnificent cities in the world. Late in the 17th century its population reached one million, and foreign visitors wrote awestruck accounts of its size and splendour.
Private Vehicle Hello again, Bangkok! Travel back to the city and to the airport by private van.
Plane Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Traditional Thai Home Dinner Visit a village outside Chiang Mai and sit down to an authentic Khantoke dinner in the home of a local family. Dishes typically include sticky rice, hang-le curry, and crispy pork with chilli paste. Over tea, learn about life in rural Thailand and visit the family garden to learn about herbs and spices popular in local cooking.
Accommodation Siripanna Villa Resort & Spa (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner
DAY 5: CHIANG MAI Delve into the bustle of Chiang Mai’s morning markets with a local chef, and learn about colourful fruits and fragrant herbs as you select ingredients for a Thai cooking class. Enjoy your creation for lunch, then set out to visit a historic temple. Sit down with one of the resident monks to discuss daily life and the tenets of Buddhism. Later, clear your mind to the chanting of monks at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the most spectacular gilded temples in Thailand. Monk chats are a great cultural exchange, but also important in helping the young Monks improve their English.
Your Foodie Moment: Cooking Class Pick out the best ingredients at a local market and learn how to make delicious Thai dishes.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Meet with Monks Visit a Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai’s Suthep district. Sit down with young monks to discuss daily life and Buddhism, and leave feeling spiritually refreshed. Monk Chats are informal discussions at a round table with a prep school age Monk, usually accompanied by their teacher.
Doi Suthep Temple Visit Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a golden Buddhist temple outside of Chiang Mai on the Mt Doi Suthep. Climb 300 steps to reach the temple and be rewarded with an unforgettable view. Admire the many Buddhist relics at this sacred temple and visit the white elephant shrine. Legend has it that the location of the temple was chosen after a white elephant carried a relic to the mountain and trumpeted three times before dying on the spot. Also, with a little luck, you may witness the chanting of the monks.
Private Vehicle Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities: Chiang Mai Cycling Tour 30 USD per person Meander through Chiang Mai by bike and get an alternative view of this bustling city.
Accommodation Siripanna Villa Resort & Spa (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch
DAY 6: CHIANG MAI Spend a full day exploring Chiang Mai’s temples and forested hills on your own, or choose between a variety of optional activities. Opt to take a cycling tour through verdant rice paddies and the elegant historic district. In the evening, choose to visit Chiang Mai’s vibrant night market.
Free Time Chiang Mai is a mecca for shopping and handicraft production, so take advantage of this opportunity to do some shopping if you wish.
Optional Activities - Day 6 Street Food Walk at Chiang Mai Night Market Pick up a a souvenir at this shopper's paradise. Wander through the market to find music, food, and local artists selling handmade crafts. Chiang Mai Cycling Tour 30USD per person Meander through Chiang Mai by bike and get an alternative view of this bustling city.
Accommodation Siripanna Villa Resort & Spa (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 7: CHIANG MAI/BANGKOK This morning, fly to Bangkok and board a traditional klong boat for a ride along the winding canals that have earned the city the nickname the “Venice of the East.” Glide past colourful temples, modern skyscrapers, and houses perched above the water. Visit Wat Pho, Bangkok’s largest and oldest temple complex, and often considered Thailand’s first public university—its many inscriptions were intended to instruct visitors. Marvel at the magnificent statue of the Reclining Buddha, glittering with gold leaf and mother-of-pearl.
Plane Take a quick flight back to Bangkok.
Klong Riverboat Tour Travel by longtail boat on the busy Chao Phraya River and through the small canals of western Bangkok's Thonburi district. Observe colourful scenes of everyday life along the river banks.
Wat Po Visit This temple is known for its reclining Buddha, its feet covered with mother-of-pearl engravings of Buddhist symbols. Explore the large grounds and other compounds to see other Buddha figures, murals and the chedis that contain the ashes of Buddha. This is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
Private Vehicle Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation Shanghai Mansion Bangkok (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
October 27, 2024 DAY 8: BANGKOK TO PETCHABURI (End of tour with G Adventures/National Geographic Journeys)
Those of us volunteering will have pick up arranged to the volunteer site in Petchaburi. This is a separate cost that will be provided once service are retained. If we use the taxis arranged by the volunteer site, they will cost 2200 baht per taxi (approx. $60 USD) payable directly to the driver.
DAYS 9 - 14 VOLUNTEERING AT WILDLIFE RESCUE OR ELEPHANT RESERVE Wildlife Rescue Center: As a volunteer you will help look after more than 10 species of primates including gibbons, macaques and orangutans; bears, otters, civets, reptiles, birds, and many other animals. You will work in teams to feed and water the animals, clean enclosures, make enrichments, as well as scrubbing animal pools and other maintenance work that needs to be done around the center.
Elephant Reserve: The project was started in 2003 and they currently care for over 20 Asian elephants. Most of them were rescued from trekking camps where they were brutally exploited to entertain tourists. Although they are not able to return to the wild, nearby forests give the elephants the chance to roam around in huge, forested enclosures. They have purchased huge pieces of land with forests and lakes, and the largest elephant enclosure is 20 hectares in size! They are Asia’s first chain-free sanctuary where no elephant is ever chained up, day or night. Historically, domesticated elephants have been used mainly in the logging industry, helping to destroy the very habitat they need to survive. After the ban on logging most of these elephants ended up being used in the tourism industry or have had to make a living begging on the city streets. Walking on these often dirty and traffic-congested streets is dangerous and unhealthy, and very often these elephants end up being involved in traffic accidents. Regrettably, in Thailand there are no laws to prevent this abuse and mistreatment. Volunteer duties at the ER include feeding the elephants, cleaning their enclosures, creating enrichments, harvesting banana trees and grasses, and a variety of other maintenance work around the center. You will have the chance to interact with some of our elephants in an ethical setting.
Volunteers from all projects also help look after communal areas and the dogs that live here. Volunteering is hard and physically demanding work, but the reward of seeing the animals enjoying your efforts is priceless. The volunteering projects run each week from Sunday to Sunday. To volunteer you also need to fulfill the following criteria:
- You must be 18 years old or over
- You must be able to speak a good level of English
- You must be of good physical and mental health, and be able to tolerate a hot and humid climate
- You must have a positive and practical attitude towards animal welfare and wildlife conservation
The volunteer fee covers the cost of your accommodation and 3 meals per day, as well as a contribution towards the animals’ food and care.
November 3, 2024 DAY 15 - BANGKOK Departure day - transportation will be arranged to the airport between the hours of 6AM and 7PM. This is a separate cost that will be provided once service are retained. If we use the taxis arranged by the volunteer site, they will cost 2200 baht per taxi (approx. $60 USD) payable directly to the driver. |
