Thailand Adventure

The wondrous and holy temple of Wat Phra That is located near the top of Doi Suthep (Mount Suthep). Built as a Buddhist monastery in 1383, it is still a working monastery today. Funds raised by donations and the lift fee go to support the monks living there and for the maintenance of the various temple buildings. The architecture, statues, murals, and shrines seen here are nothing short of breathtaking. On a clear day, you can see the whole city of Chiang Mai.

Open every night, you can find a huge variety of brand-name designer goods (real and fake) (clothing, T-shirts, belts, shoes, jewelry, watches, DVDs) and local Thai goods at really low prices. It is a good place to find gifts while practicing your bartering skills.

A hands-on experience learning to take care of an elephant. You’ll learn how to interact with elephants, daily care, during which time you are trained to approach your elephant correctly, know the elephant’s temperament, feed and check its health, learn about and take care of your own elephant, bathe and brush it in the river. The program is meant to create trust and good relations between you and your elephant.

Learning to cook with Thai spices and herbs. You’ll learn step by step how to cook Thai dishes. You’ll first visit the market to learn about the Thai herbs and vegetables, and then on to the cooking school to make a delicious dinner!

There are long beaches to walk and surf on. Activities include fishing, swimming, and boating in the natural marine reserve, which is made up of a mangrove forest, iguanas, crocodiles, and many species of birds.

The Grand Palace is located in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam. The present monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), currently resides in another Palace in Hua Hin, but the Grand Palace is still used for official events. Several royal ceremonies and state functions are held within the walls of the palace every year. The palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand. It is considered a must-see palace in Thailand.

Correctly known as the “Four Regions Floating Market”, the sub-sections of this 100,000 sqm development represent the four major areas of Thailand – the north, northeast, central, and south. This representation comes in the form of shops and stalls selling souvenirs, fruits, food, art, handicrafts, postcards, and clothing as well as regular cultural shows and demonstrations. Some of the 114 vendors do indeed float, selling their wares from traditional boats and canoes. The rest are built into a sturdy stilted village, with covered walkways and stout bridges connecting them.

The so-called “Big Buddha” certainly deserves its name, being the biggest in the region at 18 meters in height. Positioned nearly 100 meters above sea level, it watches over Pattaya and Jomtien Beaches from its position on the hill dividing the two. The temple complex around the highly detailed golden seated Buddha
creates a reflective mood in its many visitors’ thanks to its many bells, burning incense, numerous smaller statues and impressive views over the area.

With its white-sand beaches hemmed in by coconut palms, private beach resorts reachable only by boat, and swathes of lush rainforest; Ko Samui comes as close to paradise as anywhere in Thailand. Marooned off the Gulf of Thailand coast and reachable by ferry from Chumphon and Surat Thani, Samui island is the largest of the Chumphon archipelago and ranks second only to Phuket for the title of Thailand’s most visited island. On the east coast is the island’s party hub, while Lamai Beach, Choeng Mon Beach, and Bophut offer more laid-back alternatives. Away from the beach, dramatic viewpoints abound, with highlights including Na Muang Waterfall, the Hin Ta and Hin Yai rocks, and the dazzling gold façade of Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai). The island also makes a popular basecamp for exploring the surrounding islands and speedboats.
We’ll be doing a boat tour of Ang Thong National Marine Park—a cluster of jungle-clad islands, ringed by jagged rocks, sandy coves, and a rainbow of coral—a truly most enchanting day trip.