Thailand Multisport

Thailand Multisport Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Your trip begins today in Chiang Mai, Thailand.  The trip guides meet us at the Chiang Mai airport in late morning and we spend the day exploring the area around the city.  After enjoying our first of many delicious Thai meals, we drive up Suthep Mountain to visit the famous temple, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.  Chiang Mai has over three hundred temples and Doi Suthep is one of the most impressive, glittering in gold and sitting on a hillside high above the city. Climb 300 steps to the temple and take in the fantastic views of Chiang Mai Valley. Return to Chiang Mai to freshen up before dinner.  Lunch and dinner included.

• Day 2

  After breakfast, depart for Mae Sa valley where we visit a new hill top temple before beginning our hike through a very scenic forest.  This is a good warm up hike (about three hours) for the upcoming longer hiking days.  Visit a small Karen hill-tribe village where we enjoy a lunch at a local home.  On our drive back to Chiang Mai, we stop at an orchid nursery typical of this region. Tonight there’s time to explore on your own the famous Chiang Mai night bazaar.  As Chiang Mai is Thailand’s primary handicraft center you can expect to be overwhelmed with a fabulous display of goods – silk, paper, wood, textiles. Hiking: 3 hours. Breakfast and lunch included; dinner on your own.

• Day 3

  Depart this morning on the northern road toward the Maetaman valley where we visit an elephant camp and ride astride an elephant through the surrounding forest with our experienced mahouts.  A short transfer up into the neighboring mountainous region, leads us to Mae Tang river camp for lunch.  This afternoon we will hike, up and down and up, to a tiny Lahu hill tribe village where we spend the evening. The Lahu, like many other northern hilltribes, fled Burma (Myanmar) in the late 1800s because of the oppressive practices of the Burmese government and settled in northern “Siam”.  They refer to themselves as the “Children of the Blessing” since they have always believed that the blessings of health and security were the greatest gifts that their Creator could bestow. Your guides will prepare an excellent dinner tonight while you can relax and soak up the view of the lush surrounding valley.  Rustic hut lodging tonight. Hiking: 3+ hours over hilly, forested terrain (can be muddy dependent on season). All meals included.
  
  Note on Lodging:  Lodging at the tribal villages is very rustic.  All guests share one sleeping room upon a raised sleeping platform. Sleeping bags/pads and mosquito netting are provided.  Bathrooms are basic outhouses and there is no electricity.
  
  Hiking Notes:  The summer months are more likely to have rain and, as such, these jungle trails can be muddy and very slippery.  Good footwear and an easy pace will help with these conditions.

• Day 4

  We bid our Lahu hosts farewell after breakfast and head out for a long day of trekking (roughly 6 hours).  Initially we hike up hill through jungle forest, reaching a ridgeline that opens up our way for a good part of the day. This portion of the trek offers stunning views of the mainly roadless, northern hill region.  Enroute we visit a local tea plantation.  This evening is spent in a “Shan” village, home of one of our trekking guides. We have a chance to meet his family and to learn of a typical lifestyle. Meals are prepared by your guides and the local family.  All meals included.  Hiking: 6+ hours with elevation gain, on mountainous trails. All meals included.

• Day 5

  Today is another day of trekking (4 hours), following jungle trails through large stands of bamboo to reach another remote village.  In the early afternoon we meet out vehicles for our transfer to a local “garden” resort. Enjoy a well-deserved hot shower and cold beverage, relax by the pool, or treat yourself to a Thai massage!  Dinner at the resort.  All meals included.  Hiking: 3-4 hours. All meals included.

• Day 6

  Changing gears this morning, we cycle right from the resort to the ruggedly beautiful Sri Lanna National Park.  We pedal along country trails through real Thai countryside passing through villages, plantations and small farms.  Much of the biking is on flat land following the irrigation channels used to water rice paddies and orchards. The park itself is mountainous with both deciduous and lush evergreen forest and is home to wildlife such as barking deer, bear and wild pig.  After a short technique and safety briefing, we swap out our bikes for sit-upon kayaks and shove off for an hour or so of lake paddling.  We kayak to a floating restaurant for our lunch – it’s a gorgeous setting!  Return to our bikes and a return ride (different routing) to our hotel. Biking: between 10-20 miles depending upon group and conditions; terrain: a large network of unpaved trails and small roads, fairly flat to rolling.  Kayaking: easy 1-2 hours on flat water.  All meals included. 

• Day 7

  Today we depart to the nearby Chiang Dao valley, wherein lies a fabulous cave system of five interconnected caverns extending some seven miles into the mountains. Local legend has it that this complex was inhabited by Burmese hermit monks for thousands of years.  After our visit of the caves, we're back on our bikes for more scenic cycling traversing orchards, paddies, plantations and visiting hill tribes. Several routes are possible so will be determined, in part, based on the group’s makeup. We end our day a small “eco-lodge” which is located adjacent to a Palong hill-tribe village. This is a rustic “lodge” offering simple facilities in private rooms in a lovely, out-of-the-way setting. Biking: Mountain-biking: 2-3 hours. All meals included. 

• Day 8

  This morning you have a choice to make:  participate in a traditional Thai cooking class (enjoying the fruits of your labors, of course) or jump back on your bikes for an amped-up ride on challenging trails through the surrounding countryside.  Enjoy lunch back at the eco-lodge before departing for Chiang Mai. This evening we celebrate a great journey's end with a final banquet at our preferred venue. All meals included.

• Day 9

  If you are not joining the group for the southern beach extension, your journey ends in Chiang Mai this morning with a transfer to the airport. 
  
  For those continuing onto the Southern Beach Extension, your early morning flight to Phuket brings you to the stunning Andaman Sea.  Upon arrival, we are met by our guides and are transferred from the airport to our hotel.  Check into our resort hotel and prepare for a leisurely, afternoon “warm up” coastal paddle. In the late afternoon we return to the hotel for relaxation and dinner.  For those who may want to take lots of photos, our kayak guides are happy to paddle for us in a 2-person kayak.  Lunch and dinner included (southern extension only).

• Days 10 and 11

  For 2-1/2 days, we explore Phang Nga Bay by sit-on-top kayaks.  Our support boat ferries us from one kayaking site to another maximizing our ability to kayak areas of fantastic scenery consisting of numerous sea caves, hidden lagoons and extraordinary limestone cliffs.  The water here is as clear as aquamarine crystal and the beaches are unbelievably inviting.  Plenty of time for snorkeling and swimming as well as kayaking. The support boat follows us carrying all our gear and providing added comforts such as wonderful cooks who prepare amazing meals!  We camp for 2 nights on scenic beaches.  **Note: groups of 2 or 3 stay in simple beach bungalows.  Paddling:  3-4+ hours both days.  All meals included. 

• Day 12

  Another glorious day of supported sea kayaking!  Our support boat returns us to the pier in Phuket and we transfer to our hotel for a celebration dinner with our guides.  There’s time to explore Phuket at night.  Paddlling: 3+ hours.  All meals included.

• Day 13

  For those flying out of Phuket this morning, a transfer to the airport is provided. Or, extend your stay in Thailand and Southeast Asia.  Meals on your own today.

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

All accommodations as noted in itinerary; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; private bi-lingual guides; porters as needed; private transport throughout; 24-speed mountain bikes with front suspension and bike helmets: sit-upon two-person kayaks and pfds; entrance fees to various parks and temples; elephant ride; private ground transportation within Thailand; Chiang Mai airport transfers when arriving with group. 

Southern portion only:  2 nights resort hotel; 2 nights beach camping / bungalows; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; bi-lingual guides; 1 and 2-person kayaks; motorized support boat; airport transfers.

International airfare to/from Thailand; internal flights in Thailand; one dinner; cost of passport; soft drinks and alcoholic beverages; items of a personal nature and optional gratuities to your guides.

This trip is rated Moderate [3] and will be enjoyed by anyone who is physically fit and enjoys hiking.  The days of hiking can be strenuous over uneven terrain on trails that are not maintained and can be slippery and rugged. We hike in areas that are remote and have few “western” amenities or facilities.  The biking is primarily on hard-packed gravel roads (little traffic) with some trail riding. You should be familiar with riding a mountain bike and using multiple gearing.  No experience is needed for the short kayaking portion of this trip – this paddle is very appropriate for novices.

Thailand has a tropical climate.  Temperatures in the 80s can be expected during the day with cooler temperatures (50s-60s) at night depending on the season.  Temperatures in the northern mountains will typically be 10-20º cooler, especially during the evenings (in the winter months, temperatures can dip in to the low 40s at night).  During the summer months, expect evening rain (possibly daytime as well) and hot/humid conditions.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

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