The Thailand and Islands Experience

  Thailand

• All Other Areas in Thailand: 
Udon Thani

Dates: multiple start dates year round

Description: Beneath Thailand's vibrant modern exterior lies a country steeped in culture, history and ancient traditions, and this tour will take you right to the heart of it. You will begin your journey in Thailand's vibrant capital, Bangkok, where modern luxuries take on an intriguing eastern twist. From here you will travel to Ayutthaya, Lopburi and Kanchanaburi, famed for their ancient temples, religious shrines and floating markets. These three towns will give you a unique insight into the country's past and certainly shouldn't be missed. Finally the tour will bring you to Koh Tao, a beautiful tropical island off the Thai coast. Whether you want to relax on the beach or have a go at scuba diving in the crystal clear waters, this is the place to do it!

*Day 1 - Arrival into Bangkok
Arrival at Bangkok Suvanaphumi Airport. Met by an i-to-i representative. Relax at the guest house until dinner time. Group will be taken to the local restaurant and a walking tour of Lumpini Night market.

*Day 2 - Ayutthaya
After a light breakfast, early start for sightseeing of Grand Palace and Wat Phra Keaw area by Tuk-Tuk and experience a traditional Thai massage at Wat Po. Lunch in a local restaurant and some shopping for for children's home visits on the way to Ayuttaya by minibus. Dinner cruise on Chao Playa River to see the temples and remains lit up.

*Day 3 - Lopburi
Today we visit Wat Mahatat, Reclining Budda and an elephant camp in the town of World Heritage. We stop at Wat Chaimongkol to feed turtles and WatChaiwatthanaram. Lunch in a local restaurant then head for Lopburi. After check-in at the guest house, relax or stroll the old town. Dinner at a local restaurant in Lopburi.

*Day 4 - Lopburi
After breakfast we visit an HIV/AIDS children's home at Dhammarakniret Project II to help kids with lunch, play and singing. We then visit Wat Phra Baht Nam Phu, an HIV/AIDS hospice in Lopburi: tour of hospice, meet patients and help them with their daily life by cleaning, chatting and giving medication. Back in Lopburi and sightseeing by tricycles on temples and remains which are older than Ayutthaya architecture. Phra Prang Samyot to feed monkeys and visit Phra Kan Shrine. After a break at the guesthouse, we go for dinner at a local restaurant.

*Day 5 - Kanchanaburi
After saying "good-bye" to monkeys, we leave for Kanchanaburi. Enjoy the rural view from the minibus. Lunch enroute. Arrive in Kanchanaburi central and visit the bridge over the River Kwai, the war museum and WWII cemetary. Check-in at guest house, then free time until dinner at a local restaurant.

*Day 6 - Kanchanaburi
After breakfast, we take Death Railway train. We will then visit Sai Yok Noi waterfall for lunch. In the afternoon, visit we an elephant camp to enjoy trekking including bathing with elephants, rafting in the river. We then head for a raft house in Srinakarin Dam. Enjoy the quiet environment in a camping style living and sky full of stars!

*Day 7 - Kanchanaburi
After breakfast, we will enjoy a boat ride in the dam, lunch and swim at Erawan waterfall. We then head for Wat Luang Ta Maha Busa, known for "Tiger Temple" to observe how tigers are cared at the temple. Then back to the centre of Kanchanaburi to check-in at the guest house and have dinner.

*Day 8 - Hua Hin
After breakfast, we visit the famous "Damneon Saduak" floating market. Lunch and enjoy the scenery enroute to Hua Hin then relax until dinner.

*Day 9 - Hua Hin
Visit Mon and Karen tribal village to cook lunch with them, present books and toys (bring them from home!) and learn about their lifestyle. Relax at the guesthouse or by the beach and shopping until dinnertime.

*Day 10 - Chumphon
We now leave for Chumphon, located in the middle of Thailand. Enjoy the scenery and lunch enroute. Dinner by the beach. Stay overnight at guest house in Chumphon.

*Day 11 - Koh Tao
After breakfast, visit Panya Nukul School for autistic and downs syndrome children. Serve lunch and play with children. Head for the pier for a boat ride to Koh Tao, famous for clear water and home of sea turtles. Check-in at guesthouse and relax until dinner time. Option to go to the beach for sun and swim.

*Day 12 - Koh Tao
After breakfast, you will take a tour of the island by songthaew and boat. You will also have a chance to snorkel on the coral reef and have lunch by the sea. Relax until dinner time.

*Day 13 - Chumphon
In the afternoon, travel back to Chumphon by boat and Bangkok by overnight train.

*Day 14 - Bangkok
Arrive in Bangkok in the morning. Back to the guesthouse and relax by the swimming pool. Dinner and live music at Kao-San Road area to celebrate the success of the tour!

*Day 15 - Return home
Visit Chatuchack weekend market for last minute shopping. Relax at the swimming pool at KT guest house until your flight time.

Find out more about i-to-i, watch their short video here: http://video.i-to-i.com/site-videos/video.html

Highlights: * The fantastic beaches of Koh Tao
* Ayutthya - historic capital of Thailand full of culture and temples
* The waterfalls, rivers and forests of Kanchanaburi
* Bathing with elephants!
* The monkeys of Lopburi
* Visiting Mon and Karen tribal villages
* An insiders trip through the heart of one of the world's most famous travel destinationseart of one of the world's most famous travel destinations

Cost in US$: USD 2295.00 for 2 weeks

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Year Founded: 1994