Day 1 - Bangkok and arrival transfer

Arrive Bangkok airport. Transfer to accommodation to freshen up and relax. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight.

Days 2-4, Bangkok to Ayutthaya and board Rice Barge cruise

The first day is a mixture of cultural orientation visits using different modes of public transport to bring you into contact with the local people. You will also feel closer to our Asian culture by exchanging languages, perhaps with a local Thai family or university student, etc.

A visit to either an orphanage or community day-care centre will make your time most profitable and beneficial to those in need.

You will also spend a night onboard an authentic teak rice barge, explore the countryside by bicycle and observe the day-to-day life and culture of the rural Thai people. It will be one of the most unique ways of traveling in your diary.

Days 5-6, Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Traveling to Chiang Mai by overnight train is comfortable and can be fun. You will then have a full day to experience the charm of the northern people and their beautiful temples. The visit to a house for autistic children will amaze you with their skill at handcrafts.

Days 7-9, Chiang Mai Trekking , Elephant ride and Bamboo rafting

This part is an unforgettable 3-day/2-night soft-adventure with a good mixture of various activities which will be exhilarating, fun experiences; with 2 nights spent in bamboo huts in hill-tribe villages and back to overnight Chiang Mai on Day 9.

Days 10-12, Volunteering to share your experiences at a hill-tribe village

During these 3 days you will stay either with the teachers who devote their lives to educate the poor hill-tribe children or with a local family that is happy to give you a warm welcome. Pass on your experience and knowledge to the children who eager to practice English. Any subjects that you feel will be useful to the children may also be taught. This is the chance for you to use your talents to help those most in need.

Days 13-14, Chiang Mai and train to Bangkok

Return to Chiang Mai, taking good memories with you and leaving good memories behind too. You will have a day’s break before boarding the overnight train back to Bangkok

Days 15-20,  Bangkok to Samet Beach to Bangkok

You will have a day’s break too in Bangkok then depart to enjoy your days with sun and sea on Ko Samet for 3 nights. The island is most famous for its crystal clear waters and long, white fine-sand beaches. Return to spend a last night in Bangkok with time to do your final bits of shopping.

Price :

Trip	Schedule	Price US$, P/P	High season		Compulsory Dinner		reservation
			Date	Price	Date	Price
Standard class	01 Nov 11 to 31 Oct 12	Adult - US$ 1,494 Child rate: 75%
First class	01 Nov 11 to 31 Oct 12	Adult - US$ 1,720 Child rate 75%

Remark :

§ Trekking itinerary is only a guideline and is subject to change without prior notice due to local conditions, but the same concept will be maintained. § The trekking portion of the itinerary is not recommended for children under 7 years of age. Unlike tourist sites, the activities at each of the participating community service sites may vary considerably and exactly what the study trip will entail cannot be guaranteed. Therefore we reserve the right to adjust the program, or even change the location, in the case of unforeseen events. However the same concept will be well maintained.

Services included in the price :

§ Accommodation: shared twin-bedded room with air conditioning and private facilities. While trekking, stays in village huts. Floor mat, sheet, rucksack, water canteen and lifejacket are supplied. On board Thanatharee is air-conditioned multi-share accommodation, the sleeping area being divided into two sections by a curtain. One common bathroom and one toilet are located on the main deck; a second toilet is on the upper deck. Clients should bring their own personnel toiletries (towel and soap are provided). While staying with the local Thai family (homestay) is in the guest room of the house (A mat with mosquito net, blanket and pillow are provided). § Meals: Daily breakfast when overnight at hotels. Full board during overnight barge cruise, trekking and at the school guest house/homestay in the village. § Transport:  Tours and transfers by public or joined transport. Round trip 2nd-class train with air-conditioned sleeping berth between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. § Misc: Station English-speaking guides during the excursions and trekking and all activities as specified in the itinerary, including admission fees, with instruction where necessary

	Services not included in the price:
	§ Drinks and meals not mentioned in the itinerary. § Domestic flights/Airport tax and flight insurance § Sleeping bag. § Tips for guide and drivers/Personal expenses.

	Preferred accommodation list:
	Budget class Bangkok                    ETZ HOstel Chiang Mai                 Downtown Inn (sup) Samed Island             Vongduean Resort (cottage) First class Bangkok                   Narai Hotel (std) Chiang Mai                Chiang Mai Plaza (Superior) Ko Samet                  Vongduean Resort (Thai House)