Adventure before Dementia - Thailand
Adventure before Dementia - Specially for over 50's
This is an independent trip for those still wanting some excitement in their
lives and even the ocassional adrenalin rush, while in between staying
in some more than comfortable accomodation.
GROUP SIZE: Minimum of 2 on a twin share basis only.
DEPARTS DAILY between June 15th and February 15th ( Not available between Feb 15 and June 15 because of low water levels.) Independent itinerary with the services of a local Baktrax representative in Bangkok and local operators along the way. (Our operator in Pai was the first rafting company in Thailand over 20 years ago. With emphasis on safety your sure to have SANUK.) A general good level of fitness is required and you must also be a capable swimmer.
VISITING: Bangkok - Chiang Mai - Pai - Various hilltribe villages.
INCLUSIONS:
ACCOMODATION: 5 nights 3 star boutique hotel.
2 nights 3 star hotel.
3 nights 1 and a half star hotel.
1 night basic hilltribe village.
1 night jungle camp.
1 night first class sleeper train.
TRANSPORT: Train, bus, taxi, pick up, river raft, elephant, feet.
MEALS: 15 meals as per itinerary; B= Breakfast; L= Lunch; D= Dinner.
NOT INCLUDED:
Taxis between your Bangkok accomodation and the railway station. Airport transfers.
DAY 1: Your adventure officially begins after checking into your Bangkok accommodation. In the evening a Baktrax representative will meet you and take you out for drinks and dinner where you will be able discuss all the upcoming excitement. They will tell you everything you need to know about transport and all the other things you will need to know. They will also offer lots of suggestions and ideas about what to do on your free days. D & DRINKS.
DAY 2: Again your representative will meet you in the morning and take you for breakfast. Then he will give you all your travel and other documents you will need along the way. Any last minute questions will be answered here also. B.
DAY 3: Today you can get a taxi, tuk tuk or a local bus to the railway station in time to have breakfast before boarding your 8.30 a.m. train to Chiang Mai. A light train lunch and snacks are provided by the railways along the way. You will arrive in Chiang Mai at 8.20 p.m. and check into your hotel for the overnight stay. No meals.
DAY 4: After breakfast you will travel the 3 hours by mini bus to Pai. Known to some as Pai-adise and to others as Utopai. But known to all visitors as sensational. In a valley surrounded by blue mountains you too will be captivated during your stay. B.
DAY 5: After a lazy morning you will be collected at 1.30 p.m. and firstly taken to a local waterfall where you can take a cooling dip. Along the way you will pass through Lisu and Lahu villages. Then it will be through some Shan villages to the Temple on the Hill which overlooks Pai.
Next it's onto the hot springs before the highlight of the day, a 1 hour 30 minute elephant ride. A hilarious time will be had if you choose to play with your mighty friend in the river. Those who want to stay dry will be amazed by the climbing skills and balance of these amazing Pachyderms.
On the way back to Pai you will stop at the Pai Canyon for a sunset view over the valley. B.
DAY 6: Leaving Pai at 9.00 a.m. you will drive 1 hour to the start of your trekking trail. Then you will start walking upstream along the Lang river surrounded by the most beautiful deciduous forests in North Thailand. This consists of teakwood forests, Indian mahoganies and other various species of bamboo.
During a picnic lunch your guide will also show you some survival skills.
Then it will be uphill again while still observing the various plants, flowers, insects and birds until you reach a Red Lahu village close to the Thai-Burmese border for your overnight stay. Here you will sleep in a traditional bamboo house built on teak stilts with a thatched roof.
After taking a shower you will still have time for a stroll around the village to observe the local culture.
Then you can help your guide and learn how to cook a delicious open fire meal.
A convivial sit on the floor dinner will be a chance to talk about the local culture and history of the Lahu people as well as share a song or two with the local kids. By then you will be ready to slip under your mosquito net for a good nights sleep. B. L. D.
DAY 7: After a filling breakfast you will then walk around 3 hours to the main Karen village in the region through different forests and along mountain ridges.
After lunch you will again get the chance to observe village life.
Then you have the option of a 1 hour bamboo raft ride or a 1 hour elephant ride. And you will also visit a limestone cave before returning to Pai. B. L.
DAY 8: At around 8.45 a.m. you will be picked up and while having a coffee with your fellow rafters will receive your safety equipment (helmet & life jacket).
After a safety briefing you will drive 1 hour to the put in point and receive your last paddling instructions.
Your first strokes will see you among lush jungle vistas.
After a few rapids you will have a picnic lunch under the shade of a wild mango tree.
Then passing through a gorge you will experience the thrill of some class 3-4 rapids. After another 15 rapids you will stop at a small waterfall where you can enjoy a frolic in the water. Then again following the meanders of the river through the deep jungle you will arrive at your jungle camp where you can take a shower, relax or explore the area before a welcome drink and snacks will be served.
Later on a delicious Thai dinner will be prepared on an open fire followed by fresh fruits and tea or coffee. The guides will also show you some tricks of their own.
Getting tired you can spend the night in harmony with nature in your bamboo huts complete with sleeping bag, pillow and mosquito nets. Showers and toilets are simple but clean with bamboo walls also. B.L.D.
DAY 9: After a filling breakfast of homemade bread, eggs, coffee or tea at 8.00 a.m. you will again put in around 9.00 a.m. and enjoy another 12 rapids of class 3.
You will then reach the Kong river junction and a few minutes later take a break at the main hot springs area while getting ready for some more excitement through the rising stones rapids. (About 5 rapids from 100 to 400 meters long of grade 2-3).
After the excitement a picnic lunch will be served on the banks of a clear stream. Then you can enjoy a paddle or a swim through the Pai gorges scattered with a few more tricky rapids.
Coming to the end of your expedition you will pop out into the Mae Hong Song valley amid some lush farming areas. At around 3.00 p.m. you will transfer back to Pai, 2 hours away. B. L.
DAY 10. A totally free day in Pai-adise to relax by the pool or self explore this sensational Utopai. B.
DAY 11. Today it's back to Chiang Mai, again by mini bus with the rest of the day free to shop at the famous night bazaar or any of the other shops that abound. B.
DAY 12: After checking out of your hotel you will be able to store your luggage before a day of self exploration in Chiang Mai. At 17.50 you will board your first class sleeper train for the overnight journey to Bangkok. B.
DAY 13: Arriving in Bangkok at 6.25 you will transfer to your previous accomodation for a final night in Bangkok. Rest of day is free to self explore or just to shop. No meals.
DAY 14: Your adventure is officially over after checking out of your Bangkok hotel. No meals.
You can now go back home knowing you still have what it takes.
NOTES:
UPON FULL PAYMENT: We will send you a packing list and some other useful information as well as answer any other questions you may have.
ON ARRIVAL: Your Baktrax representative will give you all the information about everything that concerns your trip. From airport departure transfer information to railway station transfers to the best places to shop & eat etc etc. And a myriad of other info to make your trip as much SANUK as possible. Thai for FUN.
EXTRA ACCOMODATION IS AVAILABLE IN ALL 3 PLACES BUT MUST BE BOOKED AND PAID FOR AS PART OF YOUR BOOKING.
BANGKOK: $40.00USD per twin or double room per night.
CHIANG MAI: $60.00USD per twin or double room per night.
PAI: $100.00USD per twin or double room per night.
The cost for the adventure in Pai-adise is $1,650.00USD Per Person, Twin Share. (Single supplement $450.00USD)
This tour is available daily between 15th of June & 15th of February.