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Thailand Highlights - Indochina 43 DAY 8: CHIANG RAI – DAY TOUR TO MAE SALONG This morning we drive to Mae Salong, renowned for its hill tribes and tea plantations. From the base of the mountain, travel to a tea plantation to sample local tea and visit a Yao tribe and an Akha village known as Ban Lorcha. Lunch today is at a Yunnanese mountaintop restaurant. (B, L, D) DAY 9: CHIANG RAI TO MAE KAMPONG See the exquisite White Temple this morning, followed by a visit to the local market to purchase fresh ingredients for dinner. Continue to the village of Mae Kampong, nestled among forested hillsides. Upon arrival meet your host family and visit the nearby waterfall. This evening, you'll have the opportunity to assist your hosts in preparing dinner and learning about their way of life. (B, L, D) DAY 10: MAE KAMPONG TO CHIANG MAI Rise early this morning to see the monks give alms. After breakfast with your hosts, continue to Chiang Mai and visit the ancient city of Wiang Kum Kam along the way. Later, visit the temples of Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh, and a handicraft village. (B, L, D) DAY 11: CHIANG MAI Visit the Chiang Dao Elephant Camp, one of the first elephant camps in Chiang Mai. Here, experience an unforgettable elephant ride in the surrounding forest and a gentle ride down the Ping River in a bamboo raft. After dinner, explore the famous night market. (B, L, D) DAY 12: CHIANG MAI Partake in a cooking class and learn the secrets of traditional Thai cuisine. After lunch, visit the Baan Kingkaew Orphanage and Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep in time for sunset. This evening, watch a performance of ancient song and dance by various hill tribes. (B, L, D) DAY 13: DEPART CHIANG MAI Transfer to the airport to board your flight back to the US. (B) Wat Pho, Bangkok GUARANTEED DEPARTURE DATES & RATES Outbound Return To USA Rates* FEB 13, 2015 FEB 25, 2015 MAR 13, 2015 MAR 25, 2015 SEP 4, 2015 SEP 16, 2015 OCT 16, 2015 OCT 28, 2015 NOTE: SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT APPLIES. For your convenience, we implement a one time tipping protocol of $80 per person on this tour to be paid locally. MEALS INCLUDED: (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner Consult your travel agent for more details on this and other escorted tours. *RATES ARE PER PERSON, BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY AND INCLUDE: Visa services for US and Canadian passport holders only Group airport transfers Domestic airfare and current taxes (within Thailand) Domestic ground transportation (within Thailand) Accommodations & taxes • Meals as indicated Sightseeing and entrance fees with English-speaking guide CULTURAL EXPERIENCES • Send a postcard with a Laos postmark from the small post office on Done Sao Island • Explore the hill tribe village of the Yao people, known for brilliant embroidered clothing and excellent silversmithing techniques • A memorable overnight at the home of a local family in Mae Kampong—prepare dinner together, learn about their life and give alms to the monks the next morning • A truly exhilarating elephant ride at the Chiang Dao elephant camp • Get ready to host your next dinner party after a Thai cuisine cooking class • Be moved at the Baan Kingkaew Orphanage, greeted by the smiling faces of the children who live there $2,890 $3,090