Escorted Tours 2022-23 2nd Edition

through rural Thailand past typical Thai houses, peanut plantations and farmers working on the verdant rice paddies. A lunch stop will be made before continuing on to Phitsanulok. Day 6: Phitsanulok to Lampang B/L/D Today, visit the impressive UNESCO World Heritage site of Sukothai Historical Park, containing ancient ruins hidden amongst lakes of lotus flowers. Continue to Si Satchanalai and cross the river to a local fishing village where women can be seen weaving cotton and men cast nets for the day’s catch. Following lunch, journey into the jungle area, stopping at a local hill tribe to learn how native plants are used in traditional cooking. Arrive into Lampang late this afternoon. Day 7: Lampang to Chiang Mai B/L After breakfast, drive to the Elephant Hospital and nearby Conservation Centre to observe these majestic creatures playing in the water with their mahout keepers. Arriving into Chiang Mai, visit a gem and silk factory to see how these local handicrafts are produced before making a stop at Bo Sang’s craft market. This evening, enjoy some free time to relax or explore. Day 8: Chiang Mai B/L/D This morning, visit a local market before rolling up your sleeves and trying your hand at Thai cooking at the cookery school. Late this afternoon, your guide will take you to Doi Suthep, a nearby mountain, for panoramic views at sunset over the city’s vast tropical plains. Near the summit discover Wat Phra That, Northern Thailand’s holiest shrine, where kneeling worshippers gather around the dazzling golden dome to light aromatic incense and lay lotus flowers before immaculate icons of the Buddha. As night falls, return to the city to sample a traditional Khantoke dinner and show, where food is served on large platters at low tables as you enjoy a performance by local Lanna dancers. Day 9: Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai B/L/D Today, begin your assent of northern Thailand’s mountainous regions, through mist-coated fern forests to the charming town of Thaton. After lunch, board a traditional long-tail boat for a tranquil cruise along the Kok River; traverse slow moving waters to a chorus of cicadas to observe the thatched bamboo huts of the northern hill tribes dotted throughout the picturesque countryside. Disembark and drive to the infamous Golden Triangle, a mountainous range where Thailand, Laos and Burma converge which was once a prolific area for opium production. Continue to your hotel for a night in the laid back city of Chiang Rai. Day 10: Chiang Rai to Bangkok B/L/D This morning visit the stunning Wat Rongkhun, an art instillation in the form of a temple. Designed by visual artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, its striking white exterior is mixed with mirror fragments to create a mesmerising effect symbolising the Buddha’s purity. Wander to the temples entrance over a sea of sculpted hands reaching out in desperation and admire the interior murals, an incongruous mix of traditional Buddhist images with modern icons including Superman, the international space station and George Bush. After lunch head to Chiang Mai Airport for your flight to Bangkok, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for a farewell dinner. Day 11: Bangkok to the UK B After breakfast, you will be transferred for your return flight or continue to your chosen extension. Tour includes • 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 7 dinners • 3 and 4 H accommodation: Bangkok-Century Park Hotel, Ayutthaya- Classic Kameo Hotel, Phitsanulok-The Imperial Hotel, Lampang-Wieng Lakor Hotel, Chiang Mai-Holiday Inn Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai-Imperial River House Resort • Flights from London Heathrow with British Airways. Regional departures available from Glasgow and Newcastle Tour pace: Intermediate Damnoen Saduak floating market Thai Elephant Conservation Centre Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Departures & from prices 7 Nov 22 £1,899 17 Apr 23 £2,049 21 Nov 22 £1,949 8 May 23 £2,099 9 & 23 Jan 23 £1,999 5 Jun 23 £2,099 30 Jan 23 £1,999 31 Jul 23 £2,299 6 Feb 23 £1,999 25 Sep 23 £2,099 20 Feb 23 £1,949 23 Oct 23 £2,099 6 Mar 23 £1,899 6 Nov 23 £2,049 13 Mar 23 £1,849 20 Nov 23 £2,049 2024 DATES AVAILABLE AT 2023 PRICES • Upgrade to a Private Tour from £619 Extend your tour Phuket beach stay, 4 nights, B&B 4 H from £289 or 5 H from £379 Hua Hin beach stay, 4 nights, 4 H B&B from £319 or 4 H All-Inclusive from £499 or 5 H B&B from £569 No Single Supplement Rooms available with no single supplement. Once sold, single supplement starts from £339 77 Hundreds more escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk East Asia