Upon your arrival in Bangkok you will check in to a comfortable, downtown hotel in the City’s Banglamphu district. Time to rest from your travels or explore the local streets. That evening the group will gather for orientation and some overview from your instructor.
Transportation: Walk
Included Meals: Dinner
Overnight: Bangkok
The group will explore Bangkok by riverboat, skytrain, tuk-tuk and canal boat – we shall hit some of the famous locations including the Grand Palace, fabulous Wat Phra Keow and ‘Temple of the Emerald Buddha. We will also make sure to escape the tourist zones in order to capture images of local daily life in the markets and communities.
Transportation: Train, Tuk-Tuk, Boat, Walk
Included Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Bangkok
Time to leave the city’s downtown for the canals, traditional wooden stilt houses and floating markets of Amphawa district. Along the way we make a stop at the famous Maeklong ‘Railway Market’. In addition, we will see some some of the area’s local industries such as salt production and parasol makers.
Transportation: Mini-bus, Boat, Walk
Included Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Amphawa
The morning starts early with a canal boat trip through Amphawa followed by travel through the valleys and rice growing districts of Suphanburi. We will stop by the Sam Chuk, or Hundred Year Market. Get ready for an exciting photographic opportunity exploring the maze of narrow aisles and wooden river-side walkways. That afternoon we’ll continue to Uthai Thani for a boat trip amongst its unique floating raft house settlement – one of the few remaining in Thailand.
Transportation: Mini-bus, Boat
Included Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Uthai Thani
Start the day with a bit of free time to explore the riverside markets or just relax at a local street cafe. That afternoon we will travel across the lush plains of Chao Phraya River on our way to Sukhothai. We will have time for some sunset views and night street photography within the local market.
Transportation: Mini-bus, Walk
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Sukhothai
Tuk-tuk tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sukhothai – former capital of Siam – This location is ripe for photography with ancient sandstone temples, wall carving, Buddha statues and lotus ponds.
Transportation: Minibus, Walk
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Sukhothai
Yay, elephants! We will stop by the Elephant hospital where elephants are cared for and rescued from those who would exploit them. Onward to explore the markets and architecture of Lampang Town. Finally we arrive in Chiang Mai and it’s time to relax by the pool before an evening at Chiang Mai’s famous night bazaar.
Transportation: Minibus, Walk
Meals: Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Chiang Mai
Morning walking tour of the oldest parts of Chiang Mai. Great time to work on imagery of temples and statues and monks as they engage in their daily tasks. Afternoon is free time to explore on your own, try the local culinary dishes or get a massage.
Transportation: Walk
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Chiang Mai
Time to leave for the more remote areas of Northern Thailand including Tha Ton. We will make a stop on the way to visit the cave temples of Chiang Dao, before experiencing the views from the Tha Ton Pagoda situated high on a mountain-top along the Thai / Myanmar border.
Transportation: Mini-bus, Walk
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Mae Salong
This day is dedicated to the region of Mae Salong – for many years this area was not available to travelers because of its role as a center for the opium trade but the area is now known for tea plantations and spectacular scenery. This location is also known for its population of local hill-tribe peoples. Discover the plantations, markets and unique architecture of this picturesque region.
Transportation: Mini-bus, Boat
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Mae Salong
An early morning visit to a traditional market before taking a van to Thaton, via the Akha village of Lorcha. Here we board a boat for a trip down the Kok River to Chiang Rai where we will visit Wat Rong Suea Ten, (the Blue Temple) and the sprawling, souk-like old market.
Transportation: Mini-bus, Boat
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Chiang Rai
A scenic drive back to the city of Chiang Mai with a stop to visit the spectacular Wat Rong Khun Temple. Mid-afternoon arrival with time for some more exploring or relaxing before your departure the next day.
Transportation: Minibus, Walk
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Chiang Mai
Morning exploration (or packing depending on your leave time). Do some last minute shopping or visit the famous Doi Suthep or a Thai cookery lesson can be arranged. Tour ends at your convenience
Transportation: n/a
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: n/a
Gene Tewksbury (read bio)
Depart from: Bangkok, Thailand
Return from: Chiang Mai, Thailand
