Introduction:

Join us on this journey to explore Thailand and Laos, jewels of Southeast Asia! You'll be immersed in the unique cultures, landscapes, and rich spiritual heritage of these countries. This tour is being organized by Himalayan High Treks on behalf of Elizabeth Prather's Mindful Adventures. For a detailed printable PDF copy of the itinerary, please click on the link HERE or at the bottom of the page in the 'Essence of Thailand and Laos Administrative Details' section. Please use the following link to register: http://www.hightreks.com/apply.html

Leadership:
Longtime Buddhist practitioner Elizabeth Prather will lead this tour. Elizabeth is a seasoned tour director and is excited to share two of her favorite countries with you and to bring together her spiritual practice and tour, directing expertise to lead you on an unforgettable journey. You can reach Elizabeth directly at elizabeth@hightreks.com or 1-520-549-8359.

Essence of Thailand & Laos • Day-to-Day Itinerary Outline:

Day 1, February 23 | Chiang Mai arrival | No meals

Transfer from Chiang Mai Airport to your 4-star hotel plus an optional spa treatment.

Day 2, February 24 | Chiang Mai | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Explore the highlights of this charming city.

Day 3, February 25 | Chiang Mai | Breakfast, Lunch

Visit a local market, learn to make a few of Thailand's famous dishes and visit a beautiful mountain top temple for a blessing and sunset views.

Day 4, February 26 | Chiang Mai – Golden Triangle via White Temple | Breakfast, Dinner

Travel north with a stop at an unusual temple to finish the day's travel with a stay at an upscale lodge with amazing views. In the evening, enjoy local dancing.

Day 5, February 27 | Golden Triangle | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Explore local Hmong and Lahu hill tribe villages and meet the people.



Day 6, February 28 | Kiewkan Village - Chiang Khong - Houay Xay - Pakbeng | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Cross the border into Laos and start your cruise down the Mekong River.



















Day 7, Feb. 29 | Pakbeng - Pak Ou Caves - Luang Prabang|Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Continue cruising on the Mekong river. Stop to visit the famous Pak Ou Caves. Optional visit to the night market in Luang Prabang.



Day 8, March 1 | Luang Prabang | Breakfast, Lunch

Highlights include a visit to the former Royal Palace and an easy climb to the top of Mount Phousi to enjoy a panoramic view of the city.



Day 9, March 2 | Luang Prabang | Breakfast, Lunch

Easy hike and picnic at beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls plus a visit to a butterfly park, home to hundreds of Laos' butterflies.



Day 10, March 3 | Luang Prabang - Bangkok | Breakfast

An optional dawn visit to watch local monks collecting alms then fly to Bangkok, Thailand to check into your 5-star hotel.



Day 11, March 4 | Bangkok | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Highlights of Bangkok tour including Grand Palace, Wat Pho-Bangkok's oldest temple complex and a long-tail boat to visit Wat Arun, considered one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand.



Day 12, March 5 | Bangkok Departure | Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to Suvarnabhumi Airport for departure.




OPTIONAL BEACH EXTENSION:-
Fly to Koh Samui and transfer to your beachfront resort. Relax at the pool, the spa, and the secluded beach.



Day 13, March 6 | Koh Samui | Breakfast

Free day to explore and enjoy on your own.



Day 14, March 7 | Koh Samui – Bangkok | Breakfast

Morning and afternoon at leisure. Late check-out and then transfer to the airport for the flights home.

Please Note:

This itinerary is a tentative schedule. Changes may be made before departure or as we go along.

February/March Weather:

Thailand will be warm - as high as 85 degrees during the day. Laos will be cooler, especially on the river and at night. There is a very slight chance of rain.

Cost & Registration Details:

$500 deposit required to hold your space. Deposit is due by September 3, 2019, or at time of booking and no later than November 23, 2019.

Main Tour land cost is $4,050 (small group surcharge with less than 16 participants is $300 to $450). Minimum group size is eight. Unless we get a minimum number by September 3, we'll have to cancel. With that in mind, we are offering a special $200 discount to those who sign-up and pay in full via check by Tuesday, September 3 (or a $100 discount for those who sign-up with a $500 deposit (check or credit card) by September 3 and pay for the trip by the regular deadline of November 23, 2019). The deadline for sign-up is November 23, 2019. It is unlikely that we would be able to accept late sign-ups but if there is space available late sign-ups will be accepted with a service charge of $100.

Koh Samui beach extension: $670 (Tour leader available by phone only.)

If you would prefer to have a private room, you'll be charged a single supplement of $925 for the main tour and $560 for the Koh Samui beach extension.

During tour airfares: Bangkok Airways (PG) in Economy Class: Luang Prabang - Bangkok $330, Bangkok - Koh Samui -Bangkok $430; All airfares and taxes are estimated and subject to change without prior notice until the ticket is issued.

Our Land Cost Includes:

• Professional tour leader throughout.
• Trip preparation assistance, including full itinerary, trip notes, packing list, and more.
• Accommodation in Twin/Double rooms at hotels as mentioned (or similar). Single supplement additional.
• Daily meals, as mentioned in the above-detailed program.
• All transfers and excursions by private air-conditioned vehicles with driver, or by boat as mentioned.
• Entrance fee for the visits specified in this itinerary.
• English-speaking local guides are provided at each location.

Our Land Cost Does Not Include:

• Air travel to Chiang Mai, and return from Bangkok or any airfares or departure taxes (estimated at $1000 and we can help you with booking if you'd like).
• Meals other than specified in this itinerary.
• Pre-trip Medical Exam (recommended).
• Travel Insurance, including emergency medical and evacuation, is required. (We recommend http://my.travelinsure.com/himalayanht).
• Early hotel check-in or late check-out.
• Passport and visa fees or photos.
• Visits/entrance fees not specified in this itinerary.
• Tips for drivers, porters, or others.
• Drinks, laundry, telephone calls, and personal expenses.
• Any other items not specified in this itinerary.

Please refer to the Our Policies section of our website (http://www.hightreks.com/policy.html) or the booking information section of our application form for more information on cancelation etc.

- Effie Fletcher, June 2019 Himalayan High Treks, CST 2085690-40