Taste of Thailand Itinerary | My Journey of a Lifetime

A Taste of Thailand: Itinerary

Day 1
We begin our journey in the steamy modern capital of Bangkok where your guide will help you navigate the canyons of skyscrapers and introduce you to the small village that lies napping in the narrow lanes of old Siam. Start your day with a traditional Thai massage or ride a water taxi through the canals (klongs) before we take in the wonders of Wat Pho and the Grand Palace. We will be staying in the Khao San Road area — Thailand’s hub for getting acquainted with the richness of Thai culture! Its many adjoining 'sois' (sub-streets) are rich in of-the-minute shopping, eating and nightlife.

Day 2
Float down the klongs of the Floating Market, traditionally Bangkok’s main source of commerce, a truly delightful experience. In the evening we hop onto an overnight train...destination Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand.

Day 3-5
In Chiang Mai we lose ourselves in the twisting flower filled lanes, finding crumpling stupas, semi hidden cafes and noodle stands along the way. Explore the ultimate souvenir stand of Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar stretching as far as the eye can see. Visit one of Thailand’s last village healers, whose herbal ball locates and heals disease in the body.

Day 6-7
Every traveler agrees our day with the elephants is captivating. On this tour we have the honor of spending the night at their home! As we feed them breakfast, walk with them to the river’s edge and bathe them, we are educated on how these once-abused, gentle giants have found a home where they can happily live out their days.

Day 7-9
Journey past rice fields on our way to Chiang Dao, a secluded retreat at the base of a sacred mountain. First class meals fill our bellies after hikes to Buddhist caves, mountain temples and an orphanage.

Day 10
This is a travel day to Ko Samet where we'll stick our toes in some of the worlds most beautiful powdery sand beaches.

Day 11-13
We end our journey barefoot and carefree on a palm-fringed tropical island in the middle of crystal clear seas. Walk for miles on some of the world’s finest white sand. No need for shoes; you can be barefoot the entire time, eating at candlelit tables on the sand and enjoying the day’s fresh catch. Relax under the sway of palms as skilled massage therapists work their magic.

Day 14
Return to Bangkok for last minute shopping and to begin your journey home.

About Your Guide

Beth Sawatee ka. Dee chan Beth ka. I welcome you to visit what I consider my second home. My dentist, my hair dresser, and some of my closest friends are here. It first became home when I lived in Lampang for a year doing an internship for Grad school. I have returned repeatedly over the past 20 years and have lost count as to just how many times I have been to Thailand. I speak enough Thai to make the locals giggle and fill my belly with 5 star meals!

I love going to the elephant sanctuary! It is the best day of every trip. To spend the night amongst these gentle giants impacts me to my very core!

Bathing Elephants It is here in Thailand that I had a tumor healed by a local healer, received the best massages in the world, eaten more unusual food than your wildest imaginings. I have explored many of the nooks and crannies of this country that most farang (foreigners) never have the opportunity to experience. That is the part of Thailand I so look forward to sharing with you. We'll eat well, laugh hard and go to bed smiling!

Phob kan mai…see you later!

~ Beth

Upcoming Dates:

Bangkok Extravaganza
Nov. 1-5, 2012 (optional extension to Bali tour)

A Taste of Thailand
Feb. 15-28, 2013

"Your relentless enthusiasm, positive energy and adventurous spirit, coupled with your knowledge of Thai culture far exceeded my expectations, giving me a totally unsurpassed experience to last a lifetime! Every day was packed with unique memories, from being blessed by monks to being kissed by elephants."

~Joan Sibrava, Oct. 2009