12 Days in The Land of Smiles

Vibrant Bangkok

Day 1, Feb 19 – Welcome to Thailand. Arrive in Bangkok, a blend of markets, high rises, temples and ornate buildings that showcases both the contemporary and ancient. Meet your travel companions before a welcome dinner.

Day 2, Feb 20 – Understanding the Thai worldview. Several factors impact Thai worldview, including Buddhism. Cruise Bangkok’s waterways to visit Wat Aroon and gain understanding into culture and context. Over a traditional dinner, meet a Christian leader doing a world of good in the heart of Bangkok.

Day 2, Feb 21 – Floating Markets. Experience a classic Thai outing with a visit to a sprawling floating market. There’s nothing quite like watching merchants aboard small canoes navigate the canals selling everything from fruit to flowers. Expect to shop, taste and experience local life.

The Rose of the North

Day 4, Feb 22 – Food & History Tour. After the short flight to Chiang Mai, experience a diversity of regional flavors with tastings of everything from sweet coconut dumplings to Thai-style satay. Everything is interwoven with the history of both the Lanna and Siam kingdoms that make up Thailand today.

Day 5, Feb 23 – Elephant Experience & Thai Massage. Elephants are not only beautiful creatures, they  play a central role in Thai culture and today you’ll discover why. Interact with the elephants up close and personal. Later in the day, indulge in a Thai massage.

Day 6, Feb 24 – Village Life. Travel to a small town in northern Thailand to the studio of a nationally known potter who designs art for the royal family. Hear his story and learn some of his techniques. Then travel up a mountain for beautiful views and a hands-on look at rural village life and a Christian nonprofit doing good in the area.

Day 7, Feb 25 – Sunday Walking Street. Enjoy a free morning followed by lunch with a key expert in the role of Christianity in Thailand. The afternoon is yours to explore on your own. At night we’ll hit Chiang Mai’s not-to-be-missed famous Sunday Night walking street for great food and shopping.

Thailand’s Southern Beaches

Day 8, Feb 26 – To the coast. Fly to Thailand’s southwest coast, then wind your way through a forest preserve to two unusual brilliantly colored pools, a favorite local destination. Then it’s on to your beach resort.

Day 9, Feb 27 – Island Hopping. The best way to see the area’s tropical paradise is from the water. You’ll take a private boat to visit several islands including Railay Beach & Bamboo Island for snorkeling, swimming and picnicing on beautiful white sand.

Day 10, Feb 28 – Relaxation. This is a free day to do whatever you like…scuba dive, ferry to Phi Phi Island, laze on the beach or by the pool, or explore more on your own.

Bangkok

Day 11, Feb 29 – Fine silk & Farewell dinner. Take the short flight back in Bangkok where we’ll learn the story and visit the home of Jim Thompson, the New York City architect who revolutionized the silk industry Thailand is so famous for. After some free time, we’ll wrap up the evening with an amazing final dinner.

Day 12, March 1 – Back home. After final goodbyes at breakfast, the rest of the morning is yours. We’ll arrange for private transportation to the airport. Because of time differences, you’ll be back in in the USA the same day you leave.

Itinerary is subject to change due to weather or other factors.