THE GRAND TOUR OF THAILAND - LOY KRATHONG FESTIVAL
Oct 25 - Nov 05,2017
10 Day Trip $1,750.00 per person dbl-occp.

Bangkok and Chiang Mai

Sign Up Here

dragonThis incredible adventure offers something for everyone. While in Bangkok we shall tour the temples (wats) and buildings of cultural interest, navigate the waters of the Chao Phraya River, and enjoy a private city tour with our own friendly English-speaking Thai native guide, with a visit to the Grand Palace, & Wat Pho,www.watpho.com By night you will be free to indulge in the endless delights the city has to offer. Bangkok is an amazing place. You will be surrounded by incredible energy, all of your senses simultaneously stimulated and yet unlike other large cities such as New York, there is a sense of calm and peacefulness, very seldom will you hear a horn blowing or someone yelling. Bangkok is a safe city, with two state-of-art subways systems, one above ground and one below. We will experience warm comfortable summer like weather during our stay.

In Chiang Mai, you experience the “Yi Peng (sky lanterns) and Loi Krathong Festivals”, The amazing procession of pageantry, parades and Thai-traditions will astound you: attend Thai cooking school, ride elephants, enjoy thai massage and much more.

Michael Wilson has traveled extensively through Thailand will be your general guide and logistics coordinators to ensure you have a wonderful and comfortable experience. Providing you have some sense of adventure and willingness to explore new things, you will find this to be one of the most rewarding journeys you’ve ever taken. Thailand is deeply rich in cultural and heritage. Forget everything you think you know about human nature and brace yourself for the wonderful cultural shock of Thailand.

loi Kratong By far the most romantic of Thailand’s celebrations, Loy Krathong takes place on the full moon night of the 12th lunar month. The Thai word 'Loy' means 'to float in Thai, while 'Krathong' is a small raft, about a hand span in diameter, made from a section of banana tree trunk – although today specially made bread 'flowers' or even Styrofoam are used. We will decorate our Creations with elaborately-folded banana leaves, flowers, candles, and incense sticks. Between the months of August and October the tides in Thailand’s waterways are at their highest and with the moon at its brightest, the stage is set for an idyllic conclusion to the rainy season. The general idea being to persuade the local serpent-ruler, Phaya Nak, to halt the monsoon rain, dispel the floods and return the rivers to their tranquil ways. The act of floating Krathongs on rivers, canals or any other body of water symbolizes letting go of grudges, problems and anger so that one can start life afresh . Some people also add hair or fingernail clippingsa cleansing tradition of sorts. The idea being that all people should prepare suitable offerings to present to the river spirits in order to obtain pardon and the absolution of their sins. In doing so the Thais are also welcoming the spirit of good fun or 'sanook' – something they know a lot about. Loy Krathong coincides with the Lanna (northern Thai) festival known as "Yi Peng” Thousands of candle lit Lanna-style sky lanterns are launched into the air where they resemble large flocks of giant fluorescent jellyfish gracefully floating by through the sky. The festival is meant as a time to make merit. In addition, people will also decorate their houses, gardens and temples. The most elaborate Yi Peng celebrations take place in Chiang Mai where both are celebrated at the same time.

What is included in the package?

Domestic airfare between Bangkok and Chiang Mai
All airport transfers
Four nights hotel in Bangkok (double occupancy)
Six nights hotel in Chiang Mai
Private city tour of Bangkok, with English speaking guide (Wat Pro, Grand Palace, Long-boat ride on Phraya River)
One day Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai
One day visit to a elepahant sanctury to learn, feed, ride, and bath your very own elephant
Transfer from Bangkok International airport (BKK) to hotel
4-star hotel accommodations

What is NOT included in the package?

International airfare to & from Bangkok
All meals, food & beverage, (alcoholic & non-alcoholic)
Departure tax when leaving Thailand
The cost of all activities not listed above
All transportation other than airport transfers.
Gratuities

Click here to Book This Adventure!

Or Call (617) 504-3131