Pat’s Happy Holiday Tour
2012 Program Itinerary
Day 1 (Tuesday):
Relax and prepare for a world-class trip on Singapore Airlines. Prior to your departure, you will have received your pre-departure packet, which will include your Rustic T-shirts, airline tickets, and important contact information. Once you arrive at your international departure city, our Flight Liaison will help you get checked in to your international flight. Working with our Flight Liaison will be your Flight Leader, who will escort you all the way to Thailand! Our Flight Leaders are most often school teachers or good friends of our organization who happily fill this role for us each year. Once you’re checked in, feel free to relax and get acquainted with your new friends before boarding your flight to Thailand!
Day 2 (Wednesday):
Today is lost as you cross the international dateline. Fear not – you will get this time back on your way home.
Day 3 (Thursday):
Sawat dee, and welcome to Singapore! Upon your arrival into one of the world’s most modern airports, you will immediately get the feeling that you have arrived in a place that is far different from the United States. Singapore is known as one of the most welcoming countries in the world.
We’ll have ample space for you to relax, as well as a nice assortment of food and refreshments for you to enjoy. This may be your first chance to have truly authentic Asian food like khao pad (you’ll like it, trust us) or one of the other traditional dishes (including vegetarian options) we have to offer. You can also expect to try a few delicious Asian fruits that you’ve probably never seen before but that you may quickly grow to love. Today will tour around the major districts of Singapore to learn about its history, people, and rich cultural diversity. One of the most interesting areas is Colonial Core, Singapore’s architectural gold mine. Let yourself be whisked back in time to 1819, when Sir Stamford Raffles first stepped ashore and the Union Jack was raised. Still exuding a strong air of colonialism is well restored. Take some pictures with The Merlion - Singapore’s official symbol with weighing 70 tons spouts water daily on the south bank of the mouth of the Singapore River.
Next, we’ll head over to Chinatown
Today’s excursion concentrates more on the cultural side of things, with loops through explore Chinatown and discover its sprawling myriad of shops and eateries, bustling with colorful and exciting activities set against to backdrop of rich history and heritage. Then check out Little India’s arcade the collection of small shops and stalls that sell all sort of Indian items for the locals. By evening, you’ll be ready for a good night’s sleep, and after dinner we’ll retire to the hotel to catch-up on some rest.
Day 4 (Friday):
Today, we’ll get up early to beat the heat. After breakfast you will visit The Asia Pacific’s largest indoor aviary. Home to the world’s largest collection of colorful tropical birds and the largest artificial waterfall, this is huge park features more than 600 species of birds. In the afternoon we’ll head to the beach at Sentosa, Singapore’s island getaway. This island of peace and tranquility is just minutes away from main island of Singapore. On the island, visit Images of Singapore where you’ll embark on a journey to experience the colorful culture and vibrant heritage of Singapore.
Day 5 (Saturday):
In the morning, we’ll head to the airport and depart for Thailand. After checking in your beautiful, we’ll head out to explore this exotic city. Pat has lived in Bangkok for more than 20 years, and he’ll show you the best it has to offer. See the Royal Palace and The Emerald Buddha temple, Wat Po and the Reclining Buddha Temple, Wat Arun, the Royal Barge Museum. Then, take a long-tail boat ride down the Chao Phraya River and enjoy dinner on the floating restaurant. Cap it off with a relaxing Thai massage before catching dinner and heading off to sleep.
Day 6 (Sunday):
Each day, Pat makes a point to take it easy in the morning, and let everybody get plenty of sleep, so expect a relaxing pace during the whole trip. Additionally, Pat will do everything he can to accommodate special requests and add other points of interest to the itinerary whenever possible. Over these two days in Bangkok you will be covering the most important highlights of Bangkok. Home to nearly 8 million people, Bangkok is to Thailand like New York, LA, Chicago, and Washington DC all wrapped into one city. The next largest city is less than one-twentieth the size of Bangkok, and this place will be where you discover the modern face of Thailand, and groove to futuristic side of Thai culture. The areas you visit after Bangkok will be much quieter, less developed, and much more “Thai” in the most traditional sense. After another fantastic dinner, we’ll head to the hotel to get some rest for another big day tomorrow.
Day 7 (Monday):
After breakfast, we’ll transfer to the airport and fly up to Chiang Rai, Thailand’s northernmost province. This is Hill Tribe country, and 12.5% of the population of this region consists of ten different ethnic minority ethnic groups in the area including the Karen, Akha, Lisu, Meo, Akha, Hmong, and Muser. This area is also home to many ethnic Chinese who hail from Yunnan province.
Your schedule for the day will include a visit to a mystical white temple in the city of Chiang Rai before heading up north to the borders of Burma & Laos, known as the Golden Triangle. You will also have a chance to visit a local opium museum (a big part of this area’s history), and then hop on a boat ride to visit Laos where you can shop for some cool souvenirs. The boat will also take you to the actual Golden Triangle, where you will be exactly in Thailand, Laos, and Burma all at once.
This is more than enough to keep you busy for the day in Chiang Rai. Pat will get you back to your hotel just after sunset, and you can have dinner out in the city.
Day 8 (Tuesday):
After breakfast, we’ll head out for a scenic drive along the Thai-Burmese border to visit Doi Mae Fah Luang – one of Thailand’s highest peaks and home to a royal flower garden and orchid nursery. Further along the way, you will stop at a real Thai solder camp situated directly across from a Burmese military camp just across the border – it is quite an interesting sight! Next, we’ll head over to Mae Sai and cross over the border for a look around the fascinating border town of Tachilek. Here, you will see the Burmese markets, meet local spies, visit a group of Long Neck Karen people, and catch a glimpse of one of the world’s most infamous countries. Pat has long-time friends on both sides of this border, and seeing this place with him will really make it come to life. By evening, enjoy another nice sunset and a delicious dinner before heading back to the hotel to reflect on another awesome day.
Day 9 (Wednesday):
This morning, we’ll take a Today will be relaxing day for the morning, internet and laundry day. In the afternoon will drive to visit Doi Mae Salong it is very reminiscent of parts of China and much of the area’s history has a strong Chinese connections. When the Communists took over mainland China in 1949, remnants of the Nationalist Chinese army fled to the Thai-Burmese border and they were driven into Thailand and some settled own on Doi Mae Salong Mountain and formed a Yunnanese community right in the heart of the Thai kingdom. The Yunnese who settled here were involved in the opium trade until the Royal Thai Army resisted these activities. A strong Chinese heritage is still very much apparent - Chinese is still often spoken in Mae Salong. Aside from Doi Mae Salong’s picturesque scenery, there is quite a bit to do here. There is also a museum and the village market sells the fine teas produced around the village. There are also a number of Akha, Lisu, Mien and Hmong villages in the area, and the Hilltribe Development.
After dinner you will enjoy night market in Chiang Rai before bed time.
Day 10 (Thursday):
Today we drive down to Chiang Mai. Welcome to the heart of the old Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai, which many people consider as the most livable city in all of Asia.
On the way will stop at the game largest jewel factory in Asia, you might see beautiful nice gift for your family, ruby in Thailand and Burma are the best quality in the world. Then check in to your hotel.
Tonight we will head out to a gourmet banquet at Antique House. This beautiful 130- year-old teak house is right in the center of Chiang Mai and is one of most favorite restaurants to eat at in the city. Enjoy dinner by get a true taste of Northern Thai cuisine (just remember to leave room for desert).
After dinner you will have time to shop ‘til you drop in Chiang Mai’s famous Night Bazaar. This is considered one of the best ethnic markets in all of Asia, and you will find lots of very interesting souvenirs here – from fine wood carvings to beautiful fabrics made by the Hill Tribe people, to exotic art and collectibles. Many people come to Chiang Mai just to shop at this market, and even total non-shoppers love the experience and want to come back for more. Enjoy – it’s fun and unbelievably economical.
Day 11 (Friday):
Breakfast is provided at your hotel this morning. Then it’s time to head out of Chiang Mai for a very interesting day of visit the best of Chiang Mai’s elephant camps. Here you will learn first-hand how elephants live and work, including a very informative demonstration using more than a dozen working elephants. Then you saddle up (figuratively!) and head out for a one-hour trip by elephant across the river and into the jungle. It’s a great trip, and quite different from anything you are likely to encounter in Philly!
After you’re elephant ride lunch will be provided for you (included), and then you’ll take a still-water raft trip down a quiet Thai river. This will give you the chance to see some rural village life as well as the beautiful trees and flowers that fringe the river.
A pleasant buffet lunch is provided at the elephant camp today, and then you jump on a bamboo raft for a pleasant cruise down a river that fringes the rainforest. This is a still-water rafting trip – slow and easy – and the scenery is beautiful along the way.
On the way home this afternoon we stop by beautiful orchid gardens. Orchids grow wild right across Thailand, and many of the rarest and most famous orchids are indigenous to Thailand. You’ll have a chance to learn about these special flowers in a lovely setting.
Returning to Chiang Mai mid-afternoon, we give you a few hours off to relax, and then you head out to a traditional Northern Thai kantoke dinner, about ten specialty Northern Thai dishes, and a professional Thai dance presentation is provided while you eat. The Kantoke is a northern Thai tradition, and following dinner we’ll take you to see a short presentation by a number of the local Hill Tribes which will give you a quick insight into the great cultural diversity between these groups. After the show is over, we offer you the option of heading back to the hotel, heading out for some of Chiang Mai’s nightlife, or going to The Night Bazaar to test out your bargaining skills once again.
Day 12 (Saturday):
After breakfast will head into the mountains to see Doi Suthep tucked high above Chiang Mai. This is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in the world, and every Thai Buddhist hopes to visit Doi Suthep at least once in their life. You’ll have that chance today!
While we are up in the mountains we may stop to visit the Royal Summer Palace, which is higher yet in the mountains. Here you will have a chance to see beautiful, mature rainforest and wander through the Royal Gardens. At the end of day, enjoy a sunset over Chiang Mai city from atop Doi Kam - the biggest Buddha in Northern Thailand.
Day 13 ( Sunday) and Day 14 ( Monday):
The last four days of your journey will be spent chilling on the beaches of southern Thailand – the perfect way to finish off your Happy Holiday Tour. After a relaxing morning, we’ll check out and head to the airport to catch our direct flight to Phuket. Phuket is Thailand’s largest island situated off the west coast in the Andaman Sea, famous for its pristine white sand beaches and crystal blue waters. and nestles against the Indian Ocean Coast it is blessed with teeming marine life, and has enjoyed a rich and colorful history. The island was on one of the major trading routes between India and China, and was frequently mentioned in foreign ship logs of Portuguese, French, Dutch and English traders be one of the major Asian gateways for ocean cruises.
Phuket is blessed with magnificent coves and bays, powdery, palm- fringed white beaches, sparkling island-dotted seas, sincerely hospitable people, comfortable accommodation, superb seafood, lushly forested mountains, lovely waterfalls and parks, and delightful turn-of -the-century Indo / Portuguese and Chinese-influenced architecture which create an enchanting ambiance perfectly suited to total relaxation.
Phuket's glory is its magnificent coastline. Beaches range from gentle crescents of white sand with calm waters to rocky headlands pounded by raging surf. Secluded coves lie hidden among densely forested headlands tumbling around white beaches. In several such places, visitors can feel years away from civilization.
Day 15 (Tuesday) and Day 16 (Wednesday):
Take a ferry to Phi Phi Island is Thailand's island-superstar. It's been in the movies. It's the topic of conversation for travelers all over Thailand. For some, it's the only reason to touchdown in Phuket. Even with all the hype, it doesn't disappoint. Phi Phi's beauty is a large chunk of the allure. The islands, when approached by boat, rise from the sea like a fortress. Sheer cliffs tower overhead. It is a few places on the planet are beautiful and be world’s most attractive locations. You will enjoy Maya Bay 'The Beach' was filmed here in 1999. It was always very popular before the film but now people all around the world who haven't heard of Phi Phi have heard of Maya Bay. A stunningly beautiful bay sheltered by 100 odd meter high cliffs on three sides
So in last 4 days you will enjoy swimming, relaxing, kayaking if you like, and play sport on the beach.
Day 17 (Thursday):
This morning, you will wake up, grab a quick breakfast, and head to the airport to catch your flight back to Singapore for trip home or back to Bangkok, you will meet up with your new staff for your next Rustic Pathways adventure or head home aboard our escorted group flight. Whatever is next for you, we hope that you always keep the warm memories of your elephant with you. Thanks for helping their cause – they hope to see you again in the future!
An Important Note about Schedule Changes:
Rustic Pathways reserves the right to change, alter, or amend the daily itinerary for this trip at any time. Changes can be made for various reasons including changes in flight or program schedules, changes in the schedules of various external tours incorporated in our trips, the addition of new activities into a trip, or the substitution of an old activity for a new activity. The itinerary shown here provides a good outline of the anticipated daily schedule for this program. As with any travel program, some changes may occur.
Day 18 (Friday):
Start new programs or arrival back home
Pat knows better than anyone how and where to have fun in Southeast Asia and how to make his students smile. You’ll feel the energy of Bangkok, see the collision of cultures at the Golden Triangle, take a long-tail boat ride to Laos, spend half a day touring exotic Burma, chill out in Chiang Mai, and ride a cable-car to Sentosa Island in Singapore. All with Pat!
Sit Back and Enjoy the Ride
Along the way, you’ll stop to play with puppies (Pat loves baby animals), drink fresh coconut juice, and listen to stories about Pat’s childhood in a jungle village. Drop in at Pat’s personal tailor for a few custom-made pieces of clothing in Bangkok and shop for crafts right in the villages where they’re made. In Northern Thailand, you’ll peruse locally produced silver and gemstones and visit the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. Pat will also take you to volunteer at one of his favorite orphanages so you can share some love and positive energy with these appreciative youngsters. Follow Pat’s lead and see how taking time out of your day to help those in need puts everything in perspective!