New
Tour: Temples, Tribes and Traditions on Tuesdays
By Jason Rolan
Our Temples, Tribes and
Traditions on Tuesdays tour is a
perfect starting place for first-timers to the Kingdom of Thailand. Departing
every Tuesday, guests will gain a foothold on the fascinating history,
see UNESCO World Heritage temples, witness the unique lifestyles of hilltribes,
shop for Thai handicrafts, view traditional music and dancing, and interact
with elephants! This vibrant 6 day tour is sure to whet the oriental
appetites of even the most experienced traveler.
The sojourn begins in Bangkok and moves to Ayuthaya, former
capital of Siam. Ayuthaya was finally sacked and ruined by invading Burmese
in 1767. Huge ruined stone temples and monuments stand testament to another
age.
 |
| Ayuthaya |
As the tour progresses, travelers will, in a sense, move
backwards through time. The next stop is Sukhothai, the Siamese capital which
predates Ayuthaya. The Sukhothai kingdom is generally considered to be the
"golden age" of Thai civilization. According to an ancient stone inscription
"This land of Sukhothai is thriving. There is fish in the water and rice
in the fields."
Onward north, guests will marvel at the montane delights
found in the Golden Triangle region. Foggy mountains, lush forests and a
cooler climate are big draws. Visits to local Yao and Akha hilltribe villages
astonish visitors with their local charm.
 |
| Akha Kids |
Travelers also fall in love with
Chiang Mai - once the former seat of the Lanna kingdom. It is reknowned
for its strong local culture, dialect and hospitality. Nearby a
camp for elephants carries on traditional ways of working in the forests.
Guests also enjoy visits to villages which produce traditional Thai silk;
a perfect souvenir stop!
 |
| Thai Silk Scarves |
After this 6 day starter course in Thailand, visitors may
now utilize their new-found knowledge to boldly explore on their own. To
find out more, view the tour details.