(Departure November)
Since 1960, this Elephant Festival or Surin Elephant Round-up takes place on the third weekend of November in Thailand’s Surin province, Isan. This event consists of a series of shows displaying the strength and skill of the animals, a procession of over 300 elephants which carry dignitaries and also mahouts in authentic battle outfits from Thai wars. Local school children and teachers in traditional dress, dance and play music. On this journey you visit the Northeastern region of Thailand visiting historic sites and temples along with the festival. Thai Elephant Festival is a rare chance to celebrate Thailand’s rich historic past.
Day 1 – Bangkok
Upon arrival at Bangkok Airport, you are met by our representative and privately driven to your hotel.
The rest of your day is at leisure.
Overnight Riva Surya in Bangkok
Day 2 – Bangkok
Enjoy a stroll in the Bangkok Central (Lumpini) Park to witness local people activities i.e. Morning Exercise (Tai Chi, Yoga, Aerobic Dance… etc) in the green heart of this big Mango – the capital city – with the backdrop of Metropolitan’s skyscrapers and return to your hotel.
After breakfast at your hotel, meet with your guide and head out of your hotel for an original full day of sightseeing in the City of Angels using exclusively public means of transportation. Walk to the nearest BTS Station and get on the Skytrain for a short ride to the terminal station of Saphan Taksin on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Continue by public boat to Tha Thien pier where you disembark to visit Wat Po the home of Thai massage and the reclining Buddha. Continue to visit the Grand Palace. The Royal Grand Palace is the nation’s landmark and the most revered royal monument and host of the mysterious Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand. Appropriate dress is required (or can be rented on site). Lunch (own expenses) might be taken in a local restaurant nearby the palace.
In the afternoon, walk or Tuk Tuk across the royal fields of Sanam Luang and eventually push up to the backpacker’s mecqua of Khao San Road (approx 20 mn). Back to the Thai Champs Elysées, Rachadamnoen, where you’ll get in tuk-tuks to reach the end of the avenue and the historical Klong (Canal) Saen Saap. Board the klong “bus-boat” and cross the city to the west. Disembark for a short walk in Ratchathewi boat station to visit Jim Thompson’s House Museum. After the visit, the opportunity is given for shopping in one of the 5 huge shopping complex of the area (MBK, Siam Square, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, Siam Paragon), or simply return to your hotel by BTS.
Overnight Riva Surya Bangkok
Day 3 – Bangkok/Phimai/Korat
Drive from Bangkok via Saraburi to Nakhon Ratchasima Province.
Stop en route to visit Wat Phra Phutthabat, one of the most beautiful religious sites in Thailand and is famous for its imprint of the Buddha’s foot.
At the ancient city of Phimai, visit Prasat Hin Phimai the largest sandstone Khmer temple complex in Thailand dating back to the Angkorian period when the Khmer empire stretched across Thailand. The Sanctuary has been magnificently restored, renovated and preserved as a National Historical Park. Also visit Prasat Museum and Prasat Hin Phanom Wan a smaller but also impressive Khmer monument.
Overnight Dusit Princess Korat in Korat
Day 4 – Korat/Buriram/Surin
After breakfast, visit the pottery village of Daan Kwian before continuing to Phanom Rung Historical Park, one of the most impressive of all Khmer monuments in Thailand.
Also visit the nearby Prasat Muang Tham, an older Khmer temple built by King Jayavarman V. Lunch at Local Restaurant.
This afternoon continue by car to Surin and further on for a visit to Prasat Sikhoraphum 30km to the northeast.
Overnight Surin Majestic Hotel in Surin
Day 5 – Surin/UbonRatchathani
After breakfast, have an impressive experience at one of the most popular Festivals in Thailand – Surin Elephant Round Up Show which is organized annually in mid-November including a beautifully organized display of the talents and abilities of these superb beasts, capturing elephants, a tug-of-war between elephant and men, an elephant soccer match, elephant dances, a parade, elephants at work and cultural performances. It also offers superb opportunities for learning about the distinct folk culture of the Isaan or Northeastern Thailand.
Lunch is at a local restaurant.
This afternoon drive to Ubon Ratchathani to visit the National museum, Wat Thung Si Muang and Wat Nong Bua.
Overnight Tohsang Khongjiam Hotel in Ubon Ratchathani
Day 6 – Ubon Ratchathani Airport / Chong Mek
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the morning flight to Bangkok or drop at the border for depart
to Laos.
Cost from $1179.00 per person, land only
Based on twin occupancy
Additional: Internal air flight plus $150.00
CALL NOW for more details 415-331-3791
Includes:
• Accommodation at selected hotels
• Meals Breakfast, Lunch (2)
• Tours, transfers by private vehicle with English speaking guide
• Entrance fees for mentioned visits
Does not include:
• International Flights
• Internal Flight
• Other meals than mentioned
• Other services than mentioned
• Laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal nature
• Tips, Travel insurance
• Visa to Laos
