15 Days / 14 Nights
Reference Number: TA-TH-15D-13N-ROOT WELLNESS THAILAND
Introduction
Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to unwind and nourish your soul with the amazing people, culture and spirit of Thailand!
There’s a magic that happens when you’re willing to break out of your everyday scene and appreciate the way people halfway across the world lives their lives – and this trip will be rich with unique activities and adventure to experience this beautiful, spiritual culture. As our destination locations are often a ‘guest co-host’ of our trips, we will be visiting the ancient, cultural villages in Chiang Mai (north) and the pristine natural beauty and islands of Phuket (south). For those who have never been to Thailand, there’s also an add-on for 3 extra days and tours in Bangkok, the capital city, prior to our adventure. During our retreat, there will be daily opportunities for yoga, relaxation or Thai massage, acupuncture, qigong and meditation – all designed to help you unravel and encourage a pure, authentic experience of this exotic country.
Boutique, 4-star, sanctuary-style accommodations (double occupancy), unique cultural adventures and experiences, daily yoga/qigong, massage, acupuncture and relaxation days, select authentic Thai meals, generous leisure time for exploration.
ITINERARY
DAY 2: BANGKOK
Breakfast at the hotel.
Today, your sightseeing begins with the Grand Palace tour and the Wat Phra Kaew which houses the Emerald Buddha, the most venerated Buddha in Thailand.
Visit the Wat Pho renown for its sacred 46-meter Reclining Buddha whose feet are beautifully inlaid with mother-of-pearl, but also for its school of Thai traditional massage.
After the tour, return to hotel for refreshment and enjoy your free afternoon in Bangkok at leisure.
Overnight at hotel in Bangkok.
DAY 3: BANGKOK
Today, indulge your senses with a fabulous traditional massage.
The rest of the day is free at leisure at the swimming pool of your hotel. You can also select one of our optional evening tours to discover Bangkok by night: The surprising “Calypso” Cabaret Show, the fabulous show of Siam Niramit or a dinner cruise on a rice barge along the highlights of Bangkok.
Overnight at hotel in Bangkok.
DAY 4: SAMUT SONGKHRAM
Of all the markets in Thailand, the Rom Hub market is certainly the most surprising. The market is installed on the railroad and the sellers rush to fold their stalls with each passage of the train.
After this surprising stop, visit Wat Bang Kung, a temple little known to tourists, listed in the official list “Thailand Unusual”. This temple housing a old Buddha image is entirely engulfed in the roots of a gigantic Banyan tree.
Then head for the Mae Khlong River estuary to the traditional fishing village of Ban Klong Khone. Embark on a motorized canoe to discover the way of life of fishermen, their traditional fishing methods and the “Krateng”, a wooden house on stilts in the middle of the sea. Explore the mangrove, its rich, diversified and sometimes astonishing fauna. : crabs, birds … and a colony of swimming monkeys very fond of bananas.
After a day rich in unusual discoveries, join your hotel in Amphawa.
DAY 5: CHIANG MAI
After breakfast, the group will be picked up at the hotel and have a transfer to Bangkok Airport for a flight to Chiang Mai.
Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, the group will be greeted by our local representative and transfer to the hotel to check in for the next five nights.
Rest of the day is at leisure.
Tonight, experience original and well-prepared authentic Thai cuisines at the Whole Earth Restaurant (specializes in vegetarian food but non-vegetarian food is also available). Return to the hotel after dinner.
Overnight at hotel in Chiang Mai.
DAY 6: CHIANG MAI
Drive the winding road up the hill to the Wat Pha Lat. Wat Pha Lat is a Buddhist Temple nestled in the forest, sitting next to a waterfall and hiding under the tree’s canopy.
Continue to the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and climb the steps the Naga staircase, leading you upwards to the temple. It shines thanks to its splendid golden Chedi and its several holy shrines. The view to Chiang Mai city is also a highlight of this temple.
Proceed back to your hotel.
DAY 7: CHIANG MAI
After breakfast at the hotel take a local pick-up truck for a drive of approx. one & a half hour to Mae Wang where you will discover an ultimate elephant experience: Elephant Sanctuary.
Today, experience elephants in a humane, natural setting right here in Chiang Mai. Elephant Sanctuary is the new non-riding, eco-travel wilderness elephant adventure in Thailand. Now you can experience elephants up-close and personal while learning about their daily care, feeding, herbal treatments, heritage, and the profound relationship between these gentle giants and people.
Overnight at hotel in Chiang Mai.
DAY 10: PHUKET
Breakfast at the hotel and then group will be picked up and transferred to the airport for their flight South to Phuket. Upon arrival, the group will be greeted by our local representative and transfer to the hotel to check in for the next five nights.
Rest of the day is at leisure.
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and is a province in itself. Phuket itself is a beautiful island with many great beaches, rocky capes, mountains and forested hills as well as lush farmlands incorporating crops such as rubber, pineapple and tapioca. Phuket is also a central point from which travelers may discover alternative but equally exciting destinations.
Overnight at hotel in Phuket.
DAY 11: PHUKET
Early Breakfast at the hotel before departing for Phang-Nga Bay National Park – home to 42 islands and this excursion gives the best orientation into this fascinating land and seascape that boasts stunning limestone cliffs jutting out of the sea, mangroves, tidal caves and washouts called hongs in Thai.
*Note: this trip may be done in reverse depending on seasonal tides.
Overnight at hotel in Phuket.
DAY 15: END OF ITINERARY
Breakfast at the hotel and then group will check out (12 noon is check out time) and be picked up and transferred back to the airport for their flight back to Bangkok which will connect with their flight home.