Day 2, Huay Kee Lek Community Based Tourism

07.00 Breakfast at the resort

08.00   After breakfast, travel to Baan Huay Kee Lek Akha village by air-conditioned Van and a local truck (about 1 ½  hrs. drive), perched on the top of a mountain with fantastic views of Chiang Rai province.

10.00   Welcome by Baan Huay Kee Lek community-based tourism group, who will introduce guests to their community, local culture and way of life. Explore Baan Huay Kee Lek with local guides, visit the village school

11.00   Soft nature trek in the community forest led by Akha guide for about 1 hr. Learn about the relationship between the Akha people and the forest.

12.00   Finish trekking, take leisure at the host home

12.30   lunch in the village, Akha style

13.30   Travel to Suanthip Wana Resort (about 1 hrs. drive) an amazing Green resort. right in the heart of the forest and mountains. 

Check in at the resort, at leisure to survey and explore.

16.00   Ayuravedic massage with homemade heated herbal Compact for about 1 hrs 

18.00   Start to prepare for a Thai cooking class - 2 dishes: spring roll and fried Thai noodle (Kuai-Teo-Pad-Thai)

Day 3, Chiang Mai–Bangkok (or…)

08.30   Breakfast at the resort

09.30   After breakfast, check out and travel to Chiang Mai

11.00   Arrival in Chiang Mai, visit Wat Phrasing, observe the most beautiful mural painting in the Northern style of arts.

12:00   Lunch at “Just Khao Soy” restaurant in Chiang Mai

13.00  Travel to Chiang Mai Airport (about 1 hr) for return flight to Bangkok

Or drop off at hotel in Chiang Mai. 

Highlights… Service and Sustainability in Chiang Rai:

Doi Tung Royal Project

• Nationally admired project, initiated by the King’s  Mother;
• In the past, this area was cleared to plant opium. Doi Tung Royal Project worked with the community towards reforestation and sustainable livelihoods;
• Local villagers plant coffee and macadamia which they sell to the Royal Project;
• Visit the beautiful botanic gardens, including rare orchid species;
• Enjoy a delicious Thai meal at the organic restaurant;
  
  

Baan Huay Kee Lek Akha village

• A fascinating, deep insight into the lives of the Akha people;
• Tourism is managed by a village committee and funds from tourism are used to sponsor the communities’ forest conservation project and cultural activities;
• The people of Huai Kee Lek wish to conserve and celebrate their culture. CBT has been quite successful as a tool to stimulate interest in traditional Akha culture among Akha youth, as well to share their culture with the outside world
• Visit important spiritual and cultural sites and enjoy Akha artistic performance;
• Explore the community forest with local Akha woodsmen and enjoy a picnic;
  
  

Explore Chiang Rai Town

• City tour by Tricycle – petrol free, slow travel experience of life in Chiang Rai;
• Support the grassroots people in the city;
• Explore the night market on foot;
• Visit Wat Phrakaew and listen to the monks praying
  
  
  

Legend Chiang Rai Boutique Resort & Spa. http://www.thelegend-chiangrai.com/

• Boutique hotel on the banks of the Mae Kok River;
• Spa, swimming pool and bikes available for rent;
• Joining the Greenleaf SME standard process;
• Green surroundings and waste management program;
• Designed to use low energy – open air lobby and restaurant;
• Organic fruit and vegetable gardens;
  
• Most employees are local people
  
  

Suanthip Vana Resort http://www.suanthipresort.com/

• Winner of Thailand Tourism Award 2002, 2004 and 2006 for outstanding resort accommodation 3 consecutive times;
• Stunning northern Thai architecture and beautiful gardens.  A variety of colours is applied with a spacious design to create different moods in each room;
• Thai cooking school, Ayurvedic Thai massage and herbal compact;
• Mountain biking, nature trekking, and wireless internet!
• Water treatment and waste management – organic terrace rice farm;
• Supports local school by regularly cooking lunch for the children;
• Homemade bakery and organic restaurant
  
  

• Transportation (van) as mentioned in the itinerary.
  
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary ( 2 B, 3 L , 2 D)
  
• Accommodation as mentioned
  
• Entrance fees
  
• English speaking guide
  
• Travel insurance: 1 million baht/person
  
  

• All personal expenses
  
• Surcharge at The Legend Chiang Rai from Dec.24, 2010 to Jan. 05, 2011 = THB 2,100 net/room/night
  
• Compulsory Gala Dinner  at The Legend Chiang Rai  on 24 Dec 2010 = THB1,600/pax and 31 Dec. 2010= THB 2,200
  
• Surcharge at Suanthip Wana during 25 Dec 2010 –05 Jan 2011  @ 2,200 THB net/Room/Night
  
  

Child Policy: FOC for 1 child under 2 years old sharing same room with parents without an extra bed.

Itinerary : Due to the nature of the tour, the weather, road condition, local circumstance, prevailing safety factors, the route & itinerary may vary to those published but the content of the tour will remain similar.  The final decision of the actual itinerary will be made by the tour operator's staff on the day of the tour.