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Conducted 16 Day
       
Thailand
Off the Beaten Track Tour

For only $2,750
per person twin share
This price includes airport taxes and levies of $360

Tour departs Australia February 24 and returns March 11, 2010
This wonderful tour is mainly aimed at people who have been to Thailand before, but would also be an exciting tour for a first time visitor to Thailand.

This tour represents excellent value as the following are included in the price:
 If you do not have a travel partner, but wish to travel at twin share rates, we will try to match you up with someone else in the same position, but this is not guaranteed. For a single room there will be an extra charge of $590.

Booking Form

Terms and Conditions
Tour Itinerary

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   Itinerary for Thailand Off The Beaten Track
Included meals are: B = Breakfast, BB = Buffet Breakfast, L =Lunch, D = Dinner
24.02.10

 Depart Brisbane at 2.20pm on TG 474, arriving in Bangkok at 8.30pm.
Depart Melbourne at 4.30pm on TG 466, arriving in Bangkok at 9.40pm.
Depart Sydney at 4.40pm on TG 458, arriving in Bangkok at 10.00pm.
All flights will be met at the airport and transferred to the Manhattan Hotel in central Bangkok.
25.02.10
(B/D)

 Mid morning departure from hotel. First we stop at a large crocodile farm where we see a wonderful crocodile show followed by an interesting elephant show, which shows how wild elephants are captured and how elephants have been used in battle. We then move on to the resort hotel in Amphor Maung for a 2 night stay in their deluxe rooms.
In this area you will see authentic Thailand with the people living along the canals in a similar fashion to the way they lived for centuries. Also you can shop where the locals shop and pay local prices!
That evening we will have dinner in a nice restaurant beside the canal followed by a boat trip on the canal and Maeklong River to see the life along the canal and the spectacular fireflies.
26.02.10
(B/L)





 This morning we will see two interesting temples. First we see a lacquerware temple that is quite beautiful. Next we visit the historic Bangkung Camp Temple with its imposing Buddha statue from the Ayuttaya period. This temple also features a large collection of life-like statues depicting the man positions and moves in Thai martial arts.
Next we visit a top quality Thai ceramic factory where the quality and artistry is so high that the Thai royal family members are regular clients.
27.02.10
(B/L/D) 		Morning departure for River Kwai. First of all we visit the beautifully maintained Allied War Cemetery at Kanchanaburi.Then we visit the Jeath War Museum. Then onto the infamous bridge its self. We then have lunch(included), before going on to visit the Buddhist temple, where the monks care for many tigers. You have an opportunity to get a photo of yourself patting one of the "man eating brutes"!
We then travel out to the Burmese border to visit a hill-tribe village of the Mon people. Here we witness a display of traditional Mon dancing and have dinner (included). Accommodation tonight is at the famous Jungle Rafts 'Hotel' floating on the River Kwai. This unique accommodation, however there is no electricity.
28.02.10
(B/L/D)		 First we have a long-tail  boat trip on the River Kwai before heading back to Bangkok. En route we visit the world's biggest pagoda & then we arrive in Bangkok.
We will visit a jewellery workshop & showroom. We then proceed to the Manhattan Hotel where we have afternoon use of hotel rooms to relax or to go out shopping in this great shopping city. After dinner return to the hotel.
01.03.10
(B)		 Travel from Bangkok to Yai National Park, staying at a nice resort hotel on the outskirts of the park. En route we visit a large mountain-top white Buddha statue and also visit a large fruit market.
02.03.10
(B/L/D)
 We have a daytime visit to the National Park and see its biggest waterfall, 'The Chasm of Hell'.
Tonight we go out spotlighting and hopefully will be able to see some wild animals.
03.03.10
(B/L)



 Today we head north. First stop is at the Lopburi where we visit the monkey temple where hundreds of monkeys run wild over the temple and surrounding city. This is followed by a visit to an interesting museum situated in a former palace. We then travel to Phitsanalook for an overnight stay.
04.03.10
(B/L)




 First we visit Phitsanalook's local market to enjoy its sights, sounds and smells. Then to Sukothai, the ancient capital with its UNESCO sponsored historic park of ancient ruins dating back to the 14th century. Next we visit some ancient pottery kilns, which have been left in the same condition as they were when they were discovered and excavated by archaeologists. Then we have lunch(included)at a rustic restaurant beside the river Si Sachinal. We then visit a modern temple known as 'The Soldiers Temple' which is so breathtakingly beautiful that many regard it as the most beautiful in the world. We then drive to wonderful Chiang Mai for two night stay.
05.03.10
(B/L)

 In the morning we visit Chiang Mai's famous handicraft factories, seeing such things as the manufacturing of jewellery, Thai silk, paper umbrellas, etc. The included lunch is at a beautiful teakwood restaurant.
06.03.10
(B/L/D)




 This morning we visit Chiang Mai's most spectacular mountain top temple with great views back over Chiang Mai. We then visit a beautiful orchid nursery where we have lunch.
Next stop is at the Krista Doi Garden Resort to inspect their beautiful gardens of both temperate & tropical flowers. We then travel on to the beautiful 4 1/2 star Bella Vista Garden Resort for an overnight stay.
07.03.10
(B/L/D)




 This morning we visit the elephant camp at Mae Sea where we see a  wonderful display of elephants at work. You can also take an optional elephant ride in the jungle. 
In the afternoon we travel to the Hmong Hilltribe Lodge. Enroute we visit a hill tribe village and explore its many activities. That evening we have a barbecue dinner followed by a presentation of Meo dances and songs.
08.03.10
(B/L)



 This morning we depart to Thaton where we will have lunch. After lunch we visit a fascinating Chinese village which was settled by the Chinese nationalists in 1949 when they fled from China to Thailand after  their defeat by the Chinese communists. The extensive tea plantations make this plateau area particularly beautiful, similar to the Ceylon Highlands or Malaysia's Cameron Highlands. We will visit one plantation and witness the traditional tea ceremony of the Ulong tea. After this we drive through to Chiang Rai staying at a garden resort hotel on the banks of Kok River.
09.03.10
(B/L)





 Today we have a coach tour to the beautiful Golden Triangle area where Thailand,  Laos and Burma come together. Here we visit the Opium Museum and have lunch beside the mighty Mekong River. After lunch you have time for shopping or take an optional long tail speedboat ride on the Mekong River with a brief stop on the Laos side of the river.
Our last stop will be at Mae Sai, the border town between Thailand and Burma. Here if you wish you can cross over the short bridge that separates Thailand and Burma. We then return to Chiang Rai for overnight.
10.03.10
(B/L)



 Morning free at our resort hotel. Depart hotel for a farewell lunch together in Chiang Rai city. After this we will visit a spectacular crystal temple. This is followed by the Queen Mother's spectacular temperate flower garden. Transfer to Chiang Rai airport departing at 8.20pm on TG 141, arriving in Bangkok at 9.35pm.
Brisbane passengers will be transferred to the Manhattan Hotel in central Bangkok.
Sydney passengers depart Bangkok at 11.50pmon TG 457, arriving in Sydney at 1.10pm (11/3).
11.03.10




 Melbourne passengers depart Bangkok at 12.15am on TG 465, arriving in Melbourne at 1.25pm.
Brisbane passengers will be transferred back to Bangkok Airport, departing at 11.59pm on TG 473 & arriving in Brisbane  at 12.05pm (12/3)
Note


 For Brisbane passengers for the extra nights accommodation in Bangkok, late check-out, breakfast and return airport transfers there will be an extra charge of $90.00 per person twin share or $130 single room.
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Conditions for Macleay Valley Travel's Thailand Off The Beaten Track

Deposits and Payments - A non-refundable deposit of $200.00 per person is payable within 7 days of booking. This deposit is not refundable should you later cancel. The balance is payable in full 8 weeks prior to departure.
Refunds and Cancellations - Cancellations after final payment will result in a refund limited to whatever we can recoup from the airline.
Insurance - Adequate travel insurance is essential. We can arrange this for you if desired.
Passports - All travellers require a current passport with at least 6 months left on it at the end of the tour. Non-Australian passport holders require a re-entry visa for Australia.
Visas are not required for Thailand if travelling on an Australian passport.
Basic Tour Price and Taxes. Air taxes and Fuel Levies are included in the basic tour price, therefore, as air taxes and fuel surcharges change regularly  the exact amount will be advised at time of final payment.At present the taxes and levies are $360. Total tour cost may therefore change by a small amount.
Not  Included in the Cost - All items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, drinks, travel insurance, excess baggage, tips, meals,  (except those specified in the itinerary), etc.
Booking through other Agents - As we keep the cost of out tours as low as possible, there is insufficient margin for us to be able to pay commission to other travel agents, so some bookings can only be accepted if the client pays the other agent's commission.
Macleay Valley Travel is a fully licensed travel agent and as such any monies paid to us are fully insured by the Travel Compensation Fund. We are happy for any prospective traveller with us to check us out with your local Consumer Affairs (fair trading) department.
Similarly, credit card payments can only be accepted if 2% is added to the price to help defray the heavy merchant fees charged to us by the credit card companies.
Health and Fitness
Macleay Valley Travel recommends that the passenger is reasonably healthy and/or fit to participate in this tour.  Persons with a disability requiring special assistance must be accompanied by a companion. Macleay Valley Travel and their representatives cannot provide this service.  Macleay Valley Travel reserves the right to accept/decline or terminate a passenger's participation in the tour under certain circumstances.
Limitation of Liability - As Macleay Valley Travel acts only as agent for the Airlines, Hotels, Coach Companies etc., providing accommodation, transportation and other services, Macleay Valley Travel shall not be liable or responsible for death or injury to any person or loss or damage to any property including baggage arising out of or connection with any transportation, accommodation or other services, or resulting directly or indirectly from acts of God, fire, breakdown in machinery or equipment, acts of Government or other authorities, de jure or defacto wars, whether declared or not, hostilities, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, thefts, epidemics, quarantines, medical or customs regulations, delays or cancellations caused by changes in schedules or itinerary, or over bookings or defaults or for any causes beyond Macleay Valley Travel's control or any loss or damage resulting from improper or insufficient passports, visas or other documents and neither Macleay Valley Travel, and its servants or employees shall be or become liable or responsible for any additional expenses or liability sustained or incurred by the tour member as a result of the foregoing causes.
Macleay Valley Travel reserves the right to modify the itinerary or the accommodation if circumstances make this necessary, provided that the amended itinerary is of equal value or greater value than that of the original program.
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