and we’ll experience the very best… Bangkok, Thailand’s capital resplendent with its ornate shrines and vibrant street life; Chiang Mai – the Rose of the North – boasting historical temples, picturesque mountains, cool weather, and scenic views; and Chiang Rai’s Golden Triangle – a spectacular region situated near the borders of Laos and Myanmar. This is a life changing journey for sure!
You are an active traveler who loves to see things up-close and personal. You aren’t bothered by standing or walking for long periods of time (1-2 hours) and you can navigate uneven surfaces and easily climb into and out of different kinds of vehicles or vessels. You can handle the rigors of exploring the world in a hands-on way, even if that means getting up early or staying up late!
**Itinerary Subject to Change**
Most flights arrive late in the evening. You’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel where your room will be waiting for immediate check-in at the beautiful Riva Surya Hotel. Dinner on own.
Late arrivals, no meals included
Riva Surya Hotel
Today is a full one – get ready to take in all the sights, smells, and tastes of Bangkok: Stroll through the flower market along the river, visit the stunning Grand Palace, and enjoy a short walk to the historic Wat Pho temple. Lunch will be at a riverfront restaurant with a view of Wat Arun – Temple of Dawn, followed by a traditional long-tail boat ride through the “Venice of the East”, as we pass by canal-side dwellers in wooden homes on stilts. The day will wrap up with a foot massage and a cocktail at a rooftop bar, followed by a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Riva Surya Hotel
We’ll take a drive this morning (70 miles) to experience the world famous Damnoed Saduak Floating Market. Best enjoyed in the morning, before the activity (and heat) ramp up. This will be followed with a visit to the famous railway market to witness the excitement as the train pulls into the station and the market breaks into action! Following lunch we’ll return to the hotel for the afternoon on your own. You may want to rest up because tonight is a night tour via tuk tuk to discover Bangkok’s Old City illuminated against the night sky, taste our way around the city (the array of yummy treats will not disappoint!), and capture all the vivid colors as the market comes to life.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Riva Surya Hotel
The Jim Thompson House is where we’ll start our day of exploration – one of the best examples of traditional Thai residential architecture and also home of a breathtaking collection of South East Asian art. Lunch will be on the grounds in an open air cafe. Our afternoon will continue with a express boat ride to visit Wat Saket and the Golden Mount followed by Ban Bat Village – an artisan enclave where Buddhist alms bowls are made by hand. Tonight dinner will be at a local restaurant.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Riva Surya Hotel
Today includes a short flight north to scenic Chiang Rai, then head directly to the land of the Akha people who emigrated from Tibet. They are known for their colorful costumes and their unique traditions. From there it’s a drive to the Golden Triangle – where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet! After lunch activities include a visit to the opium museum where we’ll learn the history of the opium trade, which led to crime and conflict in the area. Tonight our accommodations are at the Riverie in Chiang Rai. The balance of the afternoon is for you to do as you wish. Regroup for dinner will be at the hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The Riverie Chiang Rai
Be prepared to be wowed by breathtaking scenery as we head about an hour north of Chiang Raid to the Wat Pa Asha Thong or Golden Horse Monastery that sits in the heart of the Golden Triangle. The Golden Horse shrine dates back to the time of Buddha. Later we head to Boon Rawd Farm, one of the largest tea producers in Thailand, staffed by local Thai people from the various hill tribes. Dinner will be on your own tonight.
Breakfast & Lunch
The Riverie Chiang Rai
This full-day trip includes an introduction to the area of Suan Pa Village, home of the Akha tribe. A “soft trek” through the community forest of the village is next on the list, where we’ll learn about – and taste – herbs and fruits along the way. Lunch will be enjoyed next to a refreshing waterfall. The way back to the hotel will include a visit to the Doc Tung Factory and Community Center, run by Thailand’s foremost social enterprise foundation, where we’ll have a chance to see how a variety of Thai products are made, including textiles, ceramics, and mulberry paper.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The Riverie Chiang Rai
After a leisurely breakfast we’ll head to Chiang Mai seeing some beautiful sights along the way: Blue Temple, White Temple, and Black House. Each temple is unique unto itself, but iconic representations of Thai architecture. After a day of enjoying these beautiful sights, lunch will be enjoyed together then head to the hotel: Rati Lanna Chiang Mai. After settling in and a short rest, Chiang Mai’s delicious and diverse cuisine is on the agenda as we ride (you’ll be the passenger) Vespas from place to place – taking in all the sights, sounds, and tastes of Chiang Mai at night!
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Rati Lanna Chiang Mai
Today we head south to Bandoo in the Hangdong district. A visit to the home of a local family who arrived in the area – via elephant – almost 150 years ago is next on the list! Next we visit a “Lanna” style home made of teak wood and learn about this way of life. Lunch will be enjoyed on the terrace of the home with a panoramic view of the Lanna village. After our visit, it’s back to the hotel with the remainder of the afternoon and dinner on your own.
Breakfast & Lunch
Rati Lanna Chiang Mai
Elephants, elephants, elephants! Elephant Nature Park is our destination today. This is a sanctuary and rescue center for elephants in the Mae Taeng District. The day will be spent learning about the traumatic life these beautiful giants have left behind and the wonderful life they’re leading as they join up with their new herd mates. A guided walk will be followed with a buffet lunch of Asian and Western dishes. After lunch it’s back to the hotel to dine on your own.
Breakfast & Lunch
Rati Lanna Chiang Mai
Our last full day in Thailand is a day full of blessings! An early morning visit to Warorot Market is how the day will start. Here you can shop for souvenirs and witness the monks in their saffron robes carrying alms bowls to receive food from bystanders. You can participate in this special Thai custom by presenting alms (making a donation). After breakfast we’ll head to Doi Suthep where the views are not to be missed! From the end of the winding road, it’s on to the top of the Naga (dragon-headed serpent) by either taking the 300 steps or the cable car. You’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the entire city of Chiang Mai. A couple of significant temples will be visited along the way and our tour will end with a “monk-chat” – an informal way for the young monks to talk with foreigners and we, in turn, can learn more about them. After we return to the hotel, we’ll enjoy one last special dinner together to say farewell to this amazing country!
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Rati Lanna Chiang Mai
Today we head back home with a heart full of fond memories of our time in Southeast Asia. You’ll be transported to the airport for your flight home.
Breakfast
Riva Surya Bangkok is a beautiful urban oasis along the banks of the Chao Phraya River which offers a touch of style and charm. This modern boutique hotel in Bangkok provides a lavish experience and true Thai hospitality – small but elegant, offering a riverside pool and onsite dining.
Room Category: Deluxe Riva Room.
Nestled on the island in the middle of the Kok River, The Riverie by Katathani offers luxurious rooms surrounded by lush gardens, diverse plants and seasonal flowers. Conveniently located in Chiang Rai’s city center, we’ll have easy access to all that the city has to offer, including natural landscape, ancient temples and the hill tribe cultures. The resort also features a swimming pool, fitness center and a variety of dining options.
Room Category: Deluxe Riverview
Located Chiang Mai – in the capital and culture core of the Lanna Kingdom – Rati Lanna pays homage to Lanna’s culture heritage and traditional way of life. Each part of Rati Lanna gives guests a taste of what it is live to live in the ancient Lanna Kingdom – from a lobby and guest rooms showcasing traditional art, architecture and craftsmanship; a restaurant boasting panoramic views of the Ping River; and a pier granting guests access to the Ping River.
Room Category: Deluxe Riverview
Terms & Conditions
DATES:
11-night package: December 1 – 12, 2023
Cost:
11-night package: $6,395 per person double occupancy; $7,495 single occupancy.
Unless otherwise noted, all participants on a WOW! trip must be at least 18 years of age at time of travel.
Payment Schedule:
Space is limited. Reservations will be made on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation:
Penalties vary depending on the date of cancellation:
* We will do all possible to resell your space should you cancel. If we are successful, we will refund you in full, less $875 per person.
Air Transportation:
You may make your own flight arrangements, or we can assist with a $75 per person service fee (waived for WOW! Travel Club alumni). We cannot book mileage tickets or upgrades, which must be done directly with the carrier. If you would like us to assist, contact Gabriel Haigazian (gabriel@wowtravelclub.com or 818-444-2700) or Howard Wise (howard@wowtravelclub.com or 818-444-2710). It is the responsibility of the traveler to provide the legal name as on the passport. Carriers may deny boarding if name on ticket does not EXACTLY match name on passport.
Supplemental Travel Insurance for Trip Cancellation / Interruption:
Your package includes basic trip insurance:
Additional trip cancellation insurance is available for purchase to cover financial penalties if you need to cancel your trip. Travelers may insure all prepaid and nonrefundable payments against cancellation and interruption due to covered reasons. Note that fear of travel is not covered under these policies. Certain plans include coverage for Pre-Existing Medical conditions, financial default, “Cancel for Work Reasons” and “Cancellation for Any Reason.” Coverage varies by product. Please note that most insurance companies require you to purchase insurance within 14 days of the initial deposit date to be covered for pre-existing conditions.
For further information and purchase options click HERE for plans offered by Travel Guard. If you prefer, contact Travel Guard Insurance directly at (800) 826-1300, ext. 3 and speak with an agent. Please provide Agency Code #05-614836.
MedJet Assist – Air Medical Travel Protection Membership:
MedJet Assist provides and pays for hospital-to-hospital medical transfer of a member if injury or illness occur during domestic or international travel, more than 150 miles from home. Unlike most travel insurance, a MedJet Assist member is transferred to their home hospital of choice, regardless of medical necessity. There are no “acceptable facility” clauses, no claim forms, no cost caps, and no surprise bills after the transport. COVID-19 is covered (with some restrictions)
MedJet Assist is complimentary to travel insurance – it’s recommended to purchase both. Here’s a great 2-minute video that explains the coverage and how it differs from travel insurance. Click HERE to view the video.
Short-term or annual memberships are available. Click HERE for pricing and to enroll:
For those of you 75-84 years of age, you’ll need to call MedJet Assist to enroll at 800-527-7478
Pricing:
All prices quoted are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect as of February 3, 2023 and are subject to change. Rates are based on a minimum group size of 16 paying guests. Should the group size(s) fall below this minimum number, package price or inclusions may be modified.
Unused tour items, missed meals or activities, etc. are not refundable.
Tips and Taxes:
The package includes all service charges, taxes, and entrance fees etc. Basic gratuities to drivers, guides, cruise staff and porters are included. You are welcome to extend additional gratuities for anyone who has provided exemplary service.
Baggage:
Please check applicable baggage allowances and fees with your international airline carrier. Overweight luggage and/or additional checked bags can be purchased directly from the airlines.
Passport/Visa:
You must have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of re-entry to your home country. At present Thailand does not require a visa for US citizens.
Health / Vaccinations:
We are constantly monitoring requirements for travel to Thailand and will advise if COVID vaccinations and/or a negative test is required for entry. As of February 15, 2023, Thailand does not have any COVID related entry requirements. You may wish to consult your physician for recommendations. Additional information is available on the CDC website for Thailand the US
Travel Documents:
Final travel documents will be sent to your mailing address approximately two weeks prior to departure.
Risks of Travel and Your Responsibilities:
International travel involves inherent risks. The CTP Group/WOW! Travel Club (CTP/WOW) cannot be liable for any injury, death or loss of personal property in connection with your participation in CTP/WOW activities. By participating in this CTP/WOW travel program, you assume risk of inherent dangers (including without limitation, annoyance and expenses) related to military or political action, civil disturbances, quarantine, strikes, detention, mental trauma, pilferage, weather, epidemiological events, acts of God or any other circumstances over which CTP/WOW has no control.
I understand that CTP/WOW reserves the right to refuse as a trip participant or remove from a trip, any person it judges to be incapable of meeting the rigors and requirements of participating in activities, or who it determines to detract from the enjoyment of the trip by others. I agree to follow all written and verbal rules of safety presented to me by CTP/WOW. CTP/WOW reserves the right to make route, hotel, itinerary and trip modifications as required or desirable to improve the trip quality and/or to accommodate the comfort and well-being of guests.
CTP/WOW reserves the right to alter or cancel any trip due to weather, sickness, political climate, and/or insufficient registration or other unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. While CTP/WOW will make every effort to obtain full or partial refunds from suppliers, CTP/ WOW cannot guarantee your ability to recoup payment.
The above Terms and Conditions are hereby expressly incorporated into the “Release, Waiver and Indemnity Agreement” to be signed by you as a WOW! Travel Club participant.
WOW! Vows:
All guests will be asked to sign and agree to the WOW! Vows for responsible travel:
Consent:
Payment of the deposit OR any other partial payment for registration of a participant for CTP/ WOW activities constitutes consent by all guests/participants registered by the party completing online registration. You and your guests/participants hereby agree to the Terms & Conditions of this website. The Terms & Conditions set forth on this website may not be modified or amended except in writing by an authorized officer of CTP/WOW.
All guests/participants are required to initial and sign a Release Waiver and Indemnity Agreement, which will be sent upon receipt of your deposit. Your final payment cannot be processed until you return the signed Release.
Please note: This trip includes full days of sightseeing and significant amounts of walking on stairs and uneven surfaces. You should be in good physical condition to this journey to its fullest.
February 2023 CST # 1016440-10
What will the weather be like?
December is a winter month but in Thailand, the weather is still quite warm and a bit humid as well. In Bangkok and Chiang Mai the daily high temperatures are around 88°, rarely falling below 83° or exceeding 93°. Daily low temperatures range from 74° to 71°. Chiang Rai will be a bit cooler: daily high temperatures around 81°, rarely falling below 74° or exceeding 87°. Daily low temperatures range from 61° to 56°, rarely falling below 50° or exceeding 68°.
What should I wear?
Pack light weight clothes with one light jacket or sweater. Cool and casual are the operative words here! Be sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes.
Do I need to get any vaccinations?
Nothing specific is required, but you should be up-to-date with all routine vaccinations. Consult the Center for Disease Control website for current recommendations: For travel to Thailand. Check with your physician at least 30-60 days prior to travel.
Are there any special precautions for COVID-19?
Currently, all passengers traveling to Thailand are not required to present a negative Covid test or proof of vaccination. Also, it is not currently necessary to present a negative COVID test when returning to the United States from Thailand.
What about airfare?
International airfare is not included in the package. We can assist with reservations for a service fee of $75 per person. (Service fee is waived for WOW! Travel Club alumni.)
Will I need an adaptor to plug in my appliances and chargers?
For Thailand there are four associated plug types, A, B, C, F and O. Plug type A is the plug which has two flat parallel pins (US type), plug type B has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin (US type), type C and F have two round pins, and type O has three round pins. Thailand operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz. Please note: even with an adapter, a US hairdryer should not be used. All hotels will have hairdryers available.
Can I use my cell phone in Thailand?
With most providers, it’s best to activate an international data and telephone plan. We suggest that you contact your carrier to discuss potential costs for data and voice communications.
What is the currency?
The baht is the official currency of Thailand. It is divided into 100 satang. Banknotes of 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 Bahts are used. Coins of 1, 2, 5 and 10 Bahts are used. Coins of 50 and 25 Satangs are also used. Currently (February 2023), the exchange rate is 33.39 bhat for every US Dollar. For reference, a bottle of beer at a cafe is 120 THB or $3.60. A great way to figure out prices while you travel is to install an exchange app on your phone – we recommend My Currency Converter (it’s free to install).
In addition to using your credit cards (many merchants do not accept Amex), you can also use your debit card at ATMs or banks. U.S. dollars are not accepted in Thailand.
What about travel insurance?
We recommend insurance to cover financial penalties if you need to cancel your trip. Information will be provided upon receipt of deposit. Here are links to two travel insurance providers: Travel Guard and MedJet.
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