A personal note from Ales!
First of all I would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year. May it be filled with Love, Joy and Abundance for each and everyone of you.
At the same time I would like to apologize for not having send out newsletters for so long. There really is no excuse other than that 2014 has been an exciting year where my focus has been on developing and deepening relationships with our trusted tour guides and tour operators all around the world.
There is nothing more important than knowing that our clients will be well taken care of when we make arrangements for them in far away countries and thanks to our dedicated guides and tour operators, our clients have been in for some wonderful treats whereever their travels took them. Customized itineraries ranged from romantic journeys to South East Asia to culunary delights in Tuscany and everything in between.
Here is one of our wonderful guides, Laily, who is always ready to go above and beyond for our clients in Chiang Mai, Thailand. When you arrive at the Chiang Mai International Airport, she’ll be there, ready to greet you with a big smile, making you feel welcomed and at peace, knowing that you are well taken care of. Throughout your time in Northern Thailand, she’ll be there to assist you with any questions or concerns you might have.
I have included an itinerary to Thailand below, which I have created last year for one of our clients just to give you an idea of what awaits you in the land of smiles and which I hope you’ll enjoy.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions you might have about travel or if I can be of any assistance with your travel plans.
Wishing you all an exciting year and many happy journeys.
Featured Itinerary
Day 1
Upon arrival in Bangkok you will be met and transferred to your hotel – the stunning Ananatara Riverside Hotel, on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.
Day 2
Today’s full day Bangkok Highlights tour includes the Wat Trimit and Wat Po temples and the Grand Palace. In addition, cruise the klongs (canals) of Bangkok on a longtail boat, before boarding a converted rice barge for a cruise on the larger canals. In the evening attend a Thai Classical Dance performance, including a Thai dinner, at Silom Village or Nopparat. (B, L, D)
Day 3
In the early morning you’ll participate in a special Thai custom. Before dawn monks don their saffron robes and walk barefoot through the streets, carrying their alms bowls. The local people give boiled rice and condiments in exchange for blessings.
You’ll have an opportunity to join this tradition by personally presenting alms. Then it’s off to the Bangkok Floral Market with its stalls filled with exotic, colorful flora. This is where the wholesalers shop. Return to your hotel for breakfast and a short rest.
This afternoon you’ll visit the National Museum with its historical artifacts from Neolithic, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Bangkok periods. The old buildings present a beautiful example of Thai architecture. This evening you’ll attend a performance at the Aksara Puppet Theater where the puppeteers where trained by one of Thailand’s legendary puppet masters. Dinner is included. (B, D)
Day 4
At leisure until time to transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival in Chiang Mai you will be met and transferred to your hotel – the beautiful Rachamankha. (B)
Day 5
This morning you’ll visit several hill tribes including Long Necked Karen, traditional Karen, Lahu and Patong villages. On the way back to Chiang Mai you’ll stop at one of the region’s orchid farms. In the afternoon you’ll visit the Sankamphange District, home to the silk industry, umbrella painting, lacquerware, silverware and other handicrafts. This evening’s cultural and folk performances will be accompanied by a Kantoke (northern Thai cuisine) dinner. (B, D)
Day 6
Today’s full day tour starts with a visit to the Elephant Conservation Centre at Lampang, home to the only Elephant Hospital in Thailand. You’ll then take a short city tour in an old horse carriage and will visit the 700-year-old Wat Prathat Lampang Luang temple. On the way back to Chiang Mai, you’ll stop at the small historical town of Lamphun, home to Wat Phra That Haripoonchai, which is the oldest temple in the region. (B, L)
Day 7
This morning’s city and temples tour includes Wat Phra Sing, Wat Suan Dok, Wat Chedi Luang and the hilltop temple Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. In the afternoon you’ll travel by traditional long-tail boat through a rural area outside the city. Visit markets, small temples and local farms. You’ll also take a trishaw ride. This evening’s guided culinary tour gives you the opportunity to sample local snacks and kao soi-a, a coconut noodle dish that’s unique to Chiang Mai. (B)
Day 8
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Krabi. Upon arrival in Krabi you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel for a five night stay a the amazing Rayavadee.(B)
Day 9
This morning you’ll take a boat ride to Railey Beach, famous for rock-climbing activities. Your age, level of fitness and coordination don’t matter. The instructors will find something for you to climb, at your level of ability. This is a non-private tour. Afternoon at leisure. (B)
Day 10
Today’s full day Hot Spring and Spa tour takes you to the hot springs at Trang. Bathe in the thermal pool, surrounded by rainforest. Visit the Tiger Cave Temple and continue to a Thai spa where you will select from a variety of one-hour massages. (B, L)
Day 11
Today’s Khao Sok Jungle Safari takes you to southern Thailand’s largest rain forest. You’ll travel by canoe along the Sok River. Your guide will help to spot wildlife along the way. Arrive at the Elephant Conservation Camp to learn about elephants and to take a ride through the jungle, before returning to your hotel in the early evening. (This is a non-private tour.) (B, L)
Day 12
Today you’ll travel by speedboat to the Phi Phi Islands, following in the foot steps of James Bond, for a day of swimming, snorkeling or just relaxing on the beach. You’ll visit Phi Phi Lay, Loh Sama, Tonsai Bay, Phi Phi Don, Bamboo Island and Chicken Island. This is a non-private tour, but a private tour may be substituted for an additional charge. (B, L)
Day 13
After breakfast you will be picked up for transfer to the airport for your flight back home or your onward journey to other adventures in South East Asia. (B)
About Ales
I’ve been passionate about travel ever since I can remember. Having had the opportunity to travel all around the world for many years it’s my greatest desire to enrich peoples lives in a profound way by creating unforgettable journeys, and give each of my clients the amazing experiences I’ve had throughout my travels.
By allowing me to design your journeys, you can be assured that you will be taken care of from the moment we start planning your vacation until the moment you return. Contact me and let me know where you would like to go or let me help you find the destination that will give you the experience you are looking for.
May all your travels stir your soul and change your life forever – Ales.
