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Spirit of Thailand
Awakening to the World Within...the Kingdom of Thailand

Dates to be Determined Soon
$3289
Thailand Tour Itinerary PDF HERE
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Enjoy daily yoga/stretching, prayer, meditation and study with Yoga teacher, Helen McGee and experienced Travel Guide Jim Cramer to the magnificent Kingdom of Thailand.

The Kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia. Known as the "Land of Smiles" Thailand embraces rich diversity of cultures and traditions. With its proud history, tropical climate and renowned hospitality, the Kingdom is a never
ending source of fascination and the perfect setting for you to practice daily yoga and awaken to the mystical world within your own Being.

Day 1
Depart SFO and cross the international dateline.

Day 2
We arrive in Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. Chiang Mai is Thailand's second largest city and is also the centre of Buddhism in northern Thailand. Chiang Mai has a striking mountain backdrop, over 300 temples and a quaint historical aura. It's also a modern, friendly, internationally-flavored city with much to offer the visitor. Chiang Mai is one of the few places in Thailand where it is possible to find in the heart of the city, centuries-old chedis and temples next to modern convenience stores and boutique hotels.

The original city layout still exists as a neat square surrounded by a moat with vestiges of the fortified wall and its four main gates offering prime access to the old town. We will stay at Yaang Come Village, a small hotel, named after a 40 year old giant Yaang Come tree on the grounds, and only a short distance to the night market. That evening we will have dinner on our own.

Day 3
After our daily yoga and meditation we will visit "Maesa Elephant Camp", which is home to one of the largest assembly of elephants in the north of Thailand . Their philosophy is to create a natural and healthy environment for the elephants. The camp is near a rushing river in a beautiful lush tropical valley a mere twenty minutes scenic drive from downtown Chiang Mai. This Camp gives visitors a real glimpse into the lives and facts about elephants; what they eat, how they live, their biology, their future or plight as well as the continued development and promotion of their skills. We will also have the opportunity to ride the elephants. That evening you will have have dinner on your own and time to revisit the night market.

Day 4
After our daily yoga and meditation meeting, we will venture to Doi Suthep, a mountain about 15 kilometers from Chiang Mai, and visit Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, a Holy temple. There is a large golden pagoda in the center of the temple containing relics of Lord Buddha. It is holy spot visited throughout the year by Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world. This temple was built by King Gue-Na in 1383 A.D. 'Doi' is a northern Thai word meaning 'mountain', the word Suthep is the name of a hermit who according to tradition, had lived there before the shrine came into being. Inside Wat Suthep, you are free to wander the grounds.

Like many temples in Thailand, there are elements of Hinduism mixed in with Buddhism and an intriguing array of statues. In the middle of the temple is the sacred square cloister area, where, upon shedding shoes and ascending another dozen steps, visitors can see the Lanna-style, copper-plated chedi topped by a five-tiered gold umbrella. It is considered one of the holiest areas in Thailand. Monks inside are kept busy blessing the devout with holy water and the smell of incense and burning candles fill the senses as you circumnavigate the cloister. Metal bells, double stacked, line a couple of walls and are kept busy throughout the day. The lookout area is the other side from the entrance gate and viewers can gaze down at the city of Chiang Mai. From here, you have a clear view of the winding Ping River and the surrounding mountains. We will return to the hotel and the afternoon is free to visit other temples in Chiang Mai, to explore on your own, or relax by the hotel pool. That evening we will have a farewell dinner at the hotel.

Day 5
After our daily yoga and meditation meeting, we travel to Bangkok, Thailand (Krung Thep, meaning "City of Angels") and transfer to the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel. The hotel rises 28 floors above the eastern bank of the Chao Phaya River, the fabled "River of Kings". Every room and suite commands panoramic views of the magnificent river. The Royal Orchid Sheraton is the perfect place from which to discover this magical city of sumptuous sights and magnificent temples. We will have the afternoon to relax by the hotel pool next to the river, or schedule a massage at the hotel.

Day 6
Daily yoga andmeditation is followed by a visit to the Grand Palace, a magnificent display of history and artifacts of legendary Siam. After the fall of Ayutthaya the capital of Siam (Thailand) was moved to Bangkok. The monarch of the Chakri Dynasty Rama 1 built the palace adjacent to the Chao Phraya River. The buildings are adorned with ornate carvings and mystical figures elaborately decorated or covered with a brilliant gold. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha houses a beautiful statue of Buddha that is the object of national veneration. The building contains murals depicting the life of Buddha, a painted middle-aged conception of the universe, birth stories and nursery rhymes. Some of the door panels contain beautiful inlaid work in mother-of-pearl. A short distance from the Grand Palace is Wat Po, the temple of the Reclining Buddha which contains a gigantic 148 foot long 50 foot high gold plated Lord Buddha resting on his side, representing his entry into Nirvana.

The soles of his feet are covered in mother of pearl. Wat Po is an extensive compound and contains more than 1,000 Buddha images. There are also 91 other Chedis of varying sizes around the grounds, along with chapels, rock gardens, an array of different types of statues, inscriptions and bell towers. Wat Po is also the school of traditional medicine including the teaching and facilitating of traditional Thai massage. That evening we will have a welcome dinner and Thai Dance show, a 1,000 year old art form which incorporates religion, drama and storytelling.

Day 7
After early yoga andmeditation we will drive by coach to Ayutthaya, UNESCO World Heritage Site and former capital of Siam. During its hey-day at the end of the 17th century, Ayutthaya’s population reached one million and virtually all foreign visitors claimed it to be the most illustrious city they had ever seen. The ruins in Ayutthaya that survived the test of time embody both the glorious and ignominious stories of the Kingdom. The temple compounds are still awe-inspiring even in disrepair and a visit here is memorable and a good beginning for those drawn to the relics of history. We will visit Wat (meaning temple) Mongkol Borpitr, Wat Pra Srisanpetch,and Wat Yai Chaimongkol. There we will board a luxurious boat for a buffet lunch on a leisurely and scenic cruise along the fabled Chao Praya River back to Bangkok. That evening you will have dinner at our hotel or a near by hotel on the river on your own.

Day 8
After yoga and meditation, we will fly non stop 1 1/2 hours to Koh Samui Island in the Gulf of Thailand.

This is and island of natural beauty and charm, with white sand beaches and clean clear warm water; lush tropical gardens and gentle ocean breezes. If you love the beach, this is the place for you! For the purists the month of February in Thailand is the ideal tropical island weather experience. We will stay in luxurious Anantara Resort and Spa, the newest boutique resort located on the island’s northern tranquil tip. Uniquely designed with a setting of rare natural beauty, the resort offers serenity and exquisite service. We will arrive around 1:00 pm and will have the afternoon to enjoy the hotel and the beach.

That evening you are free to dine at the hotel or stroll down the beach to one of the many restaurants on Bo Phut.

Day 9
We will offer an optional day long snorkel trip 8:30am to 4:30pm to Koh Tao island. One hour and a half by high speed catamaran through the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Tao is ideal for diving and snorkeling this island the "Must-Go" island . Koh Tao translates as “Turtle Island”, as sea turtles are abundant on its shores. The island has excellent coral reefs for snorkeling or diving right off the beach. Others may prefer to enjoy the beautiful hotel and beach, catch up on some shopping or spa treatments and explore Koh Samui on your own. Massage has a long history of therapeutic healing in Thailand. It has been practiced for centuries as it still is today.

Tamarind Springs is one of the most unique day spas, set in a hillside coconut grove. Their traditional massage pavilion is a huge breezy wood and thatch structure - an open "sala” suspended above the surrounding coconut grove. Lie back and be lulled by the sound of the wind sighing through the trees as you receive your massage.

Day 10
After morning yoga and meditation we will have time to visit the spa or relax on the beach. At the west end of Bophut is perhaps one of the oldest places on the island, Fisherman's Village.

The nostalgic wooden houses and small local shops here remind one of days gone by in Samui. The "main street" along the beach is rich in style and variety of shops, from the oldest local shop selling anything and nothing, to the most elegant restaurant. At 4:00pm we will visit Wat Phra Yai & Big Buddha. This temple is the home of Koh Samui's most popular attraction, the Big Buddha sits 15 meters tall and is visible from several kilometers away and even from the air when arriving on or leaving the island. Visitors come to marvel at the sheer size and beauty of this remarkable statue. At the base of the structure there are souvenir shops. That evening we will have our farewell dinner together.

Day 11
Morning yoga and meditation. This is our final day in Thailand. We will have the morning to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Bo Phut beach, catch up on last minute shopping at Fisherman's Village or enjoy spa treatments. We will check out of the hotel after lunch and be transferred to the airport at 1:00 pm for our flight to Bangkok where we will connect with Cathay Pacific airlines back to the USA.

Tour Includes:
Daily yoga with Helen McGee
Round Trip air SFO to Bangkok
Daily Breakfast
Dinner Reception in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui
All airport transfers in Thailand
Tour to Grand Palace and Wat Po (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
Tour to the ancient capital of Ayutthaya,
Elephant Trekking excursion in Chiangmai
Doi Suthep Temple Tour
Big Buddha Tour in Koh Samui
Domestic flights in Thailand:
** Bangkok to Chiang Mai
**Bangkokto Koh Samui Island
**and Koh Samui Island to Bangkok
Hotel Accomodations:
**Royal Orchid Sheraton Bangkok
**Yangcome Village in Chiangmai
**and Anantara in Koh Samui Island

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