Day 1

Arrive in Bangkok around midnight.

For our 5 days in Thailand's capital, we will be staying in Bangkok's exciting Kao San Road district. We are situated within walking distance of Bangkok's major sites (many of which we will be visiting over the next few days), as well as local shopping venues. Kao San Road is lined with restaurants serving Western and Thai food, and is a convenient place for accessing email, international telephones, and travel agencies.

The Buddy Lodge, our home on Kao San Rd., is a boutique hotel with a beautiful roof-top pool area, one of the best restaurants on Kao San, and the in-house day-spa called Sikhara. Sikhara specializes in Thai massage and herbal treatments such as hot compress massage, herbal facials, aromatherapy baths, herbal saunas, and body wraps and scrubs using fresh natural ingredients from around Thailand. Discovering the luxury and relaxation of a traditional Thai spa will be a fun part of our Bangkok experience!

Day 2

In the morning, we will visit Wat Phra Kaew and the National Palace for a guided tour of Thailand's most important temple and national palace.

After lunch we will have free time for sleeping off the jet lag, or visiting the Sikhara Spa.

Day 3

In the morning, we will visit Wat Po for a guided tour of the 18th century monastery which houses the world-famous Thai massage and herbal medicine school of the same name. This tour will be given by a resident tour guide. W'll be sure to visit the Pagoda of Medicine, where we will see the ancient stone tablets depicting Thai meridians and therapies, and will see the sculpture gardens which show figures in Thai massage postures. We will also have time to receive massages and/or reflexology sessions from the therapists at the temple.

Day 4

Today is market day! In the morning, we will visit the Wat Mahathat Amulet Market. One of Thailand's most interesting markets, this warren of alleys features countless Buddha statues, amulets, and other figures. Many Thais wear Buddha amulets for supernatural power and protection, and it is said that the best come from this market.

In the afternoon, we will have an excursion to the Chinatown Market, and an optional side-trip to the near-by Big Buddha Shrine. Bangkok has a bustling, huge Chinatown, and this will be a fun afternoon.

Today's trips (as all trips) are optional. Those who are interested in other activities can arrange these independently. Day trips to the surrounding area, such as to Ayutthia or the Floating Market, can be arranged. Or... you may simply want to lounge in the hotel or spend the day at the pool!

Day 5

In the morning, we will visit the National Museum for a guided tour of ancient Siam's historical and artistic wonders. We will pay special attention to Thai art traditions, including mural painting, sculpture, and bronze-casting.

In the afternoon you may wish to make take a half-day trip or a city tour.

In the evening, we will celebrate our last night in Bangkok by visiting the famous Seafood Market, a huge store where you fill up your cart with fresh seafood, and then sit down to a feast made to order!

Day 6

In the early morning, we will visit Lumphini Park, to see the amazing sight of thousands of people practicing Tai-chi together. This park also features a Thai massage pavilion, as well as an opportunity to breathe some fresh air, take a jog, or a brisk morning walk.

In the afternoon, we will travel via airplane to Chiang Mai, about 50 minutes to the north. Our home for our 5 days in Chiang Mai will be at the Royal Princess Hotel, a 4-star hotel with several restaurants, a pool area, and a small fitness center. (The hotel is located near a well-known noodle-stall district for those who are adventurous, as well as a Starbucks and other Western staples for those who have a more limited palate.)

You will also definitely want to visit the famous Night Bazaar near the hotel to stock up on gifts and souvenirs. Traditional handicrafts, carvings, textiles, and more can be found at this all-night market.

Days 7-9

We'll begin our time in the north with a 3-day cooking class. Chef Somphon, a Thai chef who trained in England and who now owns a cooking school in Chiang Mai called Chiang Mai Cookery School, will guide us through the process of utilizing medicinal herbs in traditional Thai cuisine. Chef Somphon will take us to an herb garden to pick lemongrass, ginger, garlic, chilies, turmeric, tamarind, kaffir lime, and other staples of Thai cooking. We will then return to his cooking studio to spend the day preparing wonderful Thai dishes. We will definitely eat well on this day!

On the evening of Day 9, we will meet for a Khantoke Dinner, a northern Thai traditional meal with a cultural show, including traditional dance and music.

Day 10

A free day. Use this day to hike the Doi Inthanon National Park in the nearby mountains, to continue with massage or cooking classes, to relax at the Oasis Day-Spa or at the world-renowned Regent Spa, to visit some of Chiang Mai's many temples, or to relax by the pool.

Day 11

In the early morning, we will visit the mountain-top Doi Suteph temple for a sunrise meditation.

On this day, the guided trip officially ends. We can return to Bangkok and fly homeward, or can stay on in Chiang Mai for a training program in Thai massage with one of the city's many schools. Onward trips to the island beaches, or staying on in Chiang Mai for continuing study are both possibilities.