Thailand North to South for Blind Travellers
Embark on a journey through Thailand from North to South, designed for blind travellers. Begin in bustling Bangkok, exploring its vibrant markets and historic temples before stepping into the ancient wonders of Ayutthaya. Continue to Chiang Mai to experience Northern Thai culture and cuisine and have a memorable day at an elephant camp. Next head to Phayao, well off the normal tourist trail, for an immersive homestay experience, engaging with local communities and learning about their way of life and traditional handicrafts. The last step is to venture South to uncover the hidden beauty of Phuket, from its rich Old Town history to the daily life of a small fishing village. A journey of culture, connection and discovery.
Day 1:Bangkok - Arrival Day (-/-/D)
Arrive Bangkok and transfer to Price Palace Hotel Check in and the rest of day at leisure. Group meeting at 17.00 and then have dinner.
Day 2: Bangkok (B/L/D)
After breakfast, visit the flower market Pak Klong Talat. Afterwards visit Wat Po, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, home of traditional Thai massage. In the afternoon take a trip by long-tail boat along some of Bangkok’s many canals, taking you into surprisingly rural neighbourhoods. Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3: Bangkok – Ayutthaya (B/L/D)
After Breakfast, check out the hotel and go to visit Chatuchak the World's Largest Weekend Market*. After lunch take the 1 ½-drive to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand. Check in to the Vassana Design Hotel (or equivalent) and then relax with a traditional Thai massage given by local blind masseuses. In the evening enjoy a dinner cruise onboard a converted teak rice barge. http://www.vasanadesignhotel.com/home.php
Day 4 : Ayutthaya – Chiang Mai (B/L/D)
After breakfast, take a tour of the Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the major sites in the Historical Park, including Wat Na Phra Men to pay respects to the Buddha with candles, incense, lotus flowers and gold leaf. Enjoy a break for some refreshing coconut water. Have lunch at a local restaurant and then return to the hotel in the early afternoon to relax for a while before heading to Don Muang Airport for the flight to Chiang Mai. Check in and overnight at the Imm Hotel Tha Phae (or equivalent). https://www.immhotel.com/
Day 5: Chiang Mai (B/L/-)
After breakfast, mid-morning set off for an elephant camp to learn about these magnificent beasts with a chance to get up close to them. In the evening explore the night bazaar and sample some excellent street food for dinner.
Day 6: Chiang Mai – Phayao (B/L/D)
In the morning take a walk around the old city to visit some of the historic temples. Late morning drive to Baan Dok Bua, in the adjacent province of Phayao, a drive of about 1 ½ hours with a stop on the way for lunch. Meet your host families and check in to your homestays. Have dinner at the homestay with your host families.
Day 7: Baan Dok Bua (B/L/D)
After breakfast, explore Ban Dok Bua, winner of a national award for self-sufficiency and learn about their organic farming methods and self-sufficient lifestyle. Take a leisurely walk and then a tour around the village by farm vehicle to meet other members of the local community. Learn about the local handicrafts and try some easy basket weaving. Enjoy a local lunch at one of the houses. Dinner at your homestay.
Day 8: Baan Dok Bua – Phuket (B/L/D)
After breakfast, visit a temple in the hills and afterwards transfer back to Chiang Mai for the flight to the South. The drive will take about 4 hours with a stop on the way for lunch. The flight will arrive in Phuket at about 17.00 and then transfer to the Nai Yang Beach Resort and Spa and have dinner at the hotel. https://www.naiyangbeachresort.com/
Day 9: Phuket (B/L/D)
After breakfast experience the cultural diversity of Southern Thailand during a walking tour around Phuket Old Town. Afternoon free to relax by the pool or on the beach. Dinner at Siam Niramit.
Day 10: Phuket (B/L/D)
After breakfast, transfer to the pier and take a small local boat for the short crossing to Ko Ma Phrao, or Coconut island. Take a tour of the island by 3-wheel motorcycle taxi and visit members of the community, so you can sample the traditional snacks made from coconut that are made on the island as well as enjoying a refreshing drink of coconut-water. Visit an organic vegetable garden where many exotic vegetables and spices are grown without harmful chemicals. Tour around the island and then go down to a quiet, secluded beach to spend a few hours relaxing and swimming. After this, return to pier for the short hop to a floating raft restaurant for a wonderful seafood lunch. After lunch, visit their fish farm and pearl farm. Lear about these forms of aquaculture and how they benefit the local people. Return to Phuket and your hotel to relax before the farewell dinner.
Day 11: Phuket (B/L/D)
Free at leisure until transfer to Phuket Airport for your flight back to home. End of services at the airport.