27 June-11 July 2020
- winter escape over
   school holidays

 

ITINERARY:
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Day 1

We will be transferred to our twin-share accommodation ideally situated in Bangkok’s exotic shopping and entertainment centre near to Siam Square with easy access to Skytrain. Amenities include swimming pool and restaurant.

Day 2

After a buffet breakfast, this day is free for shopping, exploring & relaxing. Tours may be organized if you prefer. The Grand Palace is a ‘must see’ for those on their first visit. We will meet late afternoon for an exclusive tour of Bangkok's highlights, dinner included. Breakfast included.

Days 3 - 8

After breakfast, we will be transferred to Ayutthaya where we have reserved 6 nights
twin-share accommodation in a working elephant village, all meals included.
 

This morning we will meet the elephants we will be caring for over the next week! Under the guidance of experienced mahouts, you will be responsible for a retired elephant’s daily welfare. Throughout the week you will get to know your elephant’s personality and enjoy the mutual delights of that insight.

Every day we will clean up after our elephants (so be prepared to use a rake and broom) and throughout the day make sure they have plenty to eat and drink.
Twice a day we will take our elephants to the river so we can all cool down, drink and play. (Riding optional) Each afternoon we will also pamper elephants with a scrubbing massage.
There will be plenty of time to witness daily life in the community, to join in village activities and to enjoy interacting with the calves in the nursery. 
During our week we will also visit local markets, temples and historical sites, including the area where some of the Foundation's elephants take tourists for rides around the ruins of ancient Siam...or simply hang out in the shade eating together and providing educational opportunities. Ayutthaya was once the capital of Thailand.

​Day 9

After a full day caring for our elephants we will spend a night in downtown Ayutthaya in twin-share accommodation with breakfast included at a boutique backpacking establishment. Ayutthaya offers many different dining options. You may choose to explore these or sample street-food with the group at a local market. A dinner allowance will be provided.

​Day 10​

This morning we have a long, restful drive down the Gulf of Thailand (5 hours) in a private vehicle. We will stop for lunch. Our destination is Kui Buri where our twin-share resort accommodation is delightfully situated on the beach in close proximity to National Parks to ensure we make the most of this exceptional area. Here we will have the opportunity to relax with massage, beach activities, bike hire and wi-fi at our finger tips.
This evening, seafood is definitely on the menu! All meals included.

​Days 11-13

Both Kui Buri and Sam Roi Yot National Parks offer unique opportunities to explore a range of habitats and species. For 3 days we will make the most of the area. Early morning and late afternoon is best for wildlife spotting. In the company of expert Rangers, we will go in search of elephants and other wildlife. Perhaps we will even catch a glimpse of one of the three tigers known to live within KBNP! Sam Roi Yot National Park is Thailand’s oldest Marine National Park. The name means 300 peaks so we can expect beautiful limestone karsts & caves and, hopefully numerous bird species, deer, macaques and Dusky Leaf monkeys, lizards & frogs and perhaps Serow, civets and Gaur.

Day 14

Hua Hin is a thriving seaside resort town on the Gulf of Thailand. Once a quiet fishing village, it grew into a fashionable escape for residents of Bangkok after the 1920s when the Thai royal family built summer palaces.  There's plenty to enjoy here! We will experience dinner in a night market renowned for good food and entertainment with traders/artists/artisans selling a variety of quality goods. Wonderful for last-minute souvenirs & gifts! Breakfast & dinner included.

Day 15

After a leisurely morning, we will transfer to Bangkok airport where the tour concludes as we go our various ways.  Breakfast and lunch are included.

 

Price & inclusions:

• $2800 aud per person (twin-share). A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your place (and price) after confirmation of availability. Balance is due 60 days prior to tour departure. 

• All internal Thailand transfers, vehicles and drivers

• All accommodation based on twin-share rooms with private bathroom

• Most meals - as indicated above

• Water supplied during all activities

• Conservation/community levies and National Park fees

• Activities as indicated, (subject to weather etc)

Exclusions:

• International airfares

• Travel insurance (compulsory for all participants)

• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks

• Snacks, food and activities outside scheduled itinerary

• Single room may be available on request, supplement will be charged.

• Additional transport required due to an emergency situation

• Tips / gratuities (optional, $60 is plenty)

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**This itinerary, accommodation and pricing is based on information available at time of print and is subject to alteration due to changing circumstances beyond the control of Elephant Encounters.