Thailand Multisport

Thailand Multisport Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Your trip begins today in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The trip guides meet us at the Chiang Mai airport in late morning and we spend the day exploring the area around the city. After enjoying our first of many delicious Thai meals, we drive up Suthep Mountain to visit the famous temple, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Chiang Mai has over three hundred temples and Doi Suthep is one of the most impressive, glittering in gold and sitting on a hillside high above the city. Climb 300 steps to the temple and take in the fantastic views of Chiang Mai Valley. We return to Chiang Mai to freshen up before dinner. Lunch and dinner included.

• Day 2

  After breakfast, we depart for Mae Sa valley to visit a new hilltop temple before beginning a scenic hike through the forest. This is a good warm up hike (about 4-5 hours) for the upcoming longer hiking days. We'll hike through a small hill tribe village and enjoy lunch on the trail. On our drive back to Chiang Mai, we stop at an orchid nursery typical of this region. Later that night, venture out on your own and explore the famous Chiang Mai night bazaar. As Thailand's primary handicraft center, Chaing Mai offers fabulous displays of goods including silk, paper, wood, textiles. Breakfast and lunch included; dinner on your own.
  
  Hiking: 4-5 hours.

• Day 3

  We depart this morning on the northern road toward the Maetaman valley where we visit an elephant camp and ride astride an elephant through the surrounding forest with our experienced mahouts. A short transfer up into the neighboring mountainous region leads us to Mae Tang river camp for lunch. We take an afternoon hike up, down and then up again to a tiny Lahu hill tribe village where we spend the evening. The Lahu, like many other northern hill tribes, fled Burma (Myanmar) in the late 1800s due to the oppressive practices of the Burmese government, settling in northern "Siam". They refer to themselves as the "Children of the Blessing" after their belief that the blessings of health and security were the greatest gifts that their Creator could bestow. Our guides prepare an excellent dinner tonight while we relax and soak up the lush beauty of the surrounding valley. Rustic hut lodging tonight. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 3+ hours over hilly, forested terrain (can be muddy dependent on season).
  
  Note on Lodging: Lodging at the tribal villages is very rustic. All guests share one sleeping room upon a raised sleeping platform in a longhouse made of bamboo and thatched roofing. Sleeping bags/pads and mosquito netting are provided. Bringing your own sleeping sheet is suggested. Bathrooms are basic outhouses with some makeshift showers and there is no electricity.
  
  Hiking Notes: The summer months are much more likely to have rain and, as such, these jungle trails can be muddy and very slippery. Good footwear, trekking poles and an easy pace will help with these conditions.

• Day 4

  We bid our Lahu hosts farewell after breakfast and head out for our longest trekking day (roughly 7-8 hours). Initially we hike uphill through jungle forest, reaching a ridgeline that opens our path for a good part of the day. This portion of the trek is challenging jungle trekking for around 12 miles, with the final 2 miles rewarding us with truly spectacular views. En route we pass through a local tea plantation. This evening is spent in an impressive "Shan" village. An outstanding Thai dinner is prepared by our guides tonight. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 7+ hours with elevation gain on mountainous trails.

• Day 5

  Today is a beautiful day of trekking (4 hours), following jungle trails through large stands of bamboo, coconut and banana trees through another village. Periodic views into the lush valleys below are another exceptional treat along the way. In the early afternoon we meet our vehicles for a transfer to a local "garden" resort where we're free to enjoy a well-deserved hot shower and cold beverage, relax by the pool, or be treated to a Thai massage! Dinner tonight is at the resort where laundry service is available tonight and tomorrow. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 3-4 hours; jungle trails with some hills.

• Day 6

  Changing gears this morning, we cycle right from the resort to the ruggedly beautiful Sri Lanna National Park. Followed throughout by our support vehicle, we pedal small backroads through real Thai countryside passing through villages, plantations and small farms. Much of the biking is on flat land following the irrigation channels used to water rice paddies and orchards. The park itself is mountainous with both deciduous and lush evergreen forest. After a short technique and safety briefing, we swap out our bikes for sit-upon kayaks and shove off for an hour or so of lake paddling. We kayak to a floating restaurant to enjoy lunch in gorgeous outdoor setting then return to our bikes and ride a different route back to our hotel. All meals included.
  
  Biking: between 10-20 miles depending upon group and conditions; terrain: a large network of small unpaved roads, fairly flat to rolling. Kayaking: easy 1-2 hours on flat water.

• Day 7

  Today we depart to the nearby Chiang Dao valley, wherein lies a fabulous cave system of five interconnected caverns extending some seven miles into the mountains. Local legend has it that this complex was inhabited by Burmese hermit monks for thousands of years. After our visit to the caves, we're back on our bikes for more scenic cycling traversing orchards, paddies, plantations and visiting hill tribes. Several routes are possible and will be determined, in part, on the group's makeup. We end our day at a small "eco-lodge" which is located adjacent to a Palong hill tribe village, where there will be time to relax, shop at a local village, or enjoy some additional riding. Our rustic "lodge" in an out-of-the-way setting offers private rooms. Nearby there are simple restroom facilities and showers as well. All meals included.
  
  Biking: Mountain biking for 2-3 hours on dirt roads and some single-track trails.

• Day 8

  This morning we have a choice to make: participate in a traditional Thai cooking class (enjoying the fruits of our labors, of course!) or jump back on our bikes for an amped-up ride on challenging trails through the surrounding countryside. We enjoy lunch back at the eco-lodge before departing for Chiang Mai. This evening we celebrate a great journey's end with a final banquet at our preferred venue. All meals included.

• Day 9

  If you are not joining the group for our Southern Thailand Kayaking Extension, your journey ends in Chiang Mai this morning with a transfer to the airport where our guides help see you on your way.
  
  Extend Your Stay: Join us for our Southern Thailand Kayaking Extension, a perfect compliment to our trip in the North, to experience some of the world's most beautiful beaches on the Andaman Sea coast. Snorkel the azure waters and kayak along dramatic limestone cliffs, beneath rocky overhangs to hidden lagoons, caverns and islands.  
  
  DAY 9 (continued for Southern Thailand Kayaking Extension guests)
  
  For those continuing on to the Southern Thailand Kayaking Extension, our morning flight to Phuket brings us to the stunning Andaman Sea. Upon arrival, we are met by our outstanding paddling guides and are transferred from the airport to a great spot for lunch, then on to our resort hotel. Our transfer takes about 1 hour and situates us ideally for the next 3 days of adventure. After check-in, we enjoy a short "warm up" coastal paddle. Those who want to take lots of photos can let our kayak guides do the paddling as you enjoy the view from the front of a 2-person kayak. After our short excursion, we enjoy a fantastic dinner at a local waterfront restaurant then return to the hotel to relax. Lunch and dinner included (southern extension only).

• Days 10 and 11

  For 2-1/2 days, we explore Phang Nga Bay by sit-on-top kayaks. Our support boat ferries us from one kayaking site to another, maximizing our ability to kayak areas of fantastic scenery consisting of numerous sea caves, hidden lagoons and extraordinary limestone cliffs. The water here is as clear as aquamarine crystal and the beaches are unbelievably inviting. There's plenty of time for snorkeling and swimming as well as kayaking. The support boat follows us, carrying all our gear and providing added comforts such as wonderful cooks who prepare amazing meals! We camp for 2 nights on stunning and serene, secluded tropical beaches. **Note: Very small groups stay in simple beach bungalows rather than tent camping. All meals included.
  
  Paddling: 3-4+ hours both days.

• Day 12

  Another glorious day of supported sea kayaking! We'll paddle around a small island into a secluded lagoon, then returns to the pier in Phuket on our support boat (1-2 hour ride) and transfer to our hotel for a celebration dinner with our guides. There's a bit of time to explore Phuket tonight as well. All meals included.
  
  Paddling: 3+ hours.

• Day 13

   For those flying out of Phuket this morning, one group transfer to the airport is provided. Or, extend your stay in Thailand and Southeast Asia. Meals on your own today.

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted above.  If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign a roommate if one is available.  If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is one-half of the full single supplement.  Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available on most departures.  Single accommodations are not available for rustic hut lodging.  All trip members are assigned their own tent for beach camping.

All accommodations as noted in itinerary; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; private bi-lingual guides; porters as needed; private transport throughout; 24-speed mountain bikes with front suspension and bike helmets: sit-upon two-person kayaks and pfds; entrance fees to various parks and temples; elephant ride; private ground transportation within Thailand; Chiang Mai airport transfers when arriving with group. 

Southern portion only:  2 nights resort hotel; 2 nights beach camping / bungalows; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; bi-lingual guides; 1 and 2-person kayaks; motorized support boat; airport transfers.

International airfare to/from Thailand; internal flights in Thailand; one dinner; cost of passport; soft drinks and alcoholic beverages; items of a personal nature and optional gratuities to your guides.

This trip is rated Moderate Plus [3-4] and will be enjoyed by anyone who is physically fit and enjoys hiking and biking. Most days will be moderate, but our hiking days can be strenuous over uneven terrain on trails that are not maintained and can be muddy, slippery and rugged. A walking stick or trekking poles are highly recommended. We hike in areas that are remote and have few "western" amenities or facilities. In addition, there are up to three days of mountain biking (2-4 hours) on hard-packed trails (little traffic) and rough country roads. You should be familiar with riding a mountain bike, braking and shifting between gears. No experience is needed for the short kayaking portion of this trip – this paddle is appropriate for novices. If doing the Southern Beaches Extension, you should expect to sea kayak 3-5 hours on three days and 2-3 hours on one day. The kayaking is done in protected waters.

Thailand has a tropical climate.  Temperatures in the 80s–90s can be expected during the day with cooler temperatures (50s-60s) at night depending on the season.  Temperatures in the northern mountains will typically be 10-20º cooler, especially during the evenings (in the winter months, temperatures can dip in to the low 40s at night).  During the summer months, expect evening rain (possibly daytime as well) and hot/humid conditions.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering.  To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection.  This gear list has been created to help you in choosing your equipment for the trip.  Try to bring only what is necessary, this will help you and the field staff.

Weather

Thailand has a tropical climate.  Temperatures in the 80s–90s can be expected during the day with cooler temperatures (60s) at night.  Temperatures in the northern mountains will typically be 10-20º cooler, especially during the evenings. For July and August, expect much warmer temperatures and possible daytime / evening rain and certainly more humidity. 

Flight Weight Restriction

Flights within Thailand on Thai Airways have a weight restriction of 20 kg (approx. 44 pounds).

Gear Checklist

Things to Consider

• Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, hiking boots, a pair of shorts/shirt/sandals, camera, and medications in your carry-on baggage in case your luggage is delayed
• Bring clothing that is light in weight and color, which ventilates and protects you from the sun. It is always good to have a lightweight, long-sleeved fleece or synthetic top, especially for the cooler evenings in the northern hill country in the winter months.
• We spend three (3) nights in rustic, remote accommodations with few amenities. All guests share one or two rooms (longhouse) upon a shared sleeping platform; bathrooms are basic outhouses and there is no electricity. While sleeping bags are provided, you will find it useful to have your own sleeping sheet. In addition, in the winter months, evenings can be very cool (sometimes “cold”) – bring sleepwear accordingly.
• Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
• Make sure boots are broken-in. Bring moleskin for foot treatment. Thin liner socks worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters. The liner sock should be synthetic, not cotton.
• Stuff sacks are great for sorting gear. Use different sizes/colors to differentiate contents.
• A pack rain cover or large garbage bags provide good protection for your daypack, should it rain (all a possibility especially during the summer months)
• If you wear prescription glasses, use a safety cord and bring an extra pair if possible. Contact lens users should also bring an extra set, or bring eyeglasses for a backup.
• Space for luggage is limited. Pack lightly, fitting all clothing and sleeping bag into one duffel bag. During the day, plan on carrying a daypack with an extra pair of shorts, sunscreen, towel or wrap, water bottle/hydration system and camera.
  
  

Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622 -2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list.  The staff at one of our stores or REI’s Direct Sales (800) 426-4840 will be happy to help you with gear questions.  Or visit REI’s web site at www.rei.com, the “Expert Advice” section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.