Thailand elephant festival tour : Why book this trip?
I have been working in tourism for many years, I have seen a lot of Thai festivals throughout the year. In addition, I was born in the Northeastern (Isan) of Thailand where there are many fascinating festivals. The elephant round-up festival in Surin province is one of my favorite ones. In my opinion, local people in this region are very sincere even though they have less education. They earn for living by farming. I think it is a good chance for travelers to go to Isan. Besides seeing the festival, you will learn Thai culture, see harvest rice, give school supply to poor kids at a poor local school and talk to the kids. They will be so excited to speak English with you. Sometimes, they are shy. You will have an opportunity to learn real Thai culture especially the Northeastern culture. This trip is created for not only traveling but also helping the poor students. This tour program operates once a year only. What are you waiting? Join us!
Tour Name : Elephant Round Up
Tour Type : Festival
Tour package : Full itinerary
Fixed Itinerary with departure 18 Nov 09 - 23 Nov 09
Small Group : 4-15 People with minimum 4 traveler
Tour Rate : 41,000 Baht/person
Itinerary
Wednesday 18 Nov 2009 - (-/L/D)
After breakfast, depart to the ancient city of Ayutthaya province - the former capital of Thailand, 1350 - 1767, located 71km north of Bangkok. Ayuthaya offers a fascinating glimpse on ancient Siam’s splendor. Both ruins and reconstructed sites are around in the area.
Take a stop at Ayutthaya Study Center Museum and enjoy the ruin city at where used to
be the supreme royal temple when Ayutthaya prospered. Then visit Viharn Phra Mongkolborphit housing a large bronze cast Buddha image was originally enshrined in the open area outside the Grand Palace and later covered by a building in the reign of king Songtham. Have lunch at a local restaurant.
Continue visiting Mahathat temple where the head of Buddha image is surrounded by the root of the tree The last visit at Wat Chai Wattanaram temple built in 1630 by King Prasat Thong.
Then, Drive to Khao Yai, The largest National Park in Thailand Upon arrival, trek to Heaw Narok Water Fall for about 2 kms. After that, drive to the hotel to fresh up and have dinner then do night safari trip and back to hotel.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Villa Paradis http://www.villaparadis.co.th/
Thursday 19 Nov 2009- (B/L/D)
After breakfast. Drive to Nakhon Ratchasima province, generally known as " Khorat ", is Thailand’s largest province situated on sprawling northeast plateau. Located approximately 260 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, the city itself serves as the gateway to the lower northeastern region.
Arrive at the city stop for Lunch. Continue to Phi Mai Historical Park. Within the Park is the Phimai Sanctuary, one of the grandest and most important Khmer historical sites in Thailand. The word Phimai appears in an inscription on a stone slab at the front doorway of the building as well as in many other structures. It is believed that the word Phimai referred to a religious figure or site. The Phimai Sanctuary is rectangular in shape and is 565 meters wide and 1,030 meters long. It consists of ornately carved sandstone and laterite structures. The most special characteristic of the sanctuary is that it is the only one that faces south while the others usually face east. This is probably because it was built to face the route that the Khmers traveled from the capital of the empire, to the south of Phimai.
Upon arrival, stop at Phi Mai National Museum. The museum houses collections of archaeological artifacts especially found in the lower part of the region and has exhibits on the past cultural prosperity of the Northeast. Then continue to Phi Mai historical park. The Phimai Sanctuary is rectangular in shape and is 565 meters wide and 1,030 meters long. It consists of ornately carved sandstone and laterite structures. The most special characteristic of the sanctuary is that it is the only one that faces south while the others usually face east. This is probably because it was built to face the route that the Khmers traveled from the capital of the empire, to the south of Phimai. Back to Korat in the evening take a break then do shopping at the largest shopping mall at Korat to prepare some school supply and food to give to a poor primary school by your own next morning. Have dinner back to hotel.
(Recommend tour operator will prepare some of school supply for the kid that would be kindly if you add up some money , or buy more school supply for them recommend small group 600-1000Baht/per or perhaps bring some of school supplier , or books is also a good idea. )
Meals: Break fast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Dusit Princess or Sima Thani
Friday 20 Nov,2009 - (B/L/-)
Drive to Chum Phuang town visit Don Lam Duan school to donate the school supply and food to students who stay far from the city. The students will have a chance to practice English. After visit school you will have a chance to take an E tan, local vehicles with the students to the rice filed and learn how to do harvest rice on the rice paddy Keaw Khao. Back to School at noon have Lunch with them before drive to Phnom Rung Historical Park you will have a chance to see the most beautiful sanctuary of Thailand. This is a grand and majestic Khmer site over a thousand years old built on an extinct volcano, it is originally a Hindu religious site and later became a Buddhist one. During the 15th-18th Buddhist century, several additions were made. Then, drive to Surin province. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel.
Meals: Break fast, Lunch
Accommodation: Thong Tarin or Surin Majestic
Saturday 21 Nov,2009 - (B/L/-)
Enjoy talented elephant Shows [More than 250 elephants performing] at Surin Elephant Show Stadium
The most popular of Northeastern festival with foreign audiences is the Surin Elephant Round-up which is held annually in November. The people of Surin have long been renowned for their skill in capturing and training wild elephants and the round-up. In the past wild elephants lived in the forest areas of nearby Cambodia. Unfortunately, these areas have been inaccessible due to civil war in Cambodia, and at the same time, the elephant population is markedly decreasing thus the elephant catchers must now make a living by taking their charges around the country giving shows.
The greatest event of the Surin round-up is a beautifully organized display of the talents and abilities of these superb beasts. The round-up first took place in 1960. It begins with a mass procession of all the elephants taking part, usually 120-150, ranging from calves only a few weeks old to the well-trained elephants with many decades of experience.
Located in Tambon Tha Sawang, the village has a weaving plant in ancient style. Silk woven here is produced from very fine thread of silk, dyed naturally, and woven with delicate pattern from the past. The village produces also ancient style cloth called Pha Yok Thong, which is woven from pure silver line and golden-colored silk. Back to hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Thong Tarin or Surin Majestic
Sunday 22 Nov,2009 - (B/L/-)
In the morning drive to Khong Chiam the border between Thailand and Laos. Along the way stop at Khao Phra Wihan National Park The park's territory lines Thailand-Cambodia border, over high cliff and lush forest of Dongrek Range. Phra Wihan National Park features attractions and interesting activities including: Mo I -Daeng Cliff. One of the best bird's eye view point of Northeast, the red-colour rock cliff is situated right on Thailand-Cambodia border. It offers panoramic view of vast Cambodian forest and Preah Vihear Sanctuary. Have lunch. Then continue to Khong Jeam check in at hotel the most beautiful resort next to Mea Khong river.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Thong seang khong Jeam
Note: if the borders close we are not be able to go to the top of Preah vihear Sanctuary.
Monday 23 Nov,2009 - (B/L/-)
Today it is relaxing day in the afternoon take long tail boat along Mea Khong River. Then visit Pha team Pha Taem and Pha Kham are located near the national park headquarters. On the cliffs surface are numerous prehistoric cave paintings dating back 3,000-4,000 years ago that offer insight into the way of life that existed during the pre-historic days and reflect the ancient lifestyle of the people who once lived in the area. These painting depict scenes of fishing, rice farming, figures of people, animals, hands and geometric designs. It should be noted that the most extensive site for cave paintings in the country is that of Pha Taem. See sun set then back to hotel. (today do trekking a long Pha Team about 4 Kms)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Thong seang khong Jeam
Tuesday 24 Nov,2009 - (B/-/-)
After breakfast free day in the morning then transfer to Ubon Ratcha Thani airport then fly back to Bangkok. TG023: 15.30/16.35 End of service.
Tour package : Tour Rate and selection hotel
Price : Valid from 01 Nov 2009 to 31 Oct 2010
Rates per person in Thai Baht
Rates per person in Thai Baht : With 4 minimum Travelers (check undated currency from Bank of Thailand, click here.)
Tour Rate 41,000 Baht/person
The above prices are subject to change without prior notice.
NOTE : Regular hotel check-in time at 0200pm and check-out time at 1200pm
TERMS & CONDITION
- The package prices quoted per person are in Thai Baht based on twin share.
- The prices are subjected to period of peak season(Dec 20 - Jan 10), long weekend, or festivals.
- Group size: minimum 2 persons
- Accommodation is included government tax, services charges, and daily breakfast.
- The prices valid until Novemver, 2009
- Single Supplement will be charged for staying in single room
- Payment: pre-pay by credit card or bank transfer must be made before arrival
PACKAGE PRICES INCLUDED
- Accommodations as listed or equivalence based on twin sharing.
- Transports during tours as mentioned
- Meals as indicated on the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).
- Sightseeing as the itinerary including admission fee as stated in program.
- English speaking local guide during the tours
- Domestic one-way air ticket from Ubon Ratcha Thani to Bangkok
- Travel insurance
THE PRICES Ex-INCLUDED
- Other meals than those mentioned in the program.
- School supply and food for school
- Personal items & hotel incidental charges.
- Personal drinks at the meal.
- Gratuities to the guide, driver and hotel porters.
- Visa
