Page 12 - Thailand Laos Cambodia Myanmar 26 Day Sample

DAY 07 CHIANG RAI Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner If you would like to experience a customary daybreak in the jungle you are invited to join the mahouts in getting the elephants ready for trekking by bathing and scrubbing the gentle giants in the river or pond. This morning enjoy mahout training and elephant trekking. Upon arrival at the Elephant Camp you will receive a traditional mahout outfit. Training starts with learning to bathe and feed an elephant. Together with the elephant's own mahout, learn the basic commands needed to drive an elephant, which you will have an opportunity to practice on an exploration of the Thai jungle. Arrangements are provided by Anantara Resort & Spa. At 1:00 PM be ready in the lobby of the hotel in preparation for an afternoon of exploring. Visit the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Myanmar (Burma) and Laos meet. Board a traditional long tail boat and travel along the Mae Khong River. Stop at Don Sao Island where you will visit the local market selling handicrafts. Visit Chiang Saen located on the steep banks of the Mekong River. The once-powerful city of Chiang Saen is one of Thailand's oldest and most historic towns. Founded in the 10th century by Thai commanders as the first independent principality in northern Thailand, Chiang Saen was later destroyed by Khmer forces and re-established by King Mengrai in 1259. It was then abandoned in favor of Chiang Mai but revived in the 14th- century by Mengrai's grandson, a devout Buddhist who constructed most of the existing stupas and chedis. This interesting town has numerous ruins of temples, chedis, city walls and other remains from the Chiang Saen period. There is also a small museum. Across the river from Chiang Saen is Laos , while 11 km further north, at the point where the Sop Ruak River meets the Mekong, is the official apex of the Golden Triangle. At approximately 5:00 PM return to the hotel. Overnight: Anantara Golden Triangle – Three Country View Room