Wendy Wu Tours South Africa

JAPAN - Wendy Wu can assist!

We can arrange all of the below entry requirements:-

1. Guided Package Tour
Fully Escorted tour with English/Japanese Speaking guide or tour Manager.
We cant include any free-days or free-time, since your guide needs to be with guests at all times, even after touring (at night and in the morning).
(The guide needs to be on stand-by within 30min (about 2km) from the guests.

2. ERFS & VISA
We can apply for ERFS. (Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System).
Guests must book their international air ticket in advance.
We need our travellers passport details and e-mail addresses, etc., in advance.
Tourists need to apply for a VISA at Embassies/Consulates after receiving their ERFS certificate from us.

3. Covid-19 Negative Test Certificate
Test must be conducted within 72hours prior to your departure.

4. MySOS app
All travellers (over 13yrs) must download the MySOS app.
For children (under 12yrs), a parent must answer the questionnaire for the child.

5. Number of guests
There is no restriction. Min. 1 pax.

6. Travellers have to take out insurance to cover compensation for the disease (COVID-19) caused by COVID-19.

7. Travellers will be asked to wear masks and follow local COVID-19 preventive measures.

8. Only 20,000 persons can enter Japan a day and this number is counted by number of air tickets sold.

WE ARE EAGER TO HELP!
PLEASE CONTACT US!

General Checklist for Traveling to Japan | Coronavirus (COVID-19) | Travel Japan | JNTO All information here is gathered from the relevant authorities. Due to the regularly changing situation, it is essential for you to always check and follow the latest guidance.

CHERRY BLOSSOMS - JAPAN

When is the best time & place to view the Cherry Blossoms?

MAGNIFICENT CAMBODIA – CULTURE & HISTORY!!

2 Ads
Travel between Jul – Sep 2022
PRIVATE Touring

Package price includes:
 Return flights ex Johannesburg
 Airport taxes
 Accommodation 3* hotels, all good location, sharing double/twin room
 Private airport transfer with AC by modern car
 Meals as described in the program at local restaurant
 Experienced English speaking guide on excursions (other languages on request: German, French, Italian, Spanish)
 Boat ride in Phnom Penh & Siem Reap
 Cyclo Ride in Phnom Penh
 Tuk-tuk ride for a food tour in Siem Reap
 Sunrise at Angkor Wat
 Floating Village and Bird Sanctuary
 Kulen Mountain Trekking
 Village tour by scooter and village house cooking class
 Visit Apopo center
 All Admission fees as mentioned in the itinerary
 Mineral water on bus daily: 2 bottle/pax/day

FROM:- R43 815.00 per person

Itinerary:
Day 1: Welcome to Phnom Penh
Upon arrival at Phnom Penh Airport, meet and transfer by a local guide to the hotel for check-in. Afternoon, we visit Wat Phnom, Wat Unalom, Independent Monument, and take the boat ride along the Mekong River to view the Sunset. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Meals included: Welcome dinner

Day 2: Phnom Penh City tour
After breakfast, we enjoy the cyclo ride along the riverfront and visit Royal Palace, and Silver Pagoda, then the National Museum. Afternoon, you will be transferred by car to visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Cheong Ek Killing Field, the rest of the day we visit Russian Market and return to the hotel for overnight. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3: Phnom Penh – Sambor Prei K*k – Siem Reap (by car)
Today, we will drive to Siem Reap, and on the way, we will stop for restroom breakfast and visit Spider Market in Skuon, Sambor Prei K*k in Kampong Thom, and Naga Bridge in Kampong Kdei. Proceed to Siem Reap, check in at the hotel.
At around 05:30 pm, depart by tuk-tuk with your guide (~ 1.5 - 2 hours) for an orientation tour around the town. You will make several stops around the town as well as take a walk through the alleys and side streets around the Old Marker area. You will rejoin your tuk-tuk and continue onto Angkor Kyung Yu Road, otherwise known as Road 60 where busy street food stalls well away from the cozy tourist bars line up along the streets. This area is hugely popular with local families who come out to dine in the early evening; it’s a real feast of the senses. You will see a range of exotic fruits, grilled meats, and if you’re brave enough fried insects. Cambodians love to eat and virtually anything is on the menu. Your guide will show you how to eat all kinds of bugs, large and small- don’t worry you don’t have to try, but you might be surprised and have a new favorite snack and fruits you never knew existed!
Afterward, your tuk-tuk will take you to Chanty Restaurant for your dinner (one soft drink and one big bottle of Angkor Beer included). The restaurant serves traditional Khmer food in a lush contemporary setting and the special dish from this restaurant is grilled beef. After dinner, your tuk-tuk driver will take you back to your hotel overnight. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Siem Reap – Temples of Angkor
Today we wake up early and drive to view the sunrise at Angkor Wat Temple. A breakfast box will be provided on the site and visit Angkor Wat Temple, then continue to visit Angkor Thom City including Bayon, Baphuon, Royal Enclosure, Terrace of Elephant, and continue to drive to visit Ta Prohm, and Banteay Srei Temples. Return to hotel in Siem Reap. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5: Siem Reap – Floating Village & Bird Watching
Today we will do a long day tour to Tonle Sap Lake to learn about the local life of villagers living in a floating house and also get a chance to view the water birds in the bird sanctuary. We drive from the hotel to the boat pier and embark on the local boat to drive more than an hour to reach Preak Toal Village which is the biggest floating village in Tonle Sap Lake, then we continue by smaller boat to the bird sanctuary to watch the birds, lunch box will be provided on the site. Return to the floating village, visit the local pagoda on the island, and take the boat back to the pier to drive back to Siem Reap. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Siem Reap – Kulen Trekking
08:00 our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Siem Reap to transfer to the foot of Kulen Hill, it will take 80 minutes driving. On arrival, we will get ready for 2 hours hiking up to the top of the hill, en route we will get a few stops to visit Preah Ang Chop Pagoda, and local villages/farms. About 11:00 AM we will arrive at the 1000 lingas, visit the ancient carving in the river bed which dated from the early 9th century and then we continue to walk to the Youth campsite to have lunch. After lunch, we take a little rest to admire nature and swim in the river, then continue to trek to the deeper jungle to the waterfall (32-meter high) and reclining Buddha. 4 PM drive back to Siem Reap. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: Siem Reap – Village Tours by scooter & Village house cooking class – Apopo Center
At 09:00 pm, 2 scooters with drivers will come to drive you the explore the countryside around Siem Reap, the tour guide has his own motorbike.
Ride a scooter, and a seat at the back of the drive to ride to the beautiful green village of Krobey Riel, which means Wild Buffalos. Stop at the village and our guide will walk to view the organic vegetable garden venture, we’ll then meet the very friendly Commune Chief Tek Chhun & his family. All of their 4 children and 12 grandchildren live next door to each other. The Ladies apart from usual house care - make their living by weaving cane baskets which sell for $2–$3 each. The men farm their plots in the village. During this interaction, you can have greater insights into how these farmers live their lives.
Continue trekking to see another rural family, many ladies here are basket weavers. Seeing their weaving proficiency is a great experience. They are always willing to share their experience about how the baskets are made. Continue trekking to another village of approx. 85 families. Sharing the peaceful and relaxed atmosphere of the green vegetable gardens and rice fields can for some people be almost therapeutic.
Now it’s time to walk to our Eco home and (optionally) get our hands dirty so to speak. Depending on what’s in the season we’re welcome to join in. Sometimes using farm equipment, net casting fishing, rice planting or harvesting, for some - climbing a palm tree to get palm juice. All these activities are all real ones from our friends (Khmer farmers') daily life so you may come across other unexpected activities along the way, it simply depends on what the farmers are doing on this day. After returning to the Eco Home (shower facilities are available for changing) we get ready to cook some Khmer gourmet food (for your lunch). The organically grown vegetables are grown in the home’s garden or bought directly from villagers in order to support the local community. Our highly regarded chef will take you to step by step through the correct method of preparing some delicious Khmer foods. After completing this cooking journey - you get to enjoy your own meal (don’t worry – if it’s a disaster, we’ve got you covered).
After lunch, we ride our motorbike back to Siem Reap for relax. At 3.00 pm, we get on same motorbike to Apopo center, to learn about the way how we demining program in Cambodia, and how the rate help below to clear the land mine. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Siem Reap Departure
Today is the last day of your Vietnam trip, the moment to say farewell to Siem Reap and board your flight back to home-sweet-home. This trip has reached its end, but your discovery of the beautiful country of Cambodia is just beginning, with many more trips that will show you its expansive greatness and create just as many wonderful new memories for you. We are looking forward to seeing you again soon!!!
Meals included: Breakfast

Package price excludes:
 All items of personal nature
 Meals not mentioned
 Gratuities
 All PCR tests
 Cambodia e-Visa
 Compulsory travel insurance

* Please call reservations for an updated cost if you have more than 2 travellers.
* Rates are subject to change & availability at time of booking

THAILAND LIFTS RT-PCT TEST

Testing requirement for international arrivals are lifted from 1 May 2022!!!

Travellers will be allowed to enter the kingdom without the pre-arrival & arrival tests.

Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) approved the lifting of the RT-PCR testing requirement for international arrivals beginning 1 May, 2022, and introduced two new entry schemes specifically customised for vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers.

ENTRY REQ FOR VACCINATED TRAVELLERS:-
International travellers who are fully vaccinated will no longer be required to show proof of a pre-arrival negative RT-PCR test nor undergo an arrival test.
They are still required to register for a Thailand Pass (via https://tp.consular.go.th/) with a Certificate of COVID-19 Vaccination and an insurance policy with coverage no less than US$10,000 (reduced from US$20,000).
Once arriving in Thailand, they will be allowed entry and are free to go anywhere in the kingdom.

ENTRY REQ FOR UN-VACCINATED TRAVELLERS:-
International travellers who are unvaccinated or are not fully vaccinated will also no longer be required to show proof of a pre-arrival negative RT-PCR test nor undergo an arrival test.
They are required to register for a Thailand Pass with a 5-day hotel booking and an insurance policy with coverage no less than US$10,000 (reduced from US$20,000).
Once arriving in Thailand, they must proceed to undergo the quarantine for 5 days and undergo an RT-PCR test on Day 5.
Exception is made for unvaccinated travellers who are able to upload proof of a negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours of travel via the Thailand Pass system, they – like those fully vaccinated – will be allowed entry and are free to go anywhere in the kingdom.

MYANMAR - The Golden Land

Official language : Burmese (English is widely spoken)

3x Major Airports: Naypyidaw (NYT) / Yangon (RGN) / Mandalay (MDL)

Area: Great variety of landscapes ranging from snow capped mountains to coral islands & deep jungles

Currency: Kyat (MMK)
1 US$ ≈ 1.420 MMK

Right-hand Drive

Standard voltage - 230 volts
Type C (Type E / F compatible)

Time Difference: Myanmar +6:30 hours GMT

Climate: Tropical climate with 2 seasons:-

DRY SEASON From October to April
The dry season can be broken into two parts – the cool, dry season (October to February) and the hot, dry season (March and April).

GREEN SEASON From May to September
Weather is usually fine and sunny in the morning, rain can drop mostly in the afternoon. The countryside is lush and verdant.

Best Time to Travel: October to April

EASTER & NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS!!

Between 13-18 April, countries across Asia will be celebrating their traditional New Year or Easter. Solar New Year is recognized in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar and marked by festivities including the pouring of water as an act of purification. While in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, the Christian holiday of Good Friday is celebrated.

Please find below a list of dates when our offices will be closed for holidays over this period. At these times there will be limited staff on call to handle inquiries.

New Year:
13 - 15 April: 'Songkran' (Thailand)
14 - 16 April: 'Pi Mai' (Laos)
14 - 16 April: 'Chuol Chnam Thmey' (Cambodia)

Easter:
15 April: 'Good Friday' (Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong)
18 April: 'Easter Monday' (Hong Kong)

Best of Sri Lanka!!

2 Ads
Travel between Apr – Nov 2022
SEMI-PRIVATE Touring

Package price includes:
Return flights ex Johannesburg
Airport taxes
7 Nights’ accommodation in 3* hotels
Meals on HB basis
Service of an English Speaking Chuffer Guide.
Transportation in an Air-conditioned Vehicle.
Entrance fees to the sights:
Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Dambulla Rock Cave Temple.
Cultural Dance Performance.
Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage.
Kosgoda turtle hatchery
Polonaruwa Ancient city Meet and greet at the Airport. Return Airport transfers.
Bottle of water
Garlands on arrival

FROM:- R27 970.00 per person

Itinerary:
DAY 01|
AIRPORT / NEGOMBO
Arrival to Bandaranayaka International Airport. After clearing immigration & customs you will be meeting our
Representative who will assist you to your vehicle. Proceed to Colombo (32 kms - Approx. 49 minutes’ drive)
Check in at hotel and relax for the day
Dinner and Overnight stay in: Goldi Sands ( Deluxe Rooms)

DAY 02 |
COLOMBO / PINNAWELA ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE / DAMBULLA
Breakfast at hotel. Thereafter leave for Dambulla. (161 kms - Approx. 03 ½ hrs. Drive) En route
Experiencing Pinawela Elephant Orphanage.
Elephant Walk Experience.
There after proceed to Dambulla.
Check in at the hotel and relax
Dinner and overnight stay in: Amaya Lake (Standard Villa)

DAY 03 |
DAMBULLA / SIGIRIYA / POLONARUWA/DAMBULLA
Breakfast at hotel. Thereafter leave for Sigiriya (24 kms – Approx. 20 mins drive).
After leave for the Polonaruwa Ancient city (53 kms- Approx. 1hrs drive).
Return to hotel and relax for the day
Dinner and Overnight stay: Amaya Lake (Standard Villa)

DAY 04|
DAMBULLA / MATALE/KANDY
Breakfast at hotel.
Thereafter leave for Kandy (73 kms – Approx. 2 ½ hrs drive) en route visit Cave Temples in Dambulla.
Thereafter make a visit to the Spice gardens in Matale also.
Upon arrival to Kandy make a city tour of Kandy including the upper lake drive and the market square. Do not miss the cultural dance performance featuring various dance performances.
Thereafter check in to the hotel.
Dinner and Overnight stay: Randholee Resort (Deluxe)

DAY 05|
KANDY/PERADENIYA/NUWARA ELIYA
Breakfast at hotel. T
There after leave for Nuwara Eliya (76 kms – Approx. 03hrs drive). En route visiting peradeniya botanical garden & Nuwara Eliya Tea plantation
There after check in at the hotel for overnight stay
Dinner and overnight stay: Lourdes Hotel (Standard Room)

DAY 06|
NUWARA ELIYA / BENTOTA
Breakfast at hotel.
Thereafter leave for Bentota (209 kms – Approx. 05 ½ hrs Drive)
After long drive Check in at the hotel and relax
Dinner and overnight stay: Temple Tree Hotel ( Deluxe Rooms)

DAY 07|
BENTOTA /COLOMBO
Breakfast at hotel.
Thereafter leave for Kosgoda turtle hatchery (09kms – Approx. 15 min Drive)
You can join in our effort to save these endangered creatures.
Thereafter Leave for Colombo (103kms – Approx. 01½ Drive)
Upon arrival city tour of Colombo
Visit Fort, the BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall), see the replica of Avukana Buddha and the Independence Square.
Dinner and overnight stay: Fairway Colombo (Deluxe Rooms)

DAY 08|
COLOMBO
After breakfast leave for the airport to connect the departure flight.

Package price excludes:
All items of personal nature
Meals not mentioned
Gratuities
All PCR tests
Online Sri Lankan visa
Compulsory travel insurance
* Please call reservations for an updated cost if you have more than 2 travellers.
* Rates are subject to change & availability at time of booking

DESTINATION OF THE MONTH - CAMBODIA

While famous for its iconic majestic temples, Cambodia also offers beautiful nature with scenic lakes and picturesque landscapes, which makes it one of the most attractive countries in Southeast Asia. From Phnom Penh, a discovery of the charming countryside, mingling among its people until Battambang, before ending the trip in Siem Reap, there is plenty to offer for every traveller.

Itinerary:-

On the first day of the itinerary, head to Pursat, the provincial capital of Phnom Penh, renowned for its marble sculptors. Along the way, stop by the early 17th century abandoned royal city of Oudong, exploring various impressive temples and stupas covering the hills.
Then, stop in the vicinity of Kampong Chhnang, known as the “Port of the Potter” due to its vast pottery villages. In the afternoon, drive to Battambang, the famous rice granary of Cambodia, passing through lush rice fields. Also, embark on a scenic boat trip through the floating village of Kampong Luong, with houses, temples, and schools made of stilts.

The second day highlights a full-day discovery of Battambang. First, visit the traditional houses at Phim Wat Kor. Then, drive along the Sanker River through the countryside to the 11th century temple of Wat Ek Phnom, a site often visited by Khmers for picnics and popular festivals. Also, visit the golden Wat Slaket Pagoda and bustling Prahok Market (*). Finally, stroll through the town centre with its elegant colonial architecture, stalls, and colourful temples.

On the last day, drive to Banteay Meanchey province to explore the ancient Banteay Chhmar Temple (late 12th-13th century). Additionally, there is a possibility to visit the surrounding villages to immerse in the daily life of the Khmer people, before heading back to Siem Reap. The itinerary ends in the beauty of discovering the majestic site of Angkor, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is one of the most important archeological sites in Southeast Asia.
Before arriving in Siem Reap, visit the picturesque Banteay Top and the sericulture Puok Village Silk Farm, famous for its beautiful silk production. A country with rich history and deep-rooted culture, the rustic and old-world charm makes Cambodia one of the top destinations to explore.

Note:
(*) Prahok is a Cambodian fermented fish paste.

*~SPOTS TO VISIT IN THAILAND~*

Ayutthaya
The former capital of Siam during 477 years, Ayutthaya is a city full of history and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Despite the partial destruction of the site by the Burmese people in the 18th century, the remains of the gigantic Buddhist
monasteries enable to measure the magnitude of the city.

Bangkok
Bangkok, the city of Angels… The Thai name of the Thailand’s largest city is Krung Thep, “City of Angels”. About 10 million people
live in Bangkok, the political, administrative, commercial, social and cultural capital. An eclectic mixture of tradition and
modernity sets Bangkok apart as Asia’s most exotic and fascinating city. The old City, in the north-west of the capital, contains
the largest concentration of historical sights - the Grand Palace, the National Museum, Wat Arun... Bangkok became Thailand’s
capital, after Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Thonburi, at the beginning of Chakri Dynasty with Rama I in 1782. The Chao Praya River
divides the city like into 2 distinct towns, Bangkok on its right bank and Thonburi on its left bank, and is like the life line of the
city. Bangkok remains the shopping paradise of South-East Asia. It is also one of the world’s most exciting cities in the world. Its
lively nightlife and markets, shops and restaurants, and magnificent wats (temples), museums, palaces and parks, have
something for every visitor.

Chiang Mai
Popularly known as the Rose of the North, Chiang Mai is blessed with stunning natural beauty and unique indigenous cultural
identity. The kingdom was founded by King Mengrai by merging the various city states in the region in 1296. Today Chiang Mai is
the economic, communications, cultural and tourism centre of

Northern Thailand.
About 700 kilometres from Bangkok, Chiang Mai is situated in the Mae Ping River basin some 310 metres above sea level.
Surrounded by high mountain ranges, it covers an area of approximately 20,107 square kilometres. The fertile terrain consists
mainly of mountains and jungles parts of which are within national parks and are verdant with plentiful flora and fauna. There
are many sites and locations which tourists can visit to study the lifestyle of the tribal people who live in the hills.

Chiang Rai
This is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, established in 1262 by King Mengrai as the centrepiece of the first independent
kingdom in the country, and heart of the Lanna Kingdom. Yet, after just 34 years of glory, Mengrai moved his capital south to
Lamphun and then finally to Chiang Mai. Chiang Rai largely fell into disuse and was fought over by Siamese and Burmese until
1786, when it was finally incorporated into the Siamese Kingdom.
The northernmost province of Thailand, Chiang Rai is situated on the Kok River basin 416 metres above sea level. With an area of
some 11,678 square kilometres, it is about 785 kilometres from Bangkok. Mostly mountains, it reaches the Mae Khong River to
the north and borders on both Myanmar and Laos.
The province is rich in tourism resources in terms of natural attractions and antiquities, evidence of its past civilisation. It is also
home to several hill tribes who follow fascinating ways of life and a tourism gateway into Myanmar and Laos.
Chiang Rai is unlike other towns. It is small enough to make visitors feel welcome but large enough to accommodate all these
people in comfortable accommodation.

Isan Region
Often neglected by most tourists, yet Isan offers incredible natural wonders through discovering the more authentic and rural
side of Thailand. The majestic National Parks as well as the Angkorian ruins are perfect places for trekking, leaving great
memories to travelers.

Kanchanaburi
"Muang" Kanchanaburi is the capital of Kanchanaburi Province, located where the River Kwai Noi and River Kwai Yai merge to
form the Maeklong (Mekong). An ancient Thai civilisation, Kanchanaburi is best known for its more recent history when, during
World War II the Japanese Imperial Army began construction of the infamous "Death Railway" which included the Bridge Over
The River Kwai.
In total, over 100,000 POW's lost their lives building the railway, tunnels and the famous bridge.
A relatively modern province, the origins of Kanchanaburi can be traced back to the reign of King Rama I, who established the
area as a defence against the invading Burmese in the late 18th century. The Thais and Burmese have a long history of crossborder troubles and Three Pagodas Pass in Sangkhlaburi district is still used today as a smuggling route!
Over the next century, Thailand as a nation became the economic power of South East Asia, due in large part to the creation of
small towns such as Kanchanaburi, complimenting the established Kingdoms of Ayutthaya, Sukothai and of course Bangkok.

Khao Yai
Located in the Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Khao Yai is the third largest National Park of Thailand. Within its 2000 km2 space, a
diverse fauna and flora are grouped together. Many treks will allow travelers to admire different waterfalls, colorful birds and
other jungle animals.

Ko Phi Phi
Located in Krabi Province, southern Thailand, this archipelago composed of 6 islands has built an incredible reputation. Although
very frequented by tourists, Ko Phi Phi still considered today having the most beautiful beaches in the world. Consequently, the
much known Phi Phi Don will surely leave travellers speechless.

Koh Chang
The second largest island of Thailand, Koh Chang is also considered as the most impressive. With its white sand beaches and
wildlife, this is the ideal spot for a trek in the jungle populated by colorful birds. The sea lovers will find incredible seabed to
discover and will surely have a wonderful experience.

Krabi
If the south be the crown of Thailand’s stunning coastal regions, then Krabi is surely one of the most sparkling of jewels
within that crown. Situated on the Andaman seaboard, it has some of the finest and most beautiful beaches in the Kingdom.
Almost virgin stretches of alluring soft sands welcome the visitor and the spectacular waters invite moments of blissful
swimming, snorkeling and other marine pleasures.
Krabi is also known for its historical significance. Stone tools, ancient drawings, pottery and skeletal remains found in the
region have been dated back tens of thousands of years.
To describe Krabi as a fantastic place to relax and enjoy a pleasing tropical climate is an understatement. The pace of life
here is unhurried and some beaches can be reached only by boat, a notion which lends itself to that unmistakable islandgetaway atmosphere. The area is growing in recognition as a resort destination offering a less developed alternative to
bustling Phuket. A range of accommodation is available, much of it in the main centre of Ao Nang, where there is as well a
selection of restaurants and shops. There is also stunning national park land to explore, with the presence of Hat Noppharat
Thara-Ko Phi Phi National Park. And for those looking for a touch of adventure to add to their ‘fun in the sun’, Krabi certainly
delivers: kayaking, sailing, rock climbing, trekking, cave exploration and island hopping are on the list of activities here.

Mae Hong Son
Nestled in Thailand’s northern regions is Mae Hong Son, a province once difficult to reach and its natural beauty unseen by many
visitors to the country. Nowadays this land of mist shrouded hills, remote valleys and ethnic hilltribe villages is much easier to
access and yet it’s mystical attraction of being a rugged and intriguing destination is as strong as ever.
Some 900 km from Bangkok, Mae Hong Son is bordered by Myanmar to the north and west and - while a strong Burmese
influence is evident in the province’s beautiful temples and buildings - it is a region of ethnic diversity. The population is an
enchanting mix of Thai, Shan and different hilltribes such as the Karen, Hmong, Lahu, Lisu and Padong. It’s from the Padong
hilltribe this exotic spot draws one of its most intriguing attractions – the women of the group are famed for their elongated
ringed necks.
Enjoying a cooler climate than most of Thailand almost year round, Mae Hong Son offers a wealth of nature based activities.
There’s rafting, hiking through lush jungle countryside, visits to the hilltribe villages, exciting elephant rides and much, much
more…

Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat)
The city of various Khmer ruins is also commonly known as Khorat or Korat, which is a short version of the ancient name
Korakapura. It is located at the western edge of the Khorat Plateau, 260 kilometres northeast of Bangkok, and historically
marked the boundary between the Lao and Siamese territory, however now is considered a gateway to the Northeast (Isan).
From archaeological evidence it has been found that there were 2 ancient towns named Sema and Korakapura which currently
are in Sung Noen district, 30 km west of present-day Khorat. It was once part of the Khmer empire. In the years of 1656-1688
King Narai moved the city to its current location. The city was attacked by Anouvong, the King of Vientiane, in 1827 in an attempt
to halt the growing Siamese control of Laos. Thao Suranaree is a local heroine with a statue in the centre of the city; she is
credited with having saved the city from Anouvong's army. The old town of Khorat west of the Thao Suranaree monument was
designed and built by the French engineer who is believed to be the same one who built Naraimaharaj Palace in Lopburi.
Nakhon Ratchasima is connected with the north-eastern railway line, connecting Bangkok with Ubon Ratchasima and Nong Khai.
Also passing the city is Thai highway 2 (Friendship highway). 26km east of the city is the Nakhon Ratchasima Airport. As of 30
November 2006, the airport does not handle passenger traffic, and shipping has not been seen as a major commercial possibility.
Passenger service has been attempted many times with financial failure (charges were as low as 99 Baht to fly to Bangkok),
authorities are still discussing ways to make the over 400 million Baht investment several years ago a paying venture.

Phuket
Dubbed the 'Pearl of the South' by the tourist industry, Phuket is Thailand's largest island and lies in the Andaman Sea off the
country's south-western coast. The island is connected to the Thai mainland by a bridge, but has retained a distinct culture fused
from Chinese and Portuguese influences combining with the culture of the chao naam, the indigenous sea-faring people. About
35% of the island's population is Thai Muslims.
The island's terrain varies from rocky beaches and long, broad sweeps of sand to limestone cliffs and forested hills. It has good
beaches, tropical vegetation and a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere, but its ambience and ecology are under pressure from
extensive and irresponsible development. The main resorts include Patong, Karon and Kata, but better beaches are scattered all
around the island. Roads radiate from Phuket Town, in the south-east of the island, making it a good base for exploring. Don't
ignore the island's interior which has rice paddies, plantations of rubber and cashew nut, cacao, pineapple and coconut, as well
as Phuket's last slice of rainforest.

Samui
At 247 sq km (95 sq miles), Samui is Thailand’s third largest island, after Ko Phuket and Ko Chang. Dubbed the biggest coconut
plantation in the world until the first backpackers arrived in the 1970s, this island has now seen tourism become its main income
earner. Samui’s beaches are world famous - its long, perfect strands attract around 500,000 visitors each year. Chaweng beach,
in particular, has a reputation as something of a hang-out for an international party crowd.

Sukhotai
The former capital of Thailand during the 13th century, Suhkotai has become a popular tourist destination. Located just a few
kilometers from the ruins of the ancient city, magnificent temples and historical monuments are there to explore.

Trang
Relatively small numbers of Thai people can claim to have visited this splendidly scenic part of their own land, and if it is
amazingly well endowed with natural beauty, its other great asset is being one of Thailand's little-known tourist secrets. Whilst
an average of one plane every few minutes uses Phuket's busy runway, Trang's tranquil airport (opened in 1999) welcomes just a
handful of flights a day, with the few overseas visitors on board generously outnumbered by Thai businessmen and local citizens.
At the nearby seaport of Kantang, the charming 19th century train station marks the terminal of the South-western Thai railway,
adding to the comforting end-of-the line feeling in this lovely part of the Kingdom, with the noise and pollution of Bangkok some
830 kilometres and 15 hours up the track.
Here, lazy beach lounging and stunning sightseeing attractions can be enjoyed without the standard recipe that tends to define
and often defile tourist resorts everywhere, and since over two thirds of the province has been designated as national parkland,
thoughtful ecological considerations are likely to shape future development.

Ubon Ratchathani
Located Northeast of Thailand, on the border with Laos, Ubon Ratchathani is mainly consist of forest and farms ideal to explore
nature. Its national parks are an opportunity to learn more about the fauna and flora typical of Thailand. Since it was once
connected to the Khmer Empire, the region is also home to numerous Angkorian temples.

Udon Thani
Located in The Northeast of Thailand, less than a hundred kilometres away from Vientiane (Laos), Udon Thani is the 4th biggest
city of the country. It became famous during the Vietnam War as it hosted one of the largest US military bases. Moreover, the
city is also renowned for its numerous surrounding parks and archaeological sites making it an ideal place for exploring nature.
The Ben Chiang site, especially, is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage.