NYE Bucket List + LOA Coach

Arrive in Chiang Mai. After you are settled in, dinner is at a Writer's Secret Restaurant. Tune In Garden, is a splendid restaurant tucked away in the mountains of Mae Rim. It belongs to the widow of the late great writer Rong Wongsavun, a National Artist in literature and popular Chiang Mai resident, who had a phenomenal amount of works published in magazines, newspapers and more. After his death, his wife Sumalee, turned their house into "The Writer's Secret Restaurant" a truly special dining experience. It is MORE than just a restaurant, however. It is a journey into a food experience where you can sit on a tree stump stool in the wild forest scene and quiet atmosphere. Sumalee will talk with all guests and discuss the story behind each dish and her husband's work.  

830am - Elephant Conservation Tour

Elephant Conservation is an ethical and sustainable eco-tourism project located approximately 60km from the city of Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand. Founded in July 2014, it is a joint initiative between members of the Karen hill-tribes and Chiang Mai locals who were concerned about the welfare of elephants in Thailand.

 

Elephants are not designed to carry weight on their back. They have evolved to support a mass amount of weight suspended below their spine. Elephants spines are not like horses for instance. Examination of the skeleton shows instead of smooth, round spinal disks, elephants have sharp bony protrusions that extend upwards from their spine. These bony protrusions and the tissue protecting them are vulnerable to weight and pressure coming from above.

THIS IS WHY RIDING CAUSES SERIOUS LONG TERM HARM. In order for an elephant to be ridden, it needs to be put thru a ritual called Phajaan.

Instead this conservation camp allows you to bathe and play with the elephants in the water ☺

 

Morning w/Monks During this morning outing, experience an alms-giving ceremony with monks and locals, enjoy a hearty breakfast and visit the heavily forested temple of Wat Umong.

NYE Gala Dinner & Party Be ready at 830pm to begin the party that would lead you into the New Year!  

Night of Lanterns Festival The classic Chiang Mai New Year’s Eve experience involves hundreds of people releasing floating lanterns into the night sky, in much the same way as they do during Yi Peng. The hub of activity is around Tha Pae Gate, as it is for many of Chiang Mai’s festivals.

The festival is celebrated all around Thailand, in which people release lotus-shaped receptacles, known as Krathongs, into the water to bring luck and fulfill their wishes. In Chiang Mai, though, while they still release the Krathongs, they do perform the celebration in a particularly different way – by releasing thousands of rice paper lanterns, known as Khom Loi, into the sky while making a wish. This is a symbolic act of releasing your worries and letting them float away. This festival is known as Yi Peng. There are three releases. The first one is for the Buddha, the second one is for the Dharma, and the third one is for the Sangha. These are the Three Jewels Buddhist take refuge in and look forward for guidance.

Arrive in Phuket   After everyone settles in: Rum Tasting Spend a laid-back afternoon exploring Phuket highlights on a 5-hour private tour that includes tasting of locally made rum.

Today your private driver will take you on two EXCLUSIVE journeys:   Big Buddha Mountain Phuket's Big Buddha is one of the most important and revered landmarks on the island. The huge image sits on top of the Nakkerd Hills between Chalong and Kata and, at 45 meters tall, can be seen from as far away as Phuket Town and Karon Beach.   Monkey Hill Walk or play with active monkeys all around you!

Phi Phi Island is Thailand's-island superstar. It's been in the movies. Its the topic of conversation for travelers all over Thailand. For some, its the only reason to touchdown in Phuket. Even with all the hype, it doesn't disappoint. Phi Phi's beauty is a large chunk of the allure. The island's, when approached by boat, rise from the sea like a fortress. Sheer cliffs tower overhead, then give way to beach-fronted jungle. It's love at first sight.

A cooking class is the best souvenir you bring home from your trip. This is something you can continue to use and share with the people you love.

Leave for your extended stay or back home